The British Virgin Islands are comprised of over sixty islands and cays and unique geological structures, floating in the azure waters of the northern Caribbean Sea. 

 

They beckon travelers with their stunning natural beauty, eclectic shops, and unique restaurants. You can find everything from blissful accommodations to quirky, one of a kind, fun things to do that draw visitors to return year after year.

The many ways to experience the BVI range from world class luxury resorts to charming small hotels, villas, charter yachts and camping, each with an appropriate price tag. A truly elite playground can be found at Sir Richard Branson’s fabulous Necker Island with accommodations for just two dozen lucky souls. Over the years the island has attracted such notables as Princess Diana and other royals, plus high- and low-profile members of the international set.

Virgin Gorda  is home to The Baths, a sandy cove ringed with house-sized granite boulders left by the last ice-age that frame turquoise sea grottos, hidden pools and secret passages. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Top of the Baths restaurant for a gorgeous view and a refreshing dip in the restaurants’s pool. On the menu, you’ll find Caribbean dishes like stewed oxtail and traditional American fare. At the adjacent Caribbean Flavor shop there’s handcrafted art, jewelry, spices, shells and great island clothing.

One of the world’s best diving areas, the BVI abounds in underwater attractions with beach and boat dives to spectacular reefs, wrecks, walls and caves. One of the most popular dives is the wreck of the HMS Rhone, a British Royal Mail steamship that went down off Salt Island in the hurricane of 1867. The ship is still reasonably intact and very beautiful.

Partying is another specialty; the British Virgin Islands are chock full of guaranteed good-time places. You may have heard tales of New Year’s Eve celebrations at Foxy’s beach bar, or sodden afternoons at the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke.

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Things To Do

British Virgin Islands

Island hopping around the Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are just a stone’s throw from St. Thomas and St. John, and they beckon travelers with their stunning natural beauty, eclectic shops, and unique restaurants. With regular ferry runs and dozens of day trip charters, getting to the BVI is easy. Tortola Native Son Ferry operates a regular schedule between St.

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Best time to visit

With year long temperatures that range in the 70s and 80s, the British Virgin Islands boasts a tropical climate which is influenced by the trade winds. August through October can be humid and in the winter months you can expect a 15-minute sun-shower around midday. 

Getting to the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is accessible by air or sea, however, there are no direct flights to the islands from the United States, Canada or Europe. Connecting flights to BVI can be taken from Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Antigua, or St. Maarten.

You may arrive by sea via the following ports of entry: Road Town, Tortola; West End, Tortola; Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke; St. Thomas Bay, Virgin Gorda; Gun Creak, Virgin Gorda. All entering vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival into the territory, and retain a valid passport and boat registration papers

Immigration Matters

To enter the British Virgin Islands you need a valid passport for the duration of your stay. Visas are not required if you’re a British, American or Canadian citizen.

Transportation

Getting around the British Virgin Islands is easy, with several modes of transport on offer. From inter-island ferries, to local airlines, taxis and car hire.

Phone Calls

Check the roaming package from your carrier before you travel. Don’t be surprised if you experience the occasional dropped call due to our mountainous terrain.

Free Wi-Fi Zones

4G service on the islands is generally reliable and lots of public places have Wi-Fi. As you tour the islands, use your phone’s navigation system to find the spots on your must- do list!

Religious Services

There are several churches on the British Virgin Islands, including Anglican, Baptist and Catholic churches.

Tax and Tipping

The British Virgin Islands is a tax free territory and there is an abundance of duty free shopping to explore! Tip as in a major U.S. city–a minimum of 15%.

Currency

The local currency is US dollars. Philatelists will be interested to learn that the BVI is the only British possession where a postage stamp’s cost is printed in USD.

Banking & ATMs

There are a number of banks and ATMs in main towns of Tortola and Virgin Gorda, including Banco Popular, First Bank, First Caribbean and Scotiabank.

Medical Facilities

Medical care in the British Virgin Islands is limited. Tortola has a small general hospital with an emergency room and limited medical/surgical services. There are several clinics on Tortola, and one clinic in Virgin Gorda. Patients requiring treatment for decompression illness are transferred to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Map of British Virgin Islands

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Festiva Sailing

Hodge's Creek, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Waterfront Dr, Parham Town, British Virgin Islands

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Festiva Sailing

Waterfront Dr, Parham Town, British Virgin Islands

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