British Virgin Islands

There's something magnetic about the British Virgin Islands that's impossible to fully grasp until you're standing on their shores. These islands don't rush to impress, they unfold gradually, revealing turquoise waters so clear you can count the nurse sharks gliding beneath your paddleboard, beaches that feel like your own private escape, and a rhythm of life that makes everything else fade away.

The BVIs are made for exploration. Spread across four main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada—plus countless smaller cays dotting the seascape, there's always another shore calling your name. Whether you're sailing between islands or hopping aboard the local ferry alongside BVI residents heading home, getting from place to place becomes part of the adventure itself.

Each island reveals its own personality. Tortola serves as your arrival point and the pulse of island life. Virgin Gorda draws crowds to the famous Baths, while Jost Van Dyke is where you'll find yourself sipping a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar, toes in the sand. Then there's Anegada—the laid-back coral island where the lobster is endless, the beaches stretch forever, and the locals will know you by name before your visit is through. It's the kind of place where the entire island keeps a friendly eye on visitors, making you feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary neighbor.

But the real magic happens in the in-between moments: pulling fresh conch from the ocean floor on a snorkeling trip and turning it into salad right there on the boat deck. Paddling across water so crystalline you can see every detail of the seabed below. Finding those experiences that don't make it into guidebooks but become the stories you'll tell for years.

The British Virgin Islands offer something rare in today's Caribbean; authenticity without pretense, beauty without crowds, and adventure on your own terms. For families craving genuine connection to a place rather than a packaged resort experience, the BVIs deliver exactly what you didn't know you were searching for.

What To Do

The British Virgin Islands are built for families who crave a mix of adventure and downtime. With calm, protected waters and beaches that rarely see crowds, it's the kind of place where kids can snorkel fearlessly and parents can actually relax.

Water adventures take center stage here. The snorkeling is some of the Caribbean's best—think clear visibility, colorful reefs, and marine life that's more curious than skittish. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing between islands become daily rituals. And if you're up for it, island hopping by boat (whether chartered or via local ferry) lets you discover hidden coves and beaches that feel like your own private paradise.

The beauty of the BVIs is that there's no one-size-fits-all itinerary. Whether your family is all about water sports and exploration or you're craving quiet beach days and resort relaxation, I can help you craft the perfect BVI experience tailored to what matters most to your family.

With accommodation options ranging from intimate boutique hotels to spacious villas and upscale resorts, families can find their perfect home base and then venture out to discover vibrant local culture, exceptional dining, and the kind of natural beauty that makes every day feel like a postcard.

When To Visit

Really, Fall is the only time I would not suggest you travel to BVIs as this is a more rainy time.

May - August is considered their ‘shoulder season’ which means it’s more affordable yet less crowded than the busy season which is December - April when most people are escaping cold weather and in search of warm Caribbean temperatures.

How To Get Here

While there are no direct flights into BVIs it’s not as hard to get here as you may think.

Most fly into San Juan, Puerto Rico and then take a 30 minute flight into Tortola or Virgin Gorda.

Once you are there, inter-island ferries are very common and run often. Depending on the hotel you stay at, they also offer a boat transfer to the property.

You do need a valid passport to enter BVIs.