EXPLORE
British Virgin Islands
Wealthy travellers looking for the ultimate luxury adore The British Virgin Islands, comprising 60 islands and cays. The azure waters and scenery are exquisite, just two reasons why billionaire Richard Branson lives on his private island here. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful nature spots, like Mount Sage National Park and Devil’s Bay, the island has become a hive for luxury weddings and parties thanks to the ‘island buy-out’ opportunities. The gorgeous beaches and lagoons make the British Virgin Islands a hotspot for water sports like kayaking, boating, and yachting.
Travelling in British Virgin Islands
Chartered Boats and Yachts
With its numerous cays and pristine waters, the BVI is a paradise for sailing. Many visitors opt to charter boats or yachts to explore the islands at their own pace. Charter companies are available for both experienced sailors and those who prefer a crewed charter.
Speedboats
Speedboats offer a convenient and flexible way to travel between islands. They are available for private charters or scheduled services, providing personalised and scenic transportation.
Ground Transportation
Visitors can navigate the British Virgin Islands using ground transportation, including private transfers, rental cars or taxis to explore the island's beautiful beaches and attractions at their own pace.
Small Aircraft
For travel between islands and from the international airport on Beef Island, small aircraft and private charters are available. Airports are located on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Weather
The winter months experience some of the least rainfall and are the coolest months of the year, with temperatures around 25°C.
Best Time for Beach Relaxation and Outdoor Activities
25°C
AVG Temperature
8-10 HRs
Sunshine
2"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
25-26°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Temperatures increase but don’t quite peak during these spring and summer, with an average temp of 26.5°C. This period also experiences fewer rainy days than the later summer and autumn months.
Best Time for Water Sports and Exploration
26°C
AVG Temperature
7-9 HRs
Sunshine
2-3"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
26-27°C
AVG Sea Temperature
These are the year's hottest months, with an average temperature of 27-28°C. The number of rainy days averages 15, though rainy spells are usually brief.
Best Time for Indoor Activities and Cultural Exploration
27-28°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
5-6
AVG Monthly Rainfall
27-28°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Temperatures start falling in October until reaching the islands’ coolest temperature in December at 25°C. There’s still more rain at this time of year, but there’s less as winter progresses and hurricane season officially ends in November.
Best Time for Lush Landscape Exploration and Mild Weather Activities
25-27°C
AVG Temperature
6-8 HRs
Sunshine
5-7"
AVG Monthly Rainfall
27°C
AVG Sea Temperature
Geography
An outstretch of the Lesser Antilles Island chain, the British Virgin Islands are formed from islands and cays, separated from the Lesser Antilles by a deep ocean channel created by a fault line in the Pliocene period. There are four main British Virgin Islands: Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Tortola, which is the largest at 19km long and 5km wide. The British Virgin Islands are formed chiefly from volcanic rock.
History
The British Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus on his second expedition to ‘The New World’ in 1493. Before this, the Virgin Islands were first populated by the South American Arawak people in 100 BC – 200 AD, though archaeological evidence suggests that the island was visited as early as 1500 BC. The Arawaks remained here until the Carib tribe from the Caribbean islands on the Lesser Antilles pushed them out. In the 15th century, the Spanish Empire took hold of the Virgin Islands, fought over by several European nations, including the English and Dutch. Eventually, the English captured and governed the islands for the next few hundred years. In 1967, the country gained autonomous status and began to self-govern.
