Sailing trip British Virgin Islands
Island hopping in the heart of the Caribbean
The British Virgin Islands are one of the most beautiful and versatile sailing areas in the Caribbean. Sheltered waters, short distances between the islands and an impressive variety of bays, beaches and small harbours make this area ideal for relaxed island hopping.
With Sailing-Classics you will discover the BVI under constant trade winds – between turquoise lagoons, white sandy beaches and tropical islands. The British Virgin Islands consist of over 50 islands and small reefs spread over a small area in the north-eastern Caribbean. This creates ideal conditions for varied sailing trips with many stops, short legs and numerous anchorages. From island to island, you will experience a fascinating mix of relaxed island life, spectacular natural formations and Caribbean serenity – from hidden bays to lively beach bars.
Quick facts about sailing trips in the British Virgin Islands
Highlights
- Perfect island hopping with short distances
- Sheltered waters and constant trade winds
- Dream beaches, coral reefs and numerous anchor bays
The best time to travel
The ideal travel time for a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands is from December to May. During these months, there are stable trade winds, plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. The sea is calm and the water is crystal clear – perfect for sailing, swimming and snorkelling.
Sailing conditions
The BVI is considered one of the most pleasant sailing areas in the Caribbean. The trade winds provide constant breezes, while the islands and reefs create many sheltered areas. As a result, the stages are mostly moderate and varied – ideal for relaxed sailing and frequent stops.
Arrival
The easiest way to get there is via St. Martin (SXM) or Antigua (ANU) with a connecting flight within the Caribbean to Tortola (EIS). From there, you can reach the port of embarkation in a short time by taxi or organized transfer. This connection has proven to be particularly reliable for trips to the British Virgin Islands.
Top highlights of the British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda - the famous granite rocks of the Baths
Virgin Gorda Island is one of the most famous destinations in the BVI. The legendary Baths in particular – huge, rounded granite rocks right on the beach – make this place unique. Natural pools, caves and small lagoons form between the rocks, creating some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Caribbean.
A shore excursion leads through this impressive rock formation to beautiful beaches with turquoise waters – a highlight of any trip through the BVI.
Jost Van Dyke - pure Caribbean joie de vivre
The small island of Jost Van Dyke stands for relaxed Caribbean flair like no other place. In the famous White Bay, you can expect powder-white beaches, crystal-clear water and some of the Caribbean’s most famous beach bars.
Here, life goes at a leisurely pace: a dip in the warm water, a drink on the beach and a view of the setting sun – typical BVI.
Anegada - flat island with endless beaches
Anegada is very different from the other islands of the BVI. While many islands are of volcanic origin, Anegada is a flat coral island with miles of sandy beaches and impressive reefs.
The island is quiet, unspoiled and particularly well-known for its lagoons, flamingos and excellent seafood – fresh lobster in particular is a specialty here.
Norman Island - pirate legends & turquoise bays
Norman Island is considered the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel Treasure Island. Today, the island is best known for its spectacular bays and snorkelling spots.
The Caves in particular – several caves right by the water – offer fascinating underwater landscapes with colourful fish and clear water. A perfect place for a relaxing swim.
Your sailing trip - optimally planned
Still not sure which sailing trip suits you best? Our experts will take time for you, answer your questions and find the perfect route together with you. Simply arrange your personal consultation – free of charge and without obligation.
Caribbean island hopping at its best
A sailing trip through the British Virgin Islands means relaxed island hopping between turquoise bays, small harbours and beautiful beaches. The short distances mean there is plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring the islands.
Whether quiet anchorages, lively beach bars or impressive natural formations – the BVI offers a unique blend of sailing experiences, nature and Caribbean joie de vivre.
What our guests say about their time on board
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Every wish read from the eyes
5 stars +
The crew really read every wish from our eyes. The food was excellent... If I had to award stars for cuisine and service, it would be 5+. .. We had a lot of fun!!!
Read the full review
Isabella after the Christmas and New Year's Eve cruise on the CHRONOS in the GrenadinesIsabella -
Wonderful and full of experiences
A great pleasure
I would like to express my great pleasure at having taken part as a passenger in the wonderful, eventful and indeed exhilarating voyage with the RHEA on the occasion of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2025. Even a few days later, it was a trip that I will remember for a very, very long time.
Read the full reviewMatthias after the Antigua cruise on board the RHEA -
I have rarely eaten so well on board
A new, very enjoyable and luxurious sailing experience
As a long-time sailor and skipper on self-chartered yachts, I wanted to get to know a larger sailing yacht and not have to take care of everything myself.
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It was a wonderful trip of around 200 NM from Martinique via Domenica, Les Saintes, Guadeloupe to Antigua. A varied trip in all weathers with gusts and rain showers, a short night trip but also lots of sunshine and occasionally in the company of curious dolphins circling around the bow. In between, there were various shore excursions and an interesting bus trip across the island of Domenica, including a visit to a waterfall and getting to know the local cuisine. Of course, there was also enough time to swim in the wonderfully turquoise blue, clear but warm sea water before breakfast or to go to a bay to snorkel extensively and admire the still quite intact underwater world. In particular a giant tortoise and, among other things, a wonderfully turquoise-colored parrotfish.
The international crew of ten looked after the ship and us as guests in a relaxed and friendly manner. I have rarely eaten so well on board. The chef not only provided a delicious lunch every day, but also a varied 4-course menu for lunch. It was unbelievable what he conjured up in his kitchen.
The first officer offered to answer any questions we had. Occasionally, under his guidance, we were also able to operate the winch to hoist or lower the sails. Of course, we were also lucky that there were only 13 guests on the ship, so we had plenty of space above and below deck.
All in all, a new, very enjoyable and luxurious sailing experience.Kai after his journey from Martinique to Antigua -
Great
Full of positive impressions...
The sailing trip was fantastic, great in all respects and we are still delighted with the Chronos. The flights all went smoothly and the luggage always followed us through check-in without any problems. We will probably not have travelled to the Caribbean on a sailing trip for the last time - maybe to the British Virgin Islands in a few years, who knows...
Read the full reviewBarbara and Roger after their CHRONOS cruise in the Grenadines in January -
EVERYTHING WAS PERFECT!
It was an unforgettable and wonderful trip!
It was an unforgettable, wonderful trip. Everything was perfect! A super great ship and a great crew who spoilt us. We quickly grew together with the other guests and friendships developed. And all this in a fantastic sailing area, what more could you want?
Read the full reviewIna, Bernhard, Timo and Desi after their trip to the Grenadines -
We had wonderful days
Our heart has spoken...
We are now back in the office for a few days and are still so grateful and happy about the wonderful trips my husband and I were able to take in the Caribbean on your Chronos ship. We had wonderful days, I had 2 trips, 2 x different fellow travelers, 2 captains, different sailing areas and a crew that was simply wonderful, in the background, helpful, supportive, warm, perceptive, full of ideas and sometimes reading wishes from the eyes. ... The ease, individuality and professionalism of these trips was indescribable. ... For us, Sailing-Classics is a place to meet relaxed, like-minded fellow travelers, to explore the country and its people, and most importantly: to sail on wonderful seas. We'll be back... Next year we've arranged to book a Mediterranean trip to Greece with some nice people we met on the Chronos.
Read the full reviewGertrude and Herbert
Experience Caribbean joie de vivre under white sails
Discover our sailing trips in the British Virgin Islands
stylish, authentic, unforgettable
We have the answers for you
FAQs about sailing in the British Virgin Islands
Between December and May there are constant trade winds, plenty of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures – ideal for sailing.
The British Virgin Islands are particularly suitable for guests who want to enjoy relaxed island hopping with plenty of swimming and anchor stops, and also for newcomers to sailing without any experience.
The distances between the islands are usually short, so that sailing lasts several hours a day, but there is still enough time for stops and shore excursions.
The start and end port of our sailing trips in the British Virgin Islands is Tortola. This is where your sailing trip through the island world of the BVI begins, with stops on islands such as Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke or Norman Island. The harbour can be reached from Tortola airport in a short time.
Yes – even in the Caribbean, the wind sets the course. The route can be adapted depending on the weather and conditions, so that you experience the most beautiful bays and the most pleasant days of sailing.
Yes, regular swimming stops, snorkelling opportunities and short shore excursions are part of the programme: from beach visits and small villages to natural highlights such as the Baths on Virgin Gorda.
A lot is already prepared for you on board – towels, shampoo and usually also sun protection products are available. For your summer sailing holiday we recommend light, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes for shore excursions, swimwear, possibly a windbreaker and a sun hat. It is best to travel with soft bags, as they are easier to stow in the cabins and offer more space than suitcases.
Our cabins are comfortable and well-designed, with a wardrobe, shelves and storage space under the beds. There is enough room for the duration of the trip; foldable travel bags are better suited than hard-shell suitcases.
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