British Virgin Islands Things to Do

  Entrance to the trail
by dustmon
 
  • Entrance to the trail
      Entrance to the trail
    by dustmon
  • Leaving harbor on a Moorings sailboat
      Leaving harbor on a Moorings sailboat
    by grandmaR
  • Marina from the ship
      Marina from the ship
    by grandmaR
  • some of the rocks
      some of the rocks
    by grandmaR
  • Marina from the dock
      Marina from the dock
    by grandmaR
 
Save on hotel + air
Expedia Vacations Get the lowest price on your vacation with our Best Price Guarantee
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Day Cruises

by Gypsygirl05

One of the best things to do while you're in the British Virgin Islands is take a day cruise on a catamaran (or traditional) sailboat. We used Patouche charters, and both of the crew members, Clive and Julie, were extremely friendly and helpful. The boat made three stops: Angel Reef, The Caves on Norman Island (which are literally caves that you can swim into), and another that I can't seem to remember the name of. They provided a homecooked meal halfway through the day, and a couple times came out snorkelling with us to show us certain animals. Clive dove down and picked up a sea cucumber for us, then passed it around. The reefs we visited were pristine, and we saw things such as a sea turtle, two squid, and swarms of great black sea urchins. For anyone who loves snorkelling, sailing, and the Caribbean Sea, this is a must.

Tip Photo
Jost Van Dyke

by MikeAtSea

The smallest of the four “main” islands in the British Virgin Islands group, hilly Jost Van Dyke has only been inhabited for the past three centuries - at least in the post-Columbian era. There is evidence of small Arawak settlements along the shore that date back 1,000 years. A small group of Quakers settled on the island in the 17th century – such things were possible at the time. Unusual for Quakers, a group that opposed slavery, they established plantations that soon depended upon slave labor to operate.When slavery was abolished in the 1830s, the Jost Van Dyke farms were no longer viable and they fell to ruin. Some of the freed workers remained and built a small, but thriving community.The colony was more or less isolated until the early 1970s, when private yachts began exploring the smaller reaches of the BVI territory. Tourism is now the island’s economic mainstay.Although...

Tip Photo
Tortola

by MikeAtSea

The Spanish aristocracy was not overly interested in the Virgin Islands – there was no gold to speak of. Besides, pirates had figured out that hidden coves and complex reef systems amounted to a maritime spider web – perfect for snagging passing ships.Modern Tortola, with 13,000 residents, is the large stand most populous of the British Virgin Islands (only 17,000 people live in the BVI!). The hilly south coast is blanketed with frangipani and fragrant ginger. The north is characterized by inviting white sandy beaches, many of which are sheltered from ocean currents by coral reefs or cove formations. In the northern interior, mango and banana groves thrive. Road Town is capital of the 12-by-3 mile island. With 3,200 residents, it is a subdued but sophisticated community. West Indian charm is reflected in colorful wood-and-stone buildings and several colonial buildings have been restored...

Tip Photo
Virgin Gorda

by MikeAtSea

Sir Francis Drake Passage leads right past Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda’s main commercial center. The surrounding community is known as the Valley. The ferry landing and airport are both nearby, and although a relatively recent innovation, all roads are paved. The rest of Virgin Gordais rather hilly. Gorda Peak, the highest point, towers above 1,380feet. Two interesting crags off the southern end, Fallen Jerusalem and Broken Jerusalem, are local landmarks. Tiny Necker Island, off the northeastern shore, is British airline magnate Richard Branson’s private domain.One of the more popular attractions is the natural stretch of coast that is romantically known as the Baths. Huge boulders that rest haphazardly on the beach were probably hurled from the festering mouth of a prehistoric volcano. Pools and grottoes formed by these great rocks offer swimming and snorkeling.In the 17th century,...

Tip Photo
Day Sail to the Baths at Virgin Gorda

by Alfine5

On our trip to Tortola in 2009, we took a half day sail to the Baths at Virgin Gorda with Patouche Charters. The catamaran was a good size for our group and we had wonderful views on the sail to the Baths. Upon arriving at the Baths, we donned our snorkeling gear and followed one of the crew members past the giant boulders under the water to get to the beach. As we snorkeled around the boulders, we saw so many large fish and coral. I had spent time at some of the best snorkeling beaches on St. Thomas and St. John but none of them came close to the incredible snorkeling at the Baths. When we arrived at the beach, we were led down the trail going through the boulders and caves. After reaching the end, we were offered a half hour to spend as we wished before arriving back to the boat for the sail back to Tortola. We spent the time climbing the boulders. Upon returning to the boat, we were...

Tip Photo
Scuba diving

by DEY

As I mentioned in my intro, I went to the BVIs to go scuba diving. If you don't dive, it is still a great place to go snorkeling. I was on the CUAN LAW and loved it. You don't have to be a diver to go on the boat, they do straight sailing trips as well.

Tip Photo
Virgin Gorda Baths

by mnderoche

I've been to the Baths at Virgin Gorda twice - both times on a day excursion with a cruise. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. There are two beaches connected by huge boulders. The first time I went, we took a car to the beaches and explored the caves (I use this term loosely) created by the boulders. The second time I visited, we took a boat and snorkeled to the beaches. There wasn't much to see when we snorkeled as far as marine life, but the view of the Baths from the water is awesome. I highly recommend adding the Baths to the places on your list to visit.

Tip Photo
SIGHTS > THE BATHS, VIRGIN GORDA

by sabsi

As mentioned before The Baths is the most famous landmark in the BVI. There are so many boulders around the beaches here that they have formed pools and grottoes underneath the stones. Heidi Klum did her H&M shooting here a few years ago and I bet this wasn't the only advertising that was shot here. For a reason: It's very scenic. And great fun, too.So let me explain what you can do here:If you are not feeling adventurous you can drive to the car park above The Baths, pay 3$ national park fee and walk down the stairs to the beach and just relax on the lovely but popular beach. We were lucky and came here on a very quiet day but you wouldn't want to come here on a "cruise ship day". The local newspapers publish a list with cruise ship arrivals by the way. Like this you can be sure to choose a good day!Your other option is to go down to Devil's Bay, in my opinion the beach here is even...

Tip Photo
ISLANDS > ANEGADA

by sabsi

Anegada is different from the other islands of the BVI. It not located very close to any other islands, from Virgin Gorda it takes approx. 1 hour by ferry to get here. It's the only coral atoll of the BVIs, the highest point of Anegada is 8 metres above sealevel. Let's hope that global warming won't destroy this special paradise some day. From Tortola and Virgin Gorda you can only see Anegada on a very clear day.Because of the coral reef around the island, the waters around Anegada are even more clear and turquoise than anywhere else on the BVI. Because of its located the beaches here are even less crowded than on the other islands. We had the most beautiful beaches, Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach - for me the most beautiful beaches on the BVI - all to ourselves when we visited. Snorkelling and Diving are great here! There are so many wrecks around the island, it must be heaven for...

Tip Photo
ISLANDS > VIRGIN GORDA

by sabsi

With approximately 3,000 inhabitants Virgin Gorda is the 2nd most populated and the 3rd biggest islands of the BVI. It is also one of my favourite islands. The people here are much more friendly than on Tortola, the landscapes are diverse and there are many great things to do as well as beautiful beaches. You will also find the best hotels of the BVI on Virgin Gorda.The south end of Virgin Gorda, called "The Valley", is full of rocks. Huge granite boulders are lying around this flat part of the island, not only at the famous "The Baths". The Baths, a beach full of boulders and an adventure track through pools underneath these boulders, is the main tourist attraction on Virgin Gorda, if not on the whole BVI! It's great fun, you have to try it some day!In the middle of the islands it's getting hilly. Roads (well to be honest, there is basically only one road!) are steep but in much better...

Tip Photo
Fun things to do in British Virgin Islands

Top 3 Hotels in British Virgin Islands

Sugar Mill Hotel  Tortola

 146 Opinions

 Hotels in Tortola

Biras Creek Resort  Virgin Gorda

 168 Opinions

 Hotels in Virgin Gorda

Peter Island Resort  Road Town

 344 Opinions

 Hotels in Road Town

62 Hotels in British Virgin Islands
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of British Virgin Islands attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for British Virgin Islands sightseeing.

Experience British Virgin Islands
Things to Do: Cities in British Virgin Islands
  1. Tortola Things to Do
  2. Virgin Gorda Things to Do
  3. Jost Van Dyke Island Things to Do
  4. Beef Island Things to Do
  5. Anegada Things to Do
  6. Norman Island Things to Do
  7. Guana Island Things to Do

More Cities in British Virgin Islands

 

Questions and Answers

00deluxe00 profile photo

Q:  Hey you all! During January 2012 I am going to BVI. I am citizen of EU - BVI belongs there I suppose. I have heared I need... 

gwened profile photo

A: its different living than visiting as in any place. I suggest you look at destination above right window for tips by posters like us on the gorgeous BVI. then contact... 

Read 7 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for British Virgin Islands

Save on Air + Hotel ? Book a Getaway Today!
hotels.com Vacations The One Stop Shop for Your Next Trip. Click or call now: 1-800-764-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links