Key Takeaways:

• The British Virgin Islands are ideal for a 7-day yacht charter due to short sailing distances and protected anchorages.

• This route starts and ends in Tortola, covering Norman Island, Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.

• Plan early arrivals for popular mooring fields, especially North Sound and Jost Van Dyke.

• Anegada adds a remote reef-focused experience but requires attentive navigation and weather awareness.

Warm water, line-of-sight sailing, and a dense cluster of iconic anchorages make the British Virgin Islands (BVI) one of the best places on earth for a one-week yacht charter. With short hops between islands, you can spend more time snorkeling, beach-hopping, and enjoying onboard luxury, and less time doing long passages.

Below is a practical BVI islands itinerary for 7 days of island-hopping by yacht, designed for a relaxed pace with standout “only in the BVI” stops like The Baths, Anegada’s reefs, and Jost Van Dyke’s beach bars.

Assumption: You embark on Tortola, a common BVI charter starting point. Distances are approximate and vary by your exact marina and chosen anchorage.

At-a-glance 7-day BVI island-hopping route

7-Day British Virgin Islands Yacht Charter Route (Starting in Tortola)

Key: Distances shown in nautical miles (nm). Actual route and anchorage depend on weather, yacht type, and mooring availability.

• Average daily sailing distances range from 6–20 nautical miles.

• The route balances iconic highlights (The Baths, Anegada, Jost) with protected overnight anchorages.

• Designed for relaxed pacing with flexibility for weather and mooring availability.

Before you go: what makes a BVI itinerary work (and what can break it)

A week in the BVI is “easy sailing” by Caribbean standards, but a little planning protects your time on the water.

Best time of year for a 7-day BVI yacht itinerary

• Peak season (generally winter into early spring): More stable weather and lively beach atmosphere, with higher demand for yachts and moorings.
• Shoulder season: Often excellent value and availability, with warm water and fewer crowds.
• Late summer to fall: Typically hotter and quieter, but you should pay closer attention to storm forecasts.

For official guidance and travel updates, check the BVI Tourist Board and your charter team’s pre-departure briefing.

Moorings, marine parks, and why reservations matter

Many BVI bays use mooring balls to protect seagrass and coral. Some areas are within or adjacent to protected zones managed by the BVI National Parks Trust. Fees and rules can apply, and popular bays can fill up in the afternoon.

A strong strategy is to:

• Plan early arrivals for the most popular anchorages (North Sound and Jost Van Dyke in particular).
• Keep one or two “plan B” bays in mind each day.
• Treat this itinerary as a framework, not a rigid schedule.

Provisioning and what to pack for island-hopping comfort

Even in the BVI, last-minute shopping runs can eat up your first afternoon. Aim to provision before departure, then top up midweek.

Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for long snorkel sessions
• Dry bags and a floating phone lanyard
• Light layers for breezy evenings on deck
• Cash for small beach bars and tipping where appropriate

BVI Islands Itinerary: 7 days of island-hopping by yacht

Day 1: Tortola to Norman Island (The Bight)

Your first day is all about a smooth start: safety briefing, settling into the yacht, and an easy sail that still feels like you “escaped” quickly.

Why Norman Island: It is a classic first-night stop with calm water, plenty of moorings, and quick access to snorkeling.

What to do:

• Snorkel The Caves or The Indians (conditions permitting). These sites are famous for fish life and underwater structure.
• Enjoy a relaxed first dinner onboard or by tender.

Practical tip: If you arrive later in the day, prioritize a protected overnight spot and save longer snorkels for the morning.

Day 2: Norman Island to Cooper Island (Manchioneel Bay)

Cooper Island is a favorite because it’s straightforward to approach, feels upscale but casual, and makes a great launch point toward Virgin Gorda.

Highlights:

• Beach time and water sports right off the yacht
• Easy snorkeling around the bay in good visibility

If your group wants a “light adventure” day, this is a great time to add:

• A guided dive session (if available locally)
• A longer swim and paddleboard circuit around the bay

Day 3: Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda (The Baths and beyond)

Virgin Gorda is a “do not miss” for most first-time BVI charter guests. The star attraction is The Baths, a surreal landscape of giant granite boulders, sea pools, and short trails.

Plan it well:

• Go early if you can. It is one of the busiest attractions in the BVI.
• Bring secure footwear for the trail sections.

To learn about access and conservation context, see the BVI National Parks Trust information pages.

Overnight options:

• Near Spanish Town: Convenient if you plan to continue north the next day.
• North Sound direction: If you want to position for watersports and a more resort-style feel.

Day 4: Virgin Gorda to Anegada (Setting Point)

Anegada is the wild card that often becomes the highlight. It is flatter and more remote than the rest of the chain, with a very different vibe: wide beaches, bright water, and some of the Caribbean’s most memorable reef scenery.

Navigation note: Anegada can require extra attention for approach and depth awareness. Your skipper and routing plan matter.

What to do:

• Explore Anegada’s beaches (long, open stretches with room to breathe)
• Snorkel offshore reefs with local guidance as needed
• Plan a lobster dinner (Anegada is well-known for it)

Good to know: Conditions can shift, and reef protection is critical. Follow local guidance and marine park rules.

Day 5: Anegada to North Sound, Virgin Gorda (watersports day)

After Anegada’s remote calm, North Sound brings a different energy: protected water, multiple stops close together, and an ideal playground for tenders and toys.

This is a great day to lean into “luxury yacht charter” pacing:

• Late breakfast on deck
• A scenic sail back toward Virgin Gorda
• A dedicated afternoon for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and floating lounge time

If you want a more active plan, North Sound is also where many groups schedule:

• A longer snorkel session
• A “boat-to-beach” lunch stop

Day 6: North Sound to Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbour or White Bay)

Jost Van Dyke is the quintessential BVI beach day: clear water, soft sand, and iconic shore spots that feel like a reward at the end of the week.

What to do:

• Spend the afternoon at White Bay (often the “postcard” beach)
• Visit Great Harbour for an evening ashore

Popular places change over time, but many travelers associate Jost with classic stops like Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s.

Timing tip: Arrive earlier rather than later to improve your chances of a comfortable mooring and a calm swim.

Day 7: Jost Van Dyke to Tortola (return and disembark)

Keep the final day flexible. A short hop back to Tortola still leaves room for a last snorkel, a swim, and an unrushed pack-up.

A strong last-day rhythm:

• Early departure from Jost
• One final bay stop if conditions allow
• Return to base with time to check out smoothly

If you are connecting onward (flight or ferry), your charter team can help you reverse-engineer the timing.

Variations: tailor this BVI 7-day itinerary to your travel style

A yacht week is at its best when it matches your group, not when it copies someone else’s route.

If you want more adventure

Swap one “beach club” afternoon for:

• A longer snorkel day (conditions permitting)
• A dedicated freedive or scuba session with local operators
• More early-morning sails to fit in extra anchorages

If you are traveling as a family

Prioritize:

• Shorter hops and earlier arrivals
• Calm bays for swimming
• One anchor-friendly “rest day” where nobody has to be anywhere

If you are planning a corporate or group charter

Focus on:

• Two “event” moments (The Baths day and Jost day are natural anchors)
• A watersports afternoon for team bonding
• A route with easy logistics and minimal decision fatigue

Practical charter tips for a smoother BVI island-hopping week

Weather, forecasts, and safety

Use reliable marine forecasts and follow your skipper’s guidance. For broader Caribbean storm safety context, the U.S. National Hurricane Center is a trusted reference.

Connectivity and expectations

Cell coverage is often decent near populated areas, but you should still plan for periods of limited service. If “fully offline” is a goal, the BVI makes it easy.

Respect the reefs

The BVI’s beauty is the product of fragile ecosystems.

• Do not stand on coral
• Use reef-safe sun protection
• Follow marine park signage and mooring rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7 days enough for a BVI yacht itinerary?

Yes. The BVI is ideal for a one-week charter because island hops are short, and you can see signature stops (The Baths, Anegada, Jost) without feeling rushed.

Do I need to be an experienced sailor to do this BVI island-hopping route?

Not necessarily. Many travelers do the BVI with a professional skipper or crewed charter. If you are bareboating, make sure your experience matches local conditions and routing complexity.

What is the best island to stay overnight in the BVI?

It depends on your priorities. Norman Island is a popular first night, Virgin Gorda is a must for The Baths, Anegada is the remote standout, and Jost Van Dyke is the classic beach-bar finish.

Is Anegada worth it on a 7-day itinerary?

For many groups, yes. It feels meaningfully different from the rest of the BVI, with wider beaches and reef-focused day trips, but it can require more careful navigation planning.

When should we arrive at anchorages to get a mooring?

Earlier is generally better, especially in peak season and at high-demand stops like North Sound and Jost Van Dyke.

Plan your bespoke BVI yacht week with Vital Charters

If you want this 7-day BVI islands itinerary tailored to your pace, celebration, family needs, or corporate goals, Vital Charters can help you match the right yacht to the right route and season. Explore options at Vital Charters and request a personalized charter plan for your dates and must-see stops.