10 Good Reasons Why You Should Plan Your Next Yacht Charter in the BVI

1. No Yacht Charter Tax

Tax or VAT (Value Added Tax) might not at first seem like a big deal, but when you’re hit with a hefty bill from a destination with high yacht charter tax, it’s a different story.

Many popular charter destinations around the world have introduced VAT on yacht charters, with places like Greece charging up to 24%, Croatia charging 13%, and the Bahamas charging 10%. This tax can significantly inflate your overall expenses and draw from a budget you could otherwise have used on more luxury, fun activities, or an extended charter.

But this is not an issue in the British Virgin Islands: with no yacht charter tax, this is a smart choice for those looking to save or splurge on more luxurious experiences during their charter.

Besides, BVI is a shopper’s paradise, offering a variety of local artwork, jewelry, and precious- and gemstones —without the added tax burden. Enjoy your guilt-free shopping spree!

2. A True Sailing Mecca

The British Virgin Islands are the perfect sailing destination, offering more than just stunning scenery and pleasant temperatures. With steady trade winds, the protected Sir Frances Drake Channel, and tons of great anchorage and docking possibilities, the BVI provides the ideal sailing conditions. You can enjoy a charter around the entire island group without ever losing sight of the land.

• Predominant easterly breeze (15-20 knots)
• The high season from December to April is an excellent time for sailing.
• The low season months of May, June, and November are also ideal, especially if you seek a bit more seclusion.

Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola Island is the yacht center of the BVI; this is where most yacht charters start. Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalia on St Thomas Island in the USVI is another popular yacht base and pick-up spot, especially for those who fly into St Thomas Airport.

3. Virgin Destination

Despite that the British Virgin Islands is a paradise for both sailing and luxury beachfront vacations it is not yet crowded with foreign investments, international resorts, and cruise ships. Instead, it keeps its authenticity captivating visitors with unspoiled natural beauty. It is a sanctuary where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the real world, unwind, and recharge in a tranquil haven.

Here are 5 of BVI’s most untouched Islands

1. Anegada: Known for its untouched landscapes and pristine beaches, Anegada remains one of the least developed Islands compared to other islands in the British Virgin Islands, offering an unspoiled natural environment.
2. Great Camanoe: With limited development and a very small population, Great Camanoe retains much of its natural beauty, making it one of the more untouched islands in the BVI.
3. Guana Island: Guana Island is a private island with controlled access. Its pristine condition offers visitors an exclusive experience in an untouched setting.
4. Cooper Island: Cooper Island’s less crowded beaches and serene atmosphere contribute to its status as one of the more untouched islands in the BVI.
5. Peter Island: While it has some development, Peter Island still has areas of untouched beauty, especially in its more secluded corners and natural landscapes.

4. Proximity and Accessibility

BVI is especially a popular destination for US nationals because of its proximity, and an increasing number of airports on the US mainland offer flights directly to the BVI. There are also several affordable ferries and water taxis from the US Virgin Islands with multiple journeys each day.

The distance between the islands within the BVI itself is short– ensuring safe island hopping and the possibility to explore many destinations within a short time. The many sheltered bays make overnight anchoring a piece of cake. After securing the docking spot for the night, you can hop in the dinghy to visit one of the numerous restaurants and beach bars ashore.

The official currency of the BVI is the US dollar – meaning no hassle of exchanging money before the charter.

5. Versatile Yacht Selection

A huge advantage of the BVI is the diverse crewed yacht selection on offer. The only place that really compares is the Mediterranean, but on this side of the Atlantic, BVI is ahead.
Whether you are looking for your own private yacht, a catamaran for a larger group, or an exclusive superyacht, the BVI will have it. The BVI is especially seeing an increase in larger motor Yachts to satisfy those who are seeking the ultimate luxury charter vacation.

Gone are the days when getting on a boat meant leaving luxuries behind, today it can be quite the contrary. It is now possible to charter a yacht that has everything you need onboard and more. It is your vacation home, your retreat, your toy, and most important of all it is your transportation to some of the world’s most spectacular places that cannot be reached by plane.

6. Authentic Natural Wonders

One of the biggest attractions that draw visitors to The British Virgin Islands is the many authentic natural wonders scattered around the island group. Here are some of the top natural wonders that you should not miss on your Yacht Charter:

• The Baths at Virgin Gorda Island: A geological wonder, The Baths are a collection of giant granite boulders forming caves, grottoes, and pools along the beach. This is a great place to go snorkel or climb around the beautiful formations.
• Wreck of the RMS Rhone (Salt Island): The RMS Rhone is a sunken UK Royal Mail ship that wrecked in a hurricane in 1867 killing 123 people. It is now a hotspot for divers who come to explore the well-preserved wreckage, teeming with marine life.

• Sage Mountain National Park (Tortola): Home to Sage Mountain, the highest peak in the BVI, this national park features lush rainforests and hiking trails full of . The natural beauty of the park provides a contrast to the coastal attractions.
• Flamingo Pond (Anegada): Anegada is home to a salt pond where you can see flamingos. The pond’s natural setting and the presence of these elegant pink birds set the perfect scene for the unique vacation photos.
• Norman Island Caves: The caves at Norman Island add an element of mystery to the archipelago, with tales of buried treasures. But on top of that, this is also a spectacular snorkeling site, with thousands of orange-cup coral and red sponges covering the cave walls.

7. Secluded Anchorages

If you want maximum seclusion, you should plan your BVI Yacht Charter in the low season in May, June, or November. But that said, the great thing about the BVI is that, even in the high season, there is always the option to find secluded locations where you can enjoy stunning nature in peace.

Consult with your broker if you wish to arrange for an itinerary beforehand that takes you to the most secluded places in the BVI, or simply ask your Captain if you need a break from the other tourists. Keep a lookout for places such as Ricky, Soldier, Lee, and Key Bay; Peter Island; Great Camanoe, and Norman Island.

“The British Virgin Islands are very popular, and the number of boats is going up. That’s why you need an experienced crew to take you to the places not everyone goes.” Charter Guru Mo Pristas

8. All-Inclusive Yacht Charter Pricing

Booking an all-inclusive Charter means you won’t have to worry about additional charges like APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) or excessive taxes. This simplifies the planning of your vacation and allows you to focus on enjoying your time aboard the yacht without worrying about additional expenses.

Charter companies include ground transfers and shoreside activities in their charter itinerary- meaning the out-of-pocket charges are minimal. Since the food comes with the yacht charters and chefs are well-versed in cooking meals with local produce to suit any diet, you don’t even have to visit local restaurants to get the taste of the Caribbean.

9. The BVI is a Safe Travel Destination

The BVI has very strict laws regarding weapons, and guests are not allowed to bring firearms. But that is not necessary either because the BVI is very safe. Piracy is unheard of, and no matter how secluded the location is in BVI, it’s safe to anchor and enjoy both the water and the shore. The docking facilities around the Islands also have top-notch security for the night, so there is no need to worry.

As for safety from the weather, the Sir Francis Drake Channel protects the vessels from big waves from the ocean. Furthermore, the BVI is quite far south– meaning it would take weeks for a hurricane to reach them, giving seafarers enough warning to plan ahead and avoid bad weather.

10. Great Island Vibe & Beach Bar Haven

The British Virgin Islands is the perfect place for a regenerating charter vacation. The BVI is renowned for its laid-back and friendly island vibe, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors seeking a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Plus, it is a prime destination for Caribbean-style beach bars with legendary bars like Soggy Dollar, Ivans, and Foxy’s, where you can enjoy the iconic Painkiller cocktail with your toes in the water!

BVI provides activities for all interests, whether you crave thrilling adventures like fishing, water sports, or scuba diving on historic wrecks. Alternatively, if you seek relaxation and holistic well-being, the presence of yacht yoga instructors and onboard spas and jacuzzi ensures a rejuvenating experience for both body and mind.

Talk to a Yacht Charter Expert Now

Our Yacht Recommendations