What to do and see in British Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands: The Best Things to do

July 15, 2021 Major Galusha

Sailing, diving, fishing and soaking up the sun on perfect beaches is what it's all about on the 60 idyllic British Virgin Islands. Largest island Tortola, home to capital Road Town, is a 12 by three mile haven of white sand, lush green mountains, ruins and rum distilleries. Underwater caverns beckon from dramatic Virgin Gorda. Island time rules on laid-back Jost Van Dyke, where swim-up bars serve delicious rum concoctions. Pristine beaches lure visitors to beautiful coral island Anegada.
Restaurants in British Virgin Islands

1. White Bay

Jost Van Dyke
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 710 reviews

White Bay

A great place for underwater exploring, this secluded half-mile white sandy beach has reefs close to shore.

Reviewed By TDHSNJ - New Jersey, United States

This was our first time going to JVD as we were on a cruise excursion. We enjoyed our almost 4 hours of time drinking painkillers, shopping for souvenirs and eating some amazing Mahi Mahi sanwiches at The Soggy Dollar Bar. What made this so great is the absolutely amazing beach area that can be matched up against the best beaches in the Caribbean. Photos are great, but until you can experience this beach in person, they don't do it justice.

2. The Baths

The Baths, VG1150 Virgin Gorda http://www.bvi.gov.vg/content/our-islands-0
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,820 reviews

The Baths

The most well-known attraction on the island, these giant boulders or batholiths, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions, are scattered about forming a beautiful grotto and tranquil pools.

Reviewed By SunshineW3239 - Boston, United States

On my family's Star Clipper cruise in December, we indulged in daily beach hopping. My favorite beach by far was The Baths on Virgin Gorda, BVI. I opted to explore the easier trail and strolled down a winding path to a gorgeous, mostly deserted beach studded with huge boulders. The scenery was stunning. After taking photos along the water's edge, I sat at a shady table to write in my journal. During my peaceful morning, I enjoyed the sound of the sea, the warm sunshine and the blissfully serene setting. Up above the beach at the top of the trail, colorful shops and an inviting outdoor restaurant with a swimming pool await visitors who need a break from the sun.

3. Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay Rd Tortola
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,146 reviews

Cane Garden Bay

Centrally located on Tortola's north side, this is probably the busiest beach since its beauty is often compared to Magen's Bay on St. Thomas.

Reviewed By Smittens123 - Wakefield, United States

Great spot in Tortola beautiful beach we spent two weeks in an Airbnb short walk to the beach. Many restaurants and bars to choose from. It got crowded on the beach when the cruse ships came in but they usually left by three and we had the beach to ourselves. The days there were no ships were beautiful.

4. Smuggler's Cove

Tortola
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 589 reviews

Smuggler's Cove

This Tortola cove offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Reviewed By MLYLKY - Saint Louis, United States

We drove here from cruise poer. 4wheel drive suggested. there was 2 cruise ships in port so about 80 people showed up this day on the beach, 2 primitive beach shacks for cold drinks and a few chairs.

5. Brewers Bay

Tortola
Excellent
57%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 285 reviews

Brewers Bay

An exceptional bay and beach area on Tortola's north shore, which is protected by boulder-strewn barrier reefs, making this stretch of water popular for swimming and snorkeling.

Reviewed By williamhS3661NY

Easy to get to (by car), lots of beautiful white sandy beach, calm clear Caribbean water, pelicans soaring above you and diving around you, and very good snorkeling on the left side. And there’s a bar. And there’s easy parking.

6. Long Bay Beach

Tortola
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 268 reviews

Long Bay Beach

A perfect getaway for a day, this charming, half-mile strip of soft white sand is isolated and rarely visited since it is accessible only by a small dirt road.

Reviewed By Q8455PJkarens

Long Beach is fantastic. Warm water, soft white sand, no crowds and great for lunch is Denise’s, particularly jerk chicken with her hot sauce.

7. Norman Island Caves

Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Norman Island Caves

Known for tales of buried treasure, these caves are appreciated even more for spectacular snorkeling adventures, with thousands of orange cup coral and red sponge covering the cave walls.

Reviewed By PamRoad - Texas, United States

We snorkeled here and were blown away by the sea life we saw. Schools of fish in the hundreds that swam very close to us! The sea life in the caves is excellent but be careful. It gets very dark and the tide can be quite strong. Definitely the place to snorkel if you get the chance!!!

8. Anegada Island

Road Town Tortola +1 809-495-8002 http://anegadabeachclub.com
Excellent
75%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 629 reviews

Anegada Island

Anegada or the "drowned island" is completely surrounded by shallow reefs, and has become the focal point of underwater diving due to the many historic shipwrecks that litter the island's underwater depths.

Reviewed By BareBoatBareFeet

Anagada Island is charming! The views linger in my mind now that we are home. Cow Wreck Beach is a must, as is Ann’s gift shop and sweet Ann herself, living the work dream alongside her honey and parents. Meet her. Snorkeling was fun and Ann’s painkillers are the absolute best in the BVI.

9. Callwood Distillery

Cane Garden Bay Tortola +1 284-495-9383 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/CallwoodRumDistillery
Excellent
36%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 253 reviews

Callwood Distillery

This historic rum distillery is one of the last of its kind in the British Virgin Islands.

Reviewed By ByandBys - Miami, United States

It was the last day they were open for the season, and we were the only two customers there, but it was pretty awesome. If you like history and/or rum this is a gem. Heck even if you hate both of those you should go. We got a tour of the over 200 year old distillery. Got to see the sugarcane, the the distilling process, the barrels. And of course we did a taste testing. I hate rum. This one I loved. Very different and smooth compared to other rums. But I digress. This is definitely worth taking the time to see. And taste.

10. Sage Mountain National Park

Tortola +1 284-494-2069 http://www.bvitourism.com/sage-mountain-national-park
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 127 reviews

Sage Mountain National Park

The highest point in Tortola is accessible via a number of marked trails.

Reviewed By leejR9185OC

We drove to the park one afternoon while we were staying on Tortola, and the drive isn't for the faint of heart! Tortola roads are pretty intense, and this was no exception. Once there, we were greeted by Jim, who has a gift shop and a 2-table restaurant. He will get food and cook for you upon request. If we had been there longer, we would have tried it out. The trails are not too challenging or steep, and they are in good shape. From the observation deck you pretty much have a 360 degree view of the island and the islands in the distance. There are several options depending on how much time you have; a shorter loop and a longer loop. Either loop has fantastic views.

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