Best Places to Visit in British Virgin Islands, Top Attractions

Curious about things to do in the British Virgin Islands? For decades, sailors who didn’t want to share this roughly 40-island chain have kept them a secret. Sailors are attracted by the diversity and sheer beauty of the British Virgin Islands. They’re close to each other, they’re lush and mountainous and they’re blessed with a wealth of pristine beaches and natural wonders. Best yet, these islands exude a vibe that reflects the way the Caribbean used to be. Nitsa that I am, I’ve visited the British Virgin Islands (BVI) seven or eight times. When people ask me my favourite Caribbean destination (because I’m a writer specializing in this region), I always begin with the British Virgin Islands. You don’t have to be a sailor to savour the wealth of British Virgin Islands attractions, but let’s keep that our little secret. A cluster of gorgeous islands which is officially classed as a British overseas territory, the Caribbean paradise is made up of four main islands and a cluster of smaller ones and all have a little quirky edge mixed in with plenty of luxury. Known for its reef-lined unspoiled beaches and for being both a celebrity haunt and yachting hot spot thanks to its calm currents, sheltered bays, and cool pirate-ship bars! Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in The British Virgin Islands

#1- British Virgin Islands Cruise Port
Major cruise ships visiting the BVIs dock on the island of Tortola at the British Virgin Islands Cruise Port (sometimes referred to as Tortola Cruise Ship Pier) in Road Town. The terminal is located next to Tortola Pier Park, a hub filled with shops and restaurants. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke are the easiest islands of the 60-island archipelago to explore during a day at port.

#2- J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens
Although one of the British Virgin Islands’ smaller attractions, what J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens lacks in size it makes up for in beauty and exotic horticulture, with over 62 unique species of plants and a cacti garden, all engulfed by a palm forest. The garden also sports a variety of animal life and birds that are a treat for any enthusiast.

#3- Sage Mountain National Park
With the highest point located some 1,716 feet (523 meters above sea level, Sage Mountain National Park on the island of Tortola is considered a hiker’s paradise, complete with majestic overlooks, tropical trees, and swathes of exotic forest—untouched for over 500 years. Plus, wildlife such as Bo Peep tree frogs, lizards, crabs, and elusive bananaquits call it home.

#4- Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda may not be as well known as other British Virgin Islands, but its natural beauty is worth the off-the-beaten-path adventure. While you’re there, don’t miss the geological wonder known as the Baths, where you can swim and snorkel in grottoes and tide pools.

#5- Jost Van Dyke
Casual is the name of the game for the 4-mile (6-kilometer paradise known as Jost Van Dyke, the smallest island in the British Virgin Islands. Visitors indulge in the waterfront, the protected anchorages, and the many beachside bars and restaurants, including the Stress Free Bar with its famous lobster feasts. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts enjoy the island's diverse marine life.

#6- The Baths
If you’re in the Virgin Islands, make your way to Virgin Gorda to explore the beautiful Baths laden with exotic pools and grottoes. Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters among sheltered sea caves and mammoth boulders. The area also includes the sandy stretch known as Devil’s Bay.

#7- Soggy Dollar Bar
Yachties and Caribbean sailors are a regular fixture at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands. This legendary bar is reputed as the birthplace of the BVI’s signature cocktail, the Painkiller made with the iconic Pusser’s British Royal Navy rum. The bar’s name comes from its remote location on the sands of White Bay, accessible only by boat. There’s no dock, so patrons simply toss anchor in the protected bay and swim to shore, rendering their dollars soggy in the process. Its arguably one of the most popular and quintessentially Caribbean ways to spend an afternoon in the islands, swinging in a hammock, lounging in a beach chair, and sipping strong boat drinks.

#8- White Bay
On tiny Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), yachties, sunseekers, partyers, and divers all gather along White Bay, a picturesque sandy cove that’s backed by the turquoise sea. Travelers can snorkel and swim among schools of small, silvery fish and watch pelicans swoop through the sky in search of a meal. Home to laidback bars and beachside restaurants, White Bay remains true to its casual roots.

#9- Cane Garden Bay
Surf’s up in the jewel of the British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay. Located on the northwestern coastline of Tortola island, this portion of the beach, close to Road Town, is a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. From surfing, boating, Jet Skiing, and boogie boarding to simply swimming, Cane Garden Bay’s spacious and well-protected anchorage is a premier beach destination.