British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a wonderful collection of volcanic islands in the Caribbean with stunning coastal waters, reefs to see and great seas to sail.
British Virgin Islands travel guide
The Caribbean British Virgin Islands are made up of 4 main volcanic islands as well as 56 smaller ones that offer a true Robinson Crusoe adventure. The largest island, Tortola, is home to the islands’ capital, Road Town as well as mountainous cliffs and the spectacular Sage Mountain National Park, which is covered in rainforest.
There’s also the island of Virgin Gorda, a tropical paradise with the iconic Baths, a shoreline with a maze of boulders on the beach. Then there’s sleepy Jost Van Dyke, known as the party island with legendary celebrations throughout the year as well as superb diving and fishing opportunities. Then there’s secluded Anegada, a great place to snorkel and scuba dive, especially on Loblolly Beach. One of the more famous smaller islands is Necker Island, owned by famous entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson and Guana Island, renowned for a beautiful stretch of beach called White Bay.
The British Virgin Islands, known as BVI, are famous for their spectacular natural beauty, rum cocktails and variety of water sports and adventure activities. These magical islands have many legends and stories attached, so smugglers, pirates and treasure are all part of their allure. And then there’s the biggest drawcard of all, the opportunity to enjoy a secluded island paradise vacation in the Caribbean.
The views of surrounding British Virgin Islands from Tortola are stunning!
Best time to visit: In the shoulder seasons of May and early June as well as October and November, when prices are up to 50% less than during peak season (December to March).
Best Area for Sightseeing: Each island has its own special personality and charm. See Things to do in the British Virgin Islands, below, for some ideas.
Shopping in the British Virgin Islands: There are some upscale boutiques, but the best buys are the local handicrafts, such as jewellery made out of conch shells, baskets, rum, local spices and batik fabric.
Food & Restaurants in the British Virgin Islands: Seafood is stunning in the Caribbean, and these islands are no exception. Traditional dishes include lots of fish and spices. You’ll find numerous eateries and bars on Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, and the resorts and hotels offer global dishes.
Nightlife: Full Moon Parties are popular here, and there are several outdoor venues and beach bars offering live music, traditional food and lots of fun.
Beaches: Whichever island you visit or explore, you’ll find a stunning sandy beach to enjoy. Some of the best include White Bay, on the south side of Jost Van Dyke, lined with beach bars and Apple Bay, on Tortola’s north coast, a surfer’s paradise and home to a number of Full Moon parties. Virgin Gorda’s iconic The Baths are spectacular and the island of Anegada boasts plenty of stretches of sand to enjoy. Other beaches to enjoy on Tortola include Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay Beach and Cane Garden Bay, the largest beach on the island.
Things to do in the British Virgin Islands:
- Sail around the islands for a day to explore.
- Visit Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island on a glass bottom boat trip.
- See the magnificent Baths on Virgin Gorda.
- Enjoy partying on Jost Van Dyke.
- Go waterskiing in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola.
- Visit stunning Norman Island, inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous book, Treasure Island.
- Learn how to kite surf.
Best way to get around: To visit the different islands, take a ferry or boat. On the larger islands, rent a car or take a taxi to get around.