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.