Americans love to go to the British Virgin Islands, and it's easy to see why. It's not far from the mainland United States, the beaches and seascapes are beautiful, and you can tailor your trip to be very active or very chill.
A Quick History about the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Officially known as the Virgin Islands, the BVI is a British overseas territory. It lies in the Caribbean east of the US territory of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. There are more than 60 islands in the BVI, with about 16 of them inhabited. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. The capital of the BVI, Road Town, is on Tortola which is the largest island as well. The islands were named by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
There are between 35,000 to 40,000 people living in the BVI. They are British Overseas Territories Citizens and also are British citizens. Before its discovery by Columbus, who was the first European to see the islands, they were already inhabited by people who were thought to have immigrated from South American, and who were known as Arawak.
The BVI were formed by volcanic action and because of that the islands have a rocky and hilly type of terrain.
The Climate of the British Virgin Islands
One reason travelers love to visit the BVI is its climate. The islands are tropical rainforest, but the weather is impacted by the trade winds. This leads to temperatures most of the year in the mid to high 80's, which is perfect for beach days or for sailing. The BVI is considered to be the sailing capital of the world.
Getting to the British Virgin Islands
You can fly into the BVI to the main airport, officially called the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, but commonly called the Beef Island airport. It's located just off the tip of Tortola and is connected to Tortola by a bridge. You can also arrive by cruise ship, yacht, or sailboat.
Fun facts about the British Virgin Islands
- Traditional music in the BVI is called fungi or “scratch music.”
- The BVI was a hangout for pirates.
- Because money was often soggy from people jumping off boats and showing up to drink on the beach one of the popular bars is named Soggy Dollar bar.
- One of the oldest rum distilleries in the Caribbean is located in the BVI.
- The currency is the US dollar despite this being a British territory.
Get our Free British Virgin Island Travel Guide and Planner
Our 49 page BVI Travel Guide will give you a great overview of the islands and how to plan your trip. Here's what you'll find inside.
- Why travel to the British Virgin Islands?
- Best times to visit the BVI
- What to do in the BVI
- Where are the British Virgin Islands?
- Know Before You Go
- How to Travel to the BVI
- The Main Islands of the BVI
- Getting to know Tortola
- Getting to know Virgin Gorda
- Getting to know Anegada
- Getting to know Jost Van Dyke
- Other Islands of the BVI
- National Parks in the BVI
- Museums in the BVI
- Family Activities in the BVI
- What Activities to Find Where
- Annual Events in the BVI
- Dining in the BVI
- Boating in the BVI
- Diving and Other Water Sports in the BVI
- Fishing in the BVI
- Birds and Wildlife in the BVI
- Accommodations in the BVI
- Getting Married in the BVI
- Planning Your Trip to the BVI
When you are ready to book your BVI travel contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org or text to 941-720-1842.