Page 20 - Boat hire & yacht charter in Road Town, British Virgin Islands (BVI)

The capital of the British Virgin Islands, Road Town is located on Tortola and is situated on the horseshoe-shaped Road Harbour on the south coast of the island. Known as the former haunt of pirates there is no question as to why it became such a big boating destination, with many secluded beaches and hidden coves. Full of impressive sights and fun attractions, there is a lot to do in Road Town.

Pricing and Info on hiring a boat in Road Town

Most boats in Road Town can only be hired for a weeklong charter, so there is not enough information to give dayboat rates in Road Town. However, for a weeklong charter price average is around £1000 for sailboats in Road Town, while motorboats average slightly more at £1500 a week. These prices vary however, due to the type of boat and the time of year you want to go.

Boat availability in Road Town

If you are planning to visit Road Town, then it is important to note that tourist season lasts from December to April, as these months offer sunny days during the winter, and so are particularly popular among Europeans and North Americans. As such, prices are higher during this period and crowds are busier. While the off-season is cheaper, it is also more dangerous as hurricane season lasts from late May to early November. However, all year round the climate is subtropical and nights are cool and breezy. No matter what time you go, boating is a popular activity in the BVI and so it is important to book in advance before availability gets used up.

Do I need a license to hire a boat in Road Town?

When hiring a boat in Road Town, they follow the same rules as the BVI, no specific license is required although you’ll need to present a nautical CV that details your previous sailing experience and what waters you’ve navigated. When hiring a bareboat, it is important to have previous experience sailing and more specifically, one comparable in size.

Overview of Road Town

The BVI is one of the top tourist destinations in the world for sailors, and the capital, Road Town, is no exception. Known for its growing tourism sector, beautiful beaches and attractions and rich history, Road Town is one of the best places to visit on your next charter around the British Virgin Islands.

If you are looking to discover more about the history of Road Town, one of the most important parts of its history is the production of sugar. Head over to the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum to learn all you need to know about the history of sugar production and slavery in Road Town in the past. Some other great museums to visit include the North Shore Shell Museum, a small museum of shells and locally made crafts, or the old government house museum.

To experience some of the delicious cuisines of Road Town, head over to one of the many bars and restaurants on the island, including the Brandywine Estate Restaurant, where you can try some of the catch of the day such as salmon or branzino filet, or try some other traditional Mediterranean delicacies. If you are interested in food and drink production, visit one of the distilleries on the island, where you can try some of the locally made rum, the traditional drink of the BVI.

To properly appreciate the beauty of Road Town, visit the Tortola Pier Park or the O’Neal Botanical Gardens, some of the most popular attractions in the capital, where you can see some of the different habitats and forests which are featured in the BVI.

Of course, the most popular activity to do in Road Town and the BVI is sailing, so visit some of the nearby islands on your trip for a pleasant day trip, such as Norman Island and Cooper Island, or explore the rest of Tortola, and enjoy some pleasant snorkelling and diving experiences due to the array of marine life and coral reefs.

Sailing areas around Road Town:

• Norman Island
• Cooper Island
• St John
• St Thomas
• U.S. Virgin Islands