The British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines are two of the Caribbean’s best-loved crewed charter grounds, and they are often the final two on a client’s list. Both offer warm water, steady trade winds and a new anchorage every day, but they feel very different on board. Here is how they compare, so you can choose the one that suits your group.

At a Glance

The British Virgin Islands: Easy, Sheltered Island Hopping

The BVI are made for relaxed cruising. Dozens of islands sit around the sheltered Sir Francis Drake Channel, so most days involve a short, comfortable passage and plenty of time in the water. You can snorkel the caves at Norman Island, dive the wreck of the RMS Rhone, explore the granite boulders of The Baths on Virgin Gorda, and finish the week at the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke.

For something wilder, flat, reef-fringed Anegada has some of the emptiest beaches in the Caribbean. The BVI suit families, mixed groups and anyone chartering for the first time, and the islands are lively over Christmas and New Year. See our sample one-week BVI itinerary from Tortola.

The Grenadines: Remote Islands and Clear Water

The Grenadines stretch south from St Vincent towards Grenada, a chain of small islands and cays with fewer boats and a slower pace. Bequia has a welcoming harbour town, Mustique is private and exclusive, and Mayreau’s curved bays are among the prettiest in the region. The highlight for many guests is the Tobago Cays Marine Park, where you can swim with turtles over shallow reefs in remarkably clear water.

Passages are longer and more exposed to the trade winds, which keen sailors love. On a catamaran or motor yacht this is rarely a concern, and your captain will plan the route around the conditions. Read our full Grenadines yacht charter guide.

Which Yacht Suits Each Destination?

Crewed catamarans are the most popular choice in both. Their shallow draft lets them anchor close to the beaches, and their stability makes longer Grenadines passages more comfortable. Motor yachts cover distance quickly, which is useful if you want to see more of the Grenadines in a week. Sailing yachts come into their own in the Grenadines’ steady breeze, while the BVI’s short hops suit any type of yacht.

When to Go

Both destinations share the main Caribbean season, from December to April, outside the hurricane season. Christmas and New Year book up first, while February and March bring settled weather and more choice of yachts. Our Caribbean season guide for 2026–27 covers timing in more detail.

Our Verdict

Choose the BVI if you want easy, sheltered cruising, a sociable atmosphere and plenty to do for all ages. Choose the Grenadines if you want quieter anchorages, outstanding snorkelling and the feeling of being far from everything. If you cannot decide, tell us about your group and we will suggest the better fit, along with yachts that are available on your dates.

Rates vary by yacht, season and how far you cruise. Our guide to yacht charter costs, APA and tips explains what is included and what to budget for.