Island hopping - explore the British Virgin Islands

Though forming part of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands enjoy a slightly different weather pattern to other islands in this part of the world, experiencing a dry season from January to April and a relatively rainy season from May to December.

Between February and March is the sweet spot, when precipitation is low, cool trade winds still blow and temperatures reach into the balmy mid 80s.

Meet the yacht on Tortola, the largest island and home to the capital Road Town and Cane Garden Bay. From here, all the surrounding islands are within easy distance, making a variety of itinerary options or even day trips possible. For a straightforward hop around the southern isles, set sail to Norman Island and continue east. For longer itineraries, an entire circular navigation around Tortola, taking in the rugged wilderness of Jost Van Dyke and the white seclusion of Anegada, is ideal.

Each island enjoys its own vibe, but Tortola is the beating heart. Its rainforest-cloaked Sage Mountain National Park is a must see, with a volcanic peak rising over 500m above sea level. Tortola offers a dizzying array of white sand beaches to choose from, but Brewer’s Bay and Smuggler’s Cove are arguably the best for snorkelling. Take a stroll along the yacht-filled harbour or kick back on the candlelit terrace of 400-year old former rum distillery The Sugar Mill, with a healthy helping of fresh conch fritters and views across Little Apple Bay.

Located on the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands, Norman Island is well-protected from easterly trade winds. Thought to be Robert Louis Stevenson’s inspiration for his novel Treasure Island, Norman Island is littered with coves, bays and inlets ripe for exploring. Drop anchor at The Bite inside Water Point and hop aboard a paddle board to the cliff caves on the west side of Treasure Point. Though the island is only inhabited by goats, its two main restaurants conjure a lively ambience from morning through to night.

It’s all about relaxation on Peter Island. Take in some tennis at the 1,800 acres private-island resort and spa, indulge in a morning of Ayurvedic pampering or drink in the views from a hammock. Be sure to reserve the afternoon at Honeymoon Beach, a compact cove limited to only one couple at a time or take the tender across to Dead Chest Island. What Dead Chest lacks in beauty it more than makes up for in dive sites, with Painted Walls, Blonde Rock and Coral Garden all firm favourites among those in the know.

The northwest shore of Cooper Island is occupied by a family-owned eco resort. Take in a spot of island retail therapy at the Sea Grape Boutique or hunker down on the private beach with a micro-brewed beer in hand. Boasting manicured gardens and tropical flora, it’s a Garden of Eden in the heart of the Caribbean. Only accessible by boat, Cooper is a bucket list island hopping destination for every BVI charter.

No visit to the British Virgin Islands is complete without dropping anchor off Virgin Gorda island to visit The Baths, a labyrinth of natural granite boulders that sit in the shallows providing unique grottoes and lively rockpools. Considered the most picturesque island in the archipelago, it would be amiss not to explore its indigenous plant-lined trails and nature sanctuaries. Gorda Peak provides far-reaching views, while history buffs will appreciate the Spanish ruins at Little Fort National Park.

Though only 1.5 miles from nearby Tortola, Scrub Island feels worlds apart, with guests even requiring passports to visit the private resort. The marina is prized by sailors far and wide for the variety of amenities and deep-water slips, but the jewel of the isle is its coral-lined reefs where swimmers can spot sea turtles and white spotted eagle rays, and divers can explore what lies beneath.

Named after the cacti-covered hills that slope down to its unspoiled beaches, uninhabited Prickly Pear Island comprises a 243-acre national park, adored for its sheltered swimming and snorkelling locations. Let the kids enjoy a game of volleyball at The Sand Box before hiking the trail down to North Beach to cool off in the sapphire waters. It’s the perfect castaway island for a day of rest and rejuvenation.

Discover more about charters to the British Virgin Islands with our charter experts. And don't forget to book direct with Burgess because we're unbeatable on price, quality and service. 

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.