British Virgin Islands

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.

Population39,710
LanguagesEnglish
Local time7:42 AM
Flagvg flag
CurrenciesNone
Area153 km²
British Virgin Islands
27°C
overcast clouds
Feels like: 29°C

Best time to visit the British Virgin Islands

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.

Where to stay in the British Virgin Islands

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.

Tortola

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.

Sunset in Tortola, Bermuda
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Sunset in Tortola. Photo by rheayawching. CC by.

Sunset in Tortola, Bermuda
Sunset in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda

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.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda. Photo by kansasphoto. CC by.

Jost Van Dyke

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.

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

White Bay. Photo by bvi4092. CC by.

Is the British Virgin Islands safe?

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.

Top things to do in the British Virgin Islands

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.

The Baths (Virgin Gorda)

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.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda
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The Baths. Photo by P. Hughes. CC by.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The Baths, Virgin Gorda

Cane Garden Bay (Tortola)

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.

Cane Garden Bay, British Virgin Islands

Cane Garden Bay. Photo by Terry Ott. CC by.

Sage Mountain National Park (Tortola)

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.

Sage Mountain National Park

Sage Mountain National Park. Photo by Henry AW.CC by.

RMS Rhone Wreck (off Salt Island)

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.

RMS Rhone Wreck

RMS Rhone Wreck. Photo by Gareth Richards. CC by.

Nightlife in the British Virgin Islands

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

Tortola has the most active nightlife, especially around Cane Garden Bay and Road Town.

  • Quito’s Gazebo – Beachfront spot with live reggae and dancing on weekends.
  • Myett’s – Known for sunset drinks, music, and a local crowd.

Jost Van Dyke

This island is famous for its beach bar energy and party scene.

  • Foxy’s – Legendary bar with music, drinks, and themed nights.
  • Soggy Dollar Bar – Known for its Painkiller cocktail and fun crowd by the beach.

Where is the British Virgin Islands?

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.

Fun facts about the British Virgin Islands

  • 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.

FAQ British Virgin Islands

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