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British Virgin Islands Guide

Know Before You Go...®

A visit to the British Virgin Islands guarantees natural beauty, time on the water, and plenty of sunshine. Sights like The Baths and Great Harbour offer a unique glimpse into the beauty and adventure of the islands. If you’ve settled on a villa rental in the BVI, then you’re in for the vacation of a lifetime. We’ve got all the information you need to plan your dream tropical getaway.

Why British Virgin Islands?

  • The British Virgin Islands are part of an archipelago of more than 60 islands
  • The British Virgin Islands are home to the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Caribbean, Road Town
  • The islands are a popular destination for sailing and other watersports
  • The BVI are home to the only living reef in the Caribbean
  • The British Virgin Islands are a tax haven, and are a popular destination for corporate and private yacht charters

British Virgin Islands Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82° F
71° F
February
83° F
70° F
March
85° F
71° F
April
87° F
72° F
May
87° F
74° F
June
89° F
76° F
July
90° F
76° F
August
90° F
76° F
September
89° F
75° F
October
88° F
75° F
November
85° F
73° F
December
83° F
72° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.3 inches
February
1.7 inches
March
2.1 inches
April
2.5 inches
May
4 inches
June
2.9 inches
July
3 inches
August
4.2 inches
September
5.2 inches
October
5.7 inches
November
4.9 inches
December
3.1 inches

News and Notable

Richard Branson, David Copperfield, Morgan Freeman

Savannah Bay Beach
Snorkling Savannah Bay's Underwater National Park

Savannah Bay is a prestine, unspoiled snorkeling cove near The Valley. This underwater National Park plays host to thousands reef fish and an array of colorful coral. You’ll have to bring your own gear because there aren’t any vendors renting equipment at this secluded beach. It’s also a popular spot for watersports because it’s protected by a continuous reef.

Aristocat Charters
Certificate of Excellence Trip Advisor Hall of Fame 2015-2019

48 ft luxury catamaran sailing daily. All inclusive, drinks, superb buffet lunch, snorkel equipment, kayak. Owner operated.

Gorda Peak National Park
Hiking Gorda Peak

At 1370 feet above sea level, Gorda Peak is the second highest peak in the British Virgin Islands. Renowned Philanthropist, Lawrence Rockefeller, donated the 265 acres of dry forest surrounding the peak to the National Park Trust in 1974. This dry forest is home to native reptiles, amphibians, birds and bats, making this park one of the most biologically diverse. Hike to the lookout tower at the peak for stunning, panoramic views of the BVIs.

Transportation on British Virgin Islands

Getting to British Virgin Islands and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

Passport is required for all visitors. A return or on-going ticket is also required by all.

Airlines Flying Here

American Airlines flys directly from Miami to The Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (Beef Island, Tortola). There are no direct flights from Canada, Europe, or South America to the BVI’s airports. The Terrence B. Lettsome Airport has daily flights with stops in San Juan from InterCaribbean, Liat, Windward Island Airways, Seaborne Airlines, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta, and JetBlue. VI Airlink flies from St. Thomas, Beef Island, St. Thomas, and Virgin Gorda to Anegada. Cape Air has service to Virgin Gorda from San Juan, PR and St. Thomas, USVI. Tradewind Aviation has direct flights to Virgin Gorda from San Juan.

Airport

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, formerly known as Beef Island Airport, is the BVI’s main airport. Auguste George Airport is the northernmost airport in the islands, located on Anegada. Virgin Gorda Airport is in Spanish Town, and is open to a few inter-island flights.

Departure Tax

The airport departure tax is $50 pp in Beef Island and $35 pp in Virgin Gorda – payable in USD at the airport. Environmental Levy: $10 per person payable in USD at the port of entry upon arrival.

Driving

Drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Local Transportation

The British Virgin Islands are easily explored by car, and the best way to island-hop is by boat. Major islands, like Virgin Gorda, also has public transportation like an open-air safari bus.

British Virgin Islands Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in British Virgin Islands villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! Getting Married In The British Virgin Islands

  • You may apply for your marriage license at the Attorney General’s office located in the Government Administration Complex at Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town, Tortola.
  • You must be in the British Virgin Islands for a minimum of 3 days prior to the wedding service and after having made application for your marriage license.
  • You will be required to purchase $110.00 in postage stamps if you have been in the territory for less than 15 days prior to the ceremony or $50.00 in stamps if you have been in the BVI for 15 days or more.
  • You will require passports as proof of identity and to establish your date of arrival in the BVI.
  • If you were previously married, you will be required to bring a certified copy or original documentation of your divorce (absolute decree) or death certificate of a deceased spouse.
  • Two witnesses will be required to oversee the signing of your marriage license application and two (different) witnesses are required to be present during the ceremony. (You may select persons from the BVI to serve as witnesses for either or both occasions.)
  • Once your application for marriage license has been completed, you may then proceed to the

Registrar’s office (located above the Post Office) on Main Street, Road Town, Tortola. The office is open from 9:00 am to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays.

The Registar Requirements
Marriage ceremony fees are payable to the Registrar and are $35.00 if the ceremony is performed in the office and $100.00 if the ceremony is to be performed elsewhere.

  • Full (legal) names of both parties
  • Your ages and date of birth
  • Your occupations
  • The names of the witnesses for your wedding ceremony
  • If you are planning a church wedding, please contact the church of your choice and speak with the Minister or Priest regarding their requirements

See our favorite villas for weddings.

See our favorite villas for honeymoons.

Know Before You Go...® - British Virgin Islands Travel Tips

Before making their way to British Virgin Islands villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in British Virgin Islands even more relaxing.

Capital:
Road Town
Population:
31,122
Size:
The land area totals (151 km2 (58 sq miles)) and comprises 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands.[
Electric Current:
110
Time:
05:29 am zone:-4 (GMT/UTC -4)
Official Language:
British English
Currency:
US Dollar (US$)
Tipping and Taxes:
TIPPING: Housekeeping: $5 per day, per occupied room. At high-end, fully staffed villas, management may include a 5-10% service charge in your bill. Additional gratuity is completely optional, but most guests add a 5-20% cash tip. Restaurants: 12-15% is customary, but may be included in your bill. TAXES - Accommodation: In the British Virgin Islands there is a 10% Hotel Accommodation Tax payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, houses, cottages, villas and similar accommodations. - Arrival: Environmental and Tourism levy of $10/pp will be collected on arrival in the BVI at all ports of entry. - Departure: $20/person. If departing on a scheduled flight the departure tax is generally included on the ticket. If departing on private charter, departure tax will need to be paid before proceeding to the Departure Lounge.
Dress Code:
Barefoot elegance, with beachwear during the day, but coverups are needed in public areas. By night, dressy shorts and blouses, or sundresses for the women. For the men, smart attire such as nice shorts and a collared shirts. There are no nude beaches, and going topless is not permitted.
Topography:
The majority of the islands are steep and hilly due to their volcanic origin.
Telephone:
The International Dialing Code for the British Virgin Islands is +1-284 followed by a 7-digit number.

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