The Best Beaches in the BVI to Visit by Yacht

Featured Photo by Dietmar Lichota on Unsplash

The British Virgin Islands, famously known as BVI, is popular among wanderlusters and holidayers for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and idyllic scenery. It is also one of the top destinations for yachters as it offers numerous pristine shores to relax and engage in some memorable adventure. 

If you are visiting the British Virgin Islands and interested in a yacht holiday, do not miss out on the following beaches. 

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

Known for its turquoise waters and colorful beach bars, White Bay is a destination not to be missed by yacht travelers. The bay is sheltered by a coral reef, making it perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Yachters can anchor just off the beach and enjoy easy dinghy access to the shore. Don’t miss the Painkiller cocktail at one of the local establishments as you soak up the laid-back vibe.

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola

Cane Garden Bay is a crescent-shaped beach on Tortola’s north shore. It’s famous for its peaceful waters and wonderful sunsets, making it a great place to paddleboard and kayak. Several mooring balls are available for yachts in the bay. There are a number of restaurants and live music venues along the beach. This is a good place to unwind and socialize.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

The Baths is a geological marvel with gigantic granite boulders that serve as natural pools, tunnels, and grottos. Dinghies can reach it by dropping anchor in the mooring field inside Devil’s Bay. With a short hike, you are right there. Beautiful for exploration and photography, its clear waters blended with intriguing rock formations make it a swimmer and snorkeler’s favorite.

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Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda

For those who wish to have seclusion, there is Savannah Bay. This extensive beach boasts silky white sand and shallow, tranquil waters. Its remoteness makes it ideal for an isolated day far from the madding crowd. Yachters can anchor in the area and swim ashore or just bask in its beauty from the deck.

Loblolly Bay, Anegada

Unlike all the other islands in the BVI, Anegada is a flat coral atoll surrounded by extensive reefs. Loblolly Bay is an isolated beach for yachters looking for solitude. Its reef system provides some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the BVI, where colorful marine life and vibrant corals abound. Visitors may anchor off the island and have freshly caught lobster at a nearby beachside restaurant.

Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola

Smuggler’s Cove is a secluded, pristine beach on the western end of Tortola. The waters are clear and full of marine life, making it an excellent snorkeling location. Although a bit off the beaten path, the cove is serene and worth visiting. Yachters can anchor nearby and enjoy a peaceful retreat.

Deadman’s Bay, Peter Island

Situated on the exclusive Peter Island, Deadman’s Bay combines luxury with nature. The crescent-shaped beach has swaying palm trees and is filled with calm, shallow waters, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply unwinding. Even though the island is private, visitors who come in on their yacht are able to use the beach.

Sandy Cay

Sandy Cay is a small, uninhabited island near Jost Van Dyke that epitomizes the tropical paradise experience. With itslush greenery and pristine white-sand beaches, it’s perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation. Yachters can anchor nearby and enjoy snorkeling or hiking along the island’s nature trail.

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Long Bay, Beef Island

Long Bay on Beef Island, located next to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, is a peaceful and peaceful beach. It is quite large and clear of multitudes for beachcombing purposes and good for swimming. As a peaceful beach, it is very accessible to yachts.

Manchineel Bay, Cooper Island

Manchineel Bay is another attractive feature of Cooper Island, being characterized by perfectly clear waters and a relaxed style. The bay features excellent snorkeling areas, kayaks, and even paddleboards, so yachts can anchor over there and explore the beach or pass the time standing on the yacht deck, surrounded by breathtaking panoramas.

Cooper Island Beach Club

While not one beach, the appeal of Cooper Island lies in its beach club, which is more like a tiny island of romance. The shores are ideal snorkeling grounds since coral reefs filled with marine life lie just a few feet offshore. Mooring balls are available to yachters, and other eco-friendly facilities include a restaurant and a rum bar.

Norman Island’s The Bight

Norman Island is steeped in pirate lore and offers a variety of attractions for yachters. The Bight is a sheltered anchorage with a lively atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for overnight stays. Nearby, the caves at Treasure Point provide an exciting snorkeling experience with vibrant fish and underwater sights.

Helpful Tips for Yachters Exploring BVI Beaches

• Know about the mooring balls: Most of the popular bays and beaches in the BVI offer mooring balls for yachts. However, these are on a first-come, first-served basis. You must ensure to get there early so you can secure a spot. 
• Be respectful towards nature: The BVI has sensitive ecosystems, so it is important to respect these environments by not anchoring on coral reefs and not being wasteful.
• Enjoy the local cuisine: Many beaches have restaurants and bars nearby where you can enjoy fresh seafood and Caribbean cocktails.
• Check out the weather and have a clear sense of navigation: Checking the weather conditions is essential before you set sail. Also, acquaint yourself with navigation charts so you can securely anchor and travel to other islands without a fuss. 

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Wrapping up

Exploring the British Virgin Islands by yacht gives you a unique opportunity to explore the diversity and beauty of this tropical paradise. So, include the aforementioned beaches in your itinerary and make sure to find an anchorage spot for your yacht. 

Please note that if you are not sure about chartering the yacht yourself, you can reach out to yacht chartering companies to set you up with a skippered yacht. 

Your BVI beach adventures await!

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