Things to do in  British Virgin Islands

The tiny British Virgin Island of Jost Van Dyke is densely forested, with white-sand beaches tucked along the coastline. Private villas are scattered across the island, and the clear blue water is perfect for snorkeling, diving, or just floating. It’s become known as a bit of a party island, thanks to spots including Foxy's and the Soggy Dollar Bar, but there’s still plenty of peace and tranquility to be found.

Located on the British Virgin Island of Virgin Gorda, The Baths is nature’s answer to a water park. Formed over millennia of geologic activity, this unique wonder comprises towering granite boulders that protect clear-blue pools and create tiny, private caves. The Baths is a popular spot for visitors looking to find respite from the hot tropical sun in shady caverns, wade through warm water, or bask on soft, white sand.

Yachties, Caribbean sailors, and thirsty tourists are a regular fixture at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost van Dyke, one of the British Virgin Islands. This legendary bar is reputed as the birthplace of the BVI’s signature cocktail, the Painkiller, a rum drink made with pineapple and orange juices. The bar’s name purportedly comes from the sailors who would swim to shore and purchase drinks with wet bills.

On tiny Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), yachties, sunseekers, partyers, and divers all gather along White Bay, a picturesque sandy cove that’s backed by the turquoise sea. Travelers can snorkel and swim among schools of small, silvery fish and watch pelicans swoop through the sky in search of a meal. Home to laidback bars and beachside restaurants, White Bay remains true to its casual roots.

Surf’s up in the jewel of the British Virgin Islands, Cane Garden Bay. On the northwestern coastline of Tortola island, this portion of the beach, close to Road Town, is a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. From surfing, boating, jet-skiing, and boogie boarding to simply swimming, Cane Garden Bay’s spacious and well-protected anchorage is a premier beach destination.

Virgin Gorda may not be as well known as other British Virgin Islands, but its natural beauty is worth the off-the-beaten-path adventure. While you’re there, don’t miss the geological wonder known as the Baths, where you can swim and snorkel in grottoes and tide pools.

With its highest point located some 1,716 feet (523 meters) above sea level, Sage Mountain National Park on the island of Tortola is considered a hiker’s paradise, complete with majestic overlooks, tropical trees, and swaths of forest that have been untouched for over 500 years. Plus, wildlife such as Bo Peep tree frogs, lizards, crabs, and elusive bananaquits call it home.

Although it's one of the British Virgin Islands’ smaller attractions, what J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens lacks in size it makes up for in beautiful, distinctive horticulture, with over 62 unique species of plants and a cacti garden, all engulfed by a palm forest. The garden also sports a variety of animal life and birds that are a treat for any enthusiast.

Major cruise ships visiting the BVIs dock on the island of Tortola at the British Virgin Islands Cruise Port (sometimes referred to as Tortola Cruise Ship Pier) in Road Town. The terminal is located next to Tortola Pier Park, a hub filled with shops and restaurants. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke are the easiest islands of the 60-island archipelago to explore during a day at port.

At only 10 miles (15 kilometers) long by 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) wide, Anegada, one of the British Virgin Islands, is affectionately referred to as the “drowned land” for its numerous salt ponds and its sunken feel, sitting just above sea level. Visitors enjoy miles of white sandy beaches and may even spot the curious-looking pink Caribbean flamingo, among other wildlife.