An Insider's Guide To The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands shore
With their crystal-blue waters, white-sand beaches and lush tropical vegetation, the British Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise that offer something for everyone.
The islands’ waters are renowned for kiting, surfing, fishing and diving. The prevailing winds, favorable currents and countless hidden anchorages have earned the BVI the reputation as one of the best sailing destinations on the planet. And the islands are home to some of the best beachside bars, local waterholes and dining in the Caribbean. And, on top of all that, they’re stunningly gorgeous.
So if you’ve got a trip down to the islands on your calendar (or you’re thinking about one) here’s a quick guide to what to do, where to stay and how to make the most of the BVI.
British Islands 101: What To Do
couple sitting on boat

Get On The Water

When you’re in the BVI, getting out on the water is a must. And whatever you want to do on, in or beneath the waves, the islands have you covered. Sailing or kiting, snorkeling or surfing, or just floating on your back watching the cloud float by—the BVI is an aquatic paradise.
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woman on beach shore

Hit The Beach

You’re on an island, so it’s no surprise there are an abundance of beaches to choose from depending on what you’re looking to do—surf, SUP, kite, fish, swim, dive or just kick and soak up the sun. There’s literally a beach for everyone and everything they want to do.
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group in beach

See The Sights

Made up of more than 60 islands, the BVI has plenty to see. Some of the places you’ll definitely want to check out are The Baths on Virgin Gorda, Cow Wreck Beach and Flamingo Pond on Anegada, and the sunken Wreck Of The Rhone off Salt Island.
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Where To Stay
Baraka Point Estate

Baraka Point Estate

Located on the northwestern shore of Virgin Gorda, Baraka Point offers top-notch, full-service lodging with breathtaking views of Sir Francis Drake Channel. (They also serve some of the best food on the island, thanks to our friend Chef Tommy Nolan.) Learn more.

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Bitter End Yacht Club

Bitter End Yacht Club

The Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda has been a mainstay in the yachting world for the better part of a century. After being devastated by hurricanes in 2017, the club is finally back—and better than ever—after a multi-year rebuild. Learn more.

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Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Tucked right up alongside the Virgin Gorda shoreline, this eco-friendly retreat seamlessly blends modern luxury with a peaceful return to nature. The resort’s pristine, half-mile white sand private beach is one of the best in the world. Learn more.

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boats in the water

On A Boat

There are plenty of villas, hotels and bungalows you can stay in while you’re visiting the islands, but if you want a true island experience, charter a boat. There are a ton of different options—big boats or small boats, power or sail, crewed or bareboat, for daysails or overnight.

Where to Swim & Surf
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man surfing

Josiah’s Bay, Tortola

You’ll find some of the finest—and family friendliest—surfing conditions in the world along this stretch of beach found on the north coast of Tortola. Beginners can book lessons at Surf School BVI while more experienced surfers can enjoy the thrill of catching waves in the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Baths National Park

The Baths, Virgin Gorda

No trip to the BVI is complete without a visit to the Baths National Park. Head to the southern tip of Virgin Gorda to find this collection of massive boulders, sandy beaches, rock pools and hiking paths. Pro tip: anchor your boat out in the bay and snorkel your way in for up-close views of coral reef and aquatic life.

Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda

Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda

One of the top places to moor the boat and go for a dip in the West Indies. Or just hang out on deck and relax. Plus, you’ve got easy access to some of our favorite spots around Virgin Gorda, including the Bitter End Yacht Club and Saba Rock.

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Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay

Located on Tortola’s northern shore, Cane Garden Bay is one of the prettiest beaches in the BVI. The curved beach is sheltered from the prevailing easterly winds, making this a popular spot for boats to drop anchor, and the restaurants and bars hidden just off the sand make it a great place to spend the day.

Where To Eat & Drink

What to Eat & Drink

Foxy’s Bar sign

Foxy’s Bar

Located northwest of Tortola on Jost Van Dyke, Foxy’s is a true BVI experience. Patrons of all stripes have been consuming quality food (and copious amounts of rum) at this beachside watering hole for more than 50 years. Learn More.

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The Willy T bar boat

The Willy T

Located in The Bight on Norman Island, the Willy T takes the phrase “beachfront bar” to a whole new level—the bar is located on a boat that’s been sitting at anchor off the beach for over 35 years. Recently rebuilt and refloated after the rough 2017 hurricane season, the Willy T is welcoming patrons once again. Learn More.

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Saba Rock

Saba Rock

Dining at Saba Rock is a bit of an adventure. This legendary BVI establishment is situated in a narrow strait between Virgin Gorda and Prickly Pear Island, so you need a boat, jet ski or great swimming skills to get there. But the food, drinks, hospitality and tropical vibes make the trip totally worth it—and completely unforgettable. Learn More.

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What To Do
man kitesurfing

Go Kitesurfing

The BVI is an international kiting destination and for good reason—the many islands, calm waters and plentiful winds from nearly every direction make this a great place for kiters of all levels. Check out our buddy Tommy Gaunt Kitesurfing (and tell him vineyard vines sent you).

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women prepping to sail

Go Sailing

The steady winds, the plentiful and easy anchorages and the proximity of the islands make the BVI one of the best cruising destinations in the world. For those looking to charter a boat, you’ll find great options from The Moorings, Sunsail and The Charter Yacht Company just to name a few.

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beach chairs on shore

Go Relax

There is a seemingly endless list of great beaches in the BVI. Looking to surf? Head to Josiah’s Bay on Tortola. Looking to do some kitesurfing? Check out Keel Point on Anegada. Just looking to sit and soak up the sun? White Bay on Jost Van Dyke and Cane Garden Bay on Tortola can’t be beat. Whatever you want to get out of your vacation, the BVI has a beach for you.

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turtle underwater

Go Diving

With many shallow lagoons, rock formations and shipwrecks (if you can, check out the Wreck of the Rhone off Salt Island), the BVI are great for snorkeling, scuba diving and freediving. If you’re in Virgin Gorda, make sure to check out our friends Ben & Kate at Sunchaser Scuba, they’re the best!