The Best of the British Virgin Islands

The must-visit destinations, must-see events and must-experience activities for the best trip to the British Virgin Islands ever!

There is no shortage of fantastic experiences to have in the British Virgin Islands, a destination that visitors fall in love with for very good reason. But which experiences are an absolute must for your visit? Which locations should be on your itinerary above all others? And which events will have you more excited than ever to be escaping to this Caribbean wonderland?

Here at Nautilus we have been planning sailing holidays in the British Virgin Islands for over 3 decades and our team have visited the BVI many times, so we have come to know all the top places to visit, things to see and activities to do whilst on holiday here. The four largest islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada are accompanied by an array of smaller islands and islets making up over 60 islands to discover. The range of possibilities can be overwhelming when planning your first trip so we are here to help! Read on to discover our pick of the top things to do in the British Virgin Islands. 

• What are the best places to visit in the British Virgin Islands?

• What are the best activities to do in the British Virgin Islands?

• What are the best events to go to in the British Virgin Islands?

What are the best places to visit in the British Virgin Islands?

1. The Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke

The ultimate location to sample the infamous BVI 'Painkiller' cocktail. Not only does The Soggy Dollar Bar serve up the best Painkiller going, they also more than deliver on atmosphere. An incredibly friendly, relaxed and fun place to spend your time in the BVI, it is easy to while away hours on the beautiful soft, white sands of the aptly named White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Take a refreshing swim off your yacht to the shore (to get your soggy dollars!) and enjoy the beautiful views, delicious food, tasty drinks and laidback atmosphere.

2. Foxy's Bar & Restaurant, Jost Van Dyke

Having opened its doors to sailors almost 60 years ago, Foxy's is still going strong and shows no sign of stopping! Well-known for their tasty lunches and dinners, great live music and party atmosphere, Foxy's is a top place to visit in the BVI. A fine example of the fact that the people make a place, you are guaranteed a warm and charismatic welcome by owner Foxy and his fantastic team. Visit on Friday or Saturday evenings to experience their famous beach BBQ - a guaranteed great time!

3. Cooper Island

A family-owned eco-resort that is all about sustainability without compromising comfort. With a fantastic beachfront restaurant, beach bar, micro-brewery and fully-stocked rum bar housing more than 350 rums, Cooper Island makes an ideal stop on your sailing itinerary as you head from Tortola to Virgin Gorda. 

A number of mooring buoys can be pre-booked ahead of your arrival or there are a limited number of buoys available on a first-come-first-served basis so be sure to arrive early if you haven't pre-booked. Enjoy the daily happy hour from 4-6pm or sample a selection of the rum whilst the knowledagble staff talk you through the history and origins. The resort's micro-brewery produces a variety of craft beers which can all be sampled in the Main Bar, Coffee Box and Rum Bar. Order the 'Beer Flight' to sample them all!

4. Bitter End Yacht Club

A world-renowned name of the British Virgin Islands, Bitter End Yacht Club has been welcoming visitors for over half a century. The resort underwent huge renovations after the 2017 hurricane Irma and came back better than ever. The state of the art marina is a great base from which to explore the nautical village with an array of watersports, great beaches, lively bars and more. Stunning accommodation, a range of bars and eateries, a well-stocked shop and boutique all await you at Bitter End. 

5. Saba Rock, North Sound

Another gem in the North Sound, Saba Rock sits right in the centre of all the action. For more than 50 years it has been a place for yachties and watersports enthusiasts to flock to, offering a fun, easy-going, island resort atmosphere. From kiteboarding and windsurfing to kayaking and paddleboarding, the onsite team can accommodate your watersports desires! At the end of an active day, the open-air restaurant serves up a delcious range of local specialities, all to be devoured whilst savouring the spectacular views.

What are the best activities to do in the British Virgin Islands?

1. Follow the trails at The Baths, Virgin Gorda

A must-visit for anyone holidaying in the British Virgin Islands, a true natural wonder that is a delight to explore. Make your way through the maze of massive granite boulders and sparkling rock pools to the beautiful horseshoe shaped Devil’s Bay. Stop for photos in the ‘Cathedral Room’, a beautiful rock pool set within a cave and take time to enjoy the spectacular views from the Top of the Baths Restaurant and Bar at the end of your day’s adventures.

2. Hike the Hills of the BVI, Various Locations

The British Virgin Islands are home to some fantastic walking and hiking trails and are perfect early morning or late afternoon excursions during your romantic sailing holiday. Whether you fancy an easy stroll through beautiful nature or a heart pumping hike to the hills, you will find a walk to suit all levels in the BVI. A few great hikes and walks in the British Virgin Islands are:

• Norman Island – one of the few private islands which allows access to their hiking trails and you will be grateful for it! Various hiking trails take you on incredibly scenic routes with sweeping vistas of the sparkling seas and the islands beyond. Hike to the top of Spyglass Hill, an infamous pirate lookout or head to the serene Benure’s Bay for a dip in the tranquil waters or the secluded Money Bay. Whichever route you choose you will not be disappointed and don’t forget to refuel afterwards with a delicious meal at Pirate’s Bight.
• Sage Mountain, Tortola – the highest peak in the British Virgin Islands at 1710 feet, the panoramic views awaiting you make it more than worth the climb. A slightly more challenging hike and one that will appeal to the fitness loving couples out there! Sage Mountain was the first National Park in the BVI and offers 14 different trails through this thriving forest, including circular routes.
• The Baths at Virgin Gorda – already listed as one our top things to do in the BVI, the walk through the Baths is a unique experience and a walk that is not to be missed when visiting the British Virgin Islands.
• Jost Van Dyke – take a peaceful stroll from Great Harbour over the hill to the idyllic White Bay, a perfect start or end to your day on Jost Van Dyke. Alternatively, take either the inland or coastal route from Foxy’s Taboo to the beautiful Bubbly Pool. Locally known as Mother Nature’s Jacuzzi, you can relax in the shallow tide pool and cool off after your walk before heading back to Foxy’s Taboo for your morning coffee.

3. Discover the underwater world

The British Virgin Islands have some fantastic snorkel and dive sites that will impress underwater novices and seasoned divers alike. Glide through the crystal clear waters spotting an array of colourful fish, turtles, rays and seahorses. Some of the best snorkelling spots in the British Virgin Islands are:

• The Caves and The Indians of The Bight, Norman Island
• Monkey Point, Guana Island
• Loblolly Bay, Anegada
• The Dogs, Dog Islands
• Cistern Point, Cooper Island

Some of the best dive sites in the British Virgin Islands are:

• The wreck of RMS Rhone, Salt Island
• The Chimney, Great Dog Island
• Alice’s Wonderland, Ginger Island
• The wreck of Chikuzen
• The Aquarium, Virgin Gorda

4. Treat yourself to ultimate rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

The British Virgin islands are an ideal place to slow down, rest and rejuvenate. Whilst plenty of that can be done drifting from one island to another or relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches, why not treat yourself to an idyllic spa experience to truly press the reset button?

The Spa at Peter Island is a heavenly 10,000 square foot spa with 7 luxurious treatment rooms, an incredibly inviting infinity pool, ocean-side jacuzzi and tranquility garden. Rest and relaxation doesn't get much better than this.

The Aerial BVI is a sanctuary of peace where healing, mindfulness, and a life of wellness come together in perfect harmony. A unique and personalised spa experience for ultimate rejuvenation.

What are the best events to go to in the British Virgin Islands?

1. The Anegada Lobster Festival

Whilst sailing in the BVI, you cannot miss a visit to the heavenly shores of Anegada and more specifically you cannot sail in the BVI without sampling an Anegada lobster dinner! To take it one step further, why not head to the Anegada Lobster Festival, a 3 day event which takes place at the end of November each year. One of the most eagerly anticipated events in the BVI calendar, you can restaurant hop until your heart is content, sampling mouthwatering lobster dishes like no others. Of course no Caribbean festival would be complete without music to lift the spirits and you can be sure to find vibrant beats and a festive atmosphere on Anegada this November!

2. BVI Spring Regatta

The BVI sure know how to host a regatta! With nearly 600 nautical miles and 15 annual races and events, you can see the importance of sailing in the BVI calendar! If you are going to experience any of the BVI regattas then it has to be the infamous BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival which takes place in March/April. The regatta attracts a diverse fleet from performance racing boats to a competitive bareboat fleet and whether you participate in all five races of the BVI Spring Regatta or just come for the atmosphere, there is something to keep everyone entertained, both on the water and shore-side.

3. Full Moon Party, Trellis Bay

Each month Trellis Bay on Tortola hosts a fantastic full moon party that the whole family can enjoy. A full Caribbean buffet dinner is accompanied by live steel pan performances and fire dancer shows to really get you in the party spirit. The festivities carry on late into the night with live music from local bands.

4. Old Year's Eve Celebrations

The BVI know how to throw a party so you know it is going to be a great place to see in the New Year. One venue already featured on our list of must-visit places in the BVI is the ONLY place to be at New Year, or should we say Old Year, and that is Foxy's. The world-renowned Old Year's Night at Foxy's is a must-experience event with non-stop live music from dusk till dawn. There are always special appearances by Foxy himself, plenty of food and drink to enjoy and an atmosphere that must be experienced to be believed!

With first-hand experience of our sailing destinations and over 30 years of experience organising sailing holidays, we look forward to planning your next dream sailing holiday in the British Virgin Islands.

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