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A Purser’s Guide to the Caribbean — Part 1: British Virgin Islands
A warm welcome to the first in our three-part mini-series sharing practical Caribbean tips from a purser’s perspective.
We start with the BVI’s, one of the Caribbean destinations that truly offers it all – beautiful anchorages, great shoreside activities, and an ease that makes even busy guest trips feel manageable. Good planning pays off here (especially with vessel clearance!), but having strong local support makes all the difference.
One person every yacht should know here is agent Alex Ashman from Island Shipping Ltd. Alex knows the islands like the back of his hand, understands yachts’ needs, and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Things to Note
Beef Island FBO is excellent for private jets – friendly staff, efficient handling, and crew can greet guests on the runway. The short runway means larger aircraft can’t always land. If that’s the case, many yachts arrange guest arrival into St. Thomas, USVI, then make the short hop into the BVI, just note this requires good planning and patience during clearance.
When clearing in, it’s key to arrive before the immigration and customs offices open. This avoids the morning rush, especially at Road Town or West End. Clearing between the USVI and BVI can be unpredictable due to ferry movements, other yachts and general Caribbean timing – another reason a great agent is worth their weight in gold.
Key information for guests – jet skis are technically illegal in the BVI. However, you can rent them through Blue Rush Watersports in Leverick Bay, one of the few permitted operators.
Our Top Picks
Tortola & surrounding islands:
- Foxy’s (Jost Van Dyke) — iconic, lively, well known for throwing an unforgettable NYE party.
- Hendo’s Hideout — relaxed, great food, perfect beach-day stop for lunch with your toes in the sand.
- Soggy Dollar Bar — home of the Painkiller.
- Peter Island — excellent snorkelling and peaceful daytime exploring.
Virgin Gorda is our firm favourite BVI. Here are just a few highlights:
Rosewood Little Dix Bay offer exceptional dining with tender-friendly access, though reservations are essential in peak season.
CocoMaya is spectacular at sunset. Asian-fusion flavours, beachfront dining, and a DJ in the evenings make it ideal for guests ashore. We recommend renting their private dining area tucked away between rock formations and the beach.
Oil Nut Bay Resort is perfect for active guests, with beautiful hiking trails and, if you have an “in”, access to guided routes with their in-house PT.
Richard Branson’s private island, Moskito, is available for full hire or just its private beach and BBQ area.
PS Summary
What we love most about the BVI is how it combines straightforward logistics with genuinely beautiful cruising grounds and plenty for guests to do. With so many islands close by, it’s easy to adjust plans and still deliver a smooth, enjoyable itinerary from start to finish.
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