Virgin Islands, British flights and travel guide

Located in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands comprise four large islands and around 50 smaller islands, all sharing the same attractive qualities of white sand beaches, clear blue seas and almost guaranteed sunshine. The largest islands – Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke – attract the majority of tourism. Most travellers arriving from flights to the British Virgin Islands will spend their time on one of these locations. The smaller islands also have a host of charms on offer. In total, only 15 of the islands are inhabited, so there is plenty of untouched land to explore. Many of the islands are designated national parks, and the surrounding seas and wildlife are protected.

It is for the Caribbean Sea itself that many visitors book flights to the British Virgin Islands. The diving here is world-class, with shipwrecks, coral reef and marine life to see under the waves. Water sports, such as kayaking and windsurfing are also popular, as is fishing and yachting. At Prospect Reef in Tortola it is even possible to swim with bottle-nose dolphins.

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Virgin Islands, British climate

The British Virgin Islands are sub-tropical and have high humidity. Temperatures are made much more comfortable by trade winds, averaging 26 to 31 C in the summer and 22 to 28 C in the winter. Rainfall is sporadic and there have been droughts.

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When to fly to Virgin Islands, British

Peak Season:
Peak season is December to May, when the weather is cold in North America and Europe.

November to June is the peak season for divers (away from any possible hurricanes).

Off Season:
The rainy season arrives between September and November. Rainfall is usually in short bursts, however, and everything dries off quickly afterwards. This can be the best time to get a cheap flight to the British Virgin Islands.

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Getting around Virgin Islands, British

Driving is the easiest means of getting around. Cars and jeeps are both available to hire, but you will need a driving license for the British Virgin Islands, which costs around $10.

British Virgin Islands flights are easy available for travel between the islands, though this is a luxurious rather than practical means of travel. There are air charter companies, most of them based on Beef Island. Ferries are available between the islands.

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Virgin Islands, British insider information

• The largest of the islands is Tortola, also the site of the airport and arrival point for all flights to the British Virgin Islands. It’s worth spending a few days here on arrival – there are many restaurants and shops as well as good beach accommodation.
• Fishing is extremely popular in the waters around the BVI. Before you cast off, make sure you’ve got a fishing permit, which is required for all foreigners wishing to remove anything from the sea. This can be purchased from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour.
• There are plenty of reefs and wrecks in the seas for divers to explore. Around the island of Anegada, more than 300 ships have run aground on the coral over the years. As a consequence, this is one of the favorite spots for divers.  
• Try the local food and drink: a freshly-caught lobster for supper and a “painkiller” cocktail. The latter is made of rum, pineapple juice, coconut, orange juice and fresh nutmeg and is the cocktail of choice in the country.

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Virgin Islands, British airports

There are two main airports for travellers taking flights to British Virgin Islands:

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) is on Beef Island, nine miles from Road Town, Tortola; the islands are connected via a road bridge.

Virgin Gorda (VIJ) is two miles from Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda.

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Passport/Visa

Valid passports and proof of a return ticket are required for entry. Visa requirements vary by country.

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