British Virgin Islands travel guide

British Virgin Islands Tourism | British Virgin Islands Guide

You're Going to Love British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are renowned across the globe for having some of the most idyllic sailing conditions that feature consistent winds and calm tides. There's an everlasting number of sheltered coves and sandy beaches to discover, while coral reefs exhibit thriving underwater ecosystems. Locals are extremely welcoming and there's always an opportunity for a cocktail at one of the barefoot beachside bars.

What to do in the British Virgin Islands

1. Check Out The Baths

Spectacular granite rock formations rise out of the water and provide an incredible backdrop to view from the beach.

2. Scuba Dive at RMS Rhone

The 310 ft ship was sunk during a hurricane in 1867 and offers an exciting site to explore with coral growing across the bow and full.

3. Hike Through Sage Mountain National Park

Several paths navigate the 92-acre reserve, including a track to the 1,716 ft volcanic peak that is the highest point of the British Virgin Islands.

4. Discover Normal Island

Located at the southern edge of the islands, it's a fantastic place to snorkel with a maze of caves and scaling cliff faces.

5. Watch the Ships at Tortola Pier Park

The bayfront park has sweeping views of ships sailing into Road Town as well as boutique shops and trendy bars.

1. Check Out The Baths

Spectacular granite rock formations rise out of the water and provide an incredible backdrop to view from the beach.

2. Scuba Dive at RMS Rhone

The 310 ft ship was sunk during a hurricane in 1867 and offers an exciting site to explore with coral growing across the bow and full.

3. Hike Through Sage Mountain National Park

Several paths navigate the 92-acre reserve, including a track to the 1,716 ft volcanic peak that is the highest point of the British Virgin Islands.

4. Discover Normal Island

Located at the southern edge of the islands, it's a fantastic place to snorkel with a maze of caves and scaling cliff faces.

5. Watch the Ships at Tortola Pier Park

The bayfront park has sweeping views of ships sailing into Road Town as well as boutique shops and trendy bars.

When to visit the British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands in May
Estimated hotel price
£142
1 night at 3-star hotel
British Virgin Islands in May
Estimated hotel price
£142
1 night at 3-star hotel

A sub-tropical climate makes vacation pleasant throughout the year, however, it's nicest between December and April as temperatures hover around 83°F.

How to Get to the British Virgin Islands

Entry requirements

Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union have visa exemption and can enter freely with a valid passport. One-month visas can be obtained by other nationalities upon arrival, ensuring that ongoing tickets and adequate means of support are documented.

Plane

The majority of international flights arrive at Beef Island Airport with connections from Puerto Rico (for travelers coming from the United States and Canada), Saint Martin (travelers coming from Europe), and Antigua (travelers coming from the United Kingdom). Regional airlines, such as interCaribbean Airways, LIAT, and VI Airlink, help facilitate services and a non-stop fare from San Juan can be bought for around $200-300. It's also common for visitors from the United States to fly to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and then travel by ferry.

Boat

The 50min ferry from Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Road Town operates roughly between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, with a one-way fare costing approximately $25. It's also possible to travel to West End wharf on Tortola. The ferries are passenger only and do not allow vehicles onboard.

Entry requirements

Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Canada, and the European Union have visa exemption and can enter freely with a valid passport. One-month visas can be obtained by other nationalities upon arrival, ensuring that ongoing tickets and adequate means of support are documented.

Plane

The majority of international flights arrive at Beef Island Airport with connections from Puerto Rico (for travelers coming from the United States and Canada), Saint Martin (travelers coming from Europe), and Antigua (travelers coming from the United Kingdom). Regional airlines, such as interCaribbean Airways, LIAT, and VI Airlink, help facilitate services and a non-stop fare from San Juan can be bought for around $200-300. It's also common for visitors from the United States to fly to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and then travel by ferry.

Boat

The 50min ferry from Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Road Town operates roughly between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, with a one-way fare costing approximately $25. It's also possible to travel to West End wharf on Tortola. The ferries are passenger only and do not allow vehicles onboard.

Popular airports in the British Virgin Islands

Popular airlines serving the British Virgin Islands

United Airlines
Good (9,237 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,515 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (12,327 reviews)
Caribbean Airlines
Excellent (161 reviews)
Cape Air
Excellent (42 reviews)
interCaribbean Airways
Okay (25 reviews)
Silver Airways
Good (276 reviews)
Winair
Good (1 reviews)
Tradewind
Excellent (3 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in the British Virgin Islands

Large hotels are available on Tortola, though most tourists prefer to stay in beachside resorts or bungalows. Smaller islands, such as Josh Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, have fewer options but villas and budget accommodation can still be found.

Where to stay in popular areas of the British Virgin Islands

Most booked hotels in the British Virgin Islands

Long Bay Beach Resort
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
£513+
Wyndham Tortola Bvi Lambert Beach Resort
4 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£171+
Maria’s by the Sea Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (9.7, Excellent reviews)
£189+
The Mariner Inn Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8, Excellent reviews)
£207+
Fort Burt Hotel
3 stars
Good (6.9, Good reviews)
£137+

How to Get Around the British Virgin Islands

Public Transportation

There are no public buses, however, unofficial safari trucks navigate Tortola and provide hop-on-hop-off transport for roughly $3-5.

Car

Only on the larger islands that have sizeable populations, such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda, is it possible to rent a car. Beef Island Airport has several rental agencies, meaning visitors can pick up a car as soon as they land. Driving cautiously is recommended due to steep hills and inconsistencies in road quality.

Plane

Nonstop flights can be caught between Virgin Gorda and Beef Island. Flight times are less than 30min and priced at roughly $100-150.

Boat

Ferries can be caught to Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Marina Cay, and Scrub Island. Services depart and return to Road Town multiple times each day and a round trip costs roughly $55-65. Water taxis are also readily available from docks and can take passengers to remote bays and beaches.

Public Transportation

There are no public buses, however, unofficial safari trucks navigate Tortola and provide hop-on-hop-off transport for roughly $3-5.

Car

Only on the larger islands that have sizeable populations, such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda, is it possible to rent a car. Beef Island Airport has several rental agencies, meaning visitors can pick up a car as soon as they land. Driving cautiously is recommended due to steep hills and inconsistencies in road quality.

Plane

Nonstop flights can be caught between Virgin Gorda and Beef Island. Flight times are less than 30min and priced at roughly $100-150.

Boat

Ferries can be caught to Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Marina Cay, and Scrub Island. Services depart and return to Road Town multiple times each day and a round trip costs roughly $55-65. Water taxis are also readily available from docks and can take passengers to remote bays and beaches.

The Cost of Living in the British Virgin Islands

Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant costs approximately $15-20, while a dozen eggs can be bought from the market for roughly $3. A 30-day prepaid sim card can be purchased for about $45 with 3GB of data. Credit cards are widely accepted across the British Virgin Islands, though it's always best to carry cash for ferries and grocery stores.

Popular cities in the British Virgin Islands