Deciding which BVI island is best for a tropical vacation depends on your travel preferences. Several stunning islands in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) await exploration. Each island has its own unique charm and offers something a little different.
Many visitors start their journey on Tortola, one of the main British Virgin Islands. This island provides an excellent introduction to BVI culture. Other islands like Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke are fantastic islands for families. There are also several private islands with specialty offerings for individuals, couples, families, and private groups. Knowing what each island offers regarding entertainment, recreation, and activities will help you plan the perfect itinerary.
The Aerial, BVI: Luxury & Wellness on a Private Island
The Aerial, BVI is a luxury wellness resort located on a private island near Tortola. This distinctive resort offers individuals and families the opportunity to relax far away from the crowds and island traffic.
The best part about The Aerial, BVI, is that guests can experience a wide range of Caribbean activities on-site. This includes watersports such as boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. You can also book an equine therapy experience and get to know the rescued horses and zebras at Redemption Ranch. After an active day, indulge in a little R&R by taking a dip in the saltwater pool overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel or schedule one of our spa services, such as our unique OTO CBD-infused massage.
Anegada: Find Solitude on a Quiet Coral Island
Anegada is a flat coral island in the British Virgin Islands and the only coral island in the BVI. Because of its unique topography, Anegada is considered an anomaly. This quiet island offers a remote and secluded experience for visitors looking for solitude.
There are various off-the-beaten-path activities to do in Anegada, including bonefishing, exploring the rock iguana sanctuary, and bird watching at Anegada’s salt ponds. After exploring the natural environment, tourists can relax at one of Anegada’s beach clubs, bars, or restaurants that offer ocean dishes like conch, fitters, and fresh lobster. Visitors who want to stay overnight can choose from various hostels, hotels, and luxury accommodations overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Virgin Gorda: Explore History in Spanish Town
Virgin Gorda is one of the best islands on which to explore the rich history and culture of the British Virgin Islands. It is also a great island for families because it offers plenty of activities, such as visiting the island’s national parks, paddling through mangroves, and relaxing at the beach.
Couples or individuals looking for top-notch dining and nightlife options will find plenty of restaurants and bars in Virgin Gorda. History and shopping enthusiasts can head out to Spanish Town, located in southern Virgin Gorda. This town is packed with boutiques and restaurants that offer scrumptious seafood delicacies.
Jost Van Dyke: Mountain and Water Adventures
Jost Van Dyke was named after an early Dutch settler and is an ideal island if you’re looking for a short stay. Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the four main islands, making it easy to schedule back-to-back activities while you’re there.
Be sure to check out White Bay—a gorgeous beach with white sand and shallow turquoise water. Snorkeling is also a popular activity in Jost Van Dyke due to the stunning blue water and diverse marine life. Travelers looking for some heart-pumping adventure can climb Mount Sage, the highest peak of the Jost Van Dyke island. On clear days, tourists may be able to see St. John (USVI) in the distance from the top of Mount Sage.
Tortola: Discover Culture on the Largest Island in the BVI
Tortola is the largest and most developed island in the BVI and also the most populated island. It offers a mix of stunning beaches, active nightlife, and fascinating historical sites. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and want easy access to amenities.
Some great activities for families and individuals to enjoy are trying the local food, such as salt fish and cakes, taking a catamaran cruise around the island, and visiting the BVI Folk Museum in Road Town. Snorkeling and diving are also popular activities in Tortola, and there are several dive shops where you can rent equipment and book tours.
Norman Island: Hunt for Treasure and Eat Mahi-Mahi
Norman Island is a relatively small island located at the tip of the BVI archipelago. This island is famous because it is allegedly where author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his pirate novel Treasure Island. As a result, travelers looking for a magical look into the history and charm of the BVI should consider checking out Norman Island.
Other fun activities on Norman Island include hiking the Norman Island trails (which offer 360° views of the island), eating delicious mahi-mahi, and watching golden sunsets at Benures Bay. Given that the majority of Norman Island is uninhabited, you might opt to stay at a nearby resort or hotel that provides day trips.
Which BVI Island Is Best? You Decide!
Each island in the British Virgin Islands provides something unique. This means that there is an island for every taste. Whether you prefer lively, relaxed, or luxury amenities, or want to experience it all with some island hopping, rest assured that the British Virgin Islands offers a little of everything.
A total of 994,253 visitors traveled to the BVI by the end of 2023, so it’s clearly a very popular destination! When booking a vacation to the BVI, plan an itinerary that includes a range of activities to make your trip exciting and memorable. From there, you only need to bring sandals, sunglasses, and suntan lotion for relaxing under the Caribbean sun.