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British Virgin Islands

Things to Do in British Virgin Islands

Choose from 4 Fun Things to Do in British Virgin Islands

White Bay

People travel the entire world in search of tropical paradise, when all along it’s been sitting right here—hanging out in plain view. Here on tiny Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, yachties, bar flies, sunseekers, and divers all gather together on a white sand cove that’s back by a turquoise sea. Grab a snorkel and swim through schools of small, silvery fish, or watch as pelicans swoop through the sky in search of an easy meal. After splashing in the shallow waters, order a plate of conch fritters from one of the beachside restaurants, or sip on a frozen “Painkiller” cocktail at the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar. The name, it’s said, is derived from sailors who would swim to shore and purchase drinks with wet bills—which is still a tradition that visiting yachties casually enjoy to this day. To stretch your legs between drinks and meals, stroll the length of White Bay and scramble around the rocks, taking in views of the natural harbor that’s dotted with sailboats and yachts. Even for all of its beauty, however, and renowned tropical fame, Jost Van Dyke remains unpretentious and true to its casual roots.

Practical Info

Jost Van Dyke is most easily accessed by boat from St. Thomas or St. John. Both islands have regular ferries that visit Jost Van Dyke—although passports are required when re-entering the small U.S. territory. It’s also possible to visit from Tortola or neighboring Virgin Gorda, or charter your own boat and drop anchor directly offshore White Bay.

Jost Van Dyke Island, British Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands

From $ 105

Tortola

With its white-sand beaches, forested groves, and yacht-filled harbors, Tortola is the epitome of a tropical paradise—without the isolation. This island is also the the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands and home to the capital of Road Town, meaning that it is easy to access and full of visitor amenities.

The Basics

It’s easy to spend a whole day swimming and sipping coconuts at Tortola’s coveted beaches such as Brewers Bay and Cane Garden Bay, but visitors would be remiss to skip the island’s other attractions. Gentle swells and clear waters make beginner surf lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling attractive options for water-lovers, while a number of caves, botanical gardens, and national parks satisfy the siren call of the island’s forested peaks. Sage Mountain National Park, J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens, and Queen Elizabeth II Park are all popular options. With all this activity, Tortola offers a number of dining options that fuel days of fun. Eat your fill of fresh seafood at beachfront shacks or grand historic properties, whatever suits your taste.

Things to Know Before You Go

Tortola leans toward luxury, but some budget hotels are available.
Don’t fret your packing list—you can find most of what you need on the island if you forgot something at home.
Those visiting on a cruise ship can look for easy-to-book shore excursions that fit tight schedules.
If you're not sure where to start, book an island tour with a tour guide for an overview of Tortola's attractions.

How to Get There

Tortola has three ferry docks: West End, Road Town, and Baughers Bay, making it easy to catch a boat between Tortola and other nearby islands such as Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, home to the Baths, a popular beach area. Routes are available from St. Thomas and St. John, as well. Those arriving by air will fly into the BVI’s only airport on Beef Island and can take a shuttle or taxi to Tortola, about a 30-minute drive to Road Town. Personal yachts are also allowed; just be sure to check local and embassy regulations before you dock.

When to Get There

Sunshine and warm weather are practically guaranteed year-round. You will get more rain during hurricane season from June through November, and, of course, the threat of a big storm, but satellite forecasts generally give enough warning. Still, trip insurance is advised. High season runs from December through April, so expect crowds and higher prices during those months.

A Cultural Cocktail

Although Tortola is a British territory, the culture is far removed. Hundreds of years of global trade, including the massive impact of the Atlantic slave trade, brought West African, Indian, Hispanic, Dutch, Caribbean, British, and other cultures together into a unique mix that isn’t found anywhere else outside the British Virgin Islands.

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Year-round

Free

From $ 80

The Baths

Many travelers to the British Virgin Islands make their way to Virgin Gorda to see the beautiful Baths. Laden with exotic pools and grottoes set among sea caves, the site was formed by mammoth boulders, around which explorers can swim and snorkel with crystal clarity.

If you happen to be a geological buff, you will notice that the boulders on the beach are indicators of the island's volcanic origins, which placed the granite that eroded into the splendid formations of The Baths.

Practical Info

The Baths' main entrance can be reached by heading west from Spanish Town along the conveniently signposted road. You can park a car at the elegant Top of the Baths restaurant. The site is also accessible through water trails reached via Devil's Bay. If careful and attentive, it's possible to spot sponges and corals in the water. Another such path leads to Spring Bay, where you can see many fish and other aquatic life.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Open daily

From $ 800

British Virgin Islands Cruise Port

The quintessential white sands, turquoise water and colorful architecture of the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) have long been part of every Caribbean cruiser’s dream. There are 60 islands in all, but the most popular for a day in port are the main island of Tortola, Virgin Gorda with its famous rock formations known as the Baths, and the laidback beach-bum favorite, Jost Van Dyke.

Snorkeling, sailing, fishing and beach shore excursions can take you from one island to another. Alternatively, explore the island you dock at on your own, checking out local markets and historic attractions from the time of European settlement, or doing absolutely nothing on one of those perfect beaches.

How to get to Tortola

You’ll most likely dock in Road Harbour, Tortola (depending on your cruise line, you may end up at Virgin Gorda or even Jost Van Dyke). From there, you can walk to Road Town and visit most of its sights on foot. To go elsewhere on Tortola, take a taxi from the dock area; to visit Virgin Gorda on your own, take a ferry from the ferry terminal just south of the Folk Museum.

One Day on Tortola

Before hitting the beach, start with a little bit of Caribbean culture and history in Road Town. Browse the gift and souvenir offerings at the Crafts Alive market, next to the cruise pier area, and then head across Main Street to the Folk Museum.

Next, either take a cab to Sage Mountain National Park (named after the highest peak in the BVIs) for some hiking with sea views, or walk to JR O’Neal Botanical Garden for a flatter walk amid orchids and other tropical plants.

Spend the rest of the day at Smuggler’s Cove, one of the many beaches that line the north side of the island. Grab a bite to eat from the snack bar and sip on a frothy, fruity rum concoction as you dig your toes in the soft white sand. Now, you’re in heaven.

Port Information

English is the official language of the BVIs, and the currency is the US dollar. You can find ATMs in Road Town on Tortola and Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda.

Road Harbour, Road Town, British Virgin Islands

From $ 45