By Pauline Leyssieux 
By Pauline Leyssieux
October 17, 2022
In brief
When to go? Between January and April, during the dry season.
Why go to Tortola? To discover the best of the British Virgin Islands with magnificent desert anchorages. A sailboat charter in Tortola is conducive to a change of scenery and disconnection.
The most beautiful anchorages: Smuggler's cove beach, with its turquoise water, white sand and magnificent coconut palms.
Map of Tortola (Google Maps)
Summary
- Practical information for your sailboat charter in Tortola
- What to do in Tortola?
- What are the weather conditions?
A string of islands and islets located to the east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands are a prime destination for boaters eager for sun and the magnificent beaches of The Caribbean. To get the most out of this archipelago, we recommend a sailboat charter in Tortola. The island is a veritable green oasis set in the blue immensity of the Caribbean Sea: a real jewel!
Views of Tortola taken by a drone (YouTube video)
1. Practical information for your yacht charter in Tortola
A catamaran charter in Tortola: with or without a skipper?
| With skipper | Without a skipper |
|---|---|
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Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat
The average prices for a week's catamaran charter in the British Virgin Islands are shown in the table below. Please note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model or size of the boat).
For more information on the prices of a catamaran charter in Tortola, please don't hesitate to contact our team and our advisors!
| Type of boat | High Season January to April | Mid Season May and December | Low Season June to November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran (between 35 and 40 feet) | 8,000 USD | 8,000 USD | 6,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 45 feet) | 12,000 USD | 10,000 USD | 7,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 45 and 50 feet) | 15,000 USD | 12,000 USD | 10,000 USD |
2. What to do in Tortola?
A catamaran charter in Tortola is a great way to discover the wonders of the island. The island is the largest but also the most populated of the British Virgin Islands. According to local tradition, it was Christopher Columbus who named the island Tortola, which means "land of the wood dove".
Numerous beaches to discover
Smuggler's Cove is one of Tortola's best-known beaches. If you like it, you'll love Long Bay beach with its long stretch of clean sand and sparkling water, perfect for a family swim. Lovers will certainly prefer to lean back in the shade of the shafts along the small deserted beach of Brewers Bay while admiring the pelicans. This beach is also renowned for its snorkeling reef. Cane Garden Bay is the liveliest beach. Here you can enjoy the many beach bars and elegant restaurants offering freshly caught grilled fish. The most beautiful beaches on Tortola are on the north side. Bier Bay, Josiah's Bay and Lambert Beach are other spots to discover during your BVI sailboat charter.
The
Explore the island!
Take a break from browsing to fully enjoy the wonders of the island. Tortola is very pleasant. For example, you can stroll along the main coastal road, which is very lively and has numerous shops and restaurants hauled in at the side of the boat. If you head into the heart of the city, you can stroll along 18th-century wooden and stone houses, each one more colorful than the last! You can also set off to discover the few churches, the colonial prison, or the former government house, which is now a museum. Further along this famous Caribbean island is the port of Soper's Hole, where you will find numerous bars, restaurants and other buildings decorated in blue and pink. In the 18th century, this port was a real haunt for pirates, including the very famous Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard. Further east, we invite you to visit the Callwood rum distillery, a must-see, where production techniques have remained the same since the 18th century. The distillery is still in operation.
The
Sage Mountain
You'll also enjoy discovering the island's nature by veering off on a pleasant hike to Sage Mountain Nature Park, at an altitude of 521 meters, which isis none other than the highest point on Tortola. This mountain offers the best viewpoints over the island and its surroundings. You will also stroll through the heart of an unspoiled tropical forest, just as Christopher Columbus discovered it in the 15th century. Budding botanists and nature lovers will let their minds wander amidst an explosion of colors and exotic scents.
The Rhone National Marine Park
Let yourself be tempted by a little visit to the Rhone National Marine Park. There you will see the wreck of the Rhone, the famous British ship that ran aground on the island around the 1860s. While the diving enthusiasts linger in front of the wreck, opt for a little respite on the beach of Smuggler's Cove. Located to the west of the island, this beach, with coconut palms to one side, is surprisingly calm, and the turquoise sea is an invitation to daydream.
The east of the island and Beef Island
The east side of the island is relatively less developed. This is where the vast majority of the local population is found. A more typical region, therefore. It is also in this corner of the island that you can discover superb deserted beaches and hidden coves. With your sailboat charter in Tortola, we recommend a detour to Beef Island and its central market. The stopover is recommended for all epicureans: it is one of the best places to fully enjoy Caribbean cuisine. What's more, if you're the curious type, you should know that there are many local artisans on the island who sometimes open their doors to let you discover their specialty. You can also try sailing to Anguilla, which is close to the British Virgin Islands.
3. What are the weather conditions?
The best time for your catamaran charter in Tortola is between the months of January and April. Although temperatures remain pleasant throughout the year, ranging between 20 and 33 °C, the first four months of the year are ideal for sailing. This is the dry season: temperatures will be around 30°C and the water will be relatively warm, with an average of 26°C.
The rest of the year is the rainy season, which would make your cruise less pleasant. On top of that, hurricanes can sweep through the archipelago between June and November. This is clearly a period to be avoided for your sailing trips.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 547 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Chef (meals not included), Sailor, Engineer |
| Average price per week | $22,506 |
| Minimum weekly price | $1,436 |
| Maximum price per week | $984,550 |