Stuck deciding on pinning down which BVI must-see charter spots to visit? You are not alone. With over 60 islands to choose from, finding the perfect itinerary can feel like navigating a treasure map. But fear not; your map to paradise awaits.
After Hurricane Irma in 2017, BVI tourism grew by about 35%, showcasing its unmatched appeal to tourists.
But with so many islands, how do you avoid the tourist traps and claim your own slice of extraordinary? Among the prime spots are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and more.
Dive into this insider’s guide to unlocking the secrets of the most famous tourist spots in the BVI. And cut through the fear of missing out.
So start ticking off your bucket list of places to visit in the British Virgin Islands. Finalize your dream Caribbean trip with ease. Try snorkeling, beach parties, or shipwreck diving.
Choosing which BVI must-see spots to visit can be overwhelming, especially for the undecided traveler. With many islands and cays to explore, it’s like trying to pick your favorite flavor at an ice cream shop with 100 options.
Tip: Consider the time of year when planning your Caribbean trip. The BVI hurricane season is from June to November. So aim for the dry season (December to May) for the best weather.
The largest of the 60 islands and home to the capital, Road Town. Tortola offers beautiful beaches and sheltered harbors. Thus, it is the perfect jumping-off point to the other islands.
Offers an idyllic beach with turquoise waters. The place is ideal for snorkeling right off the coast. In case you get thirsty, there are a few low-key bars on the beach.
You walk through most of the park under the cover of a rainforest. The beautiful mahogany trees, tropical vines, and birds enhance the beautiful views of the other islands.
Nestled in Tortola, Long Bay Beach offers serene, unspoiled beauty away from crowded shores. You can spend a night or two at the Long Bay Beach Resort. They offer a completely relaxing vacation with beachfront suites.
You can also experience fine dining while listening to the rolling waves. And you will always have things to do, whether a refreshing massage or water activities.
Another BVI must-see spot is also the center of activity in Tortola. It has a beautiful beach, laid-back atmosphere, live music, and delicious food. During the day, walk on the beach, float in the turquoise clear water, and snorkel around the western edge.
You can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and explore the entire bay. Enjoy a stellar BVI sunset right from here. Relish real island time. During sunset, Cane Garden Bay activities turn up.
Quito’s Gazebo, Bananas Bar and Grill, and Myett’s Garden and Grill offer delicious, fresh local food and lively music. You will be dancing to island tunes right away.
A haven for nature enthusiasts, Sage Mountain is the tallest peak in the Virgin Islands. The mountain makes its own rain. Warm air rises, cools on the mountain, and falls as rain on the north side.
In effect, this creates different types of plants on each side: lush rainforest on the north, drier forest, and older fields on the south. Even though it’s a dry area, the north side has a special rainforest.
Additionally, you can hike in a mahogany trail. Joseph Reynold O’Neal named it as the first Chairman of the National Parks Trust.
Even though it is the smallest island in the BVIs, there are plenty of activities to do at Jost Van Dyke. It also lies equidistant between St. John and Tortola. So, arranging island hopping is easy.
The Soggy Dollar Bar is the classic Caribbean beach bar, drawing rum-loving visitors worldwide.
The Soggy Dollar certainly defines the BVI nightlife scene. A lot of its fame is thanks to the delicious “Painkiller.” Savor a mix of dark rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, orange juice and topped with Grenadian nutmeg.
People swimming ashore and handing over soggy dollars inspired the bar’s name. You can order some conch fritters to pair with your drinks and some chicken roti, too.
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar is also a must-see spot. The owner, Philliciano “Foxy” Callwood, founded his empire in the late ’60s. The many regattas and parties have made this bar the center of BVI yacht tourism.
Moreover, the “Old Year’s Night” parties on New Year’s Eve are legendary. Foxy also offers charters and water taxis between some of the islands.
The Bubbly Pool is also a cool spot to visit on the island. This rock enclosure on the Northshore of the island creates waves.
These waves flow through a narrow passage. The waves then enter a natural pool. This gives a Jacuzzi-like feeling.
Make sure the wind is coming out of the North, as this will ensure plenty of waves create the bubbly effect.
This is the third-largest island in the BVIs. Virgin Gorda’s shape reminded Christopher Columbus of a woman reclining, hence its name (“fat virgin” in Spanish). Many nature sanctuaries and bays surround the island. A few of these include Mahoe Bay and Savannah Bay.
Gorda Peak stands at 1,370 feet above sea level and has panoramic views of the clear waters surrounding the island. The peak overlooks the popular North Sound anchorage and, on a clear day, Anegada as well.
Gorda Peak National Park is one of the few remaining examples of Caribbean dry forests in the region. You can find here the world’s smallest lizard, the Virgin Gorda gecko.
The Baths is another BVI Must-See Spot. The large granite boulders, some 40 feet in diameter, tower over crystal-clear pools.
The rocks result from molten rock seeping up into existing volcanic layers. Weathering created a smooth, round surface. There can be a lot of tourists (even guests from cruise ships) in the area, but it’s worth a trip.
Discovering the vibrant coves and huge rocks in Virgin Gorda is the standout experience in the British Virgin Islands. Travelers and experts agree: you’ve never been to the BVI if you have not visited this site.
At the end of the rocks is a stunning beach clearing. The Devil’s Bay has clear waters perfect for snorkeling or restful sunbathing.
Photo tip: Save camera space by capturing The Baths’ Cathedral Room. A natural pool in a cave, for great photo opportunities.
Norman Island is at the southern tip of the British Virgin Islands region. This island was inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate novel, Treasure Island.
The place has no residents except for a few goats. Although, it is home to the famous Willy T, a floating bar and restaurant. The Caves are a series of sea-level caves you can snorkel inside and along the exterior wall.
If you bring a dive light into the caves, you can see the spectacular coral reefs and sea sponges covering the walls. Finally, get there early, as diving charter boats and cruise ships arrive around 10 to 10:30 a.m.
The Indians is another excellent snorkeling spot off Pelican Island. This site relatively easy to find. The four pinnacles rise from the water next to Norman Island. It has shallow waters so, it’s great for beginner divers.
Below the water surface, you will find radiant coral gardens. You can see abundant marine life through a 15-foot tunnel.
Salt Island is just 5 miles southeast of Road Town in Tortola. The shipwreck, RMS Rhone is one of the best dive spots in the BVIs. The British mail ship sunk during a category three hurricane in October 1867, killing 123 people on board.
Both divers and snorkelers enjoy the many artifacts at this site. Also, parts of the vessel are located at varying depths. So divers of all levels can feel comfortable. The vessel is still largely intact.
At a depth of about 90 feet, you can swim among the moray eels, turtles, and octopuses that now call the Rhone home. Night dives are also offered on the wreck.
A nature preserve with beautiful, white sand beaches. Guana Island is an 850-acre private island resort.
While the island is owned privately, the public can access the beaches. Monkey Point on Guana Island is another great dive and snorkeling spot.
Anegada is a flat island, unlike the others in the BVI. The highest point is only 28 feet above sea level. The appeal is more than 300 shipwrecks to dive into and explore. You can view flocks of flamingos in the salt ponds.
And uncrowded sandy beaches that are powder-sugar white, and calm waters are waiting to be enjoyed. Most visitors sail here from Tortola daily. But it offers a few villas, hotels, and privately run inns. You can also rent scooters to explore the island.
To explore more in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), sail the Grenadines on a locally built charter boat.
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