British Virgin Islands Travel Information

The British Virgin Islands are a tropical paradise that offer a wide variety of activities for visitors. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, you'll find it here. Here are the top 10 things to do in the British Virgin Islands:

1. Sail the British Virgin Islands

Explore the beautiful waters of the BVI by sailing among the many islands. The clear, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

2. Visit the Baths on Virgin Gorda

The Baths are a unique geological formation of huge granite boulders that form pools and grottos. It's a must-see destination on Virgin Gorda.

3. Explore the RMS Rhone National Park

The RMS Rhone is a shipwreck that lies in the waters off Salt Island. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and the park offers guided tours of the wreck.

4. Visit the Cooper Island Beach Club

Cooper Island Beach Club is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy a delicious meal, and sip on a cold drink. It's a perfect spot for a day trip.

5. Dive the Wreck of the Chikuzen

The Chikuzen is a Japanese freighter that was sunk during World War II. It's now a popular dive spot that offers a glimpse into the past.

6. Take a St. John Island Tour

St. John is a US Virgin Island that's just a short ferry ride from the BVI. It's known for its beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails.

7. Visit the Jost Van Dyke Island

Jost Van Dyke is a small island that's home to the famous Foxy's Bar. It's a great place to enjoy live music and Caribbean cuisine.

8. Go horseback riding on Tortola

Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands, and it's home to several stables that offer horseback riding tours. It's a great way to see the island's scenic landscapes.

9. Take a sunset cruise

The BVI are famous for their beautiful sunsets and taking a sunset cruise is a perfect way to end a day. You'll be able to see the sunset while sailing on a boat through the Caribbean Sea.

10. Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar

The Soggy Dollar Bar is located on the island of Jost Van Dyke. The bar is famous for its Painkiller cocktail and its beautiful location on White Bay Beach. It's a must-visit destination for any BVI traveler.

With this list, you're sure to have a great time in the British Virgin Islands, from exploring the beautiful waters, to taking a St. John Island tour, to visiting famous bars and enjoying a cocktail or two.

Climate

The British Virgin Islands have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The average temperature is around 80°F (27°C), and the islands receive plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is heaviest in the fall, but the islands are generally sunny and dry.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is during the dry season, which runs from December to May. This is when the weather is at its best, with less rainfall and more sunshine. The high season is from December to April, and during this time the islands are busiest, so it's best to book your trip well in advance. The low season is from May to November, and while the weather is still good, there is more chance of rain and the islands are less crowded. It may be a good option if you're looking for a more laid-back, less crowded vacation.

Keep in mind that the British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean, which means that they are in the hurricane belt. The hurricane season is from June to November, so it's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast when planning your trip.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels and Resorts

The British Virgin Islands offer a wide variety of accommodation options, including luxury hotels and resorts. These properties are typically located on the beach, and they offer amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and spa services. Some of the top hotels and resorts in the British Virgin Islands include Peter Island Resort, Rosewood Little Dix Bay, and Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.

Vacation Rentals

Another popular option for accommodation in the British Virgin Islands is vacation rentals. These can include villas, cottages, and apartments, and they offer a more private and intimate experience. Vacation rentals are often located on the beach, and they offer amenities such as kitchens, private swimming pools, and outdoor spaces. Some popular vacation rental options in the BVI include VRBO, Airbnb, and Island Real Estate.

Yacht Charters

For a unique accommodation experience, visitors can also consider yacht charters. These allow visitors to explore the islands by boat, while also providing accommodation for the night. There are many yacht charter companies that operate in the British Virgin Islands, and they offer a wide variety of vessels to choose from. This option is ideal for those who want to experience the island from the sea and have the flexibility to move around and explore different islands.

Camping

Finally, for a more budget-friendly option, visitors can consider camping. Although it is not very common in the British Virgin Islands and there are only a few campgrounds, it can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the islands. Visitors will need to bring their own camping equipment and be prepared for basic facilities.

Overall, the British Virgin Islands offer a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxurious hotel, a private vacation rental, or a unique yacht charter experience, you'll find it here.

Ferries

Ferries are a popular and convenient transportation option when visiting the British Virgin Islands. There are several ferry companies that operate between the islands, and they offer regular service to popular destinations such as Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Ferries are a great way to get around and see the islands, and they also offer great views of the surrounding waters.

Taxis

Taxis are also widely available in the British Virgin Islands, and they are a convenient way to get around. Taxis are metered, and fares are based on distance. Taxis can be found at the airports, ferry terminals, and major hotels, and they are also available for private hire.

Cars and Scooters

Car rental and scooter rental are also options when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Rental cars and scooters can be found at the airports, and they are a great way to explore the islands at your own pace. Keep in mind that roads in the BVI can be narrow and winding, so it's important to drive carefully and obey the local traffic laws.

Bicycles

Another option for those who want to explore the islands on their own, is by renting a bicycle. Some of the larger towns and resorts offer this option, and it can be a great way to see the island and get some exercise.

Water Taxi

Finally, for a more unique transportation option, visitors can consider using a water taxi. This is a great way to get around the islands, especially if you're planning to visit several islands in one day. Water taxis are often used by sailors and boaters, but they're also available for hire by visitors.

Overall, the British Virgin Islands offer a variety of transportation options to suit all types of travelers. Whether you prefer to take a ferry, taxi, car, scooter, bicycle or water taxi, there's a way to get around and explore the islands.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.