Advice
Charter Tips
Everything we wish someone had told us before our first BVI bareboat — from choosing a company to clearing customs on the way home.
Twelve charters in, we still learn something new every trip. But there's a core set of things that make the difference between a stressful week and a great one — and most of them happen before you leave the dock. This page covers the topics that come up most often when friends ask us how to plan their first (or fifth) BVI charter.
Choosing a Charter Company
The BVIs have a healthy fleet of charter companies ranging from large international operators to small independent outfits. The big operators offer newer boats, more standardized check-in processes, and better backup support if something goes wrong — important on your first charter. Smaller independents often have more character, older but well-maintained boats, and owners who genuinely care about your experience.
What to look for: fleet age and maintenance reputation (ask on sailing forums — the BVI sailing community is vocal), what's included in the base rate versus add-ons, the quality of their provisioning service, and how they handle breakdowns. Read recent reviews carefully, especially about the check-in process and boat condition on departure day. If traveling with children we recommend a catamaran that has salon access both via the stern and bow. This eliminates the need to walk around the sides of the boat.
Book early. The best boats in the best condition go first, especially for peak season (December through April). Six to twelve months out is not too early for a holiday week.
Provisioning
Most charter companies offer provisioning packages — a fixed list of groceries loaded onto the boat before you arrive. They're convenient but expensive and often generic. We've done it both ways and prefer to provision ourselves, at least partially.
The main provisioning stops in Road Town are Riteway (riteway.vg) and Bobby's Marketplace (bobbysmarketplacevi.com) both within easy reach of the charter bases. Arrive the day before and do a sleep aboard. Order provisions online, in advance, and have delivered the morning you set sail. Some charter companies have their own stores but the selection is limited. You'll save money, get exactly what you want, and start the trip feeling organized if you provision ahead. There are smaller shops along your trip to replenish items: Chef's Pantry (chefspantry.online) or 248-541-2881, in Leverick Bay/North Sound, Virgin Gorda. Also, Rudy's Market (rudysjvd@gmail.com) or 248-340-9282, in Great Harbour, Jost VanDyke. Theres another Bobby's Supermarket in Cane Garden Bay, Tortola.
Practical tips: buy more water than you think you need (a case per person per week is a reasonable baseline). Stock up on snacks and easy lunches — you'll eat most dinners ashore but want quick food on the boat during the day. Grilling aboard is fun too. When we travel with multiple people/couples, let them prepare a meal out on the boat. Don't forget sunscreen, seasickness medication (even if you've never needed it — conditions vary), and a good insect repellent for the anchorages.
Weather Windows
The BVIs sit in the trade wind belt, which means reliable easterly winds of 15–25 knots for most of the year. This is what makes the sailing so good — but it also means you'll be beating into the wind on any eastbound leg, and the Sir Francis Drake Channel can build a short, steep chop that's uncomfortable in a loaded charter boat.
The best sailing months are December through June: steady trades, low humidity, and minimal rain. July through November is hurricane season — most experienced sailors avoid the BVIs from August through October, though early and late season can be perfectly fine with careful monitoring.
For weather routing: check the NOAA Caribbean forecast and Passage Weather in the days before departure. The BVI Met Office broadcasts on VHF 27 at 0730 and 1930 daily. If a tropical system is developing, your charter company will have a protocol — follow it.
Plan your itinerary to sail downwind or on a reach as much as possible. The classic loop (Road Town → Cooper Island → Virgin Gorda → Jost Van Dyke → Norman Island to Road Town) works well because the longest legs are mostly downwind or reaching.
More Tips Worth Knowing
Packing
Pack light and soft
Soft duffel bags only — hard-sided luggage has nowhere to go on a boat. Each person should be able to manage their own bag. Bring less than you think you need; you'll be in the same three outfits all week and won't miss the rest.
Packing
Footwear that works on and off the boat
Boat shoes or non-marking rubber soles for the deck. Flip-flops for the beach and dinghy dock. One pair of closed-toe shoes for hiking (the Baths trail, Anegada by golf cart). That's it. Three pairs total.
Packing
Sun protection is not optional
The BVI sun is intense, the reflection off the water doubles it, and you'll be outside all day. SPF 50 minimum, reapplied constantly. A long-sleeve rash guard is more effective than sunscreen for extended time on deck. Bring twice as much sunscreen as you think you need.
Crew Preparation
Brief your crew before you leave the dock
Even if no one else has sailed before, a 20-minute briefing covers the essentials: where the life jackets are, how the head works, what to do if someone goes overboard, and the basic rules of the cockpit. A prepared crew is a relaxed crew. VERY IMPORTANT: Check ALL systems at the dock with charter representative BEFORE leaving the dock. Fixing items after departure will shorten your sailing adventure. We've made a spreadsheet checklist, including, but not limited to; fuel and water tanks, navigation instrumentation, condition of sails. Ask about recent maintenance. Assign crew members to complete various checklists. RECOMMENDATION: Buy the 2026-27 Skipper's Guide to Cruising the British Virgin Islands by James Weatherby.
Crew Preparation
Assign roles, not just tasks
Designate a first mate, a navigator, and a provisioning manager before you leave. Shared ownership of the boat's operation reduces friction and means the skipper isn't making every decision alone. Rotate roles on longer charters.
Crew Preparation
Seasickness: plan for it regardless
The Sir Francis Drake Channel can be lumpy, especially on the beat back from Jost Van Dyke. Meclizine (Bonine) taken the night before works well for most people. Scopolamine patches are more effective but require a prescription. Have a plan even if you've never been seasick — conditions in the BVIs can surprise you.
VHF Etiquette
Monitor Channel 16 at all times underway
Channel 16 is the international distress and calling channel. Keep it on whenever you're moving. Hail other vessels and marinas on 16, then switch to a working channel. The BVI Coast Guard monitors 16 continuously. Never use 16 for extended conversations.
VHF Etiquette
How to hail a marina or mooring attendant
State the name of the marina or service, your vessel name, and your request — once, clearly. Wait 30 seconds before repeating. Most BVI marinas and mooring services monitor 16 and will respond quickly. Speak slowly and use standard phonetic alphabet for vessel names if there's any ambiguity.
VHF Etiquette
Weather broadcasts
The BVI Met Office broadcasts on VHF 27 at 0730 and 1930 daily. WX channels (WX1, WX2, WX3) carry NOAA continuous weather broadcasts. Make it a habit to listen to the morning forecast before getting underway — it takes two minutes and can change your plans.
Customs & Immigration
Clear in at Road Town, Great Harbour or West End
If you're arriving from outside the BVIs (including the USVI), you must clear customs and immigration before going ashore anywhere. Road Town (Wickhams Cay) and Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke are the main ports of entry. Have your passports, crew list, and boat documentation ready.
Customs & Immigration
The USVI crossing adds paperwork in both directions
If you sail to St. John or St. Thomas, you'll clear US Customs on arrival (Cruz Bay for St. John) and BVI Customs again on return. It's worth it — Coral Bay on St. John is beautiful — but budget a half-day for the paperwork and fees each way. Carry more cash than you expect to need.
Customs & Immigration
Cruising permits and fishing licenses
A BVI cruising permit is included in most charter packages — confirm with your company. If you plan to fish, you need a separate BVI fishing license, available at customs. Spearfishing is prohibited in BVI waters. Lobster has a closed season (April 1 through July 31) — don't order it ashore during those months either.
On the Water
Arrive at popular day anchorages early
The Baths mooring field, The Indians, and White Bay on Jost Van Dyke all fill up by mid-morning in high season. If these are on your itinerary, plan to arrive before 0900 or after 1300. Sail early, anchor early, and enjoy the anchorage before the day-charter boats arrive or make them an afternoon adventure. Check the cruise ship schedule at: https://bviports.org/services/cruise — knowing crowds ahead of planning is a must. Most cruise ship excursions are completed by early afternoon so plan a later arrival at well known spots when cruise customers return to the ship.
On the Water
Cash is king in the BVIs
Many mooring attendants, beach bars, and small restaurants are cash-only or prefer it. The US dollar is the official currency. Bring more cash than you think you need — ATMs exist in Road Town and at a few marinas, but they're not always reliable. Budget around $50/night for mooring balls plus cash for meals ashore. Update: most restaurants take credit cards. Some credit cards charge an international fee, so check with your bank.
On the Water
The dinghy is your car
You'll use the dinghy constantly — to get ashore, to snorkel spots, to visit neighboring boats. Keep it properly inflated, carry a spare fuel can, and always tie it securely when you leave it. A dinghy that drifts away in the night is a very bad morning.
Getting to the BVIs
Three ways to arrive
Guests typically arrive using one of three routes: fly directly into Tortola (EIS), fly to St. Thomas (STT) and take the public ferry or private water taxi, or fly to San Juan (SJU) and connect to Beef Island Airport (EIS) via Cape Air, InterCaribbean Airways, or Tradewind Aviation (updated as of September 2026).
Getting to the BVIs
Flying directly into Tortola (EIS) — our recommendation
American Airlines, as of September 2026, is the only major airline that flies directly into Tortola. We recommend this option — it's the most efficient and least hassle, especially with a group. You clear customs once, your luggage comes straight through, and you're on the dock in no time.
Getting to the BVIs
Flying into St. Thomas (STT)
JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest all fly into St. Thomas — more flight options and great for using air mile rewards. From STT, take the public ferry (budget-friendly but slower, especially with a large group and luggage) or hire a private water taxi out of Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook (faster and more comfortable, but pricey). Either way, you'll still need to clear BVI customs on arrival.
Getting to the BVIs
Flying into San Juan (SJU)
JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, and Frontier all fly into San Juan — another good option for reward miles. From SJU, connect to Beef Island (EIS) via Cape Air, InterCaribbean Airways, or Tradewind Aviation — a short 45-minute hop. The risk: if your inbound flight runs late, you may miss your connection. You'll also have to collect and re-check your luggage at the regional carrier. Leave plenty of time between arrival and departure. A missed connection can wreck a vacation before it begins.
Helpful Websites
Noonsite — worldwide cruising intelligence
noonsite.com is the go-to resource for entry requirements, port information, and cruiser reports. The BVI section is well-maintained and covers customs procedures, fees, and recent changes. Worth bookmarking before any trip.
Helpful Websites
Cruisers Forum — real-world advice from sailors who've been there
cruisersforum.com has an active Caribbean section with threads covering everything from anchorage conditions to charter company reviews. Search before you post — most questions have been answered. The BVI-specific threads are especially useful for current mooring ball availability and restaurant recommendations.
Helpful Websites
Passage Weather — wind and sea forecasting
passageweather.com gives you animated wind, wave, and current forecasts overlaid on a chart. Far more useful than a text forecast for visualizing what the Drake Channel will look like on your sailing days. Check it daily starting three days before departure.
Helpful Websites
BVI Ports Authority — cruise ship schedule
bviports.org publishes the cruise ship arrival schedule for Road Town. Knowing which days the big ships are in port lets you plan around the crowds at the Baths, Norman Island, and other popular stops. A quick check before finalizing your itinerary is worth the two minutes.
Helpful Websites
Navionics — charts on your phone
The Navionics app (navionics.com) gives you detailed electronic charts of the BVIs on your phone or tablet. Not a substitute for the paper charts your charter boat will carry, but invaluable for planning anchorages, checking depths, and following your track. The community sonar layer shows real-world depth soundings from other boaters.
Helpful Websites
The Moorings and Sunsail — fleet and pricing benchmarks
Even if you don't charter with them, moorings.com and sunsail.com are useful for understanding what's available in the BVIs, what boats cost, and what's included in a standard charter package. Their boat specs and pricing set the market baseline you'll use to evaluate other operators.
YouTube Videos
Sailing La Vagabonde — BVI episodes
Riley and Elayna's BVI episodes on the Sailing La Vagabonde channel give you a vivid sense of what the anchorages actually look and feel like. Their production quality is excellent and the footage of the Baths, Jost Van Dyke, and the Drake Channel is as close as you'll get to being there before you go. Search 'Sailing La Vagabonde BVI' on YouTube.
YouTube Videos
Gone with the Wynns — charter prep and provisioning
The Wynns have several episodes covering BVI charter preparation, provisioning strategy, and what to expect on a bareboat. Their approach is practical and well-organized — useful if you're planning your first charter and want to see how experienced sailors think through the logistics. Search 'Gone with the Wynns BVI charter' on YouTube.
YouTube Videos
Sailing Doodles — BVI anchorage walkthroughs
Bobby and Renee's BVI content on Sailing Doodles covers many of the anchorages we write about here, with good underwater footage of the snorkeling spots. Watching their approach to The Indians or the Baths before you arrive makes the real thing much less intimidating. Search 'Sailing Doodles BVI' on YouTube.
YouTube Videos
Bareboat Basics — ASA sailing instruction
If anyone in your crew is new to sailing, the ASA (American Sailing Association) has a YouTube channel with clear instructional videos covering docking, anchoring, sail trim, and man-overboard procedures. Not glamorous, but genuinely useful for crew members who want to contribute rather than just ride along. Search 'ASA sailing basics' on YouTube.
YouTube Videos
BVI sailing — the places we keep coming back to
This video describes the places we've visited and return to often. The only difference is we sail counterclockwise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=CN4skHWxuuc
YouTube Videos
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
A great look at Cane Garden Bay on Tortola — one of the most beautiful and lively anchorages in the BVIs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VamjRTuhG6E
Our Own Tips
Sleep aboard the night before departure
Arriving the day before your charter starts is one of the best investments you can make. You get a full night's sleep on the boat, time to sort out provisioning without rushing, and a relaxed morning check-in instead of a frantic one. The difference between a 6am flight and a dock departure at noon is enormous. We never skip this anymore.
Our Own Tips
Don't over-plan the itinerary
We've made this mistake. A tightly scheduled itinerary that requires hitting a specific anchorage every day turns sailing into a commute. Leave at least two nights unplanned and let the wind, weather, and mood decide. Some of our best memories came from a spontaneous detour to an anchorage we'd never heard of. The BVIs reward flexibility.
Our Own Tips
The sundowner ritual is non-negotiable
Every evening, once the anchor is set or the mooring ball is secured, we stop everything for a sundowner — a drink in the cockpit, watching the light change. No phones, no planning, no provisioning debates. It sounds small but it's the thing we talk about most when we get home. Build it into your day.
Our Own Tips
Eat ashore more than you think you will
We always over-provision and under-eat aboard. The beach bars and restaurants in the BVIs are part of the experience — Soggy Dollar, Foxy's, the Bitter End, Pirates Bight. Budget for at least one meal ashore per day and don't feel guilty about the groceries sitting in the fridge. You can always cook breakfast.
Our Own Tips
Snorkel every chance you get
The BVI reefs are not what they were twenty years ago, but there's still remarkable marine life at The Indians, the Caves at Norman Island, Anegada's reef, and the RMS Rhone wreck. Bring your own mask and fins — rental gear is never as comfortable. If you only snorkel one place, make it The Indians at slack tide.
Our Own Tips
Take the boat out of gear before you think you need to
This is the single most common docking mistake we see. Boats don't stop like cars — they carry momentum long after the engine is in neutral. When approaching a mooring ball or a dock, come in slower than feels right and take the engine out of gear earlier than feels right. You can always add a burst of reverse. You can't un-hit a dock.
Our Own Tips
Flashlight for your dinghy all-around white light
Over the years we have found these items useful. First: bring a flashlight for your 'all around white light' on the dinghy. Make sure the one aboard your charter has extra batteries.
Our Own Tips
Zip ties for rattling rigging
Zip ties work great for tying down rattling rigging at night. A handful weigh nothing and take up no space in your bag.
Our Own Tips
Small grocery bags and zip locks
Pack some small grocery bags for the bathroom garbage. They take very little room in luggage and save money. The same can be done for kitchen garbage and zip lock bags. Assign individual crew members to bring.
Our Own Tips
3M removable plastic hooks
Bring 3M removable plastic hooks. There's never enough places in your cabin to hang things.
Our Own Tips
Duffel bags over hard-sided luggage
Use collapsible duffel bags instead of hard-sided luggage. Hard-sided bags take up too much space on a boat and there's nowhere to store them once you've unpacked.
Our Own Tips
Check with your cell carrier for international charges
Before you leave home, check with your cell carrier about international charges. The BVIs are a British territory — rates vary widely by carrier and plan.
Our Own Tips
Watch for international banking fees
Same goes for banking. Some credit cards charge international transaction fees. Check before you go and bring a card that doesn't — or plan to use cash for smaller purchases.
Our Own Tips
Turn on location sharing with your crew
Turn on location sharing with all members of your crew. This is not only a safety factor (even though there is very little crime in the BVI) — it can also pinpoint the approximate time a crew member is expected back at the boat.
Our Own Tips
Photocopy everything in your wallet
Xerox everything in your wallet or purse: credit cards, insurance cards, passports, etc. Put the copy in your duffel bag or another out-of-sight place. This is extremely helpful should your wallet or purse get lost.
Our Own Tips
Join BVI bareboat charter groups on Facebook
Join BVI bareboat charter groups on Facebook. Once you receive the name of your boat (most charter companies will divulge this a month before check-in), check with these groups — comments range from breakdown warnings to wonderful recommendations. Monitor while in the BVIs too. For example, if you're planning on anchoring at Cane Garden Bay but aren't sure if northern swells are present, reach out to another sailor for advice.
Our Own Tips
Make a boat checkout spreadsheet
Make a boat checkout spreadsheet and go over it with the charter rep BEFORE leaving the dock. Assign different checkout sections to crew members. Your crew has more buy-in when they're included in the process.
Our Own Tips
Always have a backup anchorage
Always have a backup anchorage in case of weather, lack of mooring balls, or anchor not holding. Knowing your Plan B before you need it makes the decision easy and stress-free.
Our Own Tips
Share your suggested itinerary with the crew
Share your suggested itinerary with the crew, keeping in mind that a substitution might be safer or simply better on the day. Flexibility is one of the great joys of bareboat sailing.
Our Own Tips
Practice a man overboard drill
Practice a man overboard drill. You don't need to have someone jump in the water — use a fender. There are good instructional videos on YouTube. Knowing the procedure before you need it could save a life.
Our Own Tips
Reserve Boatyball moorings at 7am
If reserving a Boatyball mooring, do so at 7am the morning of. Take out a reasonably priced subscription to Boatyball.com — it's worth it for the peace of mind of a confirmed mooring.
Our Own Tips
Hold a crew meeting each morning
Have a crew meeting each morning covering the day's itinerary, weather, and expected seas. Before departing the anchorage: make sure water toys (like kayaks) are properly stored, the dinghy is secured, salon items are stowed, fuel/water/ice are adequate, and all clothing clipped to railings is removed.
Our Own Tips
One hand on the boat while underway
ALWAYS keep one hand on the boat while underway. It's the most basic rule of seamanship and the one most often forgotten on a relaxed charter.
Our Own Tips
Socks inside your snorkel fins
Put a pair of socks inside your snorkeling fins. This will prevent blisters — a small thing that makes a big difference over a week of daily snorkeling.
Our Own Tips
Anti-fog spray for your snorkel mask
Purchase anti-fog spray for your snorkel mask. A fogged mask ruins an otherwise great snorkel. The spray is inexpensive and lasts the whole trip.
Our Own Tips
Order a dinghy ladder
Order a dinghy ladder — very handy for younger kids or adults who aren't as young as they used to be. These and other water toys can be ordered and delivered to your boat prior to departing the charter dock. We've used BVISUPCO before. bvisupco.com
Our Own Tips
Have your crew review how to retrieve a mooring ball
Have your crew review how to retrieve a mooring ball before you need to do it under pressure. Good instructional videos are available on YouTube.
Our Own Tips
Keep sailing documents in the chart table
Keep all sailing documents in the chart table. If the BVI Police Marine Unit asks to board you, producing these documents quickly is a time saver. In addition to charter documentation, have a crew list with passports available, and keep receipts for National Parks entrance fees and mooring ball payments. The Marine Patrol is cracking down on sailors moving between the BVI and USVI without proper documentation. Don't be alarmed — be prepared.
Our Own Tips
Make sure your immunizations are up to date
Make sure your immunizations are up to date. Get a tetanus shot for sure. Any measures to keep your vacation memorable rather than interrupted by an emergency cut on your foot are worth it.
Our Own Tips
Have crew knowledgeable on the VHF radio
Have crew knowledgeable on using the radio — at the very minimum, how to hail help on Channel 16. In an emergency, every second counts.
Our Own Tips
Keep important anchorage info on your phone
Keep important anchorage information on your phone or a printed copy. This may include reservation info for dining, mooring hookups, and links to various island events.
Our Own Tips
ENJOY — and you'll be back
ENJOY! If you're anything like us, you'll be back.