Caribbean · Leeward Islands
Trade winds, turquoise water, and a cruising ground that fits in a day's sail. The British Virgin Islands is where bareboat charters start and the anchorages do the rest.
Navigation
Explore verified marinas, anchorages, moorings and harbours across British Virgin Islands.
Places
View all marinas Marina Leverick Bay Marina is part of the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, located on the northeast coast of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, offering 36 berths and amenities including water, electricity, ice, fuel, pool, laundry and showers.
Marina Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor is a marina in Spanish Town, British Virgin Islands, offering 93 slips, fuel, and extensive storage options.
Sailing guide
Most BVI charters start at one of two marinas on Virgin Gorda. Leverick Bay Marina sits on the north side of the island, close to the Baths and the anchorages of North Sound. Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor is the larger hub, with more berths, chandlery, and provisioning options. Pick your base first, then plan your route around the cays and sounds that make this one of the best sailing areas in the Caribbean.
The sailing here is forgiving. Distances between anchorages are short, the trade winds blow from the east most of the year, and the water is protected by reefs and islands. A typical week-long charter might take you from Virgin Gorda to the quiet bays of Jost Van Dyke, across to the cays near Tortola, and back. You will never be far from a mooring ball, a beach bar, or a good snorkel spot.
What sets the BVI apart is the variety within a small area. One day you are anchored off a white-sand beach with nothing but palm trees behind you; the next you are tied up at a marina with restaurants and showers. The cruising guides are well used, the navigation is straightforward, and the locals are used to charterers. If you have sailed in the Mediterranean or the Bahamas, you will find the BVI easier to plan and easier to sail.
The best time to go is from December to May, when the trade winds are steady and the weather is dry. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while the islands are not hit every year, you should check the forecast and have a flexible itinerary. The water is warm year-round, the anchorages are well protected, and the sailing is rarely extreme. Bring your own charts or use the ones on board; the buoys and markers are well maintained, but the reefs are unforgiving if you cut a corner.
Most charters start at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor or Leverick Bay Marina, both on Virgin Gorda. The choice depends on whether you prefer a larger marina with more services or a quieter base closer to North Sound.
The best time is December to May, when the trade winds are steady and the weather is dry. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check forecasts and be flexible if you sail then.
Yes, a cruising permit is required for all yachts. You can get one at the marinas or through your charter company. Rules and fees change, so check current requirements before you go.
The US dollar is the official currency. Most marinas, restaurants, and provisioning stores accept credit cards, but it is wise to carry some cash for smaller island stops.
Yes, the protected waters and short distances between anchorages make it a good choice for less experienced sailors. Always check the weather and stick to the marked channels.
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