Seasonal Closures in the BVI:
What Yacht Charter Guests Need to Know
Out of the Blue Yacht Charters | Accredited Yacht Charter Brokerage
The British Virgin Islands are a year-round paradise for sailing, but if you’re planning your yacht charter during the hurricane season months, August to October, it’s important to know what to expect. Some of the island’s most iconic beach bars and restaurants take a seasonal pause for rest, renovations, or hurricane precautions.
This guide highlights closures by island, reopening timelines, and how Out of the Blue Yacht Charters ensures your experience is seamless no matter when you sail.
Season Snapshot
- High Season (Dec–April): Everything is open and buzzing and lots of boat options.
- Shoulder Season (May–July): Most places remain open, but the pace is a little slower.
- Low Season / Hurricane Season (Aug–Oct): Some businesses close temporarily and many of the boats transit to the Mediterranean or down island to Grenada, so not as many options for boats.
- Reopening’s: Begin mid-October, with most complete by Thanksgiving
Jost Van Dyke
- Soggy Dollar Bar – Closed late August; reopens early October
- Foxy’s – May operate with limited hours; Foxy’s Taboo often closes in August and reopens in October (To Be Confirmed)
- Hendo’s Hideout & Ivan’s – Often remain open, sometimes with reduced schedules
Virgin Gorda & North Sound
- Saba Rock – Closed mid-August; reopens mid-October
- Bitter End Yacht Club – Closed Aug 1; reopens late October
- Nova at Oil Nut Bay – Closed early September; reopens early October
- Leverick Bay – Upstairs restaurant usually closes in August; bar, marina, and grocery remain open
Tortola
- Quito’s – Closed mid-August; reopens mid-October
- Brandywine Estate – Closed August & September
- Sugar Mill – Closed late July; reopens mid-October
- Pusser’s (West End & Road Town) – Typically remain open with reduced hours
- Red Rock Restaurant – May stay open on select days
Cooper, Norman, Scrub & Anegada
- Scrub Island Resort and Marina – Open all year
- Cooper Island Beach Club – Closed early August; reopens ~October 20
- Pirate’s Bight (Norman Island) – Closed August through early October
- Wonky Dog (Anegada) – Closed mid-August; reopens October 1
- Anegada Restaurants – Many stay open year-round, but confirm hours in advance
Why It Matters for Your Charter
At Out of the Blue Yacht Charters, we track these seasonal changes for you. Whether you’re looking for a lively high-season adventure or a serene off-season escape, we work directly with your captain and crew to match your trip with the best open beach bars, restaurants, and island experiences available during your charter.
Travel Insurance & CFAR
Out of the Blue Yacht Charters strongly recommends clients secure travel insurance, especially during hurricane season in the Virgin Islands. Some management companies may even require it once your charter agreement is signed. You will typically have up to 21 days after signing the charter agreement to purchase insurance coverage. For added flexibility, consider upgrading to a Cancel for Any Reason Addendum (CFAR) insurance, which allows cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. This upgrade adds cost (about 8–15% of the charter value) but greatly reduces financial risk.
Standard travel insurance includes:
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption – protects against illness, work emergencies, or severe weather.
- Medical Expenses & Evacuation – covers care or emergency evacuation during your charter.
- Travel Loss & Delay – reimburses for missed connections, delays, or lost luggage.
We will provide a list of industry-recognized insurance agencies to help you choose the best policy. We will give agency options and discuss cancellation insurance once the charter agreement has been completed.
Ready to Start Planning?
Let us guide you through the seasons so your yacht charter is perfectly timed.
