Top 15 Beautiful Places to Visit in The British Virgin Islands

A cluster of gorgeous islands which is officially classed as a British overseas territory, the Caribbean paradise is made up of four main islands and a cluster of smaller ones and all have a little quirky edge mixed in with plenty of luxury.

Known for its reef-lined unspoiled beaches and for being both a celebrity haunt and yachting hot spot thanks to its calm currents, sheltered bays, and cool pirate-ship bars! Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in The British Virgin Islands…

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke – one of the most stunning spots to explore in The British Virgin Islands 

One of the most beautiful beaches in the British Virgin Islands, it’s ideal for relaxing and kicking back with a chilled drink while you take in the breathtaking view.

It is located within easy reach of Great Harbour, which is home to a range of holiday accommodation and excellent local bars and grills.

If you like to holiday in a beautiful spot with a vibrant nightlife, some luxury yachts to admire off-shore, and a wide-open beach with the softest sand you have ever felt between your toes, then White Bay is the place for you! 

Baths – a beautiful national park known for its huge granite formations

If you have a picture-perfect tropical beach in mind that you wish to visit, then the Baths on Virgin Gorda Island should be at the top of your bucket list.

From the Baths visitor center, it is a rustic 15-minute walk to Devil’s Bay that includes some beautiful scenery. You need to be reasonably agile to navigate the track as you will climb step ladders and squeeze between cracks in the rocks.

However, you can take an alternative route from the visitors center for the less agile explorer.

There is a short wade through a section of seawater and a bit of a rocky path to navigate before reaching the sandy beach, but the trek is well worth the effort once you reach this breathtaking part of the island.

The waters are crystal clear, and huge, smooth pale-colored boulders edge the Bay. It is a truly unspoiled spot that is excellent for a bit of snorkeling too. 

Tortola – the largest and most populated of the British Virgin Islands

Tortola is a beautiful island to visit for the fantastic photo opportunities of the surrounding islands you get from traveling along Ridge Road, such as Guana Island, Virgin Gorda, and beyond, and its spectacular island scenery.

One place not to be missed on Tortola is the Fahie Hill wall and its unique murals.

This island has a rich history, and local artists have created these murals to document and share the indigenous history, stories, and culture of the island.

There is no denying that the stunning Cane Garden Bay Beach is a big attraction here, with several beach clubs to choose from. Every taste is well catered for here, but if you are a rum lover, the Callwood Rum Distillery is right next door to the beach and well worth a visit.

Deadman’s Bay Peter Island – often regarded as one of the world’s most romantic beaches.

The name of this place invokes the stories of legend that say the Bay was named for the pirates that were stranded on nearby Dead Chest Island and were washed up on the shores of the Bay. However, this little slice of paradise made up of a mile-long crescent of soft white sands lined with lush palm trees is a far richer treasure than any pirate’s gold! 

The Bay is made up of Deadman’s Beach, perfect for snorkeling or simply chilling out in the sun. But don’t forget to explore Little Deadman’s beach, which is located at the end of the main beach and is a great place to spot some stunning yachts and watch the sun go down. There is a lovely beach bar and grill a stones-throw away for some fantastic local food and drink.

Gorda Peak National Park – a stunning natural beauty spot

While the Virgin Islands are well known for their beautiful beaches, exploring Gorda Peak National Park is a must if you are looking for a way to connect with nature away from the shore.

The 265-acre park contains two hiking trails, and you can follow to reach the island’s highest point at 1,359 feet. The peak has a wooden observation tower with a viewing platform to see a full 360-degree spectacular view of the island.

The park is rich in wildlife and contains 107 hectares of semi-rainforest and dry forest that support a wide range of rare plants, including beautiful native orchids.

Nature lovers can immerse themselves in the lush greenery and spot many local wildlife species, including tree frogs, bats, birds, soldier crabs, and the famous Virgin Gorda gecko.

Peter Island Beach – a gorgeous vacation destination 

Peter Island is the go-to Caribbean holiday resort island, and the main draw to the island is the mile-long spectacular coastline of soft white sandy beaches lined with tropical palm trees.

It is the quintessential and elegant destination for a beachside resort and spa holiday.

As well as the majestic Deadman’s Beach, and the smaller Little Deadman’s Beach, newlyweds can enjoy their own private, secluded honeymoon spot at the very aptly named Honeymoon Beach that sits next to Little Deadman’s Beach.

Another big draw for holidaymakers is the beach sports shack that holds all the equipment you need, from sailing to kayaking. It gives you the chance to explore Peter Island Beach from the sea, including nearby bays and smaller islands such as Key Cay.

Cane Garden Bay – a picturesque bay with sandy beaches, restaurants, bars

Cane Garden Bay is a popular spot for visitors because of its long, sandy curved beach sheltered from the wind.

Situated on the north shore of Tortola, this is a favorite spot to anchor boats and easily explore the island.

Because of its long and curved beach, the Bay offers lots of safe swimming in crystal clear waters. It is an ideal place for a spot of snorkeling, windsurfing, and other water sports.

You can stroll around the town to a background of live music from local musicians. There is no need to go far for some great local refreshments from the many vibrant beachside bars and grills that line the shore for beach lovers.

Smuggler’s Cove – a secluded, sheltered and peaceful destination to explore

If you are looking for beautiful, secluded, and serene, then Smuggler’s Cove is the place to be.

Because it is pretty hard to reach when compared to other tourist hot spots, this place makes for an ideal getaway where you can spoil yourself swimming in crystal clear water, relaxing on less well-trodden sand, snorkeling with plenty of colorful sea life, and spotting sea turtles.

Smuggler’s Cove can be found at the northwestern tip of the Islands and can be reached by following a rough and narrow road that ends at a beer shack where you can rent beach chairs.

It is a great place to escape the crowds and head off the beaten track.

Anegada Island – a scenic low-lying coral island

This is an exciting island that draws people to explore the fantastic coral reef that encircles the island. The name Anegada means ‘drowned island’, which is easy to understand when you know that the island only rises 28 feet above sea level at its highest point.

Although it is the most northern and the second largest island in the BVI, it has the smallest population.

The best time to visit Anegada is between April and October, especially if you enjoy snorkeling and explore the famous Horseshoe Reef, the fourth largest barrier reef in the world.

With kiteboarding and paddleboard equipment hire from the beach club, you can do your own thing or have lessons to help you master these skills! 

Long Bay Beach – one of the best and most beautiful spots to explore in the British Virgin Islands

Long Bay Beach nestles at the western end of Tortola and offers a stunning mile-long soft white sand beach lined with swaying palm trees and excellent sunsets.

This is a place to escape to if you are looking for peace and solitude with ideal swimming conditions in crystal-blue seas.

As Tortula’s longest beach, Long Bay Beach is a popular spot for honeymooners and couples wanting to spend some idyllic time surrounded by natural beauty in the British Virgin Islands.

You can take advantage of the beach-front watersports, boat hire, and tours if you fancy taking a break from relaxing on the beach.

Sage Mountain National Park – the highest points complete with gorgeous views

This is a place not to be missed for hikers and nature lovers alike. Sitting at 1716 feet, Sage Mountain is the highest peak in the Virgin Islands.

Explorers can choose from seven winding trails that run through the 92-acre park, and for those looking for a leisurely walk and a lush, green picnic spot, the main trail that runs from the parking area is the one to take.

The park has a semi-rainforest atmosphere, and the damp and humid conditions are ideal for the native lizards and frogs. Walking through the park can feel like you are on the set of Jurrasic Park, with its towering fern trees and thick greenery.

If you are not up for much hiking, you can take in the island’s spectacular views from the viewing platforms that are set to the side of the main parking area.

Cow Wreck Beach – a beautiful white sandy beach which a cool vibe

Cow Wreck Beach is such an unusual name for one of the most beautiful beaches you can find in the British Virgin Isles. This place draws people to it for its long stretch of soft white sand and clear waters that lap the shore.

It is a popular place for those seeking a genuine Caribbean beach experience with warm blue seas, white sands, swaying palm trees, and a well-positioned on-site bar that overlooks the ocean.

The beach is considered one of the most picturesque on the Islands and not only a romantic destination for couples, but with areas of calm waist-deep water, it is a safe place for families with children who like to play in the water.

Savannah Bay – a picturesque strip of sand and a popular snorkeling spot

Savannah Bay sits to the North of the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. It is most well known for its beautiful curving sandy beach and clear blue seas, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Look for a small sign off the North Sound Rd to discover a small parking area in easy reach of the Bay.

With more than a mile of soft, white sand to explore, Savannah Bay offers visitors a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the busier island towns.

Catching a sunset here is just magical, and the calm waters and peace are ideal places to unwind with a good book or even write one!

Sandy Spit – a stunning uninhabited islet of the British Virgin Islands 

Accessible only by boat, this tiny island beach offers a very remote escape for lovers of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is also called Corona Beach and is completely uninhabited.

The island lies two nautical miles east of Jost Van Dyke and is linked to Green Cay Island by an underwater coral bridge.

It is a popular spot for photographers, and images of the island have appeared widely as an example of a perfect Caribbean Island.

Being just half an acre in size, Sandy Spit has a 360-degree beach, and if you get there early enough in the morning, you may be able to have the whole island to yourself.

Scrub Island – for palm-lined beaches and boating 

If you are looking for a tranquil tropical Caribbean island surrounded by pristine waters, then you won’t want to miss a visit to Scrub Island.

This angular island has lots of secluded hidden coves and beaches just waiting to be explored. It sits just 1.5 miles off the coast of Tortola and is within easy reach of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

You can enjoy a nature hike around the island and take in the many spectacular vistas as you navigate the trail. An excellent place for a spa break, this island offers visitors a choice of three pristine sandy beaches, azure blue waters, and a breathtaking, lush, green, volcanic landscape.

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