Your Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Adventures in the British Virgin Islands

Situated in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands are a tropical haven featuring turquoise waters, sun-kissed harbors, and powdery beaches. Island hopping is effortless due to consistent sailing conditions year-round and the close proximity of the 50 islands, cays, and islets. Adventurers can look forward to a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and much more.

What’s the best way to experience it all? Aboard one of The Moorings’ luxurious yachts. Simply select your vessel—the modern fleet offers breathtaking monohulls, spacious sailing catamarans, and power yachts—and determine your desired level of activity. Experienced sailors can navigate their own journey on a bareboat charter, while those seeking complete VIP service may opt for a crewed yacht with a professional captain and chef. Let The Moorings’ expert Vacation Planning Specialists handle everything, from flight and hotel arrangements to land transfers and tours.

Here, explore the top locations to uncover the natural wonders of the BVI while traveling on a private yacht, along with the best ways to enjoy them. A world of adventure on land and sea awaits.

Immerse Yourself in Adventure on Cooper Island

Begin your adventure at Cooper Island, just six nautical miles from The Moorings base in Road Town, Tortola. This idyllic hideaway is home to a single eco-resort, the Cooper Island Beach Club, nestled right on the sheltered shores of Manchioneel Bay.

Spend your day lounging on the pristine white sands or paddleboarding in the tranquil, crystal-clear waters. Nearby Cistern Point offers excellent snorkeling and turtle watching. Enthusiastic scuba divers can book an excursion with Sail Caribbean Divers. Since Cooper Island is adjacent to the BVI’s “wreck alley,” known for its dive sites with sunken ships, it's a prime destination for divers. In the evening, enjoy a rum or beer—the resort crafts its own using solar energy—and relax at the west-facing bar to witness a breathtaking sunset.

Reconnect with Nature on Virgin Gorda

Set sail for Virgin Gorda, one of the Caribbean's most stunning islands and home to the world-renowned Baths. A natural marvel and arguably the BVI's top attraction, The Baths National Park is filled with picturesque granite boulders (some reaching 40 feet), enchanting grottos, and winding tunnels.

Afterward, embark on a 15-minute hike along the easy trail to Devil’s Bay National Park, where you can swim and snorkel on a serene beach. Conclude your adventure with a delicious Painkiller cocktail at Top of the Baths, a restaurant and bar offering stunning views of the BVI.

Depart the Baths for the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, an ideal spot for an overnight anchorage. Here, you’ll discover the legendary Bitter End Yacht Club, the oldest gathering place in the North Sound, fostering a close-knit community of sailors for over fifty years. Call ahead to secure a slip and enjoy an afternoon filled with beach games, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.

Dive into a Private Island Dream on Anegada

Set off early and sail to Anegada, a unique, low-lying coral island unlike any other in the BVI. Although it stretches just 11 miles, consider renting a car or scooter to explore its remarkable sites. Trek along the Bones Bight nature trail in the island's interior, where you might spot rare rock iguanas, frangipani trees, and wild orchids, or head to the salt ponds, which are alive with pink Caribbean flamingos.

Check out the renowned Conch Mounds, towering hills of empty shells created by the Arawak people thousands of years ago. Snorkel among the stingrays and parrotfish at Anegada Horseshoe Reef, try your hand at bone fishing, and enjoy the peaceful solitude of a walk on Cow Wreck Beach. No trip to Anegada is complete without indulging in a meal of locally caught lobster; savor some of the freshest seafood in the world at Potter’s by the Sea, Anegada Reef Hotel, and Wonky Dog.

Experience the Good Life on Jost Van Dyke

Head to Jost Van Dyke, a small island with a captivating, rugged coastline and a lively atmosphere. With a population of over 200 and just three lush square miles, it’s truly a hidden gem. Spend your day sunbathing at White Bay Beach, a long stretch of unspoiled white sand lined with award-winning bars, including Soggy Dollar—the birthplace of the famous Painkiller cocktail, named after yachties who swim from their boats, leaving their dollar bills wet.

Cruise around Jost Van Dyke and keep an eye out for playful bottlenose dolphins and other marine creatures before enjoying dinner at Foxy’s, one of the Caribbean's most iconic restaurants. Renowned for its lively New Year’s Eve celebrations, this legendary spot fills up nightly with visitors eager for live music and mouthwatering BBQ.

Journey Back in Time on Norman Island

Situated at the southern tip of the BVI archipelago, Norman Island—with its popular anchorage known as “The Bight”—was once a favored hideout for pirates to stash their stolen gold. Locally dubbed “Treasure Island,” it’s said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel of the same name.

Nowadays, charters explore a different kind of treasure: three water-level caves filled with vibrant, colorful fish. Dive in with a waterproof flashlight for a truly unique adventure. The nearby Indians, four rocky peaks that rise about 100 feet from the ocean floor, also provide exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Once you're dry, make your way to Willy T’s, a pirate-themed bar offering open-air dining on a converted cargo ship, accessible only by private boat or water taxi. You might even feel compelled to plunge into the stunning blue waters below.