British Virgin Islands  - Cat

Motor Yacht Charter
The British Virgin Islands

Few places can rival the breathtaking beauty of the British Virgin Islands (BVI's) for a motor yacht charter when it comes to tropical getaways.

With its stunning turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches and idyllic weather, it’s one of the premier motor yacht charter destinations in the Caribbean.

What make these these islands so popular is their perfect blend of tranquil escape and vibrant nightlife, with secluded anchorages for peaceful retreats and legendary bars for fantastic parties. The compact 150 square kilometre area ensures easy access whether seeking solitude or celebration and every desired destination is within reach.

What Makes British Virgin Islands Special?

World-Class Sailing

The BVI offers ideal sailing conditions with steady trade winds, protected anchorages, and relatively calm waters. It has earned a reputation as one of the world's premier sailing destinations, making a motor yacht charter here a dream come true for avid sailors.

Exquisite Beaches

The BVI is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. From the famous white sands of The Baths on Virgin Gorda to the secluded and pristine beaches of Anegada, there is no shortage of idyllic spots to relax and unwind on a motor yacht.

Island-hopping Paradise

The BVI comprises more than 50 islands, each with its own unique charm and character. A motor yacht charter allows you to easily hop between these islands, discovering hidden coves, local culture, and a diverse range of attractions.

Secluded Anchorages

The BVI has numerous secluded anchorages, offering privacy and tranquillity. Drop anchor in beautiful bays such as North Sound on Virgin Gorda or Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, where you can enjoy the stunning surroundings without crowds.

Beach Bars

The BVI boasts legendary beach bars and waterfront restaurants known for their laid-back atmosphere, delicious food, and tropical cocktails. Icons like the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke and Willy T's floating bar provide memorable experiences along your charter route.

Warm and Welcoming Locals

The people of the BVI are known for their genuine hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Get chatting to the locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, experiencing the relaxed island lifestyle firsthand.

Amazing Marine Wildlife

From playful dolphins to sea turtles, the BVI are home to diverse marine wildlife along with excellent snorkelling opportunities.

Unspoiled Nature

Explore national parks and nature reserves, including the flamingo-populated Anegada island and Horse Shoe reef.

Short Sailing Distances

The proximity of the islands makes island hopping simple, with easy line-of-sight sailing and most destinations being within a few hours of each other.

British Virgin Islands - Famous Beach and Rock Formation called the bath on Virgin Gorda

Natural Beauty

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are known for their picturesque landscapes featuring turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery. A motor yacht charter lets you explore and appreciate this exceptional natural beauty up close.

Not To Be Missed

Norman Island

Said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island", Norman Island boasts hiking trails, hidden coves and fabulous beaches. Snorkel or dive at the Caves, a series of underwater caverns teeming with marine life, and enjoy cocktails at the iconic Willy T floating bar and restaurant.

The Indians

Snorkel or dive at The Indians, a cluster of rock formations located near Norman Island. Explore the vibrant coral gardens and enjoy the underwater beauty of this renowned dive site.

Virgin Gorda Baths

Explore the unique geological formations of The Baths, a natural wonder comprising giant granite boulders, hidden caves, and secluded pools. Take a leisurely hike through the labyrinth of boulders, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, and relax on the pristine beaches.

Anegada Island

Sail to the remote island of Anegada, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and lobster-filled waters. Explore Loblolly Bay, known for its powdery white sands and turquoise waters, and snorkel at Horseshoe Reef, one of the most extensive barrier reefs in the Caribbean.

Tortola Island

The largest island in the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is known for its lush hillsides, scenic anchorages, and vibrant culture. Explore the historic capital of Road Town or hike to Sage Mountain National Park for panoramic views.

Cooper Island

Visit Cooper Island, a tranquil oasis known for its eco-friendly resorts and pristine diving and snorkelling sites. Explore underwater reefs teeming with marine life, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy gourmet dining at the island's beachfront restaurant.

Wreck of the Rhone

One of the Caribbean's most famous shipwrecks, this Salt Island dive site is teeming with marine life and not to be missed.

The Dogs

Snorkel or dive around these small uninhabited islands known for their magnificent coral colonies.

Marina Cay

Snorkel the coral gardens and relax on the secluded beaches of this tiny island, or go ashore for a meal at the Marina Cay Bar & Grill.

Caribbean - BVI - Soggy Dollar Bar - tortola-houses-condenasttraveller-9-16jan14-flickr-kmoliver_b

Jost Van Dyke

Visit the laid-back island of Jost Van Dyke, known for its pristine beaches, lively beach bars, and friendly atmosphere. Relax on White Bay Beach, sample local rum cocktails at the famous Soggy Dollar Bar, and dine on fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.

Best Times To Visit The BVI's On A Motor Yacht Charter

The high season in the BVIs is from December to April, and you can expect plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and low humidity during these months.

The shoulder season is November and May, which often has good weather but is less crowded, and the low season runs from June to October.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 26.1°C (79°F) 24.5°C (76°F) wind direction 80degE
FEB 26.1°C (79°F) 24.1°C (75°F) wind direction 73degENE
MAR 26.5°C (80°F) 24.2°C (76°F) wind direction 107degESE
APR 27.0°C (81°F) 25.0°C (77°F) wind direction 110degESE
MAY 28.4°C (83°F) 26.6°C (80°F) wind direction 110degESE
JUN 29.4°C (85°F) 27.5°C (81°F) wind direction 107degESE
JUL 29.4°C (85°F) 27.7°C (82°F) wind direction 86degE
AUG 29.7°C (85°F) 28.0°C (82°F) wind direction 101degE
SEP 30.1°C (86°F) 28.2°C (83°F) wind direction 109degESE
OCT 29.2°C (85°F) 27.7°C (82°F) wind direction 132degSE
NOV 28.5°C (83°F) 26.9°C (80°F) wind direction 105degESE
DEC 27.2°C (81°F) 25.7°C (78°F) wind direction 86degE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The primary language of the BVI’s is English.

Currency

The currency of the BVI’s is the US dollar.

Tipping

Tipping of between 15-20% is standard.

Is A Motor Yacht Right For You

Speed and Range

Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.

Stability

Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.

Propulsion

Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.

Fuel Consumption

While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.

Itinerary Flexibility

Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.

Onboard Experience

The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.

Draft and Boat Hull Depth

Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.

Crew Specialisation

Crews on motor yachts focus more on navigation, hospitality, and maintaining complex systems, rather than sailing skills.

Target Audience

Motor yacht charters are likely to appeal to those seeking luxury, comfort, and efficiency of travel, rather than the sailing experience itself.

4 PLAY

Layout and Space

Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.

Charter Types In British Virgin Islands

Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore The British Virgin Islands and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Motor Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around The British Virgin Islands and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Motor Yacht Charters

Crewed yacht charters from The British Virgin Islands come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek super yachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Motor Yacht Charter From The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

As you set sail on your adventure, you will discover a multitude of islands and cays waiting to be explored.

The archipelago has over 50 islands, each with unique charm and attractions. From Tortola's lively nightlife to Anegada's secluded anchorages, there is something for everyone.

The BVI sailing conditions are world-class, with steady trade winds, easy navigation, and short distances between the islands. Whether you are an experienced sailor or a novice, the BVI offers a range of anchorages and mooring buoys for a hassle-free sailing experience.

The islands are renowned for their vibrant marine life and outstanding snorkelling and diving opportunities. Don't miss the 19th-century royal mail shipwreck of the RMS Rhone off Salt Island and Angelfish Reef located near Ginger Island.

From the Baths of Virgin Gorda to the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke, the BVIs are an excellent place for a motor yacht charter and promise an unforgettable Caribbean adventure.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Motor Yacht?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Motor Yacht?

When chartering a yacht from The British Virgin Islands, consider factors such as budget, motor yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

What Type Of Motor Yacht Can I Charter From The British Virgin Islands?

There are typically four main types of boats and yachts you can hire in the British Virgin Islands, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, and Luxury Yachts which includes Superyachts.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

How Long Does A Motor Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

When Is The Best Times To Charter A Motor Yacht From The British Virgin Islands?

You can sail all year in the Bahamas, and the high season is from December to May.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Motor Yacht Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.