Whether you are sailing, relaxing, or exploring, the British Virgin Islands offer something for every kind of traveler. Use this guide to plan your trip.
The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is between December and April. These months offer more comfortable weather and lower humidity, which is ideal for exploring the islands and enjoying sailing conditions. This is also the peak travel season, so accommodations can fill up quickly.
BVI offer a range of places to stay, from luxury resorts and private villas to small inns and casual beachfront cottages. Most accommodations are spread across the main islands, each with its own character and travel appeal. Whether you want quiet seclusion or easy access to dining and ferries, here are a few good areas to consider.
As the largest island, Tortola has the widest selection of places to stay, especially around Road Town, Cane Garden Bay, and West End. You’ll find everything from hillside villas to beachfront hotels, along with plenty of restaurants and shops.
Virgin Gorda is known for its relaxed pace and natural beauty, especially around The Baths and Spanish Town. Small resorts and guesthouses line the coast, offering direct beach access and views of the surrounding islands.
This small island is known for its fun beach bars and calm coves. Most places to stay are small guesthouses or cottages near White Bay or Great Harbour, perfect for travelers looking to unwind by the sea.
BVI are generally considered safe for travelers. Crime rates are low and serious incidents are rare. As with any destination, it is advisable to take basic precautions such as locking valuables and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night. The islands have good healthcare services for emergencies, and road travel is relatively straightforward, although driving is on the left side.
BVI are full of natural spots, beach views, and places to explore by land or sea. You can visit famous rock formations, hike through tropical hills, snorkel over shipwrecks, or just enjoy a quiet swim. These four highlights are among the most popular things to see and do.
A group of massive granite boulders forms caves, pools, and narrow paths leading to the sea. It’s one of the most photographed places in the BVI and a favorite for swimming and exploring.
This popular beach is known for calm water, great views, and beach bars with music and food. It’s a good place to spend the day relaxing, kayaking, or enjoying the local scene.
The highest point in the BVI has shady trails, forest views, and a cool escape from the coast. It’s a quiet place to walk and take in a different side of the islands.
This 19th century shipwreck is one of the best dive sites in the region. Divers and snorkelers come for the clear water, marine life, and the chance to explore a piece of island history.
The islands offer evening entertainment ranging from beach bars with music to clubs and lively festivals, especially during peak season. Whether you want a relaxed drink by the water or energetic live music with dancing, there’s something for most tastes.
Tortola has the most active nightlife, especially around Cane Garden Bay and Road Town.
This island is famous for its beach bar energy and party scene.
The British Virgin Islands are located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico and west of Anguilla. The territory includes over 60 islands and cays, with the four largest being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. The surrounding waters are part of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, making it a top destination for sailing and island hopping.
The British Virgin Islands are made up of over 60 islands and cays.
The British Virgin Islands has no sales tax.
Christopher Columbus is said to have named the islands after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.
There are more boats than people in some parts of the islands.
Pirates once used these islands as a hiding place and safe harbor.