Why Sail the British Virgin Islands?

10 Reasons This Sailing Destination Is Hard to Beat

Are you guilty of saying this? 

“This year, let’s sail somewhere else; we can’t go back to the BVI.”

If you are anything like me, a sailor that can never get enough time on the water, you’ll be back on a mooring ball in Jost Van Dyke, with a rum drink in your hand and a few soggy dollars in your shorts. There’s a reason why sailors return to the BVI over and over; it’s a sailor’s paradise. It’s the adventure, the sailing vibe, even the food and rinks are calling you back. The British Virgin Islands, as a sailing vacation destination, will captivate you and hold you hostage. Don’t deny yourself the fun, surrender, and get back to the BVI for some fun.

The next time you have to explain why you always return to the BVI, give these ten reasons:

You Can Basically Sail by Looking Out the Window

Navigation in the BVI is exceptionally user-friendly. You will use the chartplotter to help with your route, but most islands peer at you across the channel. Point the bow, trim the sails, and you’re there before you finish your coffee. Whether you’re introducing new sailors or relaxing on a vacation charter, line-of-sight passages make for smooth sailing.

Reliable Weather & Sailing Conditions

Expect steady trade winds averaging 10–20 knots and temperatures hovering in the low 80s (F) throughout much of the year. Weather issues are rare, and there are multiple safe harbors if conditions shift—consistent trade winds, comfy temps, and minimal drama. You could leave the BVI for more “challenging” weather—but why? The BVI is vacation sailing at its best.

Anchorages That Will Spoil You for Life

From Anegada’s whisper-quiet beaches that feel like you’ve discovered your own private Island to the festive mooring fields of Jost Van Dyke where dinghy parties practically launch themselves, the BVI has range. One day you’re meditating in paradise, the next you’re toasting with new sailing friends—and after that, every other mooring ball is going to feel like a bit of a letdown.

Sail the British Virgin Islands

View All Tours

Legendary Stops: Bitter End & Cooper Island Rum Bar

In my own personal Sailing Hall of Fame, the Bitter End Yacht Club is the superstar. Tucked into North Sound, Virgin Gorda, it blends rich sailing history with fresh upgrades post-redevelopment. It’s not just a stop—it’s a pilgrimage. Drop anchor, step ashore, and prepare to feel like you’ve joined the club (because, honestly, you have).

And then there’s Cooper Island Beach Club’s rum bar, where stopping is less of a choice and more of a rite of passage. The rum list is long enough to justify staying an extra night; it’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever sail anywhere else.

That Rum Situation at Cooper Island… Let’s be clear: this isn’t just “a bar.” It’s where sailors go to make excellent life choices. One sip in and you’ll be staring at your glass thinking,

“Yep. This might be the best thing I’ve done all week.”

The Island Hops Are Laughably Easy

A typical 7-day trip might rack up 80–90 nautical miles, but never more than you actually want to sail. Short hops, but big variety. You can do 20 NM or 60 NM—depends on whether you’re feeling ambitious or just hungry.  You can complete a fulfilling route while exploring multiple islands without ever feeling rushed.

Hidden Gems You Won’t Find on Brochures

Great Harbour, Peter Island (east anchorage): Think whisper-quiet waters and skies full of stars. It’s the kind of place where your biggest decision is whether to stay up late stargazing or wake up early for glassy morning waters. Do both.

 

Little Jost Van Dyke: When the main harbor starts feeling like a floating block party, sneak over here. It’s your secret stash of serenity—perfect for laying low and pretending you discovered it first. The best part, there is always a spot for you at Foxy’s Taboo after your dip at the Bubbly Pool.

Snorkel at The Indians

Just off Norman Island, the Indians rise dramatically from the sea like nature’s own obstacle course—only this one’s full of fish. Slip into the water and you’ll feel like you’ve jumped into a living screensaver: vibrant coral, crystal-clear visibility, and schools of marine life swirling around vertical rock spires. Shallow reefs make it easy to explore.

Lobster on Anegada

Pull the dinghy ashore at Potters by the Sea on Anegada, kick off your shoes, and settle into the sand as freshly caught lobster hits the grill. It’s beachside, it’s delicious, and it’s dangerously habit-forming. You’ll find yourself plotting next year’s route based solely on whether you can get back here in time for dinner.  No matter how many times you have been there, you’ll always want to come back.  The only thing that competes with the lobsters on Anegada is the white sand beaches.

Iconic Spots That Can’t Be Missed

The BVI is basically a sailor’s treasure map with cocktails. Start at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where you’ll wander through giant boulders like Mother Nature built her own waterpark. Then make your way to The Willy T, the floating bar off Norman Island that has seen more questionable cannonball jumps than any vessel probably should. Next stop: White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, where you wade ashore for a painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar—because paying in wet money is part of the charm. They take wet credit cards. Sail up to Saba Rock for sunset drinks and yacht-watching with sea turtles casually gliding by as sailors hover the dock eyeing the endless fish who stop by for a feeding. And before you call it a week, snorkel through The Caves at Norman Island, rumored to have inspired Treasure Island. You’ll feel like you’re swimming through a pirate movie—minus the peg legs but possibly plus the rum.

Balance of Adventure and Ease

Sailors can enjoy reef diving, kiteboarding, hiking, paddleboarding, or simply quiet time on deck. The BVI delivers both challenge and serenity—depending on what you seek that day.  It’s a slice of paradise with a view of the stars or a dose of adrenaline with a strong breeze on the beam.  If you have boxes that need to be checked, the British Virgin Islands not only satisfies your needs, but it also compels you to redefine your sailing vacation for the better.

Recent Articles

March 28, 2025
Guide to Sailing Vacations
May 13, 2025
Barbados Bound: A Skipper’s Dream Sailing Vacation with Wet and Salty Sailing
February 5, 2024
Destination Guide: Croatia