Ultimate Guide to the BVI

Renowned as the sailing capital of the world, the British Virgin Island offers a breathtaking escape, where sea meets serenity. With steady trade winds, clear waters, and over 20 annual regattas, it’s a year-round paradise for sailors. On shore, discover secluded coves, the exquisite beauty of The Baths, Lolloby Beach, vibrant reefs, mouthwatering local cuisine at Coco Maya, and rich culture at Callwood Rum Distillery, all wrapped in the islands’ warm, peaceful charm.

The BVI is ideal for every kind of traveller, from families looking for adventure to couples searching for the perfect honeymoon destination. 

To lift the lid on the treasures of the BVI and to make planning your next holiday hassle-free, Sunsail, a leader in yacht charter holidays, has teamed up with the BVI Tourist Board to create the ultimate guide to the British Virgin Islands. 

Sunsail’s expert Holiday Planner, Becky Hutton, and the BVI Tourist Board’s Deputy Director of Tourism, Natasha Chalwell have shared the emerging hotspots to visit before they gain mainstream attention, the best things to do, how the BVI is preserving its deep-rooted culture, the best beaches and spilled some of the island’s secrets that will continue to make it a must-visit destination this winter and into 2026. 

Why is winter the best time to visit the BVI?

There are a number of emerging tourist hotspots that are going to continue to rise in popularity in the coming year, so now is the best time to visit if you want to beat the crowds, according to the BVI Tourist Board:

• Gorda Sound corridor, aka the Millionaires’ Playground – A vibrant community of resorts and marinas that are a favourite of sailors. There are a number of new developments on existing properties, including the new over-water spa at Scrub Island, new restaurant and marina at Biras, new accommodations at the Bitter End Yacht Club, and Saba Rock Resort.

• Marina Cay Bar & Grill – Situated on stunning Marina Cay, there’s a new restaurant serving up some of the finest food in the Caribbean, and a watersports centre which is ideal for thrill seekers looking to uncover underwater treasures.

• Josiah’s Bay – Josiah’s Bay is another growing hotspot, particularly for nature lovers and families. The bay has a dedicated surfing school, ideal for anyone wanting to learn a new skill on holiday. You’ll also find a birdwatching tower and the Humane Society Centre, which has a petting zoo, so you can come face to face with some of the BVI’s most beloved animals.

Now is the perfect time to sail in the BVI, with new government incentives for vessel registration and local training programs at HL Stoutt Community College fueling growth in the marine industry. The islands also host cultural events, including the year-round BVI Food Fete, featuring highlights like Jost Lime & Dine and the Anegada Lobster Festival. The sailing season peaks with the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival, a week of racing, parties and celebrations around the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

What are the must-visit destinations in the BVI?

• Anegada – Anegada is the only coral island in the BVI, protected by the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. With just 450 locals, it’s a slice of paradise that often flies under the radar. Uncrowded and tranquil, with pristine powder-white beaches, it’s the perfect destination for those craving barefoot luxury off the beaten track. The island of Anegada is also world-famous for its delicious lobster, which is a must-try for seafood lovers.

• Norman Island – Whether you’re looking to visit some of the BVI’s most popular attractions or off-the-beaten track treasures, Norman Island offers the best of both worlds. While the legendary floating Willy T bar is a must-visit for many, few know to go ashore in the cool and quiet of the morning for a hike. Breathtaking views all along the way eventually lead to a quiet beach off limits to charter boats. In the calm waters, you might catch a glimpse of a sea turtle enjoying these protected shores. 

• Jost Van Dyke – Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the 4 main islands, is famous for its laid back vibe and glorious sandy beaches. Famously, it’s the home of the Soggy Dollar Bar and the Painkiller cocktail. You’ll also find the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke, an exceptional geological phenomenon, where waves from the bay crash through a series of rocks. A jacuzzi-like effect is created so it’s like sitting in your own personal hot tub!

Learn more about the BVI’s must-visit destinations.

What are the top activities to keep you busy in the BVI?

• The Baths – No trip to the BVI is complete without a visit to The Baths on Virgin Gorda. This unique geological formation features massive granite boulders creating hidden caves, grottos, and natural pools along the beach. The Baths are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the labyrinthine pathways that weave through the rocks. There’s also an exquisite restaurant with once in a lifetime views of the sunset, called the Top of the Baths.

• Mountain Farm Hike – A farm to table experience in collaboration with Aukie’s Shanti and one of the best hidden gems in the BVI, according to the Tourist Board. Take a hike up the hills of Carrot Bay overlooking the bay with spectacular panoramic views while sampling fruits and vegetables in season including plums, coconuts, sugarcane, cucumbers, papayas, pomegranates and much more. The tour ends with sampling of food Aukie’s Shanti, including natural immunity shots.

• Conch Shell Mounds – Located on the East end of Anegada, thousands of conch shells form a mound that looks like sand dunes in the sea. These conch burial grounds support the fact that the Arawak people lived on Anegada thousands of years ago. Since then, fishermen have discarded the shells here for more than 200 years, further contributing to the mountainous shell formation.  

• Salt Ponds – Salt Island is known for its historical salt ponds, which were once a vital part of the island’s economy. Today, visitors can explore the ponds and learn about their significance. The island is also a great spot for a quiet picnic or a leisurely hike, offering beautiful views of the surrounding islands.

Learn more about the best things to do in the BVI. 

How is culture and heritage being preserved in the BVI?

Preserving culture and heritage is incredibly important in the BVI. Local groups such as the Heritage Dancers continue to teach and perform traditional dances, there’s a Historical Preservation Programme by the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands and cultural music known as “Fungi” is taught in the schools. If you want to immerse yourself in local culture during your trip to the BVI, the Tourist Board recommends:

• Callwood Rum Distillery – This 400-year-old distillery at Cane Garden Bay is one of the oldest in the Caribbean and offers a glimpse into the island’s rich rum-making heritage. A visit to Callwood rum distillery is a special way to learn about the island’s history and culture while you taste the products of the land. A firm favourite that you can’t leave without trying is the iconic ‘Panty Dropper’.

• Carrot Bay Cultural Thursday – Vendors of crafts, local cuisine, beverages, pastries, fruits, vegetables, and plants line the streets of Lower Carrot Bay on Tortola in a festive setting. Featuring live entertainment and impromptu cultural games and competitions, and the opportunity to ride in style on a donkey cart.

• Taste the BVI Anegada Conch Experience – Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours and cultural heritage of the British Virgin Islands with the Taste the BVI: Anegada Conch Salad Experience. This hands-on adventure invites guests to explore the island’s culinary traditions by learning to prepare freshly caught raw conch straight from the sea. Under the guidance of local experts, you’ll discover the steps of cleaning, cutting, and seasoning conch to create a refreshing island-style conch salad bursting with tropical flavours. You’ll also learn the art of blowing a conch shell, a tradition rooted in island life, and enjoy the rich storytelling of Anegada’s past.

Where are the best beaches in the BVI?

• Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay – Sandy Spit is a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight. Or try local Sandy Cay, another splendidly secluded stretch of sand you can call your own private island for a romantic afternoon under a palm tree.

• Lolloby Beach – Bring your snorkel gear along and head for Loblolly Beach. The coral heads are so close to the shoreline, you simply walk into the water, and immediately the show begins. You can snorkel for a few minutes or all day, never tiring of the marine life and clear turquoise waters. When you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over to Big Bamboo restaurant for some beach side refreshment.

• Smuggler’s Cove – On the western end of Tortola, relax and unwind on the pristine sands of Smuggler’s Cove. It’s a secluded paradise where you can sunbathe, swim and snorkel, with one Tripadvisor review saying: “The white sand, the turquoise blue water and the beautiful palm landscape, combined with the sounds of nature, create an inviting atmosphere to relax on this beach.”

Did you know…?

• A number of properties and partners promote sustainability and eco-friendly practices including Necker Island, which is largely powered by wind turbines, and Cooper Island mostly solar-powered.

• The Ocean Spa on Jost Van Dyke is the Caribbean’s only floating spa! Relax, unwind and enjoy a pampering session with unforgettable views and the sound of waves creating a tranquil atmosphere.

• The BVI Tourist Board is planning to reintroduce the BVI VIP Programme recognising repeat visitors and providing perks in recognition of their loyalty.

• Anegada supports the last remaining population of the critically endangered Anegada Rock Iguana, Cyclura pinguis. The population has been reduced to approximately less than 200 individuals in the wild. This has been brought about by a combination of habitat loss, habitat degradation by grazing animals and predation of juvenile iguanas by feral cats that prevent replenishment of the adult population. 

The full guide, which includes even more treasures such as the best restaurants, bars and scuba diving hotspots, can be found here.