British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

I discovered the British Virgin Islands by accident.

My original Caribbean vacation fell through at the last minute. I had three days to find a replacement destination that wouldn’t break my budget or disappoint my expectations.

That’s how I stumbled upon the BVI. And honestly? It became one of my best travel decisions ever.

The British Virgin Islands offer everything you want in a Caribbean getaway without the overwhelming tourist crowds of other destinations. You get pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and authentic island culture at a fraction of the cost of places like St. Barts or the Bahamas.

This guide covers everything I learned during my time island-hopping through this Caribbean paradise. You’ll discover how to plan your trip, where to stay, what to do, and most importantly, how to experience the real BVI without tourist traps.

Why Choose the British Virgin Islands for Your Caribbean Adventure

The British Virgin Islands consist of over 60 islands and cays. Only 16 are inhabited, which means you have plenty of untouched paradise to explore.

Here’s what makes the BVI special:

There are fewer crowds than mainstream Caribbean destinations. While places like Jamaica and Barbados see millions of visitors annually, the BVI maintains a more intimate feel. According to the BVI Tourist Board, the islands welcomed approximately 400,000 visitors in 2023, compared to Jamaica’s 4.3 million.

Perfect for sailing enthusiasts, The BVI is considered one of the world’s premier sailing destinations. The islands are close together with calm waters between them. Trade winds provide consistent sailing conditions year-round.

British territory with English-speaking locals. You won’t face language barriers. The official currency is the US dollar, making transactions simple for American travellers.

Stunning natural beauty: From the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda to the pristine beaches of Anegada, every island offers unique landscapes and experiences.

Rich maritime history The islands played significant roles in Caribbean pirate history. You can explore historic sites and shipwrecks throughout your visit.

When to Visit the British Virgin Islands

Your timing can make or break your BVI experience.

Peak Season (December to April) This is when I recommend most people visit. Weather conditions are ideal, with temperatures ranging from 75-85°F and minimal rainfall.

Expect higher accommodation prices during this period. Hotel rates can increase by 30-50% compared to off-season pricing.

Hurricane Season (June to November): I’ve travelled during this period and had great experiences, but you need to be flexible. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity between August and October.

The advantage? Significant savings on accommodations and fewer crowds. Many hotels offer hurricane guarantees, allowing you to reschedule if weather becomes an issue.

Shoulder Season (May and November): These months offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices. You’ll still enjoy warm temperatures with occasional afternoon showers.

Getting to the British Virgin Islands

Flying into Tortola Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island serves as the main entry point. The airport handles smaller aircraft, so you’ll likely connect through San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas.

Major airlines serving the route include:

• Cape Air (multiple daily flights from San Juan)
• InterCaribbean Airways (connections from various Caribbean islands)
• VI Airlink (flights from St. Thomas)

Ferry from St. Thomas This is often the most convenient option for US travellers. Fly into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, then take a 45-minute ferry to Road Town, Tortola.

Ferry companies include:

• Native Son Ferry Service
• Smith’s Ferry Services
• Inter-Island Boat Services

Ferries run multiple times daily, with one-way tickets costing around $30-40 per person.

Private charter flights If you’re travelling with a group or prefer convenience, private charters offer direct flights from various US cities. Companies like Tradewind Aviation provide scheduled and charter services.

Where to Stay in the British Virgin Islands

Your accommodation choice depends on your travel style and budget.

Tortola – The Main Island Tortola offers the most accommodation options and serves as your base for exploring other islands.

Luxury Options:

• Scrub Island Resort: All-inclusive resort on a private island
• Frenchman’s Cay Resort: Boutique property with marina access
• Long Bay Beach Resort: Beachfront location with multiple room types

Mid-Range Choices:

• Sebastian’s on the Beach: Family-owned hotel with authentic island charm
• Nanny Cay Resort: Perfect for sailing enthusiasts
• Hotel Castle Maria: Budget-friendly option in Road Town

Virgin Gorda – Natural Beauty Virgin Gorda is famous for its baths and offers more upscale accommodations.

Top Properties:

• Rosewood Little Dix Bay: Ultra-luxury resort (currently closed for renovations)
• Oil Nut Bay: Private villa resort with marina
• Guavaberry Spring Bay: Unique hexagonal cottages near The Baths

Jost Van Dyke – Laid-Back Vibes This small island is perfect for those seeking authentic Caribbean culture.

Accommodation Options:

• White Bay Villas: Beachfront accommodations
• Perfect Pineapple Guest Houses: Budget-friendly local experience

Anegada – Remote Paradise The flat coral island offers limited but unique accommodation options.

Where to Stay:

• Neptune’s Treasure: Family-run guesthouse with restaurant
• Anegada Reef Hotel: Simple accommodations with lobster dinners

Island-Hopping Guide: Top Islands to Visit

Tortola: Your Home Base Tortola is the largest and most developed island. Road Town serves as the capital and main port.

Must-visit spots on Tortola:

• Sage Mountain National Park: Hiking trails through tropical rainforest
• Cane Garden Bay: Popular beach with bars and restaurants
• Smuggler’s Cove: Secluded beach perfect for snorkelling
• Mount Healthy National Park: Historical ruins with panoramic views

Virgin Gorda: The Baths and Beyond Virgin Gorda is the third-largest island and home to the famous Baths.

Key attractions:

• The Baths: Massive granite boulders creating natural pools and grottos
• Devil’s Bay: Secluded beach accessible through The Baths trail
• Copper Mine Point: Historical ruins with coastal views
• Virgin Gorda Peak: Hiking trail to the island’s highest point

Jost Van Dyke: Party Central This small island is famous for its beach bars and laid-back atmosphere.

Don’t miss:

• Foxy’s Bar: Legendary beach bar with live music
• Soggy Dollar Bar: Home of the original Painkiller cocktail
• White Bay Beach: Pristine white sand beach
• Bubbly Pool: Natural jacuzzi created by waves and rocks

Anegada: Untouched Paradise Anegada is the northernmost island and is utterly different from the others. It’s flat, surrounded by coral reefs, and has fantastic beaches.

Highlights include:

• Loblolly Bay: Stunning beach with clear shallow waters
• Conch Bar Beach: Perfect for beachcombing and relaxation
• Flamingo Pond: Home to Caribbean flamingos
• Horseshoe Reef: Snorkeling and diving around shipwrecks

Best Activities and Experiences

Sailing and Boating The BVI is a sailor’s paradise. You can charter a boat with or without a captain.

Popular charter companies:

• The Moorings: Full-service yacht charters
• Sunsail: Bareboat and skippered charters
• Horizon Yacht Charters: Luxury yacht options

Day sailing trips are perfect for beginners. Many companies offer full-day excursions, visiting multiple islands.

Snorkeling and Diving The clear Caribbean waters offer excellent underwater visibility.

Top snorkelling spots:

• The Indians: Four rocky pinnacles between Norman Island and Pelican Island
• Coral World: Living coral reef system
• Rainbow Canyon: Underwater canyon with diverse marine life
• Sandy Spit: Small uninhabited island with surrounding reefs

Hiking and Nature Despite their small size, the islands offer excellent hiking opportunities.

Best trails:

• Sage Mountain Trail (Tortola): Highest peak in the BVI
• Virgin Gorda Peak Trail: Moderate hike with 360-degree views
• The Baths Trail (Virgin Gorda): Easy walk through granite formations

Beach Hopping Each island offers unique beach experiences.

Must-visit beaches:

• Long Bay Beach (Tortola): Mile-long stretch of white sand
• Spring Bay (Virgin Gorda): Protected beach near The Baths
• White Bay (Jost Van Dyke): Famous beach bar scene
• Loblolly Bay (Anegada): Remote beach with conch shells

Food and Drink: Authentic Caribbean Flavors

Local Specialties to Try BVI cuisine blends Caribbean, British, and American influences.

Traditional dishes include:

• Conch fritters: Deep-fried conch meat in seasoned batter
• Johnny cakes: Fried bread served with various fillings
• Roti: Indian-influenced flatbread with curry fillings
• Fresh fish: Mahi-mahi, snapper, and grouper prepared in multiple ways
• Rum punch: Local rum mixed with fruit juices

Best Restaurants by Island

Tortola:

• Brandywine Bay Restaurant: Fine dining with harbour views
• Pusser’s Road Town Pub: Historic pub with traditional British fare
• Cane Garden Bay restaurants: Multiple beachfront dining options

Virgin Gorda:

• CocoMaya Restaurant: Asian fusion cuisine
• Top of the Baths: Casual dining near the famous attraction
• Fischer’s Cove Restaurant: Beachfront dining with local specialties

Jost Van Dyke:

• Corsairs Beach Bar & Restaurant: Pizza and international cuisine
• Foxy’s Tamarind Bar: Local dishes and famous rum punches
• Ali Baba’s: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food

Anegada:

• Cow Wreck Beach Bar: Famous for lobster dinners
• Neptune’s Treasure: Family restaurant with fresh seafood
• Big Bamboo: Beachfront dining with conch specialties

Drinking Culture Rum is the drink of choice in the BVI. Local brands include Pusser’s Rum and Callwood’s Rum.

The Painkiller cocktail was invented at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke. It’s made with dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut.

Many bars offer happy hour specials from 4-6 PM daily.

Transportation Between Islands

Inter-island ferries Regular ferry services connect the main islands.

Major routes:

• Tortola to Virgin Gorda: Multiple daily departures
• Tortola to Jost Van Dyke: Several daily options
• Virgin Gorda to Anegada: Limited service; booking required

Ferry tickets typically cost $15-30 per person each way.

Water taxis Private water taxis offer flexible transportation between islands.

Benefits include:

• Custom departure times
• Direct routes to your destination
• Ability to stop at multiple locations

Expect to pay $200-400 for private water taxi services depending on distance and group size.

Day tour boats Many companies offer organized day trips visiting multiple islands.

Popular tour options:

• Full-day sailing trips with snorkeling stops
• Sunset cruises with dinner
• Fishing charters with island stops

Budget Planning for the British Virgin Islands

Accommodation Costs Budget travellers can find rooms starting around $100-150 per night during the off-season. Mid-range properties typically cost $200-400 per night. Luxury resorts can exceed $800 per night during peak season.

Food and Beverage Budget Grocery shopping can help control costs. Local markets offer fresh produce and basic supplies.

Restaurant pricing:

• Casual beachside dining: $15-25 per meal
• Mid-range restaurants: $25-40 per meal
• Fine dining establishments: $50+ per meal

Alcoholic beverages are expensive due to import taxes. A beer typically costs $4-6, while cocktails range from $8-15.

Transportation Expenses Ferry tickets between islands: $15-30 per trip Taxi rides on Tortola: $3-20 depending on distance Car rental: $40-80 per day (recommended for Tortola exploration)

Activity Costs Day sailing trips: $75-150 per person Snorkeling gear rental: $15-25 per day National park entrance fees: $3-5 per person

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit during shoulder season for lower accommodation rates
• Book ferry tickets in advance for potential discounts
• Consider vacation rentals for more extended stays
• Pack snorkeling gear to avoid rental fees
• Take advantage of happy hour specials

Practical Travel Information

Entry Requirements US citizens need a valid passport. No visa is required for stays up to 30 days.

Currency and Payments The US dollar is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted but carry cash for small purchases and tips.

Language English is the official language. Local dialect includes Caribbean expressions and British terminology.

Electrical Outlets The BVI uses 110V electricity with Type A and B plugs (same as the United States).

Internet and Cell Service: Most hotels and restaurants offer WiFi. Cell phone coverage is good on main islands but limited on remote cays.

US cell phone plans may include the BVI, but check with your provider to avoid roaming charges.

Health and Safety: No special vaccinations are required. The islands have low crime rates but use standard travel precautions.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, though bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs.

Tipping Customs Standard tipping practices apply:

• Restaurants: 15-20% if service charge isn’t included
• Taxi drivers: 10-15%
• Hotel staff: $1-2 per bag for bellhops
• Boat crews: $5-10 per person for day trips

Best Photography Spots in the British Virgin Islands

The Baths, Virgin Gorda The massive granite boulders create incredible photo opportunities. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.

Sage Mountain, Tortola: The highest point in the BVI offers panoramic views of neighbouring islands. Clear days provide views of St. Thomas and St. John.

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke The pristine white sand beach with turquoise water creates perfect tropical paradise shots.

Anegada’s Flamingo Pond Caribbean flamingos in their natural habitat provide unique wildlife photography opportunities.

Sunset from any western-facing beach The BVI’s western beaches offer spectacular sunset views over the Caribbean Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in the BVI? I recommend at least 5-7 days to experience multiple islands without feeling rushed. This allows time for sailing, beach relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Is the BVI expensive? Yes, the BVI is more costly than many Caribbean destinations due to its remote location and import costs. Budget at least $150-200 per person per day, including accommodation, meals, and activities.

Do you need a car in the BVI? A rental car is helpful on Tortola for exploring different beaches and attractions. Other islands are small enough to walk or use taxis.

What’s the best way to island hop? Ferries are the most economical option for scheduled travel between main islands. Charter boats offer more flexibility but cost significantly more.

Can you use US dollars? Yes, the US dollar is the official currency throughout the British Virgin Islands.

Is it safe to travel alone in the BVI? The BVI is generally very safe for solo travellers. Crime rates are low, and locals are friendly and helpful to tourists.

What should you pack for the BVI? Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkelling gear, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Do you need travel insurance? Travel insurance is recommended, especially during hurricane season. Ensure your policy covers weather-related cancellations and medical emergencies.

Creating Your Perfect BVI Itinerary

5-Day BVI Experience

Day 1: Arrival and Tortola Exploration

• Arrive in Tortola via ferry or flight
• Check into accommodation in Road Town or Cane Garden Bay
• Explore local restaurants and shops
• Sunset at Smuggler’s Cove

Day 2: Virgin Gorda Day Trip

• Morning ferry to Virgin Gorda
• Explore The Baths and Devil’s Bay
• Lunch at the top of the Baths restaurant
• Afternoon at Spring Bay Beach
• Return to Tortola in the evening

Day 3: Sailing Adventure

• Full-day sailing charter
• Visit multiple islands and snorkeling spots
• Lunch onboard or at the beach restaurant
• Swimming and snorkeling at The Indians

Day 4: Jost Van Dyke

• Ferry to Jost Van Dyke
• Morning at White Bay Beach
• Lunch and drinks at Soggy Dollar Bar
• Afternoon exploring Great Harbour
• Dinner at Foxy’s Bar

Day 5: Anegada or Relaxation

• Option 1: Day trip to Anegada for lobster lunch
• Option 2: Relaxation day on Tortola beaches
• Final shopping for souvenirs
• Departure preparations

7-Day Extended Adventure: Add two extra days for more profound exploration:

• Additional sailing or diving experiences
• Hiking Sage Mountain and Virgin Gorda Peak
• More time on remote beaches
• Cultural experiences with local communities

The British Virgin Islands offer an authentic Caribbean experience away from mass tourism. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, these islands provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

Your BVI adventure awaits. The only question is which island will capture your heart first.