Travel and Leisure

The British Virgin Islands provide some of the most gorgeous, relaxing and inviting inland and offshore experiences for tourists and local residents. Main islands that make up the territory include the Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Tortola islands. Travels to and around breathtaking islands, like Tortola, are generally done by standard boat or yacht, similar to the same way native residents like the Arawak and Carib Indians traveled between the islands years ago.

Tortola Island Charter Yacht Tours

Many companies offer charter yacht tours Tortola Island visitors can take advantage of, giving themselves the opportunity to explore the island, including its deep waterways, up close. As part of the cruises, bareboat as well as chartered tours led by an experienced captain regularly set sail from one of the island's port. Boats available for travelers and sightseers to choose from vary in size, features and accommodations. Each of the boats or yachts can comfortably seat several people. Included amongst the boats and yachts are vessels like the Island Spirit 37, the Lagoon 410, the Norseman 430 Lorimar, the Norseman 430 Whiskers, the Leopard 43, the Catana 47 and the spacious Lagoon 38.

Designed with covered and open spaces, yachts like the Lagoon 38 are generally equipped with a central dining area roomy enough for four people to sit down and enjoy a meal. Two other smaller dining areas, equipped with table and chairs, are also generally aboard the yachts. A shower, sleeping area with beds suited for two and a kitchen area with stove and sink and storage cabinets also come with yachts like the Lagoon 38. Although guests can cook their own meals they have the option to reserve a professional culinary artist to prepare their meals aboard an area boat while they spend a day and/or night at sea.

Tortola Yachts Visiting Area Attractions

By renting or leasing yachts like the Lagoon 38, travelers can enjoy exploring and learning more about area attractions, some of which may include Mount Healthy National Park, Smuggler's Cove, Boiling House, Sage Mountain National Park and Sky World. Additionally, a highly visited spot on Tortola that Barecat yachts typically stop at include the Manual Reef Marina, location of the island's Riteway Food Markets and several restaurants. If travelers want they can also design customized tours they want to go on while they lease a yacht for a few days or a week or longer.

Upon request, other services that come with rented cruises are escorted van trips to local land attractions like shopping centers and eateries such as the "Bomba Shack." Boat cell phones and scuba gear are also available upon request. Seasonal prices for renting a yacht may range from $3,000 to $5,000, with higher prices generally being offered during winter months. Charter cruises aboard area yachts may run for as long as 8 to 14 days.

As with other Tortola cruise companies, Barecat is a family owned and operated business. The husband and wife team who own Barecat have more than 30 years of tourism experience. They have worked in the yacht tourism industry since 1993. By booking tours early, visitors to Tortola may be able to schedule longer stays on the island, perhaps even combining cruises with overnight hotel stays. Guests are advised to compare prices on items like airport transportation, which is offered by some charter firms, and tickets to national parks.