About your day sail

Norman/Peter Island Itinerary

Our vessel’s home mooring is at Village Cay Marina on the Island of Tortola. Our most popular charter sets sail from here. Depending on your chosen duration of sail we will make anything from two to five plus swim and snorkel stops. This area is widely renowned for offering some of the best snorkelling in the British Virgin Islands. The infamous Willy T floating bar is also on this route.

The stops we make are dependant on your preferences, weather and mooring availability.

  • Norman Island. The smaller of the two principal islands on this route. Pirate treasure is rumoured to have been found on several occasions in the island’s recent history. The island is also famed as the inspiration for Robert Lewis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. In addition to many beautiful bays and swim stops Norman Island is the location of the popular ‘Pirates Bight’ bay, a large area of sheltered anchorage believed to be a favourite hide out for pirates in days gone by. Today it is also home to Pirates Bight Beach Bar and The Willy T Floating Bar.
  • The Indians. The waters around the Indians contain abundant marine life, and in addition to snorkelling, are one of the most popular dive sites in the British Virgin Islands.tortola daysail tours
  • The Caves. Located on the western cliff edge of Norman Island. Here you can experience a stunning combination of marine life, coral and three swim in caves. It’s said that pirate gold was discovered here early in the twentieth century.

  • The Willy T. For sailors and ‘landlubbers’ alike, this bar is ‘must-go’ on any BVI vacation. Sometimes known for rowdy evening antics, during the day it is most popular as a fun place to meet friends new and old and  to take a swim in the surrounding turquoise waters. The more adventurous take a leap from the dive platform on the ship’s second deck. While you are there, don’t miss out on sampling their famous frozen margarita cocktail.
  • Peter Island. Originally home to one of the  largest ports in the BVI, it is now largely uninhabited. On the eastern side you will find Peter Island Resort which has now been rebuilt after four years of renovation following hurricane Irma. The largest bay on Peter Island  is Great Harbour, famously the sport where the ill-fated RHMS Rhone, a mail and passenger steam ship, anchored here in 1867, lost her anchor during an unpredicted hurricane. While seeking safe waters, the ship foundered on a submerged rock midway between Salt and Cooper Islands. The ship’s engine exploded and the vessel sank, claiming the lives of most onboard. Today Great harbour is considered a safe overnight mooring spot for cruisers and when conditions are good great snorkelling is available on the western shore.
  • Deadman’s Bay. Located on the easternmost point of Peter Island, this is a beautiful turquoise bay and large beach adjacent to the popular Peter Island resort. Turtles are commonly spotted and the beach is a short swim away.
  • Additional anchorages, favoured for their habitual solitude and beautiful blue water, include Kelly Cove, Soldiers Bay, Benures Bay and Little Harbour. Ask our crew for more details.

 

Alternative Itineraries

 

Jost Van Dyke

We offer a 6 six hour sail from West End marina to Jost Van Dyke. (There is an additional positioning fee to book this trip).  If arriving via cruise ship a taxi ride is required to meet us at the alternative pickup location which we do not recommend if your ship is leaving port early.

 

  • White Bay. Home to the famous Soggy Dollar bar, pristine blue waters and a sandy beach. Around the bay, you will find multiple tiki beach bars and a lively party vibe. To reach the shore it is necessary to swim or be ferried by our crew direct to the beach aboard our inflatable boat (you may get wet).
  • Sandy Cay. A deserted island which when viewed from above is the shape of a heart. Swim ashore and enjoy the beautiful snorkelling and peace.
  • Other popular locations on this itinerary include Sandy Spit, Diamond Cay, B-line Bar and Little Harbour. Ask your crew for more details.

Payment

We do not charge any extra park permit fees or fuel surcharges on top of the listed price. However there is an additional 4% card service fee if you choose to pay by card. To avoid this charge cash payment is always possible on the day.

Rates for our private six hour charter from Road Town to Norman/Peter Islands start at $1500. Our eight hour charter from Road Town to Norman/Peter starts at $1800. Alternative itineraries departing from all ports other than Road Town incur an additional positioning fee.

Preparation

We recommend bathing suits and a cover up as there will be plenty of swimming and snorkeling. Also please bring a warm jumper or jacket in case of showers and wind chill. If you have your own deck shoes you can also wear them however most guests go barefoot.

Not much, our trips are all inclusive. However it is important to bring appropriate clothing to fit the season.  Remember that conditions at sea may be cooler than on land. Rain showers are quite common during winter months. Please bring a cover up for  sun protection and a warm jumper or jacket in case of showers or wind chill. You will also need a bathing suit, sunscreen, and towel. We provide snorkelling equipment, however if you have your own and it is available (particularly your own favourite mask) please bring it with you.

Our yacht berths at Village Cay Marina in Road Town. Located centrally on Tortola, Road Town is the largest port in the BVI and easy to reach by car from anywhere on the island, or by ferry from Virgin Gorda or any of the other nearby islands.

If you are arriving on a cruise ship, our marina is a 5 minute walk from the cruise terminal. If you want, our First Mate will meet you at the entrance to Tortola Pier Park and walk with you to our location fifteen minutes before departure. Let us know when you book.

If staying on Island you will meet us at 10.00am at The Watering Hole Tavern in Road Town. If early they serve great coffee and breakfast. Free Parking is located nearby at the Tortola pier overflow car park. (On weekends or public holidays we may request you meet us at Village Cay Pool Bar instead which is located adjacent to The Watering Hole). If this is the case we will let you know in our booking email.

If you are staying on Virgin Gorda you can reach us via ferry. We will plan your charter to fit in with the ferry schedules. There will also be a little time either before or after your charter to explore Road Town or the Island of Tortola.

Reaching us is simple. There is no need to book as ferries run at regular intervals from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda to Road Town with ample space for foot passengers. At the time of writing a return ticket costs $30 for adults, $15 for seniors and age 4 and under free. If you would like longer on island and have your own vehicle there is also the option of the daily car barge which departs from Spanish Town and heads to Trellis Bay on the East End of Tortola.

Alternatively come to us via private water taxi. Pricing varies. If you prefer this option let us know when booking and we will coordinate directly with you. (Advance booking necessary).

We welcome all to sail onboard the Anne Bonny. Boarding is easy for most. We dock alongside the quay at Village Cay Marina and getting onboard is as simple as stepping from pier to yacht.

Onboard there is a variety of seating options. We have two sun loungers at the bow, in the middle of the deck is a large bean-bagged seating area and at the back bench seating.

To enter the sea you climb down a wooden ladder. For those with mobility issues this may not be appropriate. However, our crew is always on hand to help anyone less confident get in and out of the sea. The comfort of all our our guests is our priority and if you choose to stay onboard, enjoy the breeze and view instead of swimming, we will be there for you.

Reservation

Payment in full will be charged for your charter if you cancel 72 hours or less before your charter. If you cancel your charter between the date of booking and 72 hours prior you will be charged 50% the cost of your booking. We will make allowances in the case of medical emergencies, cancelled flights and ship schedule changes. However this is at our discretion. If for any reason Anne Bonny Charters is obliged to cancel a charter (including severe weather conditions) you will be not be charged.