British Virgin Islands

Travel Guide
British Virgin Islands
Dive to explore shipwrecks, swim in natural pools and embark on a rainforest trek on this chain of Caribbean islands.

The British Virgin Islands are a cluster of more than 40 islands in the Caribbean Sea. With forested mountain peaks, extensive coral reefs, sandy beaches and ultramarine waters, the islands are noted for their beautiful scenery.

Tortola is the gateway to the island chain and home to the capital, Road Town. Stay a while to explore its attractions. Visit the 4-acre (1.6-hectare) J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens for its miniature rainforests and tropical birdhouses. Browse the Crafts Alive Market and learn about the islands’ cultural heritage at the Virgin Islands Folk Museum. Elsewhere on Tortola, hike through the rainforest of Mount Sage National Park.

Traveling between the islands in the chain is easy by air or sea. Take a ferry to Virgin Gorda and relax in the warm waters of the Baths. These are natural sea pools and grottos that have been formed by large granite boulders. Visit the deserted old sugar mills on Jost Van Dyke and sip a Painkiller cocktail in a beach bar. Photograph the Caribbean flamingos on Anegada.

With more than 100 dive sites featuring coral, canyons and wrecks, you’ll find much to explore under the waves. Dive off the island of St. John to see turtles. Look for angel fish, sea horses and rays at Angelfish Reef. Take the underwater snorkeling trail at the island’s Trunk Bay. One of the most popular underwater attractions is the shipwreck of the RMS Rhone. The Royal Mail Steamer sank in 1867 and is now a marine national park.

The islands lie east of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. There are no direct flight connections from the U.S. mainland or Europe, so many visitors come via San Juan, Puerto Rico.

With a subtropical climate, the British Virgin Islands have hot temperatures and sunshine on most days. The primary hurricane season is from June to November. Visit the islands, a great choice for those who want a blissful tropical retreat.

Popular cities in British Virgin Islands

West End
West End
Known for Beaches, Dining and Islands
Get away to relaxing West End! Enjoy the beaches, sailing, and local cuisine.

Reasons to visit

  • Smuggler's Cove Beach
  • Long Bay Beach
  • Sage Mountain National Park
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda
Known for Beaches, Relaxing and Snorkeling
Explore relaxing Virgin Gorda: its beaches, snorkeling, sunny weather, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • The Baths
  • The Baths National Park
  • Virgin Gorda Peak
East End
East End
Known for Beaches, Secluded and Islands
Experience relaxing East End: its beaches, island views, bars, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Hodge's Creek Marina
  • Little Bay
Road Town
Road Town
Known for Ferries and boats, Sailing and Sea
Experience romantic Road Town: its island views, gardens, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Trunk Bay Beach
Long bay
Beef Island
Known for Beaches, Dining and Walking
Beef Island awaits: its beaches, bars, island views, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Long Bay Beach
Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay
Known for Beaches, Gardens and Sunsets
Escape to Cane Garden Bay! Enjoy its gardens, beaches, and sunsets.

Reasons to visit

  • Cane Garden Bay Beach

British Virgin Islands