British Virgin Islands

At a Glance

Mystical, lush and inspiring, the British Virgin Islands lure romantics, adventurers and escapists with lush hillsides covered in ancient mahogany trees and cacti, pristine beaches kissed by vibrant tides, a colorful aquarium of the world’s most diverse sea life, extensive coral reefs accountable for claiming legendary wrecks, vast outbacks and wildlife sanctuaries protecting endangered species. Entrenched in this aquatic playground, the BVI is known for some of the best sailing, diving, snorkeling and fishing in the Caribbean.

• Islands:
  • Tortola
  • Virgin Gorda
  • Anegada
  • Jost Van Dyke
  • Other Islands
• Activities:
  • World-Class Diving (Wreck and Reef): The relaxing pace of life above water in the British Virgin Islands is nothing compared to the adventures that wait below. Come investigate the secrets that lie below the surface in the British Virgin Islands. Stretching more than 70 miles underneath the Caribbean, underwater worlds can be discovered. The 60+ islands that make up the British Virgin Islands form a protective circle around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, creating a cozy paradise of secluded caves, colorful coral, and a wide variety of exotic dive sites. With over 300 dive sites that will take you to a whole new world filled with aquatic wonders adorned in a kaleidoscope of colors, it is no secret that diving in the British Virgin Islands is world-renowned. These breathtaking discoveries and out-of-this-world wrecks provide a backdrop for unforgettable underwater sights. Take adventure into your own hands when discovering the legendary caves below Norman Island, becoming a character in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”; The famous Wreck of the Rhone, a ship that sank in 1867 and now lies broken in half along the sandy ocean bottom; “Wreck Alley,” a field of sunken ships in which sea creatures have created a new habitat; and extensive networks of coral reef make the BVI one of the most popular dive spots in the Caribbean. Whether a rookie diver or a veteran, the British Virgin Islands offers the most intense jaw-dropping under-water adventures with ship wrecks, lava tunnels, colorful reefs and so much more. For more information on scuba diving in this underwater playground, visit www.divebvi.com.
  • Sailing Capital of the World:Considered the “Sailing Capital of the World” thanks to its constant breezes, sunny climates, and proximity from one island to the next, the BVI is the ideal location for nautical adventures. Renowned regattas such as the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival take place here each year, where seasoned sailors, novices, and spectators alike can delight in the excitement of sailing the BVI’s waters. Crewed or bareboat charters are also available for day trips or longer excursions; TMM (www.sailtmm.com), The Moorings (www.moorings.com) and Sunsail (www.sunsail.com) are a few yacht charter companies, and there are many privately owned charter companies within the BVI as well.
  • The Perfect Bait: Breaking world records, the BVI offers the most diverse fishing in the Caribbean. From “secret” fishing holes tucked into the shallow crevices to renowned deep-water spots, the BVI provides fishermen with the perfect bait. For more info on fishing permits and season guidelines, visit https://www.bvitourism.com/activities/fishing.
  • The Baths: Located on the beautiful island of Virgin Gorda, the Baths epitomize the incredible natural lure of the British Virgin Islands. Mystifying caves and striking pools formed by giant, granite boulders are scattered across white sandy beaches forming natural pools and grottos. Honeymooners can spend a day exploring the caves and trails, snorkeling the coral ledges and sunbathing on the pristine beach and untouched atmosphere. The Baths truly are one of the must-visit sights within the Caribbean. Getting there: From Tortola’s Road Town Ferry Terminal, there are several inter-island ferries that service Virgin Gorda. The ferry ride from Tortola to the Virgin Gorda Spanish Town jetty is 30 minutes and the round trip fare is $30 per person. Once on Virgin Gorda, travelers may acquire a cab to The Baths, which is approximately 10 minutes, and pay a $3 entrance fee at the National Parks Trust kiosk. For more information, visit www.bvitourism.com.
  • Health & Wellness: With an abundance of tranquil beaches and sparkling blue seas, relaxation is easy to come by in the BVI, but it’s the first-class spas and wellness centers that provide even the most stressed couple an opportunity to fully unwind and rejuvenate. Indulge in a therapeutic massage treatment or relax with a private suite retreat at top-notch spas such as The Spa at Peter Island Resort & Spa (www.peterisland.com/spa/) or Sense Spa (www.littledixbay.com/spa.cfm).
  • Kiteboarding: Take the thrill of surfing and mix it with the adrenaline rush of parasailing and you have the adventure of kiteboarding. Equipped with a board and a large kite, riders must not only deal with the motion of the ocean, but also take advantage of the gusty winds of Mother Nature. The British Virgin Islands offer the perfect playground for this sport with constant trade winds, gnarly waves and an inviting blue sky. Since 2009, the British Virgin Islands has played host to the BVI Kite Jam (www.bvikitejam.com), an obvious choice as it is a kiteboarding Mecca for riders from around the globe. Tackling the waves and the wind to fly like a bird makes this sport a jaw-dropping experience, not only for the rider, but also for bystanders that get to watch the riders perform acrobatic thrills high above the water.
  • Discover the Beaches: Offering some of the most breathtaking beaches in all of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands delivers a new beach escapade for every day of your honeymoon. The coral sands of Anegada supply a break from any busy beach or resort. The beaches here are so deserted, chances are that you will not even see another set of footprints in the sand. Enjoy the peace and quiet, read a book, savor a picnic lunch and relax in the tranquility that the beach provides. Only reached by boat, Sandy Spit Beach is a remote beach offering an enchanting escape where lovers can enjoy sun bathing, snorkeling, and peace and quiet. It may be little in size, but it packs the perfect Caribbean punch. Located just off Jost Van Dyke, the pristine white sand beach is only interrupted by two island palm trees. A visit to Sandy Spit will make one realize that the beach of their honeymoon dreams really does exist.
  • New Marina on Virgin Gorda: The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is a new state-of-the-art superyacht marina in the protected North Sound Bay Virgin Gorda. YCCS Virgin Gorda, is linked to the new Oil Nut Bay Luxury Resort Community and Beach Club, as well as to Biras Creek Resort. The Virgin Gorda Marina boasts 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters length, with superior amenities and services. The Marina boasts a first-class clubhouse, as well as a selection of bars and restaurants, shops, a pool and outdoor recreation areas for boaters. Yacht owners and guests also have access to the Biras Creek Resort facilities including fine dining, a spa and wellness center, private beach and sports activities. For more information, please visit www.yccsmarina.com.
  • Bitter End Yacht Club’s Quarterdeck Marina: Offering a full-service marina with shore side activities and services that appeal to couples on their boating honeymoon, Bitter End is pleased to announce updates to their Quarterdeck Marina. Once ashore couples can experience the new marina facilities, enjoy the full-service amenities and partake in the fun-loving activities of the Bitter End Yacht Club. Bitter End’s new state-of-the-art marina will feature accommodations for up to 18 yachts, tender docks to better serve large power yachts, catamaran slips designed to accommodate wide beams, a composite-hybrid facility with additional power availability to give yachts access to a larger number of 30 and 50-amp power posts, and an expanded L-dock for additional room. The addition at the Quarterdeck Marina will allow for the ability to accommodate up to 35 yachts on the five dock locations, spread over one quarter mile of Bitter End’s marina waterfront. For more information, please visit www.beyc.com.

Fast Facts

• AREA CODE: 284
• CAPITAL: Road Town, Tortola
• AIRPORT CODE: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)
• CLIMATE: Average temperatures range from 79-88°F in the summer months (June-August) and 72-82°F in the winter months (December-March)
• LANGUAGE: English (official), Spanish
• ELECTRICITY: 110/220v. American visitors do not need adapter
• TAXES: There is no Sales Tax within the BVI. There are Departure Taxes which include $20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship. 7% Accommodation Tax.
• CURRENCY: U.S. Dollar
• GETTING THERE: The most direct way to arrive to the BVI is via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) with flights being offered by a number of carriers including American Airlines, Delta, Continental and US Airways. From San Juan to Tortola, frequent connecting service is offered by American Eagle, Air Sunshine, LIAT and Cape Air, with occasional service by other airlines and charter flights. If travelers arrive via St. Thomas (STT), connecting flights can be scheduled via Air Sunshine to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or Anegada. Most travelers can take the 10-minute cab ride from the Cyril E. King Airport to Charlotte Amalie’s Waterfront Drive in down town, St. Thomas or Red Hook to be transported on one of the frequent ferries that service St. Thomas to Tortola. Ferries operate during the daylight hours. For a list of ferry schedules or travel to the British Virgin Islands, please visit www.bvitourism.com
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: All travelers entering the British Virgin Islands must have a valid passport with at least six months on it at time of entry. British Virgin Islands tourist visa is not required for citizens of United States for a stay up to 30 days. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension.
• WHEN TO GO: The British Virgin Islands offer the perfect holiday all year round. Constant trade winds provide a pleasant climate all year round. Highs vary from 80’s in the winter months to mid 90’s in the summer. The winter months (from the week before Christmas to around Easter) are the busiest (high season), with travelers trying to get away from the cold weather. The off-season can range from after Easter until mid December, when the weather is still marvelous but rates are about one-third less.
• TIMEZONE: GMT-4:00. British Virgin Islands do not observe Daylight Savings Time.