British Virgin Island – Travel Guide
Located between the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans, the British Virgin Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its magnificent beaches, stunning snorkeling spots, and diverse wildlife, the islands are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Adventure awaits with rock-climbing, hiking, and underwater exploration. Delve into the island’s rich history and cultural landscape, from its ancient Arawak ruins to its historic colonial architecture. Most visitors often taste local cuisine, sample BVI rum, and listen to the sounds of the steel pan. The British Virgin Islands await your discovery.
All about British Virgin Island
British Virgin Island FAQ
What are the British Virgin Islands known for?
The arresting views of the alluring British Virgin Islands draw visitors from around the globe with its ravishingly beautiful beaches and dazzling blue waters dotted with famous dive sites and marine life. The 60 islands scattered across the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic are known as some of the most exclusive islands in the world. Luxury resorts line the shores which are world-renowned for excellent sailing and yachting, dramatic lush volcanic mountains fill the interior of the islands, a hiker paradise, and the perfect setting for nature lovers. Tortola is the most populated island and the gateway to the archipelago, the lush peaks plunge to the crystal clear bays and give the island its luring appeal. Jost Van Dyke is a sleepy island known for its epic New Year`s Eve parties and delicious Caribbean food. The Virgin Gorda Baths are a geological wonder and the island’s most famous landmark, a bay scattered with giant granite boulders creating a series of pools and hidden caves perfect for snorkeling and exploring. Anegada is the only flat island of the archipelago sitting on a coral reef, this secluded, spacious island is blanketed by breathtaking beaches, idyllic resorts, conch filled waters and excellent fishing, flamingos and an iguana sanctuary. The Gorda Peak National Park is known for excellent hiking up Gorda Peak, lush verdant rainforests flourishing with rare plants and exotic wildlife.
What are the best places to visit the British Virgin Islands?
Tortola is a tranquil island, boasting long stretches of white sand beaches, secluded palm-shaded coves, lush verdant mountains, full moon parties, and deep history. Discover the spectacular scenic beauty of this Caribbean Island in the forested Sage Mountain National Park, dive deep to uncover the shipwrecks found offshore, and go sailing and visit surrounding islands.
How many days should I spend in British Virgin Island?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around the British Virgin Islands?
The best way to explore the British Virgin Islands is by renting a car, major U.S. rental car agencies can be found at the airport, at ferry docks, and other locations in the main towns on the islands. Tortola has two main highways, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke also have good road networks. Traveling around the British Virgin Islands by boat is a leisurely way to see the islands from the water, a ferry is most likely how you will arrive at the islands. Traveling between most islands is done by ferry or a day of sailing around the archipelago. Ferries also link the U.S. Virgin Islands with the British Virgin Islands, which can be more economical than flying. These inter-island public ferries run from ferry terminals on St. Thomas to the West End or Road Town on Tortola, the journey takes around 55 minutes. Another service is offered to and from Virgin Gorda and other islands like Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.
What is the currency of the British Virgin Islands?
The official currency in the British Virgin Islands is the US dollar. There are ATMs found at airports, and banks throughout the main cities and towns.
Do people speak English in the British Virgin Islands?
The official language spoken in the British Virgin Islands is English, it is also common to hear French Creole and Spanish. Many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good English-Creole guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit British Virgin Island
The British Virgin Islands enjoy a warm subtropical climate with average temperatures around 80 degrees. The heat on the tropical islands is tempered by gentle cooling trade wind breezes that blow from the northeast throughout the year.
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The best time to visit is from September through November which is also the wet season and before the crowds flock in for the winter holidays. The islands do experience hurricane seasons, with most storms occurring from August to October, however, they have averaged about four in a century. The fall months tend to see the highest amount of rain, but can also be a less crowded and cheaper time of year to visit. The best time to visit the islands for diving is the winter or spring, sailing is best in March when the BVI Spring Regatta takes place.
Tipping in British Virgin Island
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in British Virgin Island
What is the currency of the British Virgin Islands?
The official language spoken in the British Virgin Islands is English, it is also common to hear French Creole and Spanish. Many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good English-Creole guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.