Best Anchorages in the BVI: Top 10 Spots for Your Yacht Charter
The British Virgin Islands are often called the sailing capital of the world — and once you drop anchor in one of these bays, it’s easy to see why. Short distances between islands, steady trade winds, and a mix of lively beach bars and untouched coves make the BVI the perfect playground for a BVI yacht charter, whether you’re sailing a nimble catamaran or a crewed luxury yacht.
Here are the ten anchorages every charter guest should have on their itinerary.
1. The Baths, Virgin Gorda
No BVI trip is complete without a stop at The Baths — a surreal maze of giant granite boulders forming natural pools and hidden grottos right at the water’s edge. Arrive early (before the day-trip boats from Tortola show up) to have the caves mostly to yourself.
2. Norman Island — The Bight
Said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, Norman Island’s main anchorage, The Bight, is a wide, well-protected bay perfect for an overnight stay. Don’t miss the floating bar, William Thornton (“Willy T”), anchored right in the bay.
3. Jost Van Dyke — White Bay
Powder-white sand, turquoise water, and the birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar. White Bay is equal parts postcard-perfect anchorage and legendary beach party — go for sunset, stay for the stars.
4. Anegada
Flat, remote, and completely different from the rest of the BVI, Anegada is a full-day sail from Tortola but rewards the trip with some of the best lobster in the Caribbean and miles of empty beach on the island’s north shore.
5. Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
A classic, well-protected anchorage on Tortola’s north coast, backed by green hills and a string of relaxed beach bars. It’s a great first-night or last-night stop, close to provisioning and easy check-in logistics.
6. Sandy Cay
A tiny, uninhabited islet near Jost Van Dyke, ringed by a full loop of white sand and turquoise shallows. It’s a short dinghy ride from White Bay and one of the most photographed spots in the entire territory — go for an afternoon swim and a walk around the island.
7. Peter Island — Little Harbour & Great Harbour
Quieter than Norman Island but just as scenic, Peter Island offers two protected anchorages within a short sail of each other, both good for snorkeling and a calm night at anchor away from the busier bays.
8. The Indians
A cluster of rock pinnacles between Norman Island and Pelican Island, The Indians is one of the best snorkeling spots in the BVI — vibrant coral, colorful reef fish, and clear visibility make it worth a stop even if you don’t plan to stay long.
9. Marina Cay
A small private island near Tortola’s east end, Marina Cay pairs a protected anchorage with a beach bar and restaurant right on the water — a relaxed, low-key alternative to the busier stops further west.
10. Trellis Bay, Beef Island
Close to the airport, Trellis Bay is a convenient first or last stop, known for its Thursday and Full Moon parties, live music, and the giant metal fireball sculptures that light up after dark.
Planning Your Route
Most charters spend 7 days covering a loop through 5-7 of these anchorages, mixing lively stops (Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island) with quieter overnight spots (Peter Island, Marina Cay). If you’re chartering with a captain, they’ll help tailor the route around wind, weather, and how much beach-bar energy versus quiet anchorages you’re after.
Riviera Boat offers a range of crewed catamarans in the BVI, from spacious family-friendly Bali catamarans to the premium Sunreef 70, each suited to a different style of Caribbean sailing. For more on planning a trip to the territory, the BVI Tourist Board is a useful resource for entry requirements, moorings, and marine park fees.
Ready to build your own BVI itinerary? Explore our BVI yacht charter fleet and let us help you plan the perfect route.