The British Virgin Islands are made up of dozens of islands, big and small. The best anchorages in the BVI are well protected from the wind and other natural elements but are not necessarily the most popular tourist destinations.
I can’t say I’ve visited every island in the BVI, but I like to believe that I’ve been to some of the best and discovered some of the best anchorages. Some islands are busy, and others are quiet. Depending on your mood or state of mind, you can choose which one is right for you at any given time.
1.Great Harbour
My first excursion to Jost Van Dyke introduced me to The Bubbly Pool, and I now visit this out-of-the-way natural hot tub the first chance I get when I arrive.
We usually spend at least one-day snorkeling and haunt the Soggy Dollar Bar most nights to listen to the local bands and sample their drink specialties.
2.Norman Island
Norman Island is a smaller island that used to be a pirate haven centuries ago. Now, it’s an ideal location for snorkeling and viewing wrecks sitting on the bottom of the ocean.
We make a point to visit Willy T’s for dinner at least a couple of times when we are in the BVI, and are never disappointed by the amazing fresh fish served on this converted fishing boat.
3.Little Harbour
Little Harbour on Jost Van Dyke is our private getaway spot. There is a central lagoon that is breathtaking, and we can eat at one of the local restaurants if we get tired of preparing our own meals in the galley.
Karla’s Grill is a favorite of ours and I recommend the ribs to anyone who will listen. The wonderful thing about all the restaurants in Little Harbour is that no matter where you eat, you will have a spectacular view.
4. White Bay
A hot tourist spot, White Bay is also part of Jost Van Dyke. Once you enter the bay, you will find a safe harbor to anchor and enjoy your time next to a reef. I enjoy the beach in this area, and there are plenty of places to stop and grab a drink whenever the mood strikes.
5.Marina Cay
Marina Cay has been privately owned since the 30s, but that has not stopped tourists from swarming to this little island. The biggest draw for me is the local rum, which I make a point to buy a bottle of each trip.
I’ve been known to buy 3 or 4 and give them as presents for Christmas. We always have lunch at Pusser’s Road Town Pub and visit the local shops during the afternoon.
6. Soper’s Hole
Soper’s Hole is located on the western end of Tortola. Anchoring in this area always makes for a calm night in the sheltered water.
This section of Tortola is one of my favorite shopping destinations. Sunny Caribbee Spice Shop & Art Gallery is usually my first stop to buy fresh spices and browse new art pieces. I try to end each visit with a trip to the spa for a much-deserved massage.
7.North Sound
North Sound is surrounded by many islands with colorful names. I have a friend who loves to tell scary stories about the dreaded Cockroach Island (which lives up to its name), but these interesting islands, known as “The Dogs,” are prime diving and snorkeling spots for adventurous tourists. If you prefer to stay dry, take a tour on one of the glass-bottom boats.
8. Salt Island
Salt Island is known to be the watery grave of the RMS Rhone, a steamer that sank during a hurricane in the 1860s. I’ve been diving at this site and have to say you need to experience it for yourself. It’s a quiet spot to anchor for the night and enjoy the peace of the barely inhabited island.
9. Deadman’s Bay
Located on the private Peter Island, Deadman’s Bay has white sand beaches and sea turtles. It’s an oasis for sailors to escape from the most touristy parts of BVI.
We always drop in at the Deadman’s Beach Bar and Grill for lunch or a quick bite to eat at some point but stick mainly to the luxurious beaches.
The BVI is one of my dream destinations and, in my opinion, has some of the safest and calmest anchorage spots a sailor can find. If you like a strong local flavor and a lot of location options, head to the British Virgin Islands and witness the magic of the cays and bays yourself.
Sailing holidays in the BVI is an experience not to miss out. Waste no time and choose one of our beautiful yachts now to take you and your guests on a sailing getaway you’ll never forget.
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Have you anchored in one of these beautiful anchorages? Would you like to share your experience by leaving a comment below, I’ll be glad to hear your feedback!
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Wow this article is really look so elegant and powerful and it is one of my most favorite article all the time. I really love to know about travelling and you give really powerful information that which is the best spot for anchor. I will definitely few of these spots on my next vacations. We really need a people like you who come up with creative ideas to help people to make their life colorful.
Hi Adeel,
I am glad you like my article.
Thank you for the compliment and for the comment!
Have a wonderful day:
Hey this is a great travel log of the British Virgin islands. I enjoyed the comments on the landscape and what each island or cay has, along with the foodie recommendations. How long did it take you to sail through all of the BVI? I hope I didn’t miss that point.
I tried to open the pictures but no success. I hope all is well.
Regards,
Duncan
Hi Ducan,
I am glad you enjoyed my article.
It took me two weeks, but I could have shortened the sailing trip if I wouldn’t have stopped for a few days on each island. I appreciated every moment of it! If you want to know how long time will you need to sail through all these beautiful anchorages, I can tell you that 7 days will be enough. Now you need to plan well your trip before. I suggest you take a look at the 7 day BVI itinerary in my website.
Thank you for the comment and I wish you to sail soon!
I don’t know the Virgin Islands but they look like paradise on Earth! Great Harbour and White Bay really look wonderful! A dream place for sailors who want a calm place to settle their boats! Good to see that there are such beautiful places like this in this world. Very good article that makes me want to go there right away!
Hi David,
Yes, as you said the BVI is a real paradise and one of the most popular destinations worldwide!
Thank you for comment and wish you sail in the BVI soon!
Have a great day
This is awesome! My sister loves to travel, and she loves sailing. I am going to recommend this website to her since she is always looking for new places to visit.
I love how you also provide a selection of yachts. Once my sister decides to anchor in one of these beautiful anchorages I am sure she will be more than happy to follow up with you and leave a review. Thank you for the information!
Hi Juan,
I am sure your sister will find many interesting articles in my website, as well as beautiful destinations and itineraries to help her plan the next sailing trip!
Thank you for the comment:)
Have a wonderful day!
This past November, I went on a cruise to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. My dream is to travel and these islands took my breath away. However, I was aware that I visited very touristy attractions and am glad to have viewed your page of more secluded islands to visit when cruising. I hope to visit Norman Island soon because I love ship wrecks. Thanks!
Hi Jasmine,
How nice, I am sure you had a wonderful time in the Bahamas! I have been in the Bahamas last year and it was absolutely fantastic. Pigs were swimming up to our boat to ask for food. I loved that:)
If you like shipwrecks, I would suggest you dive in the Wreck of the Rhone, which is the most popular dive site in the BVI, I would even say worldwide!
Thank you for the comment and wish you to sail soon!
I have not visited any of these destinations before but definitely will go in another 2 months. Iam sure that you would have visited all these places before posting about them. I specially like that Marina cay for the beautiful and exotic scenery around the island. I look forward more such amazing destinations from you.
Hi Sundar,
Oh, that’s fantastic! I wish you a wonderful trip! Where exactly do you plan to go in the BVI?
I am glad you like the article and hope to see you soon on my website:)
Thank you for the comment !
This is a great article and you really have an eye for great photography! All of these pictures are great and it makes me want to go travelling so badly.
I have my sights fixated on salt island, it looks like such an amazing spot.
Thanks alot for the article and I will definitely be visiting these places soon when I have enough money!
Hi Dyl,
I am glad you like the pictures and that they make you want to travel there:)
Salt Island is a beautiful place to visit and diving in the RMS Rhone is something not to miss!
Thank you for the comment and wish you to sail soon:)
Very inspiring ideas, all of them just make me think about summer and exotic destinations.
It would be hard to choose between all these, but I think my favorite would be the White Bay, it looks so peaceful and calm.
It would definitely be a great place for an anchorage.
Thanks for these great ideas 🙂
Hi Ashley,
You are right, all these beautiful destinations make it harder to choose where to sail, I personally love all of them 🙂
Thank you very much for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
Hi There,
I must say that I thought that your article on the British Virgin Islands ( Best Anchorages in the BVI – 9 Beautiful Spots to Anchor! ) was just fantastic. I am a keen boating person but have never really ventured away from my local areas in the UK to pursue my passion further. Norman Island, Little Harbour and Soper’s Hole look absolutely super, your article has now spurned me on to look into trying out my passion further afield and I will be looking at the British Virgin Islands for sure.
Great site and have book marked your sit for future references. Keep up the good work. Regards, Michael
Hi Michael,
Thank you for the kind comment and for having bookmarked my website:)
The British Virgin Island is absolutely beautiful, I am sure you will enjoy the trip and if you any question, feel free to contact me, I’ll be very happy to help!
Have a wonderful day:)
Great Harbour looks spectacular snorkeling here must be amazing. Norman island is a really cool small island with wrecked ships to snorkel and see underwater and Willy T’s must be delicious. The central lagoon In Little Harbour is probably really beautiful. White Bay also seems like a really cool place to drop anchor.
Hi Destin,
The BVI is a marvelous place to sail, this is the reason it is one of the most popular destinations in the world!
And yes, all these anchorages are awesome to drop anchor and enjoy your stay:)
Thank you for passing by and for the comment!
I wish you a wonderful day!