Why travel to the British Virgin Islands
Part of a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands is a tropical paradise and popular destination for diving holidays. Here, snorkelers and divers can explore reef-encircled islands and shipwrecks, including the 19th-century RMS Rhone off of Salt Island. Made up of four main islands, you have your pick of holidays. The largest island, Tortola is home to the capital, Road Town and some of the best British Virgin Islands’ attractions, including the rainforests of Sage Mountain National Park. Virgin Borda is slower-paced, Jost Van Dyke is where people go to party, and Anegada is famous for its diving and snorkelling.
Tortola also hosts numerous cruise ships and yachts, which sail here for Caribbean holidays on locations that epitomise Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Because there are so many islands to discover, a holiday here can still be a secluded one. But it will come at a cost – British Virgin Islands holidays are exclusive and expensive. But for many people, that is what draws them here, to explore unspoiled islands that still are entirely authentic. These islands are called Nature’s Little Secrets for a good reason!
Why travel to the British Virgin Islands
- The islands are stunning, and many have been declared national parks.
- You can stay on plush private island hotels, including Richard Branson’s Necker Island.
- These islands are famous for their sailing opportunities.
- It boasts numerous secluded beaches that are sublime, including White Bay on Guana Island and The Baths and Prickly Pear, both on Virgin Gorda.
With their numerous attractions, the British Virgin Islands offer a dream holiday that includes magical settings, a plethora of activities and entertainment. Thompsons Holidays can make your dreams come true on a British Virgin Island holiday package, so give us a call right away.
Things to do in the British Virgin IslandsÂ
With so many islands in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, you can enjoy the holiday you’ve always dreamed of. You can choose what you’d like to do, whether you’re looking for adrenaline activities or would prefer a leisurely seaside break. The islands are full of iconic Caribbean beaches and that magical touch of the tropics, offering the perfect family holiday, romantic beach break or an active adventure holiday.
Whether you want to go waterskiing, diving, snorkelling or exploring, the British Virgin Islands will give you the opportunity. Alternatively, you can relax on untouched white sandy beaches and do as little as possible for as long as possible. It’s all up to you.
Things to do in the British Virgin Islands
- Enjoy waterskiing in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola.
- Go diving at Rhone National Marine Park.
- Charter a private catamaran and explore the sea at leisure.
- Sip rum at a beachside bar on Jost Van Dyke.
- Explore The Baths, dramatic rock formations on Virgin Gorda.
- Visit Norman Island, one of the islands rumoured to have inspired the famous book, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
- Stroll through Tortola’s magnificent Botanic Gardens.
- View indigenous wildlife on the island of Anegada, home to the endangered rock iguana.
- Enjoy birdwatching in Fallen Jerusalem National Park.
- Climb Sage Mountain, the tallest mountain in the British Virgin Islands archipelago.
- Enjoy a craft beer on Cooper Island.
- Learn how to kitesurf.
Smugglers, pirates and treasure are only some of the exciting adventures that are part of the history of the British Virgin Islands, a string of islands with sparkling sea and beautiful bays. The islands’ astonishing beauty makes them even more magical, and the incredible variety of activities on offer makes a British Virgin Islands holiday a paradise experience. Let Thompsons Holidays take you there on an unforgettable Caribbean island adventure.
Know before you go...
When is the best time to visit?  Â
- The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is from September to November, just before the high season.
- Temperatures are good year-round. High season is in the winter months, from December to April.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to St Thomas in the British Virgin Islands direct: 22 hours, 15 minutes.
- There are no regular flights from South Africa to the British Virgin Islands.
- South African passport holders require a visa to enter the British Virgin Islands for a stay of up to 180 days.
- If you are flying via the USA, you will require a visa to enter the USA.
- Passports must be valid for 6 months after departure from the British Virgin Islands.
- The British Virgin Islands is 6 hours behind South Africa.
- Daylight saving is not used in the British Virgin Islands.
- The official currency is the United States Dollar ($ or USD).
- Credit cards are widely accepted & ATMs are prevalent in big towns and resorts.
- Tipping is at your discretion in the British Virgin Islands.
- The official language is English.
- Christianity is practised by the majority of the population. The most popular Christian religion is Methodist.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
- It is safe to drink tap water in the British Virgin Islands. Bottled water is readily available.
- Smoking is not permitted in public areas such as restaurants, bars and indoor workplaces as well as on public transport. Airports offer designated smoking rooms.
- Check with your travel clinic about required vaccinations.
What must I pack?  Â
- Lightweight clothing in summer, layers for the cooler months, when it is still warm.
- Comfortable walking shoes, slip slops.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor
Getting around Â
- Get around by bus or taxi in the British Virgin Islands.
What can I do to be a responsible traveller?   Â
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Instead of using plastic bags, take fabric shopping bags with you.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.
Safety tips  Â
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about.
What do I do in an emergency?
- If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
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