Giant granite boulders and clear pools at The Baths, Virgin Gorda
The sailing capital of the Caribbean

British Virgin IslandsTortola · Virgin Gorda · Jost Van Dyke · Anegada

Sixty-plus islands strung along calm, protected water. Giant granite boulders, legendary beach bars, and anchorages made for sailing.

Before you go: A valid passport is required for everyone, including day trips from the USVI. Currency: U.S. dollar.

Beachfront stays, private-island hideaways, and easygoing hotels.

Resorts & hotels

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Green hills and bays of Virgin Gorda
Luxury

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

Virgin Gorda

Laurance Rockefeller’s classic resort on a half-mile crescent beach, refreshed with a modern spa.

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Scrub Island resort and marina
Private island

Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina

Scrub Island, off Tortola

Private-island resort with a full marina, dive center, and a short boat ride from the Beef Island airport.

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How to hop between islands by ferry, car barge, and seaplane.

Ferries & getting around

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A ferry approaching the Tortola terminal
From the USVI

St. Thomas ↔ Road Town / West End

USVI ↔ Tortola

Several operators, including Road Town Fast Ferry and Native Son, run from Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. About 45–60 minutes plus customs.

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Ferry running between Virgin Gorda and Tortola
Inter-island

Tortola ↔ Virgin Gorda

Road Town or Beef Island ↔ Spanish Town

Speedy’s and Smith’s Ferry make frequent 30-minute runs to The Valley on Virgin Gorda.

Bareboat and crewed yachts, catamaran day sails, and snorkel trips.

Boat & sailing charters

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Yachts in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke
Bareboat & crewed

The Moorings

Road Town, Tortola

One of the world’s largest charter fleets, with bareboat and crewed monohulls and catamarans.

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Anchorage at Norman Island
Bareboat

Sunsail

Road Town, Tortola

Popular bareboat base with catamarans and monohulls, flotillas, and skipper-for-hire options.

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Island classics, waterfront dinners, and toes-in-the-sand bars.

Restaurants & beach bars

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Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay beach
Iconic

Soggy Dollar Bar

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke

Birthplace of the Painkiller. Swim ashore from your boat and order at the bar.

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Foxy’s bar on Jost Van Dyke
Live music

Foxy’s Tamarind Bar

Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

Legendary beach bar known for live music and one of the Caribbean’s biggest New Year’s Eve parties.

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The beaches, reefs, ruins, and viewpoints worth planning around.

Beaches & attractions

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Massive granite boulders at The Baths
Must see

The Baths

Virgin Gorda

Climb and wade through giant granite boulders to Devil’s Bay. Go early to beat cruise crowds.

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Norman Island coastline
Snorkeling

The Caves at Norman Island

Norman Island

Snorkel into sea caves said to have inspired Treasure Island, then grab lunch at the Bight.

Local know-how

BVI travel tips

Bring your passport

Every crossing from the USVI clears customs. Allow time and carry cash for fees.

Ferries run on island time

Schedules change seasonally. Confirm the day before and arrive 30 minutes early.

Cash still matters

Small beach bars and taxis may be cash only. The currency is the U.S. dollar.