London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jun 20, 2025

Seven Reasons to Charter in the British Virgin Islands

Rachael Steele, CharterWorld.com
Why should you choose BVI as you next holiday destination on a luxury yacht?

The British Virgin Islands are a fantastic year-round destination for a Caribbean-based holiday, and chartering a sailing yacht or motor boat is one of the best ways to see multiple destinations and reach the best sights on a week-long adventure.

The advantages are apparent from the start: Not only do you have your own transport as you unwind in an air-conditioned lounge, your professional crew will keep the children entertained and produce sensational meals that will make the trip even more unforgettable. What's more, you will have your own collection of water toys to take with you anywhere.

So why visit the British Virgin Islands over all the other destinations in the Caribbean?

Magnificent local wildlife


The jungle-like interior of the islands surrounded by soft sandy beaches and craggy cliffs and coves means a variety of habitats - and wildlife that is just as diverse. Conservation programmes have successfully reintroduced flamingos to far-flung Anegada, where hawksbill turtles make their nests along the shores and lizards bask in the sun.

There are hundreds of fish species for visitors to encounter on a snorkel or Scuba dive even at the most popular islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda, while fishing enthusiasts might haul in tuna, wahoo, yellowfin or blue marlin for a freshly prepared lunch.

'The Baths' and many other gorgeous beaches


Virgin Gorda is one of the most photographed beaches among the Virgin Islands and its unusual circular boulders coupled with luscious white sands make an enchanting playground for charter guests of all ages to spend the day. When it comes to combining water sports with sunbathing, nearby Dog Island, Mosquito Island and Prickly Pear Island with its National Park are sensational choices away from the crowds, and you'll have plenty of time for carefree exploration by paddleboard and kayak, or adrenaline-fuelled fun on jet skis and Seabobs.

World-famous bars


Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke are world-famous for their Christmas and New Year's Eve parties, and worth a visit even when the festivities aren't in full swing: Savour a cocktail in relaxing, atmospheric surroundings while looking out across azure-coloured bays and meet fellow travellers who can make their own recommendations for the region's best-kept secrets. There are also plenty of other places to dance the night away, however this sparsely developed island is also a fantastic escape to host your own beach parties or drift off to sleep surrounded by nature.

Rich and rewarding local culture


Road Town alone is replete with local museums, galleries and boutiques offering locally produced and international brands, ensuring that whatever you feel like doing you'll never be bored on a trip to the British Virgin Islands. The BVIs hold regattas throughout the year, plus there is the Anegada Lobster Festival in November and the Emancipation Festival in July and August.
RMS RHONE - The Caribbean's most famous wreck dive
Scuba diving in general in the BVI is a rewarding experience - Virgin Gorda alone has sites such as the Big Grotto and Little Grotto, Ginger Island has the beguilingly named 'Alice in Wonderland' dive site, plus numerous wrecks can be found littering the sea bed around Dog Island. The most famous wreck of them all however is of RMS RHONE, which lies in three pieces close to Salt Island and is covered in corals. Grey angelfish, barracuda, octopus, lobster and eels now call RMS RHONE home and the dive site is open enough that less experienced groups can swim through with ease.

Unique land-based attractions


Whether you're interested in the local history of the British Virgin Islands or want to get up close to nature, there are plenty of activities to fill a week-long charter in the British Virgin Islands. Road Town has a choice of galleries featuring local artists, and places such as the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works display works of art alongside information on its history. Her Majesty's Prison Museum and the Old Government House Museum - which welcomed royalty in the 20th Century - give two very different perspectives on life in the recent past.

Near Long Bay on Tortola is the Callwood Distillery where you can sample and purchase rum made locally by the equipment more than a century old - a great souvenir to take home with you if you manage to make it last beyond your stay.

Mega yachts have duty-free fuel on three-day plus cruises


Recently announced is the news that mega yachts (luxury yachts over 100m/328ft) can purchase fuel duty free while cruising amongst the British Virgin Islands for three days or longer. This means that these larger vessels can take their time to party in port of head to the distant uninhabited islands and make use of the extensive collection of water toys no doubt on board in some of the most desirable snorkel and Scuba diving locations in the region.




* Written by Rachael Steele/CharterWorld.com

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
FBI and Senate Investigate Allegations of Chinese Plot to Influence the 2020 Election in Biden’s Favor Using Fake U.S. Driver’s Licenses
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
Plans to Sell Dutch Embassy in Bangkok Face Local Opposition
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump's $5 Million 'Trump Card' Visa Program Draws Nearly 70,000 Applicants
DGCA Finds No Major Safety Concerns in Air India's Boeing 787 Fleet
Airlines Reroute Flights Amid Expanding Middle East Conflict Zones
Elon Musk's xAI Seeks $9.3 Billion in Funding Amid AI Expansion
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Taiwan Imposes Export Ban on Chips to Huawei and SMIC
Israel has just announced plans to strike Tehran again, and in response, Trump has urged people to evacuate
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Juncker Criticizes EU Inaction on Trump Tariffs
EU Proposes Ban on New Russian Gas Contracts
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
UK Home Secretary Apologizes Over Child Grooming Failures
Trump Organization Launches 5G Mobile Network and Golden Handset
Towcester Hosts 2025 English Greyhound Derby Amid Industry Scrutiny
Gary Oldman and David Beckham Knighted in King's Birthday Honours
Over 30,000 Lightning Strikes Recorded Across UK During Overnight Storms
Princess of Wales Returns to Public Duties at Trooping the Colour
Red Arrows Use Sustainable Fuel in Historic Trooping the Colour Flypast
Former Welsh First Minister Addresses Unionist Concerns Over Irish Language
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
France Bars Israeli Arms Companies from Paris Defense Expo
King Charles Leads Tribute to Air India Crash Victims at Trooping the Colour
Jack Pitchford Embarks on 200-Mile Walk to Support Stem Cell Charity
Surrey Hikers Take on Challenge of Climbing 11 Peaks in a Single Day
UK Deploys RAF Jets to Middle East Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Two Skydivers Die in 'Tragic Accident' at Devon Airfield
Sainsbury's and Morrisons Accused of Displaying Prohibited Tobacco Ads
UK Launches National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
Families Seek Closure After Air India Crash
Gold Emerges as Global Safe Haven Amid Uncertainty
Trump Reports $57 Million Earnings from Crypto Venture
Trump's Military Parade Sparks Concerns Over Authoritarianism
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Challenge Trump's Leadership
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Germany Holds First Veterans Celebration Since WWII
U.S. Health Secretary Dismisses CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee
Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
×