A centrepiece of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands is a postcard waiting to happen, where the joyous celebration of heritage and culture harmoniously blends with the serenity and natural beauty of this treasured collection of islands.
INTRODUCTION
Known as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a glistening territory that is not to be overlooked. The alluring contrast between the pearly beaches and aqua-blue plains of the Caribbean Sea creates a beloved scene that many only dream of. Due to its vast, shimmering oceans, the BVI is ideal for the whims of those who love to island hop and truly immerse themselves in ethereal beauty.
The versatility of the BVI cannot be understated, as it offers both a place of festivity and tranquillity. The local’s spirited celebration is the lifeblood of the territory, as music, dance, and love adorn the islands’ many festivals with a carnivalesque atmosphere that fills the ears of travellers and residents alike with a cacophony of excitement.
On the other side of the coin, the BVI offers quiet and gentle seclusion scarcely found anywhere else on the planet. Comprising 60 islands, only 16 of these land spots are inhabited. This leaves guests with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be completely at peace and decompress from the stresses of the rest of the world.
The territory’s serenity continues across its myriad resorts, as guests have the rare opportunity to dip their toes into the luxury of uninterrupted bliss, creating a haven for the senses. Travellers must also indulge in the many areas of natural beauty that abound the BVI, as the territory’s unchanging bays are home to many dreamlike blue oases.
At the heart of the BVI’s harmonious aura and jubilant atmosphere are the territory’s people and the warm welcome given to travellers as soon as they step off the plane. Residents’ generosity and good nature make the BVI a destination holiday to remember.
Q&A WITH THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD
Going above and beyond to foster, develop, and promote sustainable tourism for the BVI, the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board strives to spread the territory’s vibrant atmosphere across the world. Director of Tourism, Clive McCoy, delves deeper into this flourishing destination and all it has to offer.
Firstly, can you talk us through the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board’s purpose and founding mission?
Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism (CM): The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board was put in place around 55 years ago to market the destination to potential tourists.
One of the most beautiful places in the world, the decision was made to create a tourist board to showcase what the destination has to offer, which is still our main purpose.
The board is also responsible for maintaining relationships with industry partners to help them in the development of their products as part of the destination. For example, we help bolster the marketing efforts of the hospitality sector.
We’ve realised that the sun, sand, and sea are not enough to attract tourists to the destination; you have to find other ways. Subsequently, the recent execution of our 70th Emancipation Festival encouraged as many people as possible from around the world to celebrate with us.
How do you promote the BVI and everything it has to offer?
CM: We do it in myriad ways. From a technical perspective, we showcase what we have digitally over the internet through social media and other digital platforms such as magazine publications.
One of the things that we realised is that travellers like taking recommendations from other people. As much as technology has seemingly taken over the world with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, we still need that human connection and for others to tell us what their experiences were like.
Therefore, we work very closely with travel advisors and journalists from around the world to showcase what we have so they can recommend the destination to others. With the advent of social media, we also work with a lot of influencers who act like journalists to market the territory. These are just some of the ways that we promote the destination worldwide.
In your opinion, how does the BVI stand out from other destinations in the Caribbean?
CM: Firstly, let me say that I think the entire Caribbean, as a region, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From the Bahamas all the way down to Trinidad, it’s an absolutely gorgeous destination.
The thing that makes the BVI unique, however, is our 60 small islands and cays that are very accessible and have made us one of the premier places in the world for sailing. I like to tell people that you can have breakfast on one island, lunch on another, and dinner on a third. Therefore, one of the key things that sets the BVI apart from other destinations is the ease of getting from island to island and experiencing different vibes.
For example, we have Jost Van Dyke, which I like to call the barefoot island because when you get there, nobody seems to be wearing any shoes. It has two of the top beach bars in the world on White Bay, including the Soggy Dollar Bar and the newly built Hendo’s Hideout. On the same island, you also have Foxy’s Bar on the Great Harbour, which is a really popular place to go on New Year’s Eve. So, if you’re into that type of environment, Jost Van Dyke is a wonderful place to be.
Then to the east, we have Virgin Gorda which is the champagne of the BVI. Everywhere there is a postcard waiting to happen. It is home to the Baths National Park, which features massive boulders that form sea pools and grottos. I call it the most romantic island in the BVI.
To the north, we have Anegada, which translates to the drowned island. It is the only island in the BVI that’s of coral and limestone formation and is surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world. Some of the best lobster in the Caribbean also comes from Anegada – from the ocean, to the grill, to the plate.
I invite all travellers to come to the BVI over Thanksgiving weekend for our annual Anegada Lobster Festival, which features lobster dishes from all around the islands and lets you experience the various cultures.
Many of the 60 islands are resort destinations, which means the only people there are guests, so visitors have the whole resort basically to themselves. The great thing about this is you’re still not far away from the locals and the cultural experience, as they are only 20 to 30 minutes away by boat.
What are some of the most popular experiences, sights, and activities for tourists across the BVI’s many islands?
CM: A major part of the BVI experience is being able to go from island to island quite easily and experiencing all those different environments – this is what makes the BVI special and extremely unique. Because of the island hopping available, many visitors don’t stay in terrestrial accommodations and instead charter a yacht and travel from island to island.
Amongst all the beautiful areas and sailing here, it is the interaction with the BVI’s people that makes the experience second to none. Many years ago, I was on a tour with some journalists on a safari bus when one of them lost their hat because the bus was open air. However, she didn’t care because she had a couple of painkillers – the official drink of the BVI. About 20 minutes later, a gentleman flagged us down and made us pull over to give her back her hat. That is the type of experience that people can expect in the BVI. Aside from the beauty of these islands, it is the people that really make the destination one of the best in the world.
What can tourists expect in terms of upcoming events? Is there anything that travellers can look forward to at all?
CM: We recently had our Emancipation Festival, which started on 29th July and ran until 10th August. The 70th iteration of the festival featured musical performances, cultural activities throughout the territory, and great culinary experiences.
Additionally, in August is what we call the Rise and Shine Tramp, where people wake up early to dance in the street, so it’s a very fun time. In November, we have Culture and Tourism Month where there will be various activities throughout the territory that highlight our culture. At the end of the year, we wrap up our festivities with many New Year’s Eve or what we call ‘Old Year’s Night’ celebrations in Jost Van Dyke and at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, C.B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, and Trellis Bay, Beef Island.
It’s not very difficult to get to the BVI – we now have a non-stop flight daily from Miami. Therefore, we hope to see as many people as possible in the destination come to enjoy our celebrations.
Where should travellers go to fully immerse themselves in the BVI culture?
CM: As soon as you land – even when you’re speaking to the Immigration and Customs Officers at the airport – you are fully immersed in the BVI culture. Our islanders are extremely friendly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve met people who have told me they went to the BVI 20 years ago, and would love to come back.
Anywhere you go, you’re going to feel, see, and experience our culture – it’s not specific to one place. If you really want to see the camaraderie in the community, the kind of thing visitors should visit is our Emancipation Festival, where everyone is just having a really good time enjoying the music and local culinary options. There are foods to try during the festival that you can’t find any other time of the year, so it’s a great way to meet people, have fun, and see what the culture of the destination is all about.
What would you say is the BVI’s most underrated attraction?
CM: I would say the diving in the BVI is one of the most underrated attractions. We don’t get a lot of publicity for that sector. I personally am not a diver, but I speak to a lot of people who come here to do so and tell me the diving scene is as captivating and rich as other places that hang their hat on the experience.
We always say that we are the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean. We have a lot of wrecks, and one of our top dive sites is the Wreck of RMS Rhone. It was an English steamer that sank a very long time ago off the coast of Salt Island.
In your opinion, why should someone choose the BVI as a tourist destination in 2025?
CM: The BVI is still a boutique destination. If visitors are looking for a place that is not overly crowded with stretches of beaches just for themselves, the BVI is an amazing place to travel to.
Seven years ago, we were struck by a massive hurricane that really decimated our tourism product, but we are now back up and running again, with properties recently re-opened. One of our major properties set to open its doors in the fall of this year is the Peter Island Resort, which will be a brand new development.
Not only that, but we also have Saba Rock Resort, the Bitter End Yacht Club, as well as Biras Creek Resort, which is one of our legacy properties in the BVI that has just opened a new restaurant. So, there are a lot of exciting developments in the territory that we are ready to share with the world.
I also tell people all the time that the BVI is an amazing place if they want to see a lot of what the Caribbean was like 100 years ago. Many of the islands are still very much uninhabited or feature just one property, so you can actually take a step back in time and see what it used to be with the amenities of the 20th century.
The BVI is the place to be, and we encourage people to consider us for the vacation of a lifetime.
Finally, are you optimistic about the future of tourism in the BVI?
CM: Yes, I am very optimistic about the future of tourism in the BVI. We have a community that is extremely passionate about the industry, and from passion, you can expect great things to happen.
The territory’s education system is really pushing tourism, as we have seen a lot of young people trying to figure out ways they can get into the industry because they are so passionate about it.
Looking towards the future, the sky is the limit. With the new developments coming on stream, these are the things that continue to make us unique. We are also making sure our festivals are robust and showcase the culture of the destination in a real way.
I’m also finding that a lot of the population is getting behind tourism and making the territory one of the best places in the world, so the future is bright.
EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL IN FOCUS
Showcasing to the world its deeply rooted and highly commemorated heritage and culture, the Emancipation Festival represents the BVI’s passion for its history and willingness for celebration. Accordingly, this year’s festival, the 70th of its kind, flourished under the theme ‘Celebrate our Freedom and Live in Unity’.
Across the two-week extravagance, both travellers and those who call BVI their home came together to celebrate the freedom of the islands’ ancestors – becoming a guiding light in the territory’s identity.
Amongst the animated list of celebrations is the Prince and Princess Pageant – a vibrant affair where 11 of the islands’ young children compete for the renowned title.
Next on the festival’s celebration map is the Fungi Festival. Despite the name, travellers won’t be tasting mushrooms but instead sampling the unique traditional folk music of the BVI. Emerging from the territory’s African roots, mixed with a sprinkling of European influence, its lively, carnivalesque sounds take listeners on a journey of percussion, woodwind, and string symphonies, accompanied by anecdotal lyrics that demonstrate the BVI’s way of life.
Meanwhile, over on the island of Tortola, the Carrot Bay fiesta gives visitors a glimpse of what the BVI was like over a hundred years ago, celebrating the many vibrant traditions of the island with a plethora of stalls and local produce, where many locals share their culture in a spritely market celebration.
With a long list of spectaculars spanning July and August, the Emancipation Festival stands out as a beacon of joy across the BVI.
OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS
Eat:
FOR A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH CONTEMPORARY DELICACIES…
FOR A DELIGHTFUL TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN…
Do:
FOR GLIDING ACROSS THE BVI WITH TOP-OF-THE-RANGE EQUIPMENT…
British Virgin Islands Stand Up Paddle Board Company (BVISUPCO) is the leading provider of full-service, rental water sports equipment across the territory. Visitors can enjoy a vast selection of equipment including windsurf stand-up paddle (SUP) boards, kiteboards, wingfoil boards, and much more.
As a distributor of Starboard, a premier and world-renowned windsurfing and paddleboard brand, the company offers the latest designs and proven shapes for performance. Plus, with active water sports enthusiasts on the team, BVISUPCO has a very knowledgeable base who can advise visitors on how best to have fun on the water.
FOR EXCEPTIONAL, TRUSTED, AND COMFORTABLE CARE…
Bougainvillea Clinic has become renowned across the territory for its state-of-the-art surgical specialities, providing care to residents and visitors in areas of aesthetics and reconstruction, orthopaedic and spinal treatment, general abdominal and breast surgery, gynaecology, and much more.
The clinic’s internationally-experienced doctors, secluded location, and attentive staff make for a memorable experience.
FOR THE MOST GLAMOROUS AND PAMPERED YACHTS THE BVI HAS TO OFFER…
BVI Yacht Concierge leverages over 20 years of experience in the territory’s marine tourism industry to provide guests with a highly personalised service, sourcing the perfect yacht. Indeed, the concierge team are keenly aware of the needs of yacht owners, captains, and guests, with each request managed in a highly efficient and timely manner.
The company’s staff are devoted to each visitor as highly skilled yachting specialists, offering a wealth of knowledge and understanding to thoughtfully guide guests and provide all the information needed to help them make the best decisions, facilitating the ultimate glamourous island experience.
FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE BVI ADVENTURE…
HIKE BVI helps keen hiking enthusiasts and first-timers discover with confidence some of the most treasured trails through the territory. The company’s experienced guides take visitors on routes that go far beyond the typical hiking experience, each with its own individual spellbinding views, distinctive cultures, and refreshing natural environments.
FOR DISCOVERING THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL YACHT CHARTER DESTINATIONS...
FOR PROTECTING NATURE’S LITTLE SECRETS…
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands strives to preserve and manage the territory’s distinctive natural and cultural areas in order to improve the quality of life for both residents and guests, ensuring that the BVI’s most stunning views and enjoyable green areas remain healthy and enjoyable for all.
FOR EXPLORING THE ISLANDS WITH AWARD-WINNING YACHTS…
The Moorings has set the bar for chartering across the world over the last 50 years, offering the most luxurious and modern yachts available for its exclusive list of guests, gifting travellers the unique opportunity to be the author of their own sea adventure.
Opening up the globe to the most extraordinary experiences, the company offers an extensive collection of vessels, including but by no means limited to comfortable sail fleets, and compelling power and world-class crewed yachts.
With both fantastic service and crew, The Moorings welcomes travellers to explore the delights of the BVI in style and luxury comfort.
Sleep:
FOR BEACHSIDE LUXURY COTTAGES AND THE BEST FOOD THE CARIBBEAN SEA HAS TO OFFER…
Big Bamboo Villas & Restaurant
LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS
Devil’s Bay National Park
One of the BVI’s most understated paradises, this horseshoe-shaped bay can be found at the culmination of a gentle 15-minute hike through Virgin Gorda’s iridescent greenery. Welcoming those who crave a soothing and undisturbed glide across the water or keen snorkellers wanting to discover the undersurface metropolis of the bay, Devil’s Bay National Park is a remarkably serene location.
The Caves at Norman Island
There’s more than meets the eye to this rocky treasure trove. Its jagged cliffs provide a unique glimpse into the BVI’s heritage and innate attractiveness as a destination. Capturing the hearts of budding historians and keen snorkelers, visitors can take a dive into the legend of jewels and pirate stories that abound the deep caves and shimmering waters.
Anegada Conch Mounds
Rising from the BVI’s sparkling sea are several majestically large mounds of conch shells, forming highly unique and eye-catching islands. The man-made wonder has been under construction for several decades, acting as a charming relic of the populations of Anegada and an unmissable stop on the tour of the territory’s fascinating islands.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
Despite its secluded location amongst the Caribbean, travelling to the BVI has never been easier, with many airlines now flying from North America and Europe to Beef Island, which has its own dedicated international airport and is the global door to the wonders of the territory. From here, visitors can charter smaller boats or planes to travel to their desired destination.
Jost Van Dyke proves to be a very popular island for those with sea legs, with the Great Harbour offering an unforgettable sailor experience as one of the most bustling docks across the territory.
Indeed, journeying from island to island via the mesmerising sea is integral to truly capturing the BVI’s beauty in its entirety. There are a plethora of options for exploring the islands in style, with a vast range of yacht chartering companies to choose from. Alternatively, there are also myriad ferry services and water boat options that are affordable, convenient, and flexible.
Once guests have stepped onto the island, they can enjoy a gentle meander on foot or enjoy one of the island’s open-air safari taxis that showcase some of the best breathtaking views, offering a distinctive view of the captivating seascapes and rolling foliage.
Road Town, Tortola offers a highly accessible “Free Shuttle” bus service that takes you around town in a quick, efficient way. Otherwise, there are also many taxi services available to whisk travellers around the rest of Tortola and the outer islands on a whistle-stop tour.
