Island hopping - explore the British Virgin Islands

Published 20 May 2022

Hands down, island hopping is the best way to experience the British Virgin Islands. Plan your trip, travel itinerary and things to do with Burgess here


The British Virgin Islands are a Caribbean volcanic archipelago comprising four main islands and more than 50 smaller isles. The reef-lined beaches have become a yachting mainstay, coveted as much for their beauty and seclusion as for their convenient proximity. Averaging a quick 30 minute cruise between each location, wake to the beauty of a new destination every morning and still have all day to explore, relax and play.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda is instantly recognisable thanks to its smooth granite rocks
The Baths at Virgin Gorda is instantly recognisable thanks to its smooth granite rocks

Best times to visit the British Virgin Islands

There's a design icon on the jetty at Marina Cay - and there's no mistaking which Virgin Islands these are
There's a design icon on the jetty at Marina Cay - and there's no mistaking which Virgin Islands these are

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.

Though very pleasant between January and April, February to March is when the BVI shines brightest
Though very pleasant between January and April, February to March is when the BVI shines brightest

Itinerary for island hopping in the British Virgin Islands

Cane Garden Bay is home to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Over 400 years old, it is the last one on the island
Cane Garden Bay is home to the Callwood Rum Distillery. Over 400 years old, it is the last one on the island

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.

Salt Heap Point on Anegada. The island is 15 miles - and about 40 years - away from the rest of the BVI
Salt Heap Point on Anegada. The island is 15 miles - and about 40 years - away from the rest of the BVI

Tortola

Road Town, Tortola's capital, is home to Wickham's Cay marina
Road Town, Tortola's capital, is home to Wickham's Cay marina

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.

Conch fritters are a local delicacy
Conch fritters are a local delicacy

Norman Island

The Bight on Norman Islands is a wonderful natural harbour
The Bight on Norman Islands is a wonderful natural harbour

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.

Just north of the entrance to The Bight is The Indians, where you can snorkel with turtles
Just north of the entrance to The Bight is The Indians, where you can snorkel with turtles

Peter Island and Dead Chest Island

Play tennis and get pampered at the Peter Island Resort
Play tennis and get pampered at the Peter Island Resort 

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.

Dead Chest Island seen from Deadman's Bay. Legend has it Blackbeard stranded 15 sailors on the island with nothing but a bottle of rum and an idea for a song
Dead Chest Island seen from Deadman's Bay. Legend has it Blackbeard stranded 15 sailors on the island with nothing but a bottle of rum and an idea for a song

Cooper Island

Manchioneel Bay is home to the Cooper Island Beach Club with bars, dining and boutiques
Manchioneel Bay is home to the Cooper Island Beach Club with bars, dining and boutiques

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.

It's even got a microbrewery
It's even got a microbrewery

Virgin Gorda

The Baths at Virgin Gorda is an absolute must-see
The Baths at Virgin Gorda is an absolute must-see

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.


Scrub Island

Scrub Island's reef makes for some amazing snorkelling
Scrub Island's reef makes for some amazing snorkelling

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.


Prickly Pear Island

Prickly Pear Island is home to the Sandbox Bar & Grill
Prickly Pear Island is home to the Sandbox Bar & Grill

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: LondonMonacoNew YorkMiamiSingapore or all other locations.

Sign up to our newsletter

Stay in the loop

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep updated with all things Burgess.

What would you like emails about?

In order to understand how we use and protect your personal information, please read our privacy policy.

Language: en fr

Filter your results