Tortola is the largest island of the British Virgin Islands, and is one of the best known yacht spots in the Caribbean. The busy harbour is the charter boat capital of the Caribbean and with good reason – along with some interesting ruins and the fabulous National Park at the top of Mount Sage, Tortola offers spectacular powdery white, sandy beaches offering wonderful snorkeling opportunities with fantastic restaurants & bars which serve local brew.
Splash in the sea, soak up the flaming sunsets, and snorkel your way through shimmering coral gardens as you fall into island time on Cooper Island. This 480 acre island is home to a private resort and marina perched on Manchioneel Bay. It’s a naturally located stop for those sailing along the blue pearly waters of the BVI as they make their way to The Baths. There's a beach for sprawling, a coast for kayaking, a rum bar for rocking up in the twinkling evenings, and everything you need to make it a magical mooring.
The eco resort that occupies Cooper Island is all barefoot bliss, but even beyond the retreat walls, the island is pure sailors bliss. Just opposite you can find Wreck Alley - a popular diving site in the BVI for those who love exploring sunken shores.
The third largest island of the BVI, is located at about 12 miles from Tortola, on the western side of Aguilla. The name Virgin Gorda is said to have been given by Christopher Columbus, who thought the shape of the island resembled a woman lying on her side, giving rise to the name "Fat Virgin". This is the quintessential Caribbean destination, with natural beauty, national parks, unspoiled beaches, safe anchorages & quiet coves for you to explore. One of the island's most well known attractions is "The Baths", which are an unusual geological formation of huge granite boulders lying on the beach, which form scenic grottos and pools.
Sailors will be sure they have entered seventh heaven when gliding through the emerald waters of the Virgin Gorda Sound. A yachting paradise, the North Sound is a bright body of water that sits at the northeast of the island and is surrounded by islands that share the same reef complex - creating a calm and protected oasis for all manner of wildlife and watersports.
First class anchorages can be found throughout the Virgin Gorda Sound and there’s always the unbridled delight of heading to the famous Baths close by. Days are balmy and filled with yacht club lunches, snorkelling trips, beach snoozes, kayak adventures, fresh seafood suppers, and sundowners to the soundtrack of the whispering Caribbean Sea.
Anegada is a coral island and the northernmost island of the BVI group. It should not be missed thanks to its beautiful white sand beaches, quaint beach shacks, and the large horseshoe shaped reef that protects its immaculate shores. This unique island is the only inhabited island in the British Virgin Islands that is not volcanic - this low lying island, with a highest point of only 28 ft (8.5m), is made up of coral and limestone and is surrounded by one of the world's largest reefs. The island is also known for its large salt ponds which used to be home to thousands of flamingos which were caught for food and their feathers during the 19th & 20th centuries. They have recently been re-introduced to the island and the population is flourishing. Anegada also boasts several species of turtles and the endangered rock iguana.
Named after an early Dutch settler, Jost Van Dyke is a small picturesque island northwest of Tortola. At 4 miles long, the island is home to only a few hundred permanent residents and is known for its idyllic yacht anchorages. It is the ideal spot for those who want to get away from it all. You will be spoiled by its lush green forests, powdery beaches, turquoise waters and not much else!
Pastel shades against brilliant hues of blue, Soper’s Hole will keep you enchanted long after you leave. For charter guests wanting to drop anchor at one of the most beautiful anchorages in the whole of the BVI, Soper’s Hole is your saving grace. This dreamy anchorage can be found on the western side of Tortola, close to Frenchman’s Cay.
There’s a lively laid back vibe to this marina, with buildings painted and adorned with charming shutters and ornate balconies. A glut of gorgeous laidback eateries, cafes, boutiques, and bustle can be found around the charming harbour - along with some world famous spots for sipping punchy frozen cocktails to celebrate the ease of Caribbean life.
Nearby, there’s every opportunity to snorkel and dive in the blissful blue seas or to explore the pretty coves and beaches strung like pearls nearby.
A private jewel just a few minutes from the buzz and beauty of St Thomas and north of St John, Great Thatch Island is an uninhabited paradise. Sure, the term jewel in the crown gets thrown around a lot, but Great Thatch has all the hallmarks. This 230 acres island includes a sweeping white sand beach, rising velvet green hillsides, and whales, dolphins, and turtles turning the waters into a wildlife watching wonderland. For those charter guests who want to blend the best of both worlds, you can lavish in all the luxuries of St Thomas and skip over to Thatch Island for hiking, snorkeling, and fishing in this soft and easy breezy Caribbean gem. Drop anchor on the sweet southside of the island, where shallow waters and starlit skies set the scene for a peaceful stay.
For charter guests gliding into the glorious St John, Cruz Bay will be the first sight that welcomes you. The main town on the island, this is where you will find the wealth of ritzy restaurants, boutique shops, buzzing bars, and high class hotels. It’s the perfect introduction to St John for those who are craving a little civilization in-between serene anchors at some of the Virgin Islands most remote cays. Brightly painted buildings gleam pastel beneath the sun, tropical flowers blaze on the hillsides, and the cerulean waters are peppered with bright white yachts and tiny fishing boats.
As the largest commercial hub on St John’s and with over two thirds of the island being a national park, this is where the action and cultural offerings are centered. Guests can catch local art and history at the Elaine Ione Sprauve Museum. For those who want to follow their passion for outdoor pursuits, there’s snorkelling at the nearby Hawksnest Bay and 4X4 land adventures by jeep.
With most of St John being swallowed up by a national park - it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most tempting destinations in the US Virgin Islands. Imagine a tiny ripe universe of carved out coves, rich coral reefs, and emerald waters. Diving and snorkeling are of course a must do activity where you can encounter over 500 species of fish and over 40 species of coral.
Touch base at Francis Bay before taking the tender or kayak to explore those lesser known corners. Be sure to spend a little while falling in love with the famed Trunk Bay (AKA one of the most picture perfect stretches of sand in the whole of the Caribbean).
For those charter guests who want a sprinkle of history, take the hike up to the nearby Catherineberg Ruins. This is the oldest plantation in St John and it’s mill dates all the way back to the 18th century. Afterwards, stroll down to the little town and delight in the buzzy local markets where local art and crafts can be bartered, bought, and treasured.