Things To Do In The British Virgin Islands

The fact that the British Virgin Islands sees fewer visitors than its neighbours (Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, to name a few), only adds to its charm as one of the Caribbean‘s most serene patches. Here, you’ll find everything you could want from an escape: white-sand beaches, azure waters, cocktail-ready sunsets and delicious fare. If you’re still on the fence about visiting, we’ve listed the best things to do in the British Virgin Islands below.

Get the best out of the British Virgin Islands by booking our British Virgin Islands sailing trip.

Go yachting

British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda ,Pond Bay, elevated view of Pond Bay

What’s the best way to locate all the hidden coves and secluded bays in the British Virgin Islands? By yacht, of course. Be sure to book Culture Trip’s multi-day luxury sailing trip that will supply you crewed charter for a floating five-star experience – no sailing knowledge required.

Stoutts Lookout TORTOLA CARIBBEAN Car hire jeep at cafe

If you’re looking for an epic sunset spot, there’s no better (or friendlier) place than Stoutt’s Lookout Bar in Tortola. With sweeping views across Cane Garden Bay beach, dine on the seasonal menu which often features burgers or grilled mahi mahi and chase it down with a fruit smoothie with fruit grown by the owner, Prince Stoutt, himself. Tip: the strawberry mango smoothie is delicious.

Explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda

Young woman at cave covered with water at The Baths beach area major tourist attraction at Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

A must-visit spot on the southern coastline of Virgin Gorda, The Baths consists of picture-perfect white-sand beaches, azure-hued waters and a smattering of giant boulders. The granite boulders create secret rock pools to bathe in, so you’ll be able to find a secluded spot your travelling party can chill out in. Go early in the morning as you’ll want to spend all day here.

Enjoy a cold beer at Seddy’s One Love Bar and Grill, Jost Van Dyke

You’ll feel the good vibes emanating from Seddy’s One Love Bar and Grill the moment you approach the beachfront eatery. Owned by one of the friendliest faces on the British Virgin Islands, Seddy Callwood, regulars here know to order fresh lobster and shrimp dishes accompanied by an ice-cold beer. Once you’ve dined here, you’ll recommend it to anyone who will listen.

Go surfing in Apple Bay

British Virgin Islands (British colony) – Island Tortola – Apple Bay, surfers

Sure, most people head to the British Virgin Islands to beach hop but did you know there are some excellent places to surf there too? Case in point: Apple Bay in Tortola is where local and visiting surfers mingle and compete for waves, especially during the busy winter season between October to April, when the surf conditions are at their best.

Learn to scuba dive with Island Surf and Sail

Rhone wreck Tortola British Virgin Islands BVI, underwater, scuba, diving, ocean, sea, blue water, shipwreck, female diver,

New to scuba diving? No problem. There’s no better place to learn how to scuba dive than when you’re surrounded by some of the world’s prettiest diving sites. Book yourself in for a private lesson with Island Surf and Sail which includes a full day on the water, snacks, National Park and permit fees and the ability to learn at a pace that suits you.

Visit the Callwood Rum Distillery

Callwood Rum Distillery Tortola BVI Caribbean Cruise.

What’s a trip to the Caribbean without a visit to a rum distillery? As well as being the last of its kind in the British Virgin Islands, Callwood Rum Distillery is also one of the oldest distilleries in the world (it’s been operating for over 400 years). Set in an old stone building in Tortola, a visit here will be equal parts history lesson and rum tasting session, just be sure to leave room in your suitcase to take a bottle or two back with you.

Hike through the Sandy Cay National Park

British Virgin Islands: Sandy Cay, small island between Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.

As well as having one of the best beaches in the British Virgin Islands, Sandy Cay also has some excellent hiking trails to explore. The island, which is located just off the coast of Jost Van Dyke, is home to a Caribbean dry scrub forest where visitors can view wildlife such as hermit crabs, lizards, hummingbirds, yellow warblers and bananaquits.

Dive the Rhone National Marine Park

DIVERS EXPLORE THE SHALLOW STERN SECTION OF THE RHONE SHIPWRECK OFF SALT ISLAND BVI

The first and only marine park in the British Virgin Islands, the Rhone National Marine Park harbours the RMS Rhone, which sank during a cyclone in 1867. Ideal for intermediate to advanced divers (although some parts are accessible for novices too), the largely intact vessel lies 90 feet below the surface and you can expect to spot everything from moray eels to octopus and turtles.

Eat at Willy T’s

A legendary floating bar and restaurant, no trip to the British Virgin Islands is complete without a meal at Willy T’s. Set on a boat just off the coast of Norman Island, it’s been operating for nearly four decades and visitors here can dine on everything from chicken wings to calamari ceviche – whether you dine pre or post-swim is up to you.

The best way to see the British Virgin Islands is by boat. Book an adventurous British Virgin Islands sailing trip over Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.