The beautiful British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a self-governing UK overseas territory with over 60 charming cays and islands, of which only 15 are inhabited, including Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda - the four major ones. Beloved for its numerous sailing opportunities, it is no wonder that there is such a demand for charter boats and ferry services to explore the islands making up the BVI and their spellbinding white-sand beaches and friendly locals. Before you make any arrangements, though, here are some details to keep in mind and perhaps help make your decisions a bit easier.

Getting Around British Virgin Islands

According to the British Virgin Islands Tourism Authority, taxi services are available in two islands, Virgin Gorda and Tortola. Other than that, you may also use the water taxi services, with rates starting at around $200 (always depending on your destination), or rent a car from a car rental agency located across the island, including the airport and West End. Finally, ferries are another great option to get around the country and you may even travel between the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Note: After 4 p.m. the flights and ferries operate less frequently. For that reason, it is strongly recommended to check with your hotel to make sure that there is available transportation if you are arriving at the Tortola Terrance B. Lettsome Airport in the late afternoon.

Fast Facts About the BVI

• The official currency in the British Virgin Islands is the U.S. Dollar.
• A 10-15% service tipping is customary in the BVI and the Caribbean, in general.
• Your hotel might charge you with an added service fare, while there is a 7% accommodation tax.
• Travellers to the BVI do not pay any sales tax.
• All major credit cards are accepted in their wide majority across the country.
• It is customary to give bellboys and porters $1 per bag.
• The official language in the BVI is English.
• The dominant religion here is Christianity.
• The BVI economy is among the healthiest in the Caribbean with almost 45% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) coming from tourism.
• The BVI consists of both volcanic, hilly, and steep islands and coral, flat islands.
• The public health facility on Tortola is Peebles Hospital. However, you will also find additional health clinics throughout the British Virgins Islands.
• The BVI calling code is 284.

Local Gastronomy

The majority of the most renowned restaurants are located in Virgin Gorda, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke, where you can find the most delicious seafood. Among the most iconic BVI dishes are Trinidadian roti (an Indian-influenced wrap based on flatbread) and Fish and Fungi, a staple made with a mixture of okra and cornmeal (a polenta-style blend) and boiled fish. However, expect flavours from all around the Caribbean, always accompanied by rum – the national Caribbean drink, which is also a key ingredient in numerous specialty cocktails, such as Painkiller (made with coconut cream, pineapple juice, orange, rum, and nutmeg), Bushwacker (tastes pretty much like Pina Colada) and rum punch.

Culture in the BVI

Although considered a British territory, the British Virgin Islands is a wonderful mix of several cultures and has found a way to incorporate traditions from Africa, East India, Denmark, and America without losing its own identity.

As for the most popular sport, you might be surprised to know that it is not cricket as with the rest of the Caribbean islands! In the BVI, the locals seem to love basketball a little more. Another twist comes in the islanders’ favourite tea, which is not black, rather than bush tea made from native herbs and plants.

Finally, the local festivals host music from local bands (aka scratch) featuring triangles, gourds, washtub bases, ukuleles, and guitars, while another common sight is folk dance troupes dancing and singing African and European rhythms.

What NOT to Miss in the BVI

Anegada is a small, charming, flat island sitting in the middle of the most azure waters ever seen by human eyes. One of the best things you can do there is spend the night at the Anegada Beach Club in a thatched-roof tent on stilts after you are done exploring scenic landmarks like the flamingo-filled lagoons and the iguana sanctuary. Another great idea is to head to Virgin Gorda and spend the day at the Gorda Peak National Park and its 250-acre rainforest that offers supreme opportunities for picnicking and hiking while soaking up incredible views spreading below your feet, as you are surrounded by mango trees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and geckos.

And, do not forget a stop at the centuries-old Baths of Virgin Gorda that are the creation of volcanic activity in the area, featuring landscapes dotted with tunnels, natural underwater caves, oceanfront boulders, and amazing grottoes. As for your return trip to your hotel room, you can grab some flavoursome street food, such as conch salad or grilled fish, and recharge your batteries!

Driving in the British Virgin Islands

You normally need to buy a temporary driver’s licence unless you are planning on staying on the island for less than a month. To get one, you should go to either a car rental agency or the Traffic Licensing Office and have it issued instantly after you produce your valid driver’s licence from your country of residence. If you don’t have acquired a driver’s licence in the country where you live, you must take the driving and writing tests so you get the temporary BVI licence, which will be valid for three months.

Remember that driving here is on the left-hand side of the road and that you need to be at least 18 years of age to be allowed to drive a car. To rent a car, though, you need to be over 25 years old.

Accommodation in the BVI

There are lots of accommodation options in the British Virgin Islands, depending on your budget, requirements, and lifestyle, from luxury villas and high-end resorts to elegant cottages and rooms for rent. For maximum privacy and pampering, though, you could consider staying at one of the three private islands in the BVI – Guana, Peter Island, and Necker Island. Each comes with fantastic beaches with crystalline waters, lots of water sports and activities to try, access to the Caribbean and/or the Atlantic Ocean, and many more exclusive comforts and amenities.