British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Vacationing in the British Virgin Islands may be one of your best decisions yet. Composed of 60 islands east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands are so laid back, they go by “island time.” Once a popular destination for pirates, the British Virgin Islands is the perfect vacation destination for those who like to sail. Whether you choose to visit one of the three larger islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola, or Jost Van Dyke), or one of the many tiny islands, the people of the British Virgin Islands are eager to welcome you to their tropical home.

Best Time to Go

Temperatures in the British Virgin Islands vary little throughout the year. Trade winds control the tropical warmth throughout the region, resulting in an average temperature of 75 in summer and 70 in winter in Road Town, the capital on Tortola. The most popular months for a British Virgin Islands vacation tends to be from December – May, as that is when North America is experiencing the coldest weather. Hurricanes do occasionally batter this area with the official hurricane season running from June – November. The British Virgin Islands see the most rain between September – November, with February – March being the driest months. You can save quite a bit of money by booking your British Virgin Islands vacation between June – November, and you will still enjoy the balmy weather and warm Caribbean currents.

Flights and Transportation

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), also known as Beef Island Airport, is the British Virgin Island’s only major airport. Located on the eastern tip of Tortola, it is just a short 9 miles east of Road Town over the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. Cheap flights to the British Virgin Islands from JFK begin at as low as $531, while flights from ORD are as inexpensive as $555. If coming from LAX or SFO, in order to find cheap flights to the British Virgin Islands, you may have to allow for two connecting flights instead of the standard one in order to get the best rate. Rates for two connections from LAX can be as low as $652, or $712 from SFO.   

Driving in the British Virgin Islands is on the left, and you will need an additional temporary British Virgin Islands driver’s license when renting a car. Taxis are plentiful on Tortola, but you may want to use alternate transportation (walking, biking, boating, shuttle bus) when on the smaller islands.

Hotels and Lodging

A wide-range of accommodations can be found in the British Virgin Islands. You’ll find some modest inns on both the islands of Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, while Peter Island boasts the most opulent lodgings. On Tortola, the Sugar Mill Hotel is a perfect choice for an unforgettable honeymoon. With just 23 rooms, the Sugar Mill features lush tropical grounds near a small beach in Apple Bay. Even if you don’t opt to stay here, you’ll want to visit their romantic restaurant located in the 370 year-old sugar mill. If looking for a more inexpensive option, opt for Neptune’s Treasure on Anegada. Family owned and friendly, the views and food will keep you coming back.

What To Do

You’ll quickly find out why the British Virgin Islands were once favored by pirates. With beautiful coves and swim-up bars, popular activities include sailing, diving, fishing and sun-bathing. Patouche Charters in Tortola can help you book a memorable sailing or snorkeling adventure. The Baths National Park in Virgin Gorda is a must-see for its beautiful beaches, warm water and exotic rock formations.

Although there are no casinos or nightlife to speak of, the idyllic lifestyle will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.