Escape The Crowds: Hidden Gems of the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are hardly a secret – annual visitors surpassed 1 million in 2024, making it one of the most popular Caribbean destinations. But beyond tourist hotspots like The Baths, Cane Garden Bay, and Smuggler’s Cove, there’s plenty of natural beauty and culture to discover off the beaten path.
Navigare Yachting’s award-winning yacht charters are the best way to explore the BVI’s best-kept secrets. With access to a world-renowned fleet of well-maintained yachts, expert crews, and smooth sailing from our Tortola base, you can enjoy this Caribbean paradise on your own terms. Think quiet anchorages, secluded snorkel reefs, unspoiled nature trails, and tucked-away beach bars. Below, we share some of the best hidden gems to visit on your next BVI sailing vacation.
Remote Anchorages to Visit in The British Virgin Islands
One of the biggest reasons to charter a yacht in the BVI is the flexibility of movement it offers. For those days that you want to ditch the buzz for some peace and privacy, check out these remote anchorages:
- Blunder Bay, Virgin Gorda: Tucked away in the north tip of Virgin Gorda, Blunder Bay offers spectacular panoramic views, protection from big waves, and easy access to nearby attractions.
- Key Bay, Peter Island: A true hidden gem on the south side of Peter Island, Key Bay is a seldom-visited island only accessible by boat. It’s ideal for a quiet swim, picnic, or sunset cocktail with just your crew for company.
- Little Harbour, Jost Van Dyke: Just around the bend from the more touristy Great Harbour, Little Harbour has only a handful of moorings that give you access to some of the best restaurants in Jost Van Dyke.
The BVI’s Secret Snorkeling Spots
The British Virgin Islands are a snorkeler’s paradise, with calm, crystal-clear waters and colorful reefs that are teeming with tropical sea life. Sail your yacht to these secluded sites for exclusive access to some of the best snorkeling in the world:
- Pelican Island Reefs: While everyone else flocks to The Indians, you can enjoy its quieter neighbor, Pelican Island, which is rich in colorful reef life. Look out for angelfish, parrotfish, and even swim with sea turtles in its coral shallows!
- Fallen Jerusalem Island: A less crowded version of the Baths, the uninhabited Fallen Jerusalem offers exceptional snorkeling in underwater tunnels and caves. The island also has two sheltered beaches that can be accessed by sea for a secluded picnic.
- Monkey Point, Guana Island: Guana Island’s small size means it’s never as crowded as its larger counterparts. Monkey Point, on the very southern tip of the island, is fantastic for morning snorkeling before day-trippers arrive – some visitors have even described it like swimming through an aquarium!
Untouched Beaches and Nature Trails In The BVI
These slices of paradise are best accessed by private yacht, offering tranquility that busy resorts simply can’t match.
- Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda: More than a mile of powdery white sand graces the coastline of Savannah Bay. There are no amenities here, but that’s part of the allure. A dream for beachcombers, photographers, and walkers alike, this remote beach is pure, untouched Caribbean bliss.
- Anegada’s Western Tip: Anegada isn’t really a hidden gem, but its western coastline has miles of undeveloped beach and zero infrastructure. It’s the perfect escape if you want to disconnect and recharge from the livelier parts of the BVI archipelago.
- Great Camanoe Trails: Accessible only by private boat, Great Camanoe is rarely visited by the average traveler. A haven for walkers and nature lovers, it combines rugged trails, beautiful native flora, and the kind of peacefulness you only find far from civilization.
Local Flavor and Authentic BVI Culture
Swap the resort scene for these lesser-known local spots to experience real BVI food, music, and hospitality:
- Cow Wreck Beach Bar, Anegada: Tucked away in the secluded northwest coast of Anegada, Cow Wreck Beach Bar is a true hidden gem. Anegada isn’t on the typical cruise ship route either, so it’s the ideal spot for delicious local food and stunning sea views without the buzz of bigger crowds.
- Crafts Alive Village, Tortola: For culture and craft, check out Crafts Alive Village – a colorful market showcasing local artistry. Here, you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to unique wood carvings, and the passionate artisans are always eager to share stories and traditions behind their work. It’s the perfect place to pick up a meaningful souvenir!
- B-Line Beach Bar & Restaurant, Little Jost Van Dyke: Tucked away on the quieter shores of Little Jost Van Dyke, B-Line Beach Bar is a true sailor’s secret. Accessible only by boat, this rustic beach bar serves up delicious Caribbean BBQ and signature Passion Confusion rum cocktails.
Insider Tips for Discovering Your Own BVI Hidden Gems
Even with a fully planned itinerary, some of the best vacation moments happen spontaneously. Here’s how to make the most of your BVI sailing vacation and discover your own hidden gems:
- Chat with the locals: Whether it’s marina staff, servers, or bartenders, chat with locals to find the best spots for an authentic experience.
- Don’t over-plan: One of the best things about chartering a yacht is the freedom of movement it gives you. Assign a couple of ‘unplanned days’ in your sailing itinerary to stay longer in places you love, make a spontaneous detour, or explore local recommendations.
- Visit early or late: If you want to explore more popular hotspots, arrive just after sunrise or anchor for the evening as the day-trippers leave to avoid the crowds.
- Go crewed for local insight: A knowledgeable skipper can help you find secret snorkel spots, quiet anchorages, and local flavors you might otherwise miss. You can easily add a skipper to your bareboat charter booking. Simply notify your charter agent if you would like a professional skipper to accompany you, and they will take care of the rest.
Plan Your BVI Sailing Vacation With Navigare Yachting
The British Virgin Islands continue to rank as one of our charter guests’ favorite destinations, with countless 5-star reviews received year after year. Our charter base in Tortola even won the 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, thanks to our friendly base staff, expert crew, and well-kept yachts equipped with everything you need.
Ready to discover your own BVI hidden gems?
Plan a custom charter itinerary with the help of our in-house charter team at Navigare Yachting for an unforgettable trip to the British Virgin Islands. For more inspiration, check out this BVI itinerary blog post.
Navigare Yachting is a five-time 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Since 2001, over 400,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventures will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.