A vacation in the British Virgin Islands promises peaceful moments that are a far cry from the experiences travellers’ have in other Caribbean islands, which are either more commercial or touristy and busy. Of the more than 60 islands that form the British Virgin Islands, most are inhabited havens, while the four main ones are Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke. These four also have the vast majority of resorts and hotels.
Introducing the Four Main BVI Islands
1. Tortola
Tortola is not only the largest island of all four and the beating heart of the BVI, but also the main port of call for cruise ships and the place that provides the widest array of activities and things to do in the BVI. Virgin Gorda comes second in size and makes an easy and pleasurable trip from Tortola, welcoming visitors with secluded and quiet coves and idyllic beaches.
As expected, Tortola hosts Road Town, the regional capital, and allows easy access to the other three main islands, which makes it the perfect place to start your vacation or explore the British Virgin Islands. Once here, life will seem to be going at a slower and more relaxed pace than what you are used to and you will notice that some forms of accommodation are not as easy to reach, which promotes a sense of privacy and serenity.
But, Tortola’s southern shores are much more lively and animated, featuring fine dining restaurants, luxury resorts, a variety of shops, and plenty of things to do. Plus, you will surely find out that the island hides several hidden gems, such as secluded surfing spots, as well as a fantastic street food scene and vivid nightlife!
2. Jost Van Dyke
As for Jost Van Dyke, it is the place that less than 300 people call home and is a unique destination in the Caribbean with a few hotels. The smallest sibling of the four, it measures only 8 square kilometres (3 square miles) and impresses with its rugged scenery that’s dotted with sugar mill ruins, old trails, fine-sand beaches, and turquoise waters. And, if you happen to swim on the east side of the island, you may as well pump into groups of whales and dolphins that playfully pass by the island as part of their long journey in the sea.
Now, if you seek the utmost fun and palate-caressing food like barbequed fresh fish, West Indian roti, or flying fish sandwiches, the Great Harbour is where you need to be. As for a great party, either head to the Soggy Dollar Bar or come around New Year’s Eve or Halloween and join the festivities, while watching the Great Harbour become a party land for elegant yachts and catamarans!
3. Anegada
Anegada is a quick flight from Tortola and pampers with sugary shores, crystalline waters, and lots of water sports, including scuba diving, shipwreck diving, snorkelling, and swimming. You will find it sitting within the volcanic chains of the BVI and is unique in every sense.
To begin with, it is the only coral island where stunning coral reefs, amazing flora and fauna, flamingo-populated lagoons, and swaying palm trees comprise breathtaking scenery. Secondly, it is every diver’s paradise for its underground tunnels, mazes, and reef drops, as well as the magnificent marine life that lives beneath the surface of the sea.
Apart from all that, there are many places to enjoy your quiet time by the beach, or try fishing and other water sports, while there are interesting wrecks and stone walls eagerly waiting to tell their stories that go far back in time, during the early settlement of the island!
4. Virgin Gorda
The majority of holidaymakers show a distinct preference toward Virgin Gorda as it provides an unbeatable combination of unspoiled nature and luxury resorts, alongside some of the best dive and snorkel spots in the BVI.
The primary settlement on the island is Spanish Town, which offers easy access to things like booking a boat trip or enjoying kitesurfing or snorkelling. Now, if you want to augment the overall island experience with some turtle-watching, drive to the West Coast and such sightings will be right there!
Another must-visit landmark in Virgin Gorda is the famous Baths, an exciting network of massive boulders on the shore and natural sea-water pools that are nowhere else to be found in the entire western hemisphere.
Finally, let’s not forget the island’s Caribbean origins, which means that you will find a wide range of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to street food vendors serving absolutely mouth-watering dishes and local flavours.
Bonus Tips
- In most cases, travellers staying at a Tortola resort or hotel fly into Beef Island and land at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Then, a causeway connects Beef Island with Tortola.
- Travellers not staying at a Tortola resort or hotel usually take the ferry to reach the island of their choice.
- The most high-end and expensive hotels are on Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, Scrub Island, and a few more of the outlying islands.
- There is no direct flight from South America, Europe, Canada, or the USA connecting with the BVI, which is why you will need a connection from another Caribbean island, such as St. Maarten, Antigua, or St. Thomas.
- The locals, in general, prefer to address one another or visitors as “Miss”, “Mrs”, or “Mr” and chances are you will never hear them shouting your name (or anybody’s first name) from far away because this is regarded as rude behaviour.
- If you will be reaching the BVI by boat, things are a bit easier, especially if you are coming from St. Thomas (Red Hook port) in the US Virgin Islands. There are British Virgin Islands Customs and Immigration officers at Gun Greek, St. Thomas Bay, Great Harbour, West End, and Road Town, in Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola.
- One of the best ways to get around the BVI is by boat, with most water taxis, charter boats, and ferries running frequently between the four main islands mentioned above. You may also rent a car in Tortola to get around on land or use the taxi services (whenever they are available).
A vacation in the British Virgin Islands promises peaceful moments that are a far cry from the experiences travellers’ have in other Caribbean islands, which are either more commercial or touristy and busy. Of the more than 60 islands that form the British Virgin Islands, most are inhabited havens, while the four main ones are Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke. These four also have the vast majority of resorts and hotels.
Introducing the Four Main BVI Islands
1. Tortola
Tortola is not only the largest island of all four and the beating heart of the BVI, but also the main port of call for cruise ships and the place that provides the widest array of activities and things to do in the BVI. Virgin Gorda comes second in size and makes an easy and pleasurable trip from Tortola, welcoming visitors with secluded and quiet coves and idyllic beaches.
As expected, Tortola hosts Road Town, the regional capital, and allows easy access to the other three main islands, which makes it the perfect place to start your vacation or explore the British Virgin Islands. Once here, life will seem to be going at a slower and more relaxed pace than what you are used to and you will notice that some forms of accommodation are not as easy to reach, which promotes a sense of privacy and serenity.
But, Tortola’s southern shores are much more lively and animated, featuring fine dining restaurants, luxury resorts, a variety of shops, and plenty of things to do. Plus, you will surely find out that the island hides several hidden gems, such as secluded surfing spots, as well as a fantastic street food scene and vivid nightlife!
2. Jost Van Dyke
As for Jost Van Dyke, it is the place that less than 300 people call home and is a unique destination in the Caribbean with a few hotels. The smallest sibling of the four, it measures only 8 square kilometres (3 square miles) and impresses with its rugged scenery that’s dotted with sugar mill ruins, old trails, fine-sand beaches, and turquoise waters. And, if you happen to swim on the east side of the island, you may as well pump into groups of whales and dolphins that playfully pass by the island as part of their long journey in the sea.
Now, if you seek the utmost fun and palate-caressing food like barbequed fresh fish, West Indian roti, or flying fish sandwiches, the Great Harbour is where you need to be. As for a great party, either head to the Soggy Dollar Bar or come around New Year’s Eve or Halloween and join the festivities, while watching the Great Harbour become a party land for elegant yachts and catamarans!
3. Anegada
Anegada is a quick flight from Tortola and pampers with sugary shores, crystalline waters, and lots of water sports, including scuba diving, shipwreck diving, snorkelling, and swimming. You will find it sitting within the volcanic chains of the BVI and is unique in every sense.
To begin with, it is the only coral island where stunning coral reefs, amazing flora and fauna, flamingo-populated lagoons, and swaying palm trees comprise breathtaking scenery. Secondly, it is every diver’s paradise for its underground tunnels, mazes, and reef drops, as well as the magnificent marine life that lives beneath the surface of the sea.
Apart from all that, there are many places to enjoy your quiet time by the beach, or try fishing and other water sports, while there are interesting wrecks and stone walls eagerly waiting to tell their stories that go far back in time, during the early settlement of the island!
4. Virgin Gorda
The majority of holidaymakers show a distinct preference toward Virgin Gorda as it provides an unbeatable combination of unspoiled nature and luxury resorts, alongside some of the best dive and snorkel spots in the BVI.
The primary settlement on the island is Spanish Town, which offers easy access to things like booking a boat trip or enjoying kitesurfing or snorkelling. Now, if you want to augment the overall island experience with some turtle-watching, drive to the West Coast and such sightings will be right there!
Another must-visit landmark in Virgin Gorda is the famous Baths, an exciting network of massive boulders on the shore and natural sea-water pools that are nowhere else to be found in the entire western hemisphere.
Finally, let’s not forget the island’s Caribbean origins, which means that you will find a wide range of dining options, from fine dining restaurants to street food vendors serving absolutely mouth-watering dishes and local flavours.
Bonus Tips
- In most cases, travellers staying at a Tortola resort or hotel fly into Beef Island and land at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Then, a causeway connects Beef Island with Tortola.
- Travellers not staying at a Tortola resort or hotel usually take the ferry to reach the island of their choice.
- The most high-end and expensive hotels are on Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, Scrub Island, and a few more of the outlying islands.
- There is no direct flight from South America, Europe, Canada, or the USA connecting with the BVI, which is why you will need a connection from another Caribbean island, such as St. Maarten, Antigua, or St. Thomas.
- The locals, in general, prefer to address one another or visitors as “Miss”, “Mrs”, or “Mr” and chances are you will never hear them shouting your name (or anybody’s first name) from far away because this is regarded as rude behaviour.
- If you will be reaching the BVI by boat, things are a bit easier, especially if you are coming from St. Thomas (Red Hook port) in the US Virgin Islands. There are British Virgin Islands Customs and Immigration officers at Gun Greek, St. Thomas Bay, Great Harbour, West End, and Road Town, in Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola.
- One of the best ways to get around the BVI is by boat, with most water taxis, charter boats, and ferries running frequently between the four main islands mentioned above. You may also rent a car in Tortola to get around on land or use the taxi services (whenever they are available).