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
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News and Notable
Richard Branson, David Copperfield, Morgan Freeman
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.
Snorkling in Smuggler's Cove
Located on the north shore of Tortola and best access by foot, remote Smuggler's cove is a great snorkeling spot especially on the eastern tip of the cove. This beautiful crescent bay is quiet, never crowed and has a coral bank about 100 feet off the shore. You can rent snorkeling equipment and loungers from a friendly vendor who sets up shop daily. There's also a small beach bar and a snack stand if you get hungry. The dirt road to Smuggler's Cove makes getting here difficult, but once on the beach you'll agree the trek was worth the trouble.
Wet dollars and cool drinks at the Soggy Dollar
Since there is no dock, the only way in is to to swim ashore. Guests then pay with wet dollars, hence the name “Soggy Dollar Bar”. Bills are hung on a clothes line above the bar, drying in the breeze. Located on a stretch of beach on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, the Soggy Dollar Bar’s house specialty is the “Painkiller” – one of the most popular mixed rum drinks in the West Indies. This drink has made owner Daphne Henderson famous. Pair that with fly fish sandwiches or a jumbo burger. At dinner, Daphne prepares 4-course gourmet meals served seaside by candlelight. Soggy Dollar was voted the “Best Watering Hole in the World” by Island Magazine readers in 2002.
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
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.