If there was ever an island to be stranded on, it’s the British Virgin Islands. Located in the Caribbean and made up of four mainland islands and approximately 50 smaller islands, the British Virgin Islands is magical, mesmerising and quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Thanks to more than 400,000 travellers booking flights to the British Virgin Islands every year, tourism accounts for 45 per cent of the island’s income.
Once a haven for pirates and sea captains, the islands today welcome hundreds of cruise ship passengers and tourists who fly to the British Virgin Islands for holiday. The islands are equally as attractive to sea-lovers as they are to those who like to keep their feet on land. Book flights to the British Virgin Islands for a walk on the white sand beaches, a visit to The Baths on Virgin Gorda, or snorkel the coral reefs. The British Virgin Islands is a sea-lover’s paradise – charter a yacht and explore the other islands in the Caribbean.
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The islands have a sub-tropical climate with high humidity, although temperatures are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures in summer average from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius and between 22 and 28 degrees in winter. Rainfall is erratic with occasional droughts.
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Peak Season:
The weather in BVI is good year round. The peak season is December-May, because this coincides with the cold weather in Europe and North America, from where most tourists arrive.
November to June is the peak season for divers (away from any possible hurricanes).
Off Season:
September through November is the rainy season. Rainfall is usually in short bursts, however, and everything dries off quickly afterwards. This can be the best time to get a cheap flight to British Virgin Islands.
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Car or jeep hire is the most popular means of transport, if you’re staying on one island, though taxis are readily available. To hire a car, you need to buy a BVI license, as well as showing the driving license from your country of origin. This only costs $10 (£5).
For island hopping, inter-island flights are available, and a luxurious way to travel. Most flights are based on Beef Island. There are three charter air companies, as well as a chartered helicopter service. There are also many ferries running between the islands; far more enjoyable is to charter a boat yourself.
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- The British Virgin Islands are a very popular destination for honeymooners and also for weddings. If you’re planning on getting married here, you’ll need to arrive at least three days before the date of the wedding. You can apply for your marriage license on arrival at Tortola.
- Fishing is popular in the warm waters of the Caribbean, but be aware that tourists need a fishing permit to remove anything from the sea. This can be purchased from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour. Alternatively, go fishing with an islander – permits are only required for tourists.
- As you’d expect from a Caribbean island, clothes are usually casual, even for evening dress. However, don’t wear your swimwear away from the beach or pool. It’s not appropriate when you’re in the town.
- Diving is popular and there is an abundance of reefs and wrecks to explore. The waters around the island of Anegada are especially good. More than 300 ships have run aground on the coral surrounding the island, which leads to plenty of wrecks to explore.
- Tortola is the largest and main island and the site of the airport. It’s worth spending a few days here on arrival – there are many restaurants and shops as well as good beach accommodation.
- Jost Van Dyke Island is only 6km long and one of the most relaxing places to visit. The bars boast beach-side hammocks and the largest, Foxy’s, has a renowned New Year’s Eve party. If you’re visiting, make sure you take plenty of cash. There are no ATMs on the island and many places don’t take cards.
- Try the local food and drink: a freshly-caught lobster for supper and a “painkiller” cocktail. The latter is made of rum, pineapple juice, coconut, orange juice and fresh nutmeg and is the cocktail of choice in the country.
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There are two main airports for travellers taking flights to British Virgin Islands:
Terrance B Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, nine miles from Road Town, Tortola; the islands are connected via a road bridge.
Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is two miles from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. To/from the airport: Taxis are available.
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Travellers need a return or onward ticket and all the documents required for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds.
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UK passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
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