The Caribbean is blessed with uncountable sailing options, but the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) ranks high for many reasons. They boast 4 main wondrous islands and more than 50 smaller islands (mostly uninhabited). The BVIs are a treasure trove of sightseeing spots, sailing, and snorkeling. However, it can be difficult for vacationers to select the best places the islands offer because quality options are much. 

At the BVIs, you are bound to have an unusual type of sailing adventure. The islands have stunning beaches, impressive hospitality in lustrous beach towns, enjoyable cruising, the familiar lure of smooth sailing, and easy navigation. 

Take in the allure of the exhilarating expedition through each beach stretch, sometimes marked with a brisk marine line with pit stops and coral reefs at inland bars and many island spots- to enhance your BVI sailing adventure.

Whether you have your own boat or are on a charter ride, here are a few of the best sailing destinations in the British Virgin Islands:

The Baths and Devil’s Bay 

Perhaps the BVIs’ most visited location, the Baths, are surely breathtaking sites. Massive grey boulders stately hang from the pristine blue waters, forging a labyrinth of secluded grottoes and caves that visitors can swim through.

After navigating through a labyrinth of water and rocks (be careful – it can get slippery!), you’ll reach the sands of Devil’s Cove, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the British Virgin Islands. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. There are mooring buoys near the bay. 

Furthermore, this part of the islands is frequented by boaters for sailing, fantastic snorkeling, and clean beaches you’ll hardly see anywhere. The beaches are perhaps the most inviting highlight here. You will find sizeable boulders perfectly arranged, thereby forging grottos and caves to climb through and snorkel around if you want. Along the coastline are also moorings for overnight anchoring and ease of access to the clean beaches. 

Virgin Gorda

Starting in Tortola from any base nearby, sail to explore the rare craggy formations of volcanic granite, some of which are more than 40 feet in diameter, at Virgin Gorda. There is always the chance to hike through the offbeat caves of this secured park. The scenic beach comes as an additional attraction in the enthralling setting. To whine down the exciting day, take a cruise in Virgin Gorda Bay. Hip restaurants and beach bars are here for visitors’ delight. 

Tortola

Recognized as the largest of the BVIs, Tortola is a beguiling island spanning 55 square miles. Every year, thousands of people visit the town in the middle of summer just to take on the open beaches, see the beautiful architecture and indulge in sailing. Sailing vacations and cruise ships are the biggest sources of business and tourism for the city. Tortola is the capital city of the BVIs.

If you are looking for where to start your BVI sailing expedition, Tortola is the perfect place. It has many secluded beaches and anchorage. You might want to check out Cane Garden Bay, which is marked with live music, beachfronts, and numerous bars. 

The city has a tropical climate. It is hot for most of the year, but the dominant trade winds often cool the air. As a result, the time between December and March is often milder, with an average temperature of 75.2-77 F. May and October record very hot temperatures, while February and March are the driest. December and April are the sailing seasons here because the weather is hardly hot, the precipitation rate is lower, and there is a lower risk of hurricanes and tropical storms. 

Cooper Island

Cooper Island is a boater’s delight despite its small size. Compared to other islands on the BVIs, this island is more laid-back. Radiant bungalows line up the shoreline while the best gift shops perch gracefully for the most memorable souvenirs you could get. Cooper Island has sunny and warm to hot weather, but still perfect for sailing. You will find tall palm trees around, gently swaying in the wind’s trade to cool the skin from the tropical sun rays.

Amazing dive spots, shipwrecks, and sailing routes surround Cooper Island. And as you will be informed by guides, Cistern Point, Alice in Wonderland, and the Rhone are some of the widest known spots. Cistern Point is situated at Manchionnel Bay’s southern end. It can be seen as a coral reef ridge and craggy edge off Cooper Island.

On the island’s windward edge is a collection of ridges with enclosures. While sailing, watch out for fauna species like groupers, snappers, and parrotfish. On occasion, stingrays, a shark, and moray eels can be seen. Another sailing spot on Cooper Island is Blue Chromis at Haulover Bay. Getting its name from the many electric bluefish it hosts, this colorful reef is a joy to watch.

After a sailing expedition beachcomb on Manchineel Bay; this beautiful expanse of white sandy beach is marked with palm trees. Absorb the stunning sights here and see the legendary Manchineel tree that yields a small green apple. 

The Indians

Situated close to Norman Island, the Indians stand distinct in the center of the Drake Channel. They are considered one of BVIs best snorkeling destinations and have one of the most diverse fauna. This site is located north of the Bight at Norman Island and halfway between USVI, St John’s easternmost edge, and Peter Island’s westernmost edge. You will find the uncommon triggerfish when on sailing. We suggest that you anchor on time because the spots can get crowded with tour boats.

Rising about 100′ from the ocean floor are four craggy pinnacles, of which about 50′ is above water. This setting is good for sailing and diving, like the western point. Soft and hard corals, sharks, and colorful sponges are common here. Expect to see parrotfish, blue tangs, damselfish, cowfish, sergeant majors, wrasse, queen angels, and eels when sailing. Snorkelers like to visit the eastern end closest to Pelican Island. As you can see, whether it is sailing, snorkeling, diving, or something more demanding out there, the Indians are conducive to all activities.

The Anegada

This is another gorgeous island on the BVIs. Sailing in the Anegada is a pretty straightforward thing but a pleasant one. We advise that you study charts and read through the cruising guide to keep abreast of your charter company. Also, confirm that your vessel is permitted to sail. Anegada, unlike the other volcanic islands of the BVIs, is formed from limestone and coral. It is flat to the point that the tops of the towering pines aren’t visible until you are a considerable distance off the island. 

You might want to rent a scooter when you visit the land to explore the irresistible spots Anegada has to offer. Flamingos are ubiquitous here in the evaporated basins reserved for salt extraction. Thereafter, have a stop at Cow Wreck Beach- one of the beautiful white-sand beaches everyone should visit. However, the nearby Anegada Beach Club has something different to offer. Anegada Island has a snorkeling spot that serves as the world’s largest reef- the 39 miles long Horseshoe Reef. A boat is required to access this place. 

Peter Island

Compared to other destinations on the list, Peter Island is probably the least inviting in terms of facilities and infrastructure. However, it ranks high in sailing opportunities. While it is the fifth-largest among the BVIs, its fauna and flora species are impeccable. Peter Island’s beaches face the Atlantic Ocean, the Sir Francis Drake Channel, and the Caribbean Sea. 

As such, there are wonderful yachts and docking spots. This place is just hard to pass on. Little Harbor is a small port, as the name suggests, but well protected, and there is Great Harbour situated on the east side. They are all nice places for docking. 

In Conclusion

The best time to visit the BVIs is between March and June to avoid big crowds of holidaymakers that often spend vacations in the archipelago. The islands are tropical gems, and one of the reasons why they are great destinations for beginners is that navigation is generally easy- depths drop off quickly from shore. In contrast, mountainous islands allow for line-of-sight trips. The calm in BVIs water is something to look forward to for a perfect sailing adventure.