6-DAY ITINERARY IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Depart Road Town and ease south across Sir Francis Drake Channel on a short but scenic first leg to Norman Island. The low hills of Norman frame a broad bay with good holding over sand and quick access to famous snorkel sites such as the Caves and the Indians, where rock formations drop into clear water alive with reef fish and corals. This sheltered anchorage offers a calm first night within sight of Tortola yet firmly in cruising mode.

Daily Highlights:

• Simple channel crossing from the charter base to a well protected bay
• Snorkeling at the Caves and the Indians with steep rock walls and marine life
• Afternoon paddle or tender runs along the shoreline
• Casual evening on board or at a waterside bar in The Bight

From Norman Island, follow the curve of the channel north west toward Peter Island, keeping the steep outline of Tortola off the starboard beam. The passage is short and usually well sheltered, giving time to arrive early and choose between the broad anchorage of Great Harbour or the sweeping crescent of Deadmans Bay with its classic palm backed beach. The island feels exclusively yacht focused, with several anchorages set against wooded ridges that drop steeply to the sea.

Daily Highlights:

• Relaxed mid morning departure with time for a snorkel stop en route
• Arrival in Great Harbour or Deadmans Bay with clear sand patches for anchoring
• Swimming and paddleboarding in calm water close to the beach
• Sunset drinks on deck looking back toward the lights of Tortola

Leave Peter Island and track east along the channel, passing near Salt and Cooper Islands before turning toward the more exposed profile of Ginger Island. Ginger is largely undeveloped and best known for dive and snorkel sites such as Alice in Wonderland, where spur and groove coral formations step down from about 35 to 70 feet. The anchorage is mainly a day stop, rewarding crews with a wilder feel and open views back across the central Virgin Islands.

Daily Highlights:

• Channel sailing with several islands in view at once
• Optional stop near Cooper Island for a mid passage swim
• Diving or snorkeling at Alice in Wonderland with its distinctive coral landscape
• Quiet afternoon at anchor off an uninhabited shoreline

From Ginger Island, set a north easterly course toward Virgin Gorda, rounding its southern headlands before entering the intricate waters of North Sound. Here reefs and small islets create a large natural lagoon that remains well protected while still open to steady trade wind breezes. Rebuilt marinas and resorts at Bitter End and Saba Rock now frame the anchorage, combining modern facilities with a long established yachting tradition.

Daily Highlights:

• Satisfying half day passage into one of the Caribbean’s classic harbours
• Views of the Baths and Virgin Gorda’s granite outcrops on the approach
• Mooring in North Sound with easy dinghy access between Bitter End and Saba Rock
• Dinner ashore overlooking a bay filled with yachts at anchor

Keep the yacht based in North Sound and use short repositioning moves to explore its coves, reefs and neighbouring anchorages. The water here is largely reef sheltered, creating an inland sea feeling with good visibility for snorkeling and gentle conditions for watersports. Ashore, walking paths and low ridges provide viewpoints over the sound and out toward the open Atlantic.

Daily Highlights:

• Short local cruises between anchorages within the sound
• Snorkeling on nearby reef patches and turtle grass beds
• Time ashore to explore resort amenities or hiking paths on Virgin Gorda
• A slow final evening in North Sound, enjoying the concentration of yachts and shore lights

Depart North Sound and follow the coast of Virgin Gorda and Tortola west then south, completing the loop back to Road Town. This longer final leg offers a last chance to appreciate the alignment of the main islands, with Sir Francis Drake Channel lying like a sheltered corridor between them. Approaching Road Town, the harbour opens with marinas and mooring fields that mark the return to the charter base and the close of the itinerary.

Daily Highlights:

• Unhurried return passage along the spine of the Virgin Islands
• Opportunity for a final lunch stop in a favourite bay along the route
• Securing alongside in Road Town with time for end of charter formalities
• Evening ashore or a last quiet night on board in the harbour