10 Things to do in the British Virgin Islands: Inside a luxury BVI yacht charter itinerary, curated by Edmiston
From private island dining and heli-accessible beaches to world-class sailing routes, this is the definitive guide to the most exclusive things to do in the British Virgin Islands. Curated by Edmiston’s charter experts, these 10 experiences are designed to inspire your BVI yacht charter itinerary – combining luxury, privacy and adventure across the Caribbean’s most sophisticated cruising grounds.
With calm waters, steady winds, short cruising distances and upscale hospitality, the British Virgin Islands are the ultimate luxury yacht charter destination. Known for their private islands and luxe resorts, the BVIs are the pinnacle of Caribbean extravagance and a hotspot for the superyacht set, yet no one knows the isles quite like us.
Whether you are looking to access away-from-it-all hideaways, take the plunge on a diving expedition, or simply enjoy being pampered in a paradise setting, we can plan the perfect bespoke itinerary for you. Here is our guide to the top 10 things to do in this sensational superyacht charter ground for your best BVIs yacht charter yet.
1. Enjoy private island dining on Necker or Guana Island
For your own slice of utopia, whisk your yacht guests off to a private island, where you can enjoy complete seclusion, elevated personal service and event dining on a whole new scale.
On Richard Branson’s exclusive-use Necker Island, guests can expect curated menus and elegant champagne receptions alongside more laid-back dining offerings, such as the floating sushi bar, which means guests don’t even have to leave the infinity pool for lunch.
Meanwhile, on the pristine isle of Guana – one of the least developed of the BVIs – the farm-to-table menu includes ingredients from the island’s own organic orchard and feels utterly aligned with the natural environment.
2. Anchor off the Baths, Virgin Gorda — before the crowds arrive
On Virgin Gorda yacht charters, you can anchor near the iconic Baths – one of the BVI’s most photographed natural wonders – and visit at first light, with no crowds. This early access ensures you can enjoy the giant boulders, and the maze of pools, caves and hidden beaches of the national park in peace.
With your crew able to set up breakfast or coffee service onboard as you overlook the shore, this is a chance to enjoy one of the most visited British Virgin Islands attractions, with the rare privilege of peace.
3. Plan an exclusive beach takeover on Anegada’s Loblolly Bay
The BVI island of Anegada remains below-the-radar for many, but those who do make it here will discover a remote coral island offering miles of empty coastline and shallow turquoise waters.
Loblolly Bay is a highlight of the shoreline, offering some of the best shore-entry snorkelling in the whole of the Caribbean, plus the chance to taste the lobster for which the island is renowned.
The crew of your BVI yacht charter can arrange helicopter transfers and tender landings for seamless access to this secluded sanctuary, plus they can organise a full private beach setup with loungers, fresh seafood grill, and wine pairings for a five-star-style castaway experience.
4. Dive the RMS Rhone wreck on a private expedition
One of the Caribbean’s most famous shipwrecks, the RMS Rhone, which starred in Peter Yates’ film ‘The Deep’, is best reached via private dive charter or luxury tender.
As part of your curated itinerary, your experienced crew can arrange for a private dive master and an underwater photographer to accompany you on your submerged adventure, where the views below the water are every bit as alluring as those above it.
A bucket-list dive reimagined for charter guests, this expedition is ideal for those looking for adventure, with a side serving of sophistication, while non-divers can enjoy a guided snorkelling tour or take a scenic tender circuit of Salt Island.
5. Take a sunset champagne cruise around Jost Van Dyke
Known for its busy beach bars and easy-going hospitality, exemplified by the legendary Soggy Dollar bar, the BVI island of Jost Van Dyke is an undeniable party isle.
For a little respite from the revelry, you can enjoy a refined alternative to the island’s established party scene on a superyacht charter, with a sunset cruise around the island.
Drop anchor off White Bay and feast on chef-prepared canapés and sip on chilled champagne as you soak up the serene surroundings and glow of golden hour in the company of a chosen few.
6. Have an artisanal rum tasting onboard
With the Callwood Rum Distillery in Tortola one of the oldest continuously-run distilleries in the Caribbean, rum is the undisputed spirit of the isles.
If you desire unique things to do in Tortola, you can tour the distillery, or for a deeper dive into the rum heritage of the BVIs, your crew can arrange a tutored tasting with a local expert, who can talk you through some of the rarest Caribbean rums of all.
With possible pairings including premium cigars and handmade chocolates, this is the chance to enjoy some cultural immersion, Caribbean-style, and is an ideal after-dinner event to enjoy out on deck beneath the star-studded skies.
7. Indulge in a private spa and wellness day at sea
One of the biggest benefits of a private yacht charter is the chance to switch off and let your worries wash away as you totally disconnect from everyday life. Make the most of the idyllic island backdrop and transform your yacht into a floating spa, complete with massage therapists, yoga instructors, and aromatherapy treatments.
For an indulgent reset between adventure days, wellness sessions can be held on deck at sunrise or sunset for maximum tranquility, while your onboard chef can prepare an organic spa menu to contribute to your sense of wellbeing.
8. Take a scenic helicopter tour over the BVI Archipelago
Whether departing directly from your yacht’s helipad or via the nearby Tortola helipad, a helicopter tour of the BVIs will give you unbeatable views of this dreamy archipelago.
Enjoy panoramic views of Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and the reef-lined coastlines of the isles from the air before landing on a deserted beach for a champagne celebration.
Offering a unique perspective of the isles that most visitors don’t get to see, it’s a travel experience you and your loved ones will cherish forever.
9. Enjoy privileged access to Oil Nut Bay or Little Dix Bay Resorts
Slightly more low-key than the region’s private islands, these partner resorts are nevertheless renowned for their sense of exclusivity and wellness, as well as their fine-dining options and a barefoot aura running through.
Guests can arrive at Oil Nut Bay or Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda via tender and enjoy full resort access by arrangement, with the Edmiston team on hand to pre-book spa treatments, beach cabanas, and tasting menus.
Combining resort indulgence with yacht privacy, a day spent at one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious addresses is a great way to incorporate some shore time into your BVI yacht charter itinerary.
10. Enjoy a bespoke island-hopping experience across the BVIs and St. John
One of the best things to do in the British Virgin Islands is a spot of island hopping, and with a personalised route crafted by Edmiston charter experts, you can rest assured you’ll get to see the best islands in the British Virgin Islands on your holiday.
From secluded anchorages to secret snorkeling spots and private dining stops, our island-hopping routes are the best way to enjoy the freedom that a luxury yacht charter affords you.
Plus, with options to extend the charter into the US Virgin Islands to visit St John, and control over the pace of your itinerary, you’ll very much be in the captain’s chair.
The Edmiston approach to curating your BVI yacht charter itinerary
Edmiston’s charter experts love planning inspiring itineraries around the BVIs, from short, seven-day cruises to extended itineraries for those looking to linger a little longer.
With options for fine-dining and wellness charters to itineraries that prioritise adventure, such as exploring the best tropical hiking routes and the best Caribbean diving spots – or to the seclusion that quiet Caribbean islands can afford, our crews can cater the route to suit your preferences, plus we have some stunning yachts to meet your needs too
On the 93m LADY S yacht, guests will be royally spoiled, with some of the best yacht amenities on the market – including a sports court, Imax cinema, glass-bottomed pool, and helipad.
With its fold-down beach-club terraces, the 65m yacht LIFE SAGA is like a match made in Heaven for a Caribbean yacht charter, while a crew of 20 and a bulging toy box aboard 75m ARROW yacht are perfect for guests looking for on-the-water thrills.
As well as an enviable lineup of yachts to choose from, Edmiston’s charter guests benefit from the wisdom and contacts of our expert charter team. Speak to an Edmiston broker today to start planning your luxury BVI yacht charter.