If you're thinking about travelling to the sun-soaked Caribbean paradise that is the British Virgin Islands (BVI), you're in for a treat. Famous for its beautiful beaches, this popular destination has so much more to offer than just white sands and clear, blue waters.
Whether you're planning to go solo, take a trip with friends, or set off into the sunset with a loved one, the British Virgin Islands travel guide below will tell you everything there is to know about vacationing here including:
- When to visit the British Virgin Islands
- How to travel around the British Virgin Islands
- Top-rated islands to explore in BVI
- Where to eat in the British Virgin Islands
- Practical tips for travelling to the BVI for female travellers
When to visit the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have a slightly different weather pattern to other islands in the Caribbean, something that you need to be aware of when booking your trip. You'll experience the dry season in BVI from January to April, whereas from May to December, there will be a lot of rain.
How to get around the British Virgin Islands
The most popular, not to mention luxurious, way to get around the British Virgin Islands is by hiring a private BVI yacht charter. A great choice for anyone who likes to enjoy complete freedom when on vacation, you can easily sail from island to island and enjoy the journey just as much as the destinations.
Don't worry if you're not an experienced sailor, as you can hire a crewed sailboat where everything is taken care of for you, including your drinks and meals!
Alternatively, there are ferries available to take you from one island to another, with frequent daily links that are easy to book and affordable. On each island, you can explore by foot, car, or taxi.
Top-rated islands to explore in BVI
There are so many amazing islands to explore in the BVI, which can make choosing where to go seem like an impossible task. Some of the most popular destinations in the British Virgin Islands are:
1. Tortola
Tortola is the largest and most populated island in the BVI, and is known predominantly for its sandy white beaches. Around 21 square miles long, this island boasts clear waters and giant leatherback turtles which are a must-see.
There's a lot to see and do in Tortola such as:
- Smuggler's Cove
- Mount Sage National Park
- Nanny Cay
- Callwood Rum Distillery
2. Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda offers some of the most luxurious hotels in the BVI, as well as an abundance of mega-yachts for you to marvel at. You can even catch a glimpse of Richard Branson's Necker Island.
Some of the must-see sights and attractions in Virgin Gorda include:
- Oil Nut Bay
- Gorda Peak National Park
- The Baths
- Spring Bay
3. Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is named after a pirate and provides a lively and energetic scene. It's perfect for travellers who enjoy a vibrant nightlife; there are many bars and restaurants to try. There's also a range of water activities, such as snorkelling and scuba diving.
Other things you may want to try and places you may want to visit on or near Jost Van Dyke include:
- Great Harbor
- Sandy Cay
- Sandy Spit
- Diamond Cay National Park
4. Anegada
Anegada is located on the northernmost end of the British Virgin Islands and is one of the quieter islands of BVI. Made mostly of coral and limestone, this is a popular spot for experienced divers and snorkelers.
Some of the most popular sights to see in Anegada include:
- Setting Point
- Pomato Point
- Cow Wreck Beach
- Flash of Beauty Flamingo Pond
Where to eat in the British Virgin Islands
When it comes to eating in the British Virgin Islands, there are many renowned restaurants for you to try, most of which can be found on the islands of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, seafood features heavily on most menus, with one of the area's most iconic dishes being “fish and fungi”, which is boiled fish and a polenta-style mixture of okra and cornmeal.
You can also sample cuisine from the Caribbean such as Trinidadian roti, which is a wrap based on a classic Indian flatbread—it's delicious!
For those who enjoy a tipple or two, the drink of choice in the BVI is rum, and there are so many amazing cocktails for you to sample. Don't leave without trying one of the area's signature drinks, Painkiller, which is a potent mixture of rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and nutmeg.
Practical tips for travelling to the BVI for female travellers
Whether you're travelling alone or with others, here are some practical tips for visiting the British Virgin Islands as a female traveller:
- Even though the BVI is considered safe, stay in populated and well-lit areas at night.
- Tipping is discretionary and should reflect the service you receive
- The US dollar is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants but not in all smaller establishments.
- Cool and casual cotton attire is recommended.
- Apply sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the sun's powerful rays.
- Bring your driving license with you if you intend to drive a car at any point.
- Stay hydrated as dehydration can cause a lot of health problems.
- Be polite at all times and greet people by saying “Good morning” or “How are you?”
- Don't rush around. The BVI is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Final thoughts
You'll never forget your first trip to the British Virgin Islands, so make sure you make the most of the experience. Visit as many islands as possible and soak up the local culture and cuisine.
