British Virgin Islands Travel Guide (Lesser Antilles/Caribbean/North America)

Introduction to British Virgin Islands
List of Places to Visit in British Virgin Islands
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of British Virgin Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of British Virgin Islands
Best Things to Do in British Virgin Islands: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for British Virgin Islands
Food and Drink Scene of British Virgin Islands
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in British Virgin Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in British Virgin Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of British Virgin Islands
Best Time to Visit British Virgin Islands
Do’s and Don’ts of British Virgin Islands
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in British Virgin Islands
- Health in British Virgin Islands
Getting to British Virgin Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in British Virgin Islands
Where to Go Next from British Virgin Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Are you looking for a tropical getaway that combines natural beauty, cultural attractions, and exciting adventures? Look no further than the British Virgin Islands. Located in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, these islands offer a stunning blend of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, lush green hills, and vibrant local culture. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in the British Virgin Islands.

Introduction to British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consist of over 60 islands and cays, with several of them uninhabited. With a population of around 32,000, most of whom are of African descent, the British Virgin Islands maintain a distinct culture and heritage from its colonial roots. The official language is English, and the currency is the US dollar. The islands have a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 75 °F to 85 °F all year round. The peak tourist season is from November to April, but the islands are a year-round destination.

List of Places to Visit in British Virgin Islands

There are many places to visit in the British Virgin Islands. Here is a list of some of the most popular attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Virgin Islands Folk Museum
Old Government House Museum
Callwood Rum Distillery
1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum
Tortola Pier Park

Natural Attractions of British Virgin Islands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Baths on Virgin Gorda
Smuggler’s Cove on Tortola
Jost Van Dyke
Sage Mountain National Park
Anegada Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands have many exciting hiking and biking routes. These are some of the best.

Cane Garden Bay to Smuggler’s Cove
Mount Sage National Park Trail
Virgin Gorda Peak Trail
Beef Island to Trellis Bay
Norman Island Caves and Beaches

Best Things to Do in British Virgin Islands: Activities and Tours

The British virgin islands offer a myriad of exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the best.

Sailing to famous islands and secluded beaches
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in secret bays and harbors
Paddle Boarding through peaceful lagoons
Deep Sea Fishing with expert guides
Day Trips to other Virgin Islands

Week-Long Itinerary for British Virgin Islands

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long vacation in the British Virgin Islands:

Day	Activity
1	Arrive at Beef Island Airport and spend the day at the beach in Trellis Bay
2	Visit Cane Garden Bay and hike to Belmont Point for stunning views
3	Explore Virgin Gorda’s The Baths and spend the evening on a private yacht
4	Visit Jost Van Dyke and spend the night in one of the island’s guesthouses
5	Snorkel at Smugglers Cove and enjoy an afternoon meal at Rhymers, a legendary beach bar
6	Take a day trip to Anegada and relax on its beautiful beaches
7	Spend your last day shopping in Road Town and visit the Callwood Rum Distillery

Food and Drink Scene of British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands offer a delicious variety of food and drink options.

Must-Try Dishes

Conch fritters
Fish and fungi
Roti
Lobster
Jerk chicken

Local Beverages

Painkiller: a blend of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream
Bush tea: a caffeine-free herbal tea
Virgin Islands beer: local beer brewed on the island
Rum Punch: a blend of rum, pineapple, lime, and grenadine

Where to Stay in British Virgin Islands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The British Virgin Islands offer different accommodation options. Here are some of the best.

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
Anegada Beach Club
Sugar Mill Hotel
Maria’s By the Sea
The Moorings

What to Buy in British Virgin Islands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring home from the British Virgin Islands.

Locally made rum
Handmade jewelry and crafts from local artisans
Hot Sauce of local peppers which is perfect for seafood
A straw hat with colorful ribbons that locals wear here during their festivals
Essential oil of local tea tree

Local Culture and Customs of British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands have a rich culture and local customs worth experiencing.

One of the intrinsic culture is the annual Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta, where more than 100 boats compete in races, cultural activities, and nightly entertainment.

The festival of the August First (Emancipation Day) is another significant cultural event on the island. In this day, it commemorates the end of slavery and features mocko-jumbie dancers, traditional drum, and music.

The people on BVI are generally very friendly and welcoming, it’s customary to greet locals back as a sign of respect.

Best Time to Visit British Virgin Islands

The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is from November to April, which is a dry season of 25-85°F. May to October is historically a rainy season where you’ll see more rainfall and high humidity.

Do’s and Don’ts of British Virgin Islands

Here are some important things to keep in mind while visiting the British Virgin Islands.

Do:

Respect local customs
Wear restraint clothing at religious places and formal settings
Always ask permission before taking photographs
Use sunscreen and stay hydrated

Don’t:

Litter or pollute local beaches or bays
Take expensive jewelry or valuables when snorkeling or swimming
Public nudity or public displays of affection are banned

Safety and Health

Safety in British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are a safe place to travel for tourists. However, petty crime, such as theft, can occur. Be vigilant, avoid ostentatious displays of wealth, and don’t leave valuable items unattended on the beaches.

Health in British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands have various healthcare facilities. However, it’s best to have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Getting to British Virgin Islands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near British Virgin Islands

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is the main airport in the British Virgin Islands. It’s situated on Beef Island, just east of Tortola.

Bus Stations Near British Virgin Islands

There are no bus stations on the British Virgin Islands. Visitors can explore many of the larger islands by taxi or rental car.

Other Options

You can also arrive in the British Virgin Islands by ferry from St Thomas, St Croix, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgins.

How to Get Around in British Virgin Islands

The best way to get around the British Virgin Islands is to rent a car or motor scooter. Taxis and water taxis are also available, but can be expensive. Ferries are a great way to visit the nearby islands.

Where to Go Next from British Virgin Islands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring the British Virgin Islands, consider visiting these nearby destinations.

Puerto Rico
US Virgin Islands
Anguilla

Conclusion

The British Virgin Islands have something for every traveler, with a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. This comprehensive guide will surely help you plan a memorable trip to this paradise-like destination. Come and experience the stunning beauty and friendly hospitality of the British Virgin Islands today!