British Virgin Islands in a Nutshell
Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is home to the capital, Road Town, as well as Sage Mountain National Park, characterised by its verdant rainforest and some of the best hiking trails on the island. Try one of the popular trails up Mount Sage—at 500m it’s the highest point in the island chain—and trek up through mahogany forests for magnificent views. For the best experience, make sure to hike early in the morning to see the islands in their natural glory.
Cane Garden Bay is Tortola’s most popular beach, and certainly one to visit with the family. Lively restaurants are stretched out across the sands, windsurfers are riding the waves, and sun lovers are absorbing the rays. Hang out on the beach until early evening to revel in the stunning Caribbean sunset then dance the rest of the night away to live reggae music at Quito’s Gazebo.
On Virgin Gorda, you can discover the famous Baths—considered one of BVI’s top attractions—a notable geological formation comprising a range of imposing granite boulders along the beach that create sheltered sea pools to explore. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear! Smugglers Cove in Tortola is a well-known secret for exploring below the surface and is home to beautiful unspoiled coral reefs.
Sailing is the most rewarding way to experience the best that this archipelago has to offer, including sheltered coves, expansive beaches, laid-back beach bars, and natural wonders. Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, charter a yacht for the week or simply book a cabin for a day-long excursion and see BVI from a whole new perspective.
For a classic Caribbean beach experience, head to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Soak up the sun by the gorgeous boats and yachts docked in the bay and enjoy views of the lush mountains beyond. Finish your day with an original ‘Painkiller’ rum cocktail from the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and sip while you swing in a hammock on the sand.
Food is a big draw in BVI and there are countless spots for local cuisine, international flavours, and fine dining experiences. Check out Foxy’s Bar in Jost Van Dyke, which serves an array of perfectly grilled meats, fresh salads, and melt-in-the-mouth seafood, and where every day’s a party. As well as its Famous Beach BBQ on Friday and Saturday nights, Foxy’s offers an á la carte menu Sunday to Thursday accompanied by a world-class cocktail menu.
CocoMaya is in the heart of Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda. This sleek fusion restaurant and bar combines the flavours of South-East Asia and Latin America and is located directly on the west-facing beach—just think of those sunsets! Dine with the sand between your toes from an exciting menu that includes bang bang chicken skewers, salmon tostadas, lobster tail smothered in chilli lime butter, and pork and shrimp gyoza.
Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is home to the capital, Road Town, as well as Sage Mountain National Park, characterised by its verdant rainforest and some of the best hiking trails on the island. Try one of the popular trails up Mount Sage—at 500m it’s the highest point in the island chain—and trek up through mahogany forests for magnificent views. For the best experience, make sure to hike early in the morning to see the islands in their natural glory.
Cane Garden Bay is Tortola’s most popular beach, and certainly one to visit with the family. Lively restaurants are stretched out across the sands, windsurfers are riding the waves, and sun lovers are absorbing the rays. Hang out on the beach until early evening to revel in the stunning Caribbean sunset then dance the rest of the night away to live reggae music at Quito’s Gazebo.
On Virgin Gorda, you can discover the famous Baths—considered one of BVI’s top attractions—a notable geological formation comprising a range of imposing granite boulders along the beach that create sheltered sea pools to explore. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear! Smugglers Cove in Tortola is a well-known secret for exploring below the surface and is home to beautiful unspoiled coral reefs.
Sailing is the most rewarding way to experience the best that this archipelago has to offer, including sheltered coves, expansive beaches, laid-back beach bars, and natural wonders. Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, charter a yacht for the week or simply book a cabin for a day-long excursion and see BVI from a whole new perspective.
For a classic Caribbean beach experience, head to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Soak up the sun by the gorgeous boats and yachts docked in the bay and enjoy views of the lush mountains beyond. Finish your day with an original ‘Painkiller’ rum cocktail from the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and sip while you swing in a hammock on the sand.
Food is a big draw in BVI and there are countless spots for local cuisine, international flavours, and fine dining experiences. Check out Foxy’s Bar in Jost Van Dyke, which serves an array of perfectly grilled meats, fresh salads, and melt-in-the-mouth seafood, and where every day’s a party. As well as its Famous Beach BBQ on Friday and Saturday nights, Foxy’s offers an á la carte menu Sunday to Thursday accompanied by a world-class cocktail menu.
CocoMaya is in the heart of Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda. This sleek fusion restaurant and bar combines the flavours of South-East Asia and Latin America and is located directly on the west-facing beach—just think of those sunsets! Dine with the sand between your toes from an exciting menu that includes bang bang chicken skewers, salmon tostadas, lobster tail smothered in chilli lime butter, and pork and shrimp gyoza.
Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is home to the capital, Road Town, as well as Sage Mountain National Park, characterised by its verdant rainforest and some of the best hiking trails on the island. Try one of the popular trails up Mount Sage—at 500m it’s the highest point in the island chain—and trek up through mahogany forests for magnificent views. For the best experience, make sure to hike early in the morning to see the islands in their natural glory.
Cane Garden Bay is Tortola’s most popular beach, and certainly one to visit with the family. Lively restaurants are stretched out across the sands, windsurfers are riding the waves, and sun lovers are absorbing the rays. Hang out on the beach until early evening to revel in the stunning Caribbean sunset then dance the rest of the night away to live reggae music at Quito’s Gazebo.
On Virgin Gorda, you can discover the famous Baths—considered one of BVI’s top attractions—a notable geological formation comprising a range of imposing granite boulders along the beach that create sheltered sea pools to explore. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear! Smugglers Cove in Tortola is a well-known secret for exploring below the surface and is home to beautiful unspoiled coral reefs.
Sailing is the most rewarding way to experience the best that this archipelago has to offer, including sheltered coves, expansive beaches, laid-back beach bars, and natural wonders. Rent a boat, with or without a skipper, charter a yacht for the week or simply book a cabin for a day-long excursion and see BVI from a whole new perspective.
For a classic Caribbean beach experience, head to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Soak up the sun by the gorgeous boats and yachts docked in the bay and enjoy views of the lush mountains beyond. Finish your day with an original ‘Painkiller’ rum cocktail from the famous Soggy Dollar Bar and sip while you swing in a hammock on the sand.
Food is a big draw in BVI and there are countless spots for local cuisine, international flavours, and fine dining experiences. Check out Foxy’s Bar in Jost Van Dyke, which serves an array of perfectly grilled meats, fresh salads, and melt-in-the-mouth seafood, and where every day’s a party. As well as its Famous Beach BBQ on Friday and Saturday nights, Foxy’s offers an á la carte menu Sunday to Thursday accompanied by a world-class cocktail menu.
CocoMaya is in the heart of Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda. This sleek fusion restaurant and bar combines the flavours of South-East Asia and Latin America and is located directly on the west-facing beach—just think of those sunsets! Dine with the sand between your toes from an exciting menu that includes bang bang chicken skewers, salmon tostadas, lobster tail smothered in chilli lime butter, and pork and shrimp gyoza.
frequently asked questions
The best time to travel to BVI is in April and May when the climate is warmer, drier, and the winds aren’t too cool, particularly in the evenings. The weather is pleasant and mostly sunny year-round, with average daytime temperatures sitting around 26-27°C. You’re more likely to see rain between September and November.
British Airways operates direct flights from London to Antigua that take about 8 hours 30 minutes. From here, you can board a connecting flight to Tortola with a local Caribbean airline; alternatively, you can take a ferry from Antigua to Tortola and start living the Caribbean dream in style.
BVI’s time zone is Atlantic Standard Time (AST), meaning it’s 4 hours behind the UK and doesn’t observe Daylight Savings. During British Summer Time (BST), the island is 5 hours behind the UK.