Construction starts on new marina in the British Virgin Islands

Construction has begun on a new south marina, expanded boatyard and additional amenities at Nanny Cay Resort & Marina in the British Virgin Islands. The development, located on Tortola, forms part of a wider infrastructure programme at the marina resort.

Ground was first broken at the project in October 2025, during a ceremony attended by government officials and members of the marine industry, including premier and finance minister Natalio D. Wheatley, governor Daniel Pruce, and environment minister Julian Fraser.

The project is estimated to be costing more than $30m. It includes the construction of a new south marina with 112 slips designed to accommodate newer catamarans and megayachts, alongside an expanded boatyard and new shoreside facilities. A custom-designed 150-ton travel lift is also planned, intended to handle catamarans in the 60ft, 70ft and 80ft range, with a beam capacity of up to 44ft.

Additional elements of the development include a new beach and beach bar, a two-level restaurant with views over the Sir Francis Drake Channel, an event area with a central stage, retail and commercial space, and new training and community facilities. The plans also include storage and launch facilities for the Royal BVI Yacht Club youth sailing programme, as well as a marine training centre operated by HLSCC.

The existing marina currently accommodates 302 yachts. This includes capacity for 110 monohulls in the Outer Marina and 192 monohulls of varying sizes in the Inner Marina, or equivalent catamaran berths. The boatyard is equipped with two travel lifts: a 50-ton Marine Travelift for monohulls up to 68ft in length, with a 10ft draft, and a wide-body 70-ton Marine Travelift designed for catamarans up to 32ft in beam. Two hydraulic trailers are also in operation on site.

The marina resort includes a 52-bed hotel, 32 waterfront townhouses, 11 retail outlets, three restaurants and bar facilities, and a chandlery stocking more than 6,000 items.

To reduce disruption to existing services, construction has been divided into two main phases, covering seaside and landside works. While the phases will overlap in places, completion of the overall development is scheduled for the end of 2028.

Phase I is beginning with the construction of the breakwater, also referred to as the armour wall, which is intended to shelter the new south marina. This phase also includes land reclamation, expansion of the existing boatyard and construction of the new 150-ton haul-out facility.

Phase II comprises the new beach and beach bar, a regatta and event village, a sea-view restaurant, a marine hub incorporating the Royal BVI Yacht Club and the HLSCC Marine Centre, concierge facilities with shower and bathroom amenities, landscaped gardens, retail and food village areas, commercial units, and additional parking, service roads and boardwalks.