Rent a boat in the BVI
The British Virgin Island boat rentals are available to rent with or without a skipper on the Nautal website. Search for sailboats, catamarans, motorboats and more in the BVI and/or in the world. Flexible cancellation or date changes up to 15 days before check in is allowed on selected boats. Composed of luscious islets and reefs, the British Virgin Islands are situated in the northern area of the Caribbean.
These beautiful islands have always been a meeting point for lovers of the sea and yachting. It’s easy to understand why providing the circumstances: hidden coves, secret bays, wildlife, and sea life rolled into a picture-perfect panorama for sailing destinations. This archipelago was also a refuge for pirates and their buried treasure. Despite being an overseas British territory, the BVI’s currency is the American dollar. Robert Louis Stevenson’s book The Island of the Treasure was inspired by the BVI. With the fantastic white sand landscapes of the BVI, the BVI boat charters in this location seems to be an inspiring opportunity to check.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in the BVI?
Renting a boat in the BVI costs from 2,000 $ per week in low season and from 3,800 $ for a week in high season. Factors that can influence the price are the type of boat, length, age, capacity, with or without a skipper, extras, etc. A week in a catamaran can cost you around 8,000 $, but the most expensive month of the year is January, the price increases by around 35%.
1 week: from $4,900 in low season and from $8,500 in high season
Skipper: from $200 per day
1 day: from $1,589 in high season
1 week: from $2,000 in low season and from $3,800 in high season
Is it possible to rent a boat in the BVI with or without a skipper?
If you have a suitable sailing license you can rent a boat without a skipper in the BVI. You will also find boats available to rent in the British Virgin Islands with a skipper on the Nautal website. This is an ideal option to enjoy your trip of a lifetime island hopping and spotting marine life without worries. An additional cost of a skipper starts from 200 $ per day.
What to do in the British Virgin Islands?
You can rent sailboats and catamarans in the BVI in a variety of places. In general, they are our most sought for boat rental. With a BVI boat rental, you have an unparalleled opportunity to really get to know this unique spot of the Caribbean.
With over 60 islands to explore from your BVI boat hire, you'll be spoiled for choice. The Baths on Virgin Gorda is a renowned national park with some stunning beaches, marked by enormous rock formations.
Not a fan of crowds? Either go in the late afternoon or head to nearby Spring Bay instead. Fans of snorkelling should set sail for White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke. The coral reef here are full of life, and you'll be welcomed by the colourful fish that can be easily seen in the crystal clear water. Snorkelers will also love Smuggler's Cove on Tortola. This beach is home to another stunning coral reef. It's a more secluded option, too. Take advantage of the fact that cruise ships can't get too close, thanks to the sharp coral in the water.
Some islands you may also want to explore if you are looking to snorkel and see marine life may include Norman Island! Best known for its cave explorations, orange cup coral and red sponge caves are some of the locations that you can enjoy on this island. Likewise one of the world's most romantic beaches, DeadMan's beach is on Peter Island! So make sure to surprise your loved one by going to DeadMan's beach. Rent a boat and easily move around these white sand beaches and crystal clear water.
Charter a boat for a week with a skipper to enjoy everything that the British Virgin Islands have to offer - and that includes tucking into the local cuisine. Like most island nations, the British Virgin Islands are famous for seafood dishes. Anegada lobster is said to be the best in the Caribbean, while the fish chowder and mussel pie are always popular with locals.
Don't be confused if you see fungi on a menu. It's nothing to do with mushrooms - in the British Virgin Islands, it's a unique local mixture of cornmeal and okra that's a standard accompaniment to most seafood dishes. Wash down your meal with a rum punch, the most common island cocktail. On Jost Van Dyke, you can also sample locally brewed beer.
Don't miss out on your BVI boat rental!
What are some of the best beaches to visit when you rent a boat in the BVI?
White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke
This is exactly the sort of beach you might expect to find on the front of a postcard, with white sand and sparkling turquoise seas. Just offshore, you will find a reef that is perfect for snorkelling, and when you’re done exploring the coast, you can try one of the Soggy Dollar Bar’s iconic Painkiller cocktails.
Cane Garden Bay Beach, Tortola
Being very sheltered, this is a popular beach with families thanks to the calm waters. It’s also one of the best areas if you want to listen to live music as you can go to Quito’s Gazebo, where the owner, Quito Rymer, will often treat his patrons to a song or two.
Brewer’s Bay Beach, Tortola
This is a slightly more secluded beach, thanks in part to the slightly treacherous journey here. There are a plethora of tropical fish to be found not far off the shore, which makes for some of the best snorkelling throughout the island group.
Devil’s Bay National Park, Virgin Gorda
You can’t talk about the best beaches in the BVI without mentioning Devil’s Bay National Park and the Baths, which are also close by. Like Brewer’s Bay, this area is less crowded and a great place to go snorkelling on account of the boulders lining the shore. There is also an open-air bar not far away, where you can grab a bite to eat and a cocktail if you get peckish.
How is the weather in BVI?
The rainy season is from August to December and the dry season is from January to April. You can sail in the BVI all the year long, these blissful islands experience pleasant temperatures all year. From January to April, temperatures are warm, ranging from between 20ºC and 28ºC. The hottest months are May to August with temperatures as high as 32ºC to lows of 23ºC. In August, temperatures are much warmer, starting at 23ºC and peaking 30ºC. Water temperatures are fantastic around the seasonal clock, fluctuating between 26ºC and 28ºC.
Sailing in the BVI is amazing since there is no bad weather. December to April is mid to high season for sailing in the BVI with average winds ranging from 15 to 20 knots. May to June is considered low season with gentler wind. August to mid-October is not recommended to sail due to hurricane season.
Which are the most popular ports in BVI?
Nautal offers different boats such as sailboats, ribs, catamarans and more. These are some ports where we offer boats:
- Nanny Cay Marina
- Scrub Island Resort
How to Get to the BVI?
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island (connected to Tortola) is the best option for those flying to the BVI. There are a few smaller airports based on other islands such as Virgin Gorda, and Anegada. You can also choose to sail to the BVI or rent a boat in other Caribbean locations.
How much does it cost?
If you’re considering renting a boat in the British Virgin Islands, the price will differ depending on the time of year, the number of passengers on board, and the size and type of boat you choose. Of course, additional amenities or services could also affect the price, such as having a skipper on board. Below are the average prices of a private charter in BVI by boat type.
Sailboat: Set sail in style for just $700 per day.
Motorboat: Enjoy a smooth ride on the waves for $1,950 per day.
Yacht: Sail like a VIP on a yacht for $5,089 per day or $35,623 per week.
Catamaran: Explore BVI’s waters in comfort for $1,725 per day.
What does this include?
When you rent a boat with Nautal, you can expect a fully equipped vessel that comes with all the necessary safety gear, navigation equipment, and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience. Our boats are well-maintained and regularly serviced to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Best port or dock to keep your boat
Road Town: Road Town is the main port in the BVI and offers water, gas, electricity, and WiFi. There are restaurants nearby, and rental equipment is available. The marina has over 100 berths with a maximum boat size of 200 feet.
West End: The West End port provides water, gas, electricity, and WiFi. There are restaurants in the vicinity, and rental equipment can be found. The marina has approximately 50 berths, accommodating boats up to 100 feet in length.
Nanny Cay: Nanny Cay offers water, gas, electricity, and WiFi services. There are several restaurants on-site, along with rental equipment facilities. The marina has over 200 berths, suitable for boats up to 140 feet in size.
Where to sail in the British Virgin Islands ?
- The Baths, Virgin Gorda: Explore the stunning rock formations and natural pools at The Baths, a unique and picturesque destination.
- White Bay, Jost Van Dyke: Anchor in the pristine waters of White Bay and relax on its beautiful white sandy beach or visit the famous Soggy Dollar Bar.
- Anegada: Sail to the remote island of Anegada, known for its breathtaking coral reefs, pristine beaches, and delicious lobster.
- Norman Island: Discover the hidden caves and snorkeling spots at Norman Island, reputedly the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island."
- Cooper Island: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Cooper Island, known for its clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and the charming Cooper Island Beach Club.
- Peter Island: Visit Peter Island and explore its secluded bays and coves, offering exceptional beaches and excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
What can you see and do in the British Virgin Islands?
- Visit the Willy T Floating Bar: Experience the lively atmosphere of the William Thornton Floating Bar, a popular spot for drinks, dining, and even jumping off the deck into the crystal-clear waters.
- Snorkel at the Wreck of the RMS Rhone: Dive into history and explore the remains of the RMS Rhone, a British mail steamer that sank in 1867, now serving as an underwater playground for snorkelers and divers.
- Enjoy the White Sandy Beaches of Anegada: Relax on the pristine white sandy beaches of Anegada, a secluded island known for its untouched beauty and abundance of marine life.
- Hike to the Top of Sage Mountain: Embark on a scenic hike up Sage Mountain, the highest peak in the British Virgin Islands, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters.
- Visit the Callwood Rum Distillery: Learn about the traditional process of making rum at the historic Callwood Rum Distillery on Tortola, and sample their award-winning, locally-produced spirits.
- Discover the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke: Take a short hike to the Bubbly Pool, a natural rock formation on the eastern coast of Jost Van Dyke, where waves crash into a small cove, creating a bubbly and frothy pool for a unique swimming experience.
- Experience the Full Moon Party at Bomba's Surfside Shack: Join the lively Full Moon Party at Bomba's Surfside Shack on Tortola, featuring music, dancing, and a vibrant atmosphere under the moonlight.
Rent a boat with or without a skipper
Many of our boat charters in the British Virgin Islands come with the option of sailing with a skipper and/or crew. Although this may come at an extra cost, having a skipper on board can, no doubt, provide you with an even more enjoyable experience! Your skipper can adapt the sailing route so that your voyage best suits the desires of you and the rest of your party.
Additionally, setting sail with a skipper will make your voyage even more comfortable! The skipper will take care of all the technical aspects of sailing, so all you need to do is sit back and relax.
If you would like to take charge of your boat charter in the British Virgin Islands, then bareboat charters are the way to go. Enjoy a bareboat charter if you have a license and set sail at your own pace. You need a valid boating license to enjoy a boat this way so check with the boat owner beforehand to see that your license is valid.
When is the best time of year to rent a boat?
The high season in the British Virgin Islands coincides with the region's dry season, offering pleasant weather and calm seas for sailing, from December to April. Average temperatures during the high season range from the mid-70s°F to low 80s°F, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Also, the dry season brings less rainfall and lower humidity, creating ideal conditions for exploring the islands and enjoying water activities.
May and November are the should months that fall just outside the high season. During these months, the average temperatures are slightly warmer, ranging from the upper 70s°F to mid-80s°F.
The period from June to November marks the Caribbean hurricane season, with the highest likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes occurring between August and October. Despite the possibility of occasional rain showers and higher humidity, the British Virgin Islands can still be visited during these months, and boat rental options may be more readily available at potentially lower rates.
What type of boat is best for a British Virgin Islands boat charter?
Before choosing the right vessel for your boat rental in British Virgin Islands, you first have to think about the duration of your holiday. If you’re only going to sail for a few days, it is best to opt for a daily charter such as a motorboat or a RIB. With the speed of these vessels, you’ll be able to see everything on your wish list in no time. If you’re planning a longer charter of a week or more you should choose a vessel that includes amenities you’ll need during your stay. Catamarans and yachts have the space and accommodations on board to ensure a comfortable stay on the water. For a more luxurious holiday, you might consider a gulet, and for an authentic sailing experience a sailboat.
If you’re unsure about whether or not a vessel suits your needs, feel free to contact the boat owners to get a better sense of what is included on board. With our large fleet, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect boat for your British Virgin Islands boat charter!