Planning a BVI catamaran charter? We recommend this 7-day itinerary to get the most out of your yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands. It combines iconic anchorages, hidden snorkeling spots, and easy sailing legs—perfect for both first-time and seasoned charter guests. This route works especially well for catamarans thanks to the short distances between islands, wide mooring fields, and shallow drafts needed for accessing less crowded bays and reef areas.
Getting to Your Catamaran Charter in the BVI
Most BVI catamaran charters start from Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola, the largest and most populated island in the British Virgin Islands. This is easy if you fly directly to the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island, which is connected to Tortola.
For those who fly into Cyril E. King Airport, St Thomas (STT) in the USVI, these are your options:
- Some Catamarans offer pickups in St Thomas, USVI, if they have the permits required to charter in USVI territory (not all have).
- Alternatively, we can easily arrange a water taxi transfer from St. Thomas to your charter in the BVI. It takes about 30-40 minutes, including customs clearance on arrival.
- Or you can take the local ferry (be mindful that they might not correspond with your flight arrival)
Day 1 – Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola to Norman Islands
You’ll board your yacht at Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola—your crew greets you with welcome drinks, your bags disappear into your cabin, and the fridge is already stocked with your favorites. Within the hour, you’re sailing out into the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
Norman Island is famous for its dramatic sea caves and pirate history. It’s widely believed to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and 18th-century pirates were known to use the island’s caves to stash loot. Today, the snorkeling here is still the best introduction to what the BVI has to offer underwater.
Don’t Miss
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Snorkel The Caves or The Indians—crew will have gear ready
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Dining at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant.
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Hiking trails for those who wish to venture ashore – try Spyglass Hill for beautiful vistas.
- Sunset drink at Willy T (William Thornton).
Day 2 – Norman Island to Peter Island
After breakfast, sail east to Peter Island for a quick morning swim or paddleboard session in Little Harbour. This island is the largest private island in the BVI, known for its peaceful anchorages and quiet beaches. (Peter Island offers some of the best chances to spot turtles right off the stern.)
Continue to Salt Island—famous for the wreck of the RMS Rhone, a British mail ship that sank in a 1867 hurricane. The site is now one of the most well-known dive sites in the Caribbean and popular with snorkelers.
In the afternoon, head to Cooper Island. This is a guest favorite for its boutique beach club and calm moorings. The Cooper Island Beach Club has a great rum bar and small-batch brewery, making it a perfect place to end the day.
Don’t Miss
- Swimming among green sea turtles at Little Harbour
- Snorkel or dive the RMS Rhone wreck (Salt Island)
- Drinks and dinner at Cooper Island Beach Club
Day 3 – Cooper Island to Spanish Town and The Baths National Park
No BVI catamaran charter is complete without a stop at The Baths. This geological wonder is made up of giant granite boulders and saltwater pools—something you really have to see up close.
The Baths National Park is the most famous natural attraction in the BVI. Formed by volcanic activity, these granite boulders create tidal pools and caves that you can walk and swim through.
Don’t Miss
- Dinghy in early before the day boats arrive
- Walk and swim through the trail to Devil’s Bay
- Enjoy lunch at CocoMaya (the cocktails are excellent)
- Explore the abandoned Cornish Copper Mine
Spend the afternoon anchored off Spanish Town or continue north along the coast.
Day 4 – Spanish Town to North Sound
Today you’ll head straight into North Sound, the yachting heart of Virgin Gorda. Once a safe anchorage for trading ships and fishermen, North Sound is now a hub for upscale resorts and fun water based activities.
You can spend the day relaxing at the spa at Levrick Bay Resort, or you can enjoy a meal and a drink at the Bitter End Yacht Club, a legendary property rebuilt and refreshed after Hurricane Irma. If you prefer action, this is also the place to try windsurfing, foiling, or kitesurfing.
Just outside the sound, advanced snorkelers and divers can explore the Kodiak Queen wreck site—a former U.S. Navy ship that survived Pearl Harbor and was transformed into an art reef featuring a giant steel kraken. It’s one of the most unique underwater installations in the Caribbean.
Don’t Miss
- Lounge at the Bitter End Yacht Club
- Grab cocktails and conch fritters at Saba Rock
- Explore the Kodiak Queen art reef just beyond the channel
- Snorkeling at Prickly Pear Island and Moskito Island
Day 5 – North Sound to Guana Island
Departing Virgin Gorda, you’ll sail west along the sheltered side of the islands to Monkey Point on Guana Island. This is one of the best places in the BVI for spotting sea turtles and snorkeling right from the boat.
Guana Island is privately owned and largely undeveloped, known for its rich marine life and protected waters.
Don’t Miss
- Snorkeling with turtles at Monkey Point
- A peaceful overnight in a calm anchorage
- Sundowners on deck with panoramic views
Day 6 – Guana Island to Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is the most iconic island stop in any BVI catamaran charter. Known for its festive energy, powder-white beaches, and legendary beach bars, Jost captures the Caribbean vibe like no other island in the region.
Start your day with a visit to the Bubbly Pool, a natural rock basin on the northeast coast where waves crash through a narrow gap and fill the pool with aerated seawater. It’s often described as a natural jacuzzi and makes for a fun and refreshing stop.
Then sail around to White Bay, the social heart of Jost Van Dyke. This is where you’ll find the famous Soggy Dollar Bar—named because visitors swim ashore with their money in hand. It’s the birthplace of the Painkiller, a rum-based drink that’s become a BVI staple. The beach is lined with bars and restaurants where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the easygoing party atmosphere.
Just a short hop away is Great Harbour, home to Foxy’s Bar—one of the most famous sailor hangouts in the Caribbean. Since the 1960s, Foxy’s has drawn in charter guests, celebrities, and yachties from around the world with its live music and laid-back charm.
Don’t Miss
- Bubbly Pool for a natural saltwater spa experience
- Painkillers at Soggy Dollar Bar and live music at Foxy’s in Great Harbour
- Beach bar hopping in White Bay: Gertrude’s, Hendo’s, One Love
Day 7 – Return to Tortola
Your final sail takes you back toward Tortola. Depending on your flight time or ferry, your crew might include one last swim at Sandy Cay or a lunch stop at Cane Garden Bay.
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