British Virgin Islands

Key facts

• Region: The Caribbean
• Sovereignty: Non-sovereign territory administered by United Kingdom
• Capital: Road Town, on Tortola
• Currency: US dollar (USD)
• Languages: English
• Main airport: EIS — Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, on Beef Island
• Best time to visit: December to April, the dry season; the hurricane season runs June to November

Overview

The British Virgin Islands is an archipelago of around 60 islands and cays in the eastern Caribbean, just east of the US Virgin Islands. It is one of the world's best-known sailing destinations, with sheltered channels between the islands and a string of anchorages and beach bars. Tortola is the largest island and the population and government centre.

Airports

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) sits on Beef Island, linked to Tortola by a short bridge, and is the main gateway for regional flights. Virgin Gorda Airport (VIJ) near Spanish Town and Auguste George Airport (NGD) on Anegada handle smaller inter-island traffic. There is no direct long-haul service; travellers usually fly into St. Thomas (STT) or San Juan (SJU) and continue by ferry or small aircraft.

Main cities

Road Town is the capital, on Tortola's south coast, and holds the main ferry terminal, shops and government offices. Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda is the second-largest settlement and the access point for The Baths. The Settlement on Anegada and Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke are the main villages on those islands.

Places to go

The Baths on Virgin Gorda, with its granite boulders and sea pools, is the territory's signature natural site, along with nearby Spring Bay and Devil's Bay. On Tortola, Cane Garden Bay, Smuggler's Cove and Long Bay are the principal beaches, and Sage Mountain National Park protects rainforest on the island's highest ground. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is known for its beach bars, Anegada's Loblolly Bay sits beside the extensive Horseshoe Reef, and Norman Island, The Indians, Peter Island and Guana Island are common stops for day sails.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into British Virgin Islands, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked