The Moorings Tortola: Your Ultimate Guide to BVI Sailing Adventures

Thinking about a sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands? The Moorings Tortola base is your starting point for an amazing adventure. It’s a pretty popular spot, and for good reason. This guide is here to help you figure out all the details, from getting to the base to what you can do once you’re out on the water. Let’s get you ready for some fun in the sun.

• The Moorings base in Tortola is your launchpad for exploring the British Virgin Islands, offering easy access to beautiful waters and islands.
• Prepare for your charter with mandatory chart briefings and yacht orientation sessions, available at specific times daily.
• The BVI offers diverse sailing experiences, from exploring natural beauty like Smuggler’s Cove to island hopping with flexible itineraries.
• The base provides various facilities including showers, restaurants, and provisioning services, with options for water sports rentals and dive excursions.
• Understand local cruising grounds, regulations, and potential mooring fees to ensure a smooth sailing experience in the BVI.

Welcome to The Moorings Tortola base, your gateway to the stunning British Virgin Islands! We’re located at Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Our mailing address is PO Box 139, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. If you need to reach us, you can call the BVI Tourist Information Center at +1 284-852-6020 or 1-800-835-8530, or send an email to info@bvitourism.com. We’re excited to help you plan your ultimate sailing adventure.

Our base operates with the following hours to best serve you:

• July – September: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily
• October – June: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily

Evening staff are available until all flights have arrived, so don’t worry if you have a late arrival. The British Virgin Islands observe a time zone of UTC/GMT -4 hours.

To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, mandatory briefings are part of your charter experience. Upon boarding your yacht, you’ll receive a basic briefing covering the yacht’s operations, such as lights, air conditioning, and head usage. A full boat briefing will follow as soon as a briefer is available. If you arrive after 6 PM, you’ll receive this the following morning.

Chart briefings are also required and are conducted face-to-face at scheduled times: 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, or 4:00 PM daily. If you miss the last briefing of the day, please attend the 9:30 AM session the next morning. We also highly recommend watching the online chart briefing before you arrive to get a head start on understanding the cruising area.

Getting familiar with the local waters and your vessel before setting sail is key to a relaxing and fun vacation. These briefings are designed to give you the confidence you need to explore the beautiful BVI.

Here’s a quick look at what to expect:

• Yacht Briefing: Covers basic boat systems and operations.
• Chart Briefing: Details cruising grounds, navigation, and important regulations.
• Online Chart Briefing: A helpful pre-arrival resource.

We want you to feel completely prepared for your sailing journey with The Moorings.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a sailor’s paradise, and for good reason. Imagine gliding across turquoise waters, with gentle trade winds filling your sails and a new, stunning island appearing on the horizon every few hours. It’s a cruising ground that’s pretty much perfect for anyone who loves the sea. The islands are close enough that you can hop between them easily, but far enough apart to make each journey feel like a real adventure. Plus, the weather is usually pretty cooperative, making it a great spot for both beginners and seasoned sailors.

The BVI offers a unique blend of accessible cruising and breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll find protected bays, clear waters perfect for spotting marine life, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and just enjoy the rhythm of the ocean. Many people find the BVI to be an ideal spot for their first sailing trip, and it’s also a place that keeps people coming back year after year.

Tortola itself is the largest of the islands and serves as your starting point, but don’t just see it as a place to pick up your boat. The island has its own charm, from lush green hills to beautiful beaches like Cane Garden Bay. You can hike up to viewpoints for incredible panoramas of the surrounding islands or simply relax on the sand. It’s a great place to get a feel for the local culture before you head out onto the water.

When it comes to planning your trip, the BVI really shines. You’ve got so many options, and the best part is, you can tailor it to exactly what you want to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed pace with plenty of beach time or a more active itinerary with lots of snorkeling and exploring, there’s a plan for you. Most charters start from Tortola and can take you to popular spots like:

• Virgin Gorda: Famous for The Baths, a unique geological formation of large granite boulders.
• Anegada: A flat coral island known for its lobster and stunning beaches.
• Jost Van Dyke: Home to the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar and a vibrant beach scene.
• Norman Island: Said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’, with caves to explore.

Here’s a look at how much sailing you might do between some key spots:

The beauty of sailing in the BVI is the sheer flexibility. You can follow a suggested itinerary or let the wind guide you to your next discovery. Each island offers a distinct experience, from lively beach bars to tranquil, secluded coves perfect for a quiet afternoon swim. Your charter is your canvas, and the BVI are your paints.

There are several popular itinerary lengths, like a 5-night, 7-day, or even a 10-day trip, each allowing you to see a different mix of islands. For instance, a 7-day trip might cover Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, and Cane Garden Bay, while a longer 10-day charter could add in places like North Sound and Trellis Bay. You can even opt for a power yacht charter if you want to cover more ground and have more time for activities at each stop. It’s all about creating your perfect BVI sailing adventure.

When you’re getting ready for your sailing trip from The Moorings Tortola, it’s good to know what’s available both on your boat and around the marina. This helps you plan your provisioning and know where to grab a bite or a drink.

The marina itself is pretty well-equipped to handle your needs before and after your charter. You’ll find standard services like fuel and water readily accessible. For those longer trips, laundry facilities and showers are a lifesaver. They also handle waste disposal, which is handy. If you’re looking to get out on the water right away, there are often places to grab ice and basic supplies.

• Fuel and Water Stations
• Restroom and Shower Facilities
• Laundry Services
• Waste Disposal
• Ice and Basic Supplies

Getting your boat stocked up is part of the adventure. While The Moorings offers provisioning services, you can also pick up items yourself. Nearby markets, like the one at Trellis Bay, offer a selection of groceries, drinks, and snacks. Think about what you’ll need for meals onboard – breakfast items, lunch fixings, and ingredients for dinners. Don’t forget drinks and any special treats!

Planning your meals ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle once you’re out on the water. Knowing what you need and where to get it makes the whole process smoother.

Beyond the marina, Tortola and the surrounding islands have some great spots to eat and relax. You’ve got everything from casual beachside bars to more established restaurants. Places like the Beachside Restaurant offer local flavors, while spots like Willy T’s (a floating bar and restaurant) provide a more unique, lively experience. If you’re looking for a quiet meal with a view, Marina Cay has dining options too. For a truly unique underwater experience, consider a Sea Scooter Snorkeling tour in Tortola [a5fe].

Beyond the incredible sailing, Tortola itself and the surrounding islands offer a treasure trove of activities. Whether you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping or just relax and soak in the scenery, there’s something for everyone.

The British Virgin Islands are famous for their clear waters and vibrant underwater world. Smuggler’s Cove on Tortola is a fantastic spot for snorkeling, with calm waters and plenty of fish to see. You can swim among the reefs and spot colorful marine life. For those who want to go deeper, Sail Caribbean Divers, a PADI 5-star center located right at The Moorings base, can arrange trips to over 70 official dive sites. They have boats of various sizes to accommodate groups and offer equipment rentals and courses.

Don’t forget to explore Tortola’s lush interior! A taxi ride up into the hills offers breathtaking panoramic views of the islands. For a more active adventure, consider a hike up Mount Sage in Sage Mountain National Park, the highest point on Tortola. The trails wind through tropical forests, and the summit rewards you with unforgettable vistas. Another unique inland experience is the zip line tour, where you can soar through the hills for a thrilling perspective of the island.

If you’re staying on your boat, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the water. You can arrange for water toys to be delivered to your yacht before you arrive, making it easy to add some extra fun to your charter. Think paddleboards, kayaks, or even a small dinghy for exploring those hidden coves. Many bays, like Cane Garden Bay, are perfect for windsurfing and kayaking, offering excellent conditions for these activities.

Alright, so you’ve got your boat, you’re ready to set sail from Tortola, but what about actually getting around the British Virgin Islands? It’s not exactly like driving on the highway, but it’s also not super complicated if you know a few things. The islands are pretty close together, which is nice, making it easy to hop from one spot to another without spending all day just sailing.

The BVI is known for being a pretty forgiving place to sail. You don’t need a fancy sailing license to charter a boat, but they do want to see that you’ve got some experience. They’ll ask you to fill out a sailing resume so they can get a feel for your skills. The general rule is that you need at least two people on board, and you have to be docked or moored at least an hour before the sun goes down. Night sailing? That’s usually a no-go unless you get special permission from the base manager, and that depends on how experienced they think you are. It’s always best to ask ahead if that’s something you’re considering.

Most of the sailing areas are pretty open, but keep in mind that some reefs and spots are protected by the National Parks Trust. You’ll get all the charts and info you need during your chart briefing, so don’t stress too much about getting lost.

Remember, if you plan to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), you’ll need to officially clear out of the BVI before you go and clear back in when you return. This means a trip to a BVI Customs and Immigration office. You’ll need your boat papers, passports, and to register online through SailClear before heading to the office. It’s a bit of a process, but it keeps everything legal.

Good news here: if you’ve booked a charter with The Moorings, your cruising taxes and Marine Parks permit fees are usually rolled into the cost of your charter. So, you don’t have to worry about paying those separately for most of the common areas. However, if you decide to visit a specific spot like The Baths on Virgin Gorda, you’ll need to have your permit from your charter documents handy. If you don’t, you might end up paying an extra entrance fee, which is a few dollars for adults and kids. It’s always a good idea to keep those charter documents somewhere safe and accessible.

While you’ll likely be spending most of your time exploring bays and anchorages, Tortola itself has a few other spots to know about. Besides The Moorings base, you’ve got places like Soper’s Hole at West End, which is a nice little harbor with shops and restaurants. Road Town, the capital, also has marina facilities. If you’re venturing out, Jost Van Dyke has Great Harbour, which is a popular stop. Each place has its own vibe and facilities, from fuel docks to places to grab a bite. It’s worth checking out what each harbor offers before you decide where to drop anchor for the night or resupply.

While your sailboat is your primary home during your charter, you might need a place to stay before or after your trip. The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel is right there at the base, offering rooms with views of the ocean or the marina. It’s super convenient if you’re arriving late or leaving early. Beyond the hotel, there are other places to stay scattered around Tortola, from small guesthouses to more resort-style options, though many are a bit of a drive from the base itself. Booking your accommodation in advance is always a good idea, especially during peak season.

Need to send a postcard or grab some cash? You’ll find banking and postal services available on Tortola. The main town, Road Town, is where most of these facilities are concentrated. It’s a good idea to get any banking done before you head out to the more remote islands, as options become very limited once you’re at sea. ATMs are available, but it’s wise to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or places that might not take cards.

Tortola has a few spots for shopping, especially if you’re looking for souvenirs or local crafts. Road Town has a selection of shops, and you’ll find small galleries and boutiques in places like Cane Garden Bay and Trellis Bay. Aragorn’s Studio in Trellis Bay is known for its artisan market. If you need any last-minute provisions or beachwear, there are markets and shops near the marina, but for a wider selection, a trip into Road Town is your best bet. Some islands, like Anegada, also have small markets for basic needs and rentals.

When you’re exploring different islands, keep an eye out for local markets. They’re often the best places to find unique handmade items and get a feel for the local culture. Plus, supporting these small businesses is a great way to give back to the communities you visit.

So, there you have it. Tortola and the British Virgin Islands offer an incredible backdrop for your next sailing trip. From the bustling base at The Moorings to the quiet coves and stunning natural beauty, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re charting a course for adventure or simply seeking relaxation, the BVI delivers. We hope this guide has given you a good starting point for planning your own unforgettable journey on the water. Now, it’s time to make those sailing dreams a reality.

The Moorings base in the British Virgin Islands is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day, with evening staff available until all flights have landed. During the months of July through September, the hours are a bit shorter, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

If you arrive after 6 PM, you’ll receive your yacht briefing the next morning. For the mandatory chart briefing, if you miss the last session at 4 PM, please attend the 9:30 AM session the following day. It’s also a good idea to watch the online chart briefing before you get there.

You don’t need a formal sailing license to rent a boat in the BVI. However, you do need to show proof of your sailing experience by filling out a sailing resume. This helps ensure you have the skills needed to safely captain your charter.

The cost of your BVI yacht charter usually includes cruising taxes and a permit for the Marine Parks. However, if you visit The Baths on Virgin Gorda and enter by land, you’ll need to bring your permit from your charter documents to avoid an extra charge.

Yes, The Moorings offers online provisioning where you can order food, drinks, and other supplies for your yacht. Just make sure to place your order at least 5 days before you plan to set sail. Basic starter kits are also included on every boat.

Tortola has lots to offer! You can go snorkeling at Smuggler’s Cove, hike up Mount Sage in Sage Mountain National Park for amazing views, or explore the island’s north shore beaches. There are also opportunities for ziplining and visiting local shops and galleries, like the Allamanda Gallery.