British Virgin Islands Holidays

The BVI comprises more than 40 British overseas territory-Caribbean islands, a handful of which are tourism focused whilst many others are small, remote, uninhabited islands which can only be reached by boat. Some of these lesser-known islands boast beach bars and some include underwater shipwrecks to explore. In addition to these shipwrecks, small salt-rimmed bays and coves see the BVI renowned as a sailing and diving fantasyland. The Spanish Empire’s discovery of the islands in the early 16th century saw many nations battling for their control, making the area a historically rich and notorious haunt for pirates. Whether you are looking for complete tranquillity, a chance to indulge in a wide selection of water sports or to unwind (or party!) with a few cocktails, you will be sure to find a British Virgin Islands (BVI) holiday to suit.

Popular British Virgin Islands Destinations

The U.S Virgin Islands neighbour the BVI but these isles are far more tourist heavy (particularly St. Thomas) making the BVI an ideal choice for escapism and near-solitude in a Caribbean paradise setting. Of the 40+ islands which make up the BVI, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke are considered as the four main islands:

Tortola

The volcanic island of Tortola is the largest BVI island and is where the vast majority of the region’s population resides (18,000/22,000 total population) and is the leading choice for holidays to British Virgin Islands. This mountainous island (whose name means “land of the Turtle Dove”) is not only a premier yachting destination but its capital Road Town is also fantastic for shopping, comprising a colourful west-Indian district containing handicraft and food stalls selling various conserves and of course; rum. Tortola is also home to the JRO Neal Botanical Gardens and the Sage Mountain National Park – ideal day retreats for a picnic away from the sand. There are also plenty of bars littering the island which come alive with energy as the sun sets. The islands best beaches are often considered to be Josiah’s Bay and Lambert Beach.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is the second most populous British Virgin Island and is a holiday destination cherished by movie stars and the equally wealthy due to the five-star exclusive resorts and luxury spas it boasts. The Baths – an area of unique, volcanic geological formations including huge boulders, natural tidal pools and tunnels – is the leading tourist attraction of Virgin Gorda. Families will simply love exploring this area together! The island also comprises several exceptional national parks, as well as the ruins of what is often considered to be the first ever copper mine.

Anegada

Unlike the other BVI islands, Anegada (north of Virgin Gorda) is a flat atoll and not of volcanic origin. The island – which is the second largest of the BVI and is formed from coral and limestone – floats within a remote reef and is home to the 18 mile-long Horseshoe Reef; the world’s fourth largest coral barrier reef, making it a prime location for fly fishing and scuba diving. The island’s eateries also claim to serve the most delicious lobster in the entire Caribbean. The remote location of Anegada (meaning “the drowned land”) makes it an ideal choice for those looking for solitude.

Jost Van Dyke

At just four miles in length, Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the BVI four main islands and it is home to only a few hundred inhabitants. JVD is a regular stop for those who happen to be taking a water taxi tour of the British Virgin Islands and its harbour (Great Harbour; the most significant point of interest on the island) is littered with small bars and restaurants. Picturesque beachside villas and cottages are the leading accommodation choice for guests. The island is often considered to be jovial and the location is particularly popular on New Year’s Eve. Jost Van Dyke is the perfect choice for those looking to experience Caribbean culture – often lost on other islands – in its rawest form.

When is the Best Time to Take a Holiday to the British Virgin Islands?

Although the British Virgin Islands experience brilliant sunshine the whole year round, the (rarely devastating) hurricane season lies between June and early November. This does not stop too many people from visiting during this period however, for the popular Emancipation Festival and several Full Moon parties are held during these months. Peak season for holidays in British Virgin Islands is between the months of November and May and so booking outside of this time can see you save some money and/or avoid other tourists.

Holiday Highlights

• The panoramic view seen from atop Mount Sage (Tortola)
• JRO Neal Botanical Gardens (Road Town)
• The Baths (Virgin Gorda)
• Snorkelling at Smugglers Cove (Tortola)
• Biras Creek’s swim-accessible only cocktail bar (Virgin Gorda)