Yacht Charter Tortola

Yacht Charter in Tortola

Tortola is the largest and most populous island in the British Virgin Islands and the undisputed capital of Caribbean yacht charter. Road Town, the territory's capital, sits on the southern coast of the island in a natural harbour that is one of the best-equipped charter bases in the Caribbean — home to numerous charter companies, boatyards, sail lofts, chandleries, and provisioning shops that collectively make it one of the most convenient starting points for a Caribbean sailing holiday anywhere in the region. Tortola's central position within the BVI also makes it the ideal hub for a week of island-hopping: most of the best anchorages in the BVI are within a few hours' sail, and the navigation is straightforward enough for reasonably experienced sailors to manage without a professional captain.

Road Town and the Marina

Road Town has grown considerably in recent years but retains the slightly rough-edged frontier charm of a working Caribbean port. The main street, Main Street, is lined with duty-free shops, local restaurants serving roti and fresh fish, and the offices of the numerous charter companies that are the economic backbone of the island. The Ferry Terminal connects Tortola to the US Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada by regular fast ferries, and the customs and immigration process for departing to the USVI is straightforward. Nanny Cay Marina and Village Cay Marina, both on the southern coast, are the two main charter bases and have restaurants, pools, and provisioning facilities on site.

Cane Garden Bay and North Shore

Cane Garden Bay, on Tortola's north coast, is one of the most beautiful bays in the BVI — a long, crescent-shaped beach of soft white sand sheltered by green hills, with a small village, several beach bars and restaurants, and one of the most atmospheric anchorages in the Caribbean. The bay is famous for its beach bars — Quito's Gazebo, where the owner performs live reggae most evenings, and Myett's are the most celebrated — and for the sheltered swimming and snorkelling along its reef. The north coast of Tortola is accessible by a road that winds through some of the most spectacular scenery on the island, passing through the small settlement of Brewer's Bay with its own excellent anchorage.

Sage Mountain and the Interior

Sage Mountain National Park, on the highest point of Tortola at 523 metres above sea level, preserves the last remaining remnant of the island's original cloud forest — a dense canopy of mahogany, strangler figs, elephant ears, and ferns that creates a cool, green contrast to the sun-baked coast below. The trail to the summit, about 30 minutes on foot from the road, passes through orchids and tree ferns and rewards walkers with panoramic views across the BVI and the US Virgin Islands. The park is a significant conservation achievement in an island group that has experienced considerable development pressure.