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charter companies have operations in Tortola. If you know how to sail, you can charter a bareboat (perhaps for your entire vacation); if you’re unschooled, you can hire a boat with a captain. Prices vary depending on the type and size of the boat you wish to charter. In season, a weekly charter runs from $1,500 to $35,000. Book early to make sure you get the boat that fits you best. Most of Tortola’s marinas have hotels, which give you a convenient place to spend the nights before and after your charter.

If a day sail to some secluded anchorage is more your cup of tea, the BVI have numerous boats of various sizes and styles that leave from many points around Tortola. Prices start at around $80 per person for a full-day sail, including lunch and snorkeling equipment.

Aristocat Charters

(West End VG1130 | 284/499–1249 | www.aristocatcharters.com) sets sail daily to Jost Van Dyke, the Indians, and Peter Island aboard a 48-foot catamaran.

BVI Yacht Charters

(Port Purcell, Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–4289 or 888/615–4006 | www.bviyachtcharters.com) offers 31-foot to 71-foot sailboats for charter—with or without a captain and crew, whichever you prefer.

Catamaran Charters

(Village Cay Marina, Nanny Cay VG1130 | 284/494–6661 or 800/262–0308 | www.catamarans.com) charters catamarans with or without a captain.

The Moorings (Wickham’s Cay II, Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–2332 or 800/535–7289 | www.moorings.com), considered one of the world’s best bareboat operations, has a large fleet of well-maintained monohulls and catamarans. Hire a captain or sail the boat yourself.

If you prefer a powerboat, call Regency Yacht Vacations (Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town VG1110 | 284/495–1970 or 800/524–7676 | www.regencyvacations.com) for both bareboat and captained sail and powerboat charters.

Sunsail

(Wickham’s Cay II, East End VG1120 | 284/495–4740 or 800/327–2276 | www.sunsail.com) offers a full fleet of boats to charter with or without a captain.

Voyages

(Soper’s Hole Marina, West End VG1130 | 284/494–0740 or 888/869–2436 | www.voyagecharters.com) offers a variety of sailboats for charter with or without a captain and crew.

White Squall II

(Village Cay Marina, Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–2564 | www.whitesquall2.com) takes you on regularly scheduled day sails to the Baths at Virgin Gorda, Cooper, the Indians, or the Caves at Norman Island on an 80-foot schooner.

SURFING

Surfing is big on Tortola’s North Shore, particularly when the winter swells come in to Josiah’s and Apple bays. Rent surfboards starting at $25 for a full day.

HIHO

(Trellis Bay, Road Town VG1110 | 284/494–7694 | www.go-hiho.com) has a good surfboard selection for sale or rent. The staff will give you advice on the best spots to put in your board.

WINDSURFING

Steady trade winds make windsurfing a breeze. Three of the best spots for sailboarding are Nanny Cay, Slaney Point, and Trellis Bay on Beef Island. Rates for sailboards start at about $25 an hour or $75 for a two-hour lesson.

Boardsailing BVI Watersports

(Trellis Bay, Beef Island VG1120 | 284/495–2447 | www.windsurfing.vi) rents equipment and offers private and group lessons.

SIDE TRIPS FROM TORTOLA

There are several islands that make great side trips from Tortola, including lovely Marina Cay and tony Peter’s Island. Both have great accommodations, so you might want to spend the night.

The following reviews have been condensed for this book. Please go to Fodors.com for expanded reviews of each property.

MARINA CAY

Beautiful little Marina Cay is in Trellis Bay, not far from Beef Island. Sometimes you can see it and its large J-shaped coral reefs—a most dramatic sight—from the air soon after takeoff from the airport on Beef Island. Covering 8 acres, this islet is considered small even by BVI standards. On it there’s a restaurant, Pusser’s Store, and a six-unit hotel. Ferry service is free from the dock on Beef Island.

Where to Stay

Pusser’s Marina Cay Hotel & Restaurant. | Map

$$$–$$$$ | HOTEL | If getting away from it all is your priority, this may be the place for you, because there’s nothing to