In order for sailors to enjoy the many beautiful sites both above and below the water, The BVI National Parks Trust has installed more than 200 mooring buoys (surface buoys attached to stainless steel pins set in bedrock) for daytime use only at many BVI dive sites. The system has been operating since 1991 and is aimed at protecting the fragile underwater marine ecology from physical damage, particularly by boat anchors, and maintaining the pristine reefs for the future.
VIRGIN GORDA MOORINGS
Red Right Returning! The BVI uses the American system. Red buoys mark the starboard side upon approach from the sea. A small fee is charged for the use of the moorings. This fee is used for the maintenance of the system and installation of new buoys in other high-traffic areas.
Sailors must, by law, obtain a National Parks Permit, either from the charter company when Customs is cleared, or from the National Parks Trust Office at 61 Main St. Road Town, Tortola. (284) 494-2069
bvinpt@bvinationalparkstrust.org
You can also reserve your mooring online. BoatyBall.com was created to provide boaters with a more secure way to pay, stay, and play. BOATY BALL has mooring balls in prime locations throughout the British Virgin Islands. You can reserve them in the morning, the reservations open at 7:00 am and they are often all gone by about 7:03 am. If you’re on the app at exactly 7:00 am you will be fine.
MARINAS IN VIRGIN GORDA
SABA ROCK RESORT
Saba Rock, an iconic place in the middle of the British Virgin Islands, attracts sailors, adventurers, travelers, yachtsmen, divers, kitesurfers as well as vacationers. Their moorings are open and available to book with BoatyBall! When planning your next trip, simply make a reservation via BoatyBall for $30 per night (identifier code of SRR), so that all you have to do is worry about which drink you'll select off the Sunset Bar menu. Mooring balls are $30 for those that come on a first-come, first-served basis and $40 if you reserve by BoatyBall on the day of your visit.
BITTER END YACHT CLUB
For over half a century, Bitter End Yacht Club has been world-renowned for its sense of adventure, love of the water, appreciation for nature, and dedication to friends and family.
Built by sailors for sailors, our state-of-the-art marina and mooring field is second to none in the Caribbean. Plus, the Quarterdeck Club refit has resulted in a one-of-a-kind, open-air locale perfect for rum punches, sunset views and celebrations of all stripes.
LEVERICK BAY RESORT MARINA
The Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, is located on the shores of the North Sound, one of the most beautiful locations in the West Indies. Bareboat charterers are welcome at anytime while on a mooring or at the dock. The marina has 36 moorings. It includes water, power, ice, fuel, pool, and showers. Full-service dock, supplying fuel, fresh water and ice, 36 moorings and slips with 110 and 220-volt electricity. Hot showers are also available. For information on dockage or moorings please visit BoatyBall The dock crew is always available on Marine Radio Channel 16 for any assistance.
OIL NUT BAY
The Oil Nut Bay Marina in the coveted North Sound is a full-service operation, offering oceanfront dining and lounging as well as boutique shopping in a chic, contemporary setting. The Marina Village is a refreshing social destination where you can go to unwind with friends and family. Anchored by Nova, our signature overwater restaurant, visitors can dine on exceptional cuisine, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at the bar, relax in an overwater hammock, or take a dip in the suspended pool.
BLUNDER BAY MARINA
Your trip to the BVI would not be complete without a visit to our marina in the North Sound, on the beautiful Island of Virgin Gorda. The North Sound is one of the world’s greatest anchorages being protected by several islands making the water calm. Transient dockage available
16 slips for yachts up to 80ft (9ft draft)
2 slips for larger yachts up to 150ft (15ft+ draft)
Tender dock from moorings and mainland
Power is available with access to 3 phases – 30 amp, 50 amp or 100 amp (x2 available)
Metered water available
VIRGIN GORDA YACHT HARBOR
The main yacht harbor on Virgin Gorda is at Spanish Town. There are also mooring buoys here. The fee ($30) is collected by someone visiting the boat. The yacht harbor has a dinghy dock outside the shops and bar. At the end of the dinghy dock, there is a small hut where you have to pay 2 dollars a person to use the dock. Never mind how short your stop, you still have to pay. It is also possible to anchor just outside the harbor.
VHF Channel 16. Marina with all facilities, fuel berth, chandlery, laundry, WiFi, provisions, bank, bar and restaurant, dive shop.
Max. length 160 feet (50m), max. draft 10 feet (3m).
Boatyard with 70-ton travel lift and repair facilities
The mooring buoys are 13 inches in diameter and are color-coded:
ORANGE BUOYS: Non-diving, day use only
YELLOW BUOYS: Commercial dive vessels only
LARGE YELLOW BUOYS: Commercial vessels or vessels over 55 ft.
WHITE BUOYS: Non-commercial vessels, for daytime dive use only
BLUE BUOYS: For dinghy use only
Where mooring buoys are not provided, sailors should anchor in sandy areas and be sure to never sail at night.
Nightfall arrives quickly, and even the most experienced sailors in the BVI do not sail past dusk.
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
Tel: (284) 442 6178 or (284) 547-6178
Devil's Bay Fort Point National Parks Trust. Tel.: (284) 494-2069
The Baths National Parks Trust. Tel.:(284) 494-2069
Fallen Jerusalem
National Parks Trust. National Park moorings are for 90 minutes of daily use only, but Fallen Jerusalem is worth a stop to snorkel. It’s an underwater version of the Baths, and the sea life here is spectacular.
Savannah Bay, Long Bay, and Mountain Point
National Parks Trust. The new Kodiak Queen dive site is an interesting stop, marked by two white moorings in Long Bay.
The Dogs: Great Dog and George Dog remain a fantastic daytime lunch, snorkel, and dive location.
Island: Great Dog. National Parks Trust.
Mosquito Island, North Sound
Tel: (284) 494-2254
Vixen Point, Prickly Pear Island, North Sound
Island: Virgin Gorda - North Sound