The British Virgin Islands, simply called BVI, is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean. Island which is renowned for some of the most ideal sailing conditions that creates calm wind effects and tides. BVI total comprises around 60 islands, under that only 16 of which are inhabited. Today British Virgin Islands is well known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and many water related adventurous activities. The capital and largest island is Tortola, which is considered as the home to the territory’s main port, Road Town.
There are ten number of sandy beaches and sheltered caves to discover, while coral reef exhibits thriving underwater ecosystem. Tourism is a major industry in the BVI, more visitors are visited just to enjoy the activities such as sailing, snorkelling, and diving. You can also indulge in popular luxury resorts and villas. The economy is also supported by financial services, including offshore banking.
When it comes to demographic information, The British Virgin Islands has a population of around 30,000 people and English is the official language here. Locals are extremely humble and welcoming in nature. Here you can see the territory has a Westminster-style parliamentary system of government and is headed by a Governor appointed by the British monarch.
The British Virgin Islands offer a unique blend of Caribbean charm and environment to the visitors along with its picturesque landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists and expatriates alike.
Top Things to do in the British Virgin Islands
1. Explore the Baths
Located on the island of Virgin Gorda, due to its incredible rock formations which rise out of the water. These Baths have unique features including geological formation of giant granite boulders, creating a series of caves, tunnels, and pools to explore. Moreover it offers incredible backdrops to panoramic views from the beach. In Spite of that, the place is renowned even for swimmers, snorkelling, and scuba divers to capture breathtaking views.
2. Sail around the Islands
There are a total of 60 islands and cays are available in the British Virgin Islands. Each and every island offers the best ways to experience them by sailing. One of the perfect and craziest ways to explore islands. As a backpacker you can charter a boat or simply join a sailing tour to visit different islands, anchor in secluded coves in order to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
3. Snorkelling or Scuba Diving
Snorkelling or scuba diving in the British Virgin Islands offers world-class some of the vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and a variety of marine life including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even shipwrecks. Scuba diving at RMS Rhone is spectacular and popular among them. During 1867, 310 ft. of the ship was sunk due to a hurricane. Thereafter it is a spot known for exploration with coral growing across the bow and full.
4. Indulge in Water Sports
Due to its topography of reefs, sands and Bars Island is well known and offers some of the breathtaking water activities. It includes kiteboarding, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fly boarding and more importantly it is a place which is heaven for water sports enthusiasts. You can rent equipment or take lessons or guides at various beaches and water sports centers.
5. Hike in the Sage mountain National park
Considered as the first national park in the British Virgin Island established in 1964 in order to preserve and save things which were lost due to deforestation. Sage Mountain National park has several paths navigating the 92 acre reserve area including a track to the 1.716 ft. volcanic peak overlooking Tortale. Total 2 hours of moderate hiking trail offers the most beautiful flora and faunas and rainforest covers during your journey.
6. Visit Anegada
Anegada is one of the archipelago’s most unique islands renowned for coral and limestone topography. Raised 28 feet above the sea level well known as the “Drowned Island” due to its low elevation, Anegada is a hidden gem in the BVI. The island surrounded by the striking reefs, underwater caves, tunnels and age-old shipwrecks makes it a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelling. Needlefish, bonefish, stingrays, and parrot fish are popular here.
Best Time to Visit
British Virgin Island is situated in the subtropical climate location, therefore it is the perfect location to explore around the year to visitors. It is better to visit between December and April, when the temperature is around 83℃.
How to get to the British Virgin Islands
By Plane
Each airports here welcomes flights from different countries such as Beef International airport with connection from,
Puerto Rico (flights coming from United States and Canada),
Saint Martin (travelers coming from European regions),
Antigua (travelers coming from the UK).
Apart from that, regional airlines like inter Caribbean airways, LIAT and VI Air link will also serve nonstop service from San Jauna with a starting price of $200 to $300.
By Boat/ Ferry
The 50 min ferry service from Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Road Town operates roughly between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. With a charge of $25 from one side. You can also travel to the west end wharf to Tortola.
Entry concessions
Citizens of Japan, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and European Union nations have visa exemptions and they can enter freely with accurate and valid passports.
Where to Stay in British Virgin Islands
If you want to spend too many days on the island you should choose most travel friendly resorts and hotels. You need not worry about it, you will get large hotels in Tortola, where tourists prefer to stay at beachside resorts or bungalows or villas. Smaller islands such as Josh Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda are most budget friendly villas.
How to Get Around
Flight
We already discussed what are the international flights available to the British Virgin Islands? There are nonstop flights available between Virgin Gorda and Beef Island. Flights took less than 30 min of durations to reach with the price range of $ 100 to $150.
Car
Car is also one of the most convenient ways of travel within the island. Tortola and Virgin Gorda has the most populous region in the island and here you can expect to rent a car. However Beef International airport has rental agencies, where visitors can pick up a car and travel around. It is very important to take caution while driving a car in steep hills and bad or damaged roads.
Ferry
Ferry quite popular here due to the topographic condition of the islands. You can take to Jost van dyke, virgin Gorda, marina cay and scrub island. Ferry service departure and return to Road Town multiple towns in a day with the cost of $ 55-65. In spite of that, you can take water taxis available from docks and passengers to remote bays and beaches.
Public Transportations
There is no proper public transportations or buses available, you can expect unofficial safari trucks to navigate Tortola and provide hop-on-hop off transportations with the price range of $3-5.
British Virgin Islands Map
Don’t wait to pack your bag to BVI. Such an incredible destination caters to all sorts of visitors through its crazy water activities and travel things. If you want to make memorable travel experiences, the British Virgin Island is waiting for you to offer breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters, outdoor water activities and tasty cuisines. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of island culture, the British Virgin Island has something for everyone to enjoy.
Q: Is British Virgin Islands part of UK?
A: Yes, It is currently a British Oversea Territory comes under the United Kingdoms (UK) administrative jurisdiction. From July 1, 1956 Island become UKs Territory.
