What’s New in The British Virgin Islands in 2026

Posted by Tim Cotroneo
on December 9, 2025

Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Dec. 9, 2025 – Renowned as The British Virgin Islands – Sailing Capital of the World™, the Territory is chartering a milestone year with significant marina developments and elevated yacht charter additions. These additions are further elevating the sailing experience in the BVI, enhancing ease, access and luxury for visitors, cementing the destination’s position as the world’s premier playground for sailors.

“Anyone who has sailed in the BVI knows exactly why it is a top destination for sailors around the globe,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board. “We’re welcoming the new year with plans to grow with intention, investing in the experiences, marinas and on-the-water offerings that keep travelers returning year after year.”

Through the first three quarters of 2025, the BVI saw increases across all major arrival categories: cruise arrivals grew 6.8%, overnight arrivals rose 2.2%, and day-tripper visits surged 47.7%, contributing to an overall increase of 6.1% compared to 2024–all highlighting a sustained global demand for the BVI’s unmatched nautical experiences. Coming off a strong 2025, the Territory is poised to build on this momentum with a goal of maintaining an upward trajectory in visitation.

Major Marina Renovations & Debuts

Nanny Cay Resort & Marina has broken ground on a major $30–$40 million expansion that will transform the property into the Caribbean’s premier resort marina. Over the next three years, the project will introduce a 112-slip marina for large catamarans and mega yachts, upgraded boatyard facilities, new dining concepts and a dedicated marine training hub for local youth.

Formerly Biras Creek Resort, Biras Marina & Resort will mark the official debut of its new marina with a Caribbean Carnival–themed celebration on New Year’s Eve, complete with live music, surprise performances and gala dinners. The resort’s Japanese-Caribbean restaurant Ikagi opened in 2024 and offers both an intimate 14-course omakase and a terrace lounge with a casual tapas menu. A collection of private villas is set to follow in the next phase of development.

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, has been named the new official homeport for PYPER Yachts, beginning in November 2025. The resort’s full-service marina will become PYPER’s fleet of crewed luxury yachts, offering guests an easy and elevated starting point to explore the destination by sea. This addition marks a major milestone in PYPER’s Caribbean expansion and underscores Scrub Island’s status as a leading hub for elevated, on-the-water experiences.

The iconic Bitter End Yacht Club continues its 2025 expansion with new Marina Lofts, Beach Bungalows and Marina House, with additional rooms planned for late 2025. This 2025-2026 Caribbean season also marks its first full year as a newly reimagined boutique hotel, welcoming guests back to enjoy the handcrafted waterfront accommodations, new experiences such as Bohio on Pelican Beach and the refreshed Quarterdeck Lounge, which boasts sunset dining and globally inspired sharable boards.

Evolving Yacht Charters

Available for charter through Navigare Yachting and Dream Yacht Worldwide, Beneteau’s groundbreaking Island Cruising Concept is a hybrid “mono-maran” combining sustainability, comfort and style. Features include award-winning eco-friendly technology, 50% reduced fuel consumption via solar panels, open layouts, and accommodation for up to eight guests (four cabins, four bathrooms).

&Beyond Yacht Charters is a luxury boutique yacht charter operation and has recently relocated to Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour from St. Thomas, USVI. Guests can enjoy bespoke sailing experiences tailored to elevated island-hopping experiences.

Dream Caribbean Blue ceased operations at the end of the 2024/2025 charter season, with most of its yachts going to a new company, Symphony Yachts, based at Village Cay Marina in Road Town, Tortola.

Launched in summer 2025, the new MarineMax 505 brings next-level sophistication to BVI charters. The 5-cabin, 4-head layout includes luxury master suites, an expansive flybridge, and panoramic views, designed for the ultimate private island-hopping experience.

In 2025, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission officially secured three new trademarks under the Territory of the Virgin Islands Trade Marks Act, 2013–further reinforcing the BVI’s leadership in the global sailing community. The newly registered trademarks include: