British Virgin Islands Travel Q&A: What It’s Really Like
Our Most-Asked Travel Destination, Answered
We fell in love with the British Virgin Islands in 2019 on a cruise, when one of our stops brought us to Tortola. What started as a simple port day turned into something more, we took a chance on a local boat captain named Andrew, connected instantly, and somehow stayed in touch. Every trip back since then, we’ve seen him again, and those relationships are a big part of what keeps pulling us back.
Over the years, we’ve explored parts of the USVIs, but our hearts are firmly in the BVIs, especially Jost Van Dyke. It’s the epitome of island life. Slow mornings. Barefoot afternoons. Sunsets that don’t feel rushed. That pace isn’t for everyone, but for us, it’s exactly the point.
This isn’t a destination you fully get until you go. It’s the people, the views, the weather, the energy, all of it together. It’s why we try to return 2–3 times a year when life allows. One of our long-term dreams is to charter a boat and island-hop through the BVIs, but realistically, we’ll wait until our kids are a bit older. For now, everything shared here is based on our own experiences.
I know others will have different opinions, routes, and preferences, and that’s okay. I always encourage you to do your own research and figure out what fits your budget, vibe, and lifestyle. I’m not a travel agent, just someone sharing why this is truly our favorite place in the world.
How do you get there?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, one we’ve experimented with quite a bit. We typically fly out of Buffalo, and our most reliable routes have been flying directly into Fort Lauderdale or Miami, then connecting onward to either St. Thomas (USVI) or Beef Island in Tortola (BVI).
Both options work, it really comes down to timing, price, and where you’re going. If you fly through St. Thomas, you can take the public ferry or charter a private transfer over to the BVIs, which adds time but can be part of the adventure. We recently found out that Buffalo will be offering direct flights to Puerto Rico, which is a huge deal for us. That route will likely be high on our list the next time we’re planning a trip.
A quick but important reminder: if you’re traveling through the BVIs, you will need a passport (kids/babies too). Depending on your route home, you may go through U.S. passport control in St. Thomas, it varies based on where you’re flying next.
If you’re flying through St. Thomas or Tortola and need a professional, reliable taxi service, we highly recommend Myron and his son. We’ve used them consistently for years and have always had great experiences. They’re punctual, knowledgeable, and can accommodate car seats if needed.
Marvin’s number: +1 340-203-004 - tell him Caralyn + Brian Koch sent you!
If you’re looking for a private boat transfer or a day charter, we suggest reaching out to Captain Andrew at Ocean Bliss Charters. We’ve known him since our very first trip to the BVIs, and he’s been a trusted part of every visit since, whether for airport transfers or unforgettable days on the water via a day charter. https://www.oceanblisscharters.com/ - tell him Caralyn & Brian sent you!
Where to stay?
There are so many great places to stay in the BVIs, from boutique hotels to villas and private homes, and the best fit really depends on your group size, budget, and travel style. We’ve only stayed in hotels so far, but would definitely rent a villa in the future, especially with a larger group (it just makes sense for space, privacy, and shared meals). Here are a few places we’ve personally stayed and loved:
Our Personal Stays
Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas (USVI) – Great if you’re flying into St. Thomas before heading over to the BVIs, the property is a bit tired, but we usually have good experiences there.
Scrub Island Resort – Beautiful property with a relaxed island feel and great views, currently under new ownership, so not 100% sure of reviews since we’ve been there.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay – A classic, iconic BVI stay with an elevated, serene vibe. We went on our most recent trip, and it was phenomenal. Service was top-notch.
The Hideout, Jost Van Dyke – Simple, beachfront, perfect if you want that slow island life feel.
Our Favorite Spot
We love Jost Van Dyke the most, partly because of the pace, partly because of the energy (most people come in on their boats to party, but then it’s fully cleared out and quiet by sunset), and partly because it feels like home after so many trips. Staying on Jost gives you that barefoot island life that the BVIs are known for.
Other Considerations
Villas & private homes — If you’re traveling with family or a big group, villas can be so worth it for space, kitchens, and more flexibility. We’re hoping to do this on a future trip.
More options everywhere — There are tons of great stays across Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and the smaller cays if you want different vibes (luxury, laid-back, adults-only, family-friendly, etc.).
No matter where you land, there’s a rhythm to each island. Part of the magic of the BVIs is finding the spot that feels right for your trip, whether that’s a boutique hotel, a villa with friends, or something in between. I’ve shared glimpses of all these properties in my previous BVI roundup blogs if you want visuals or personal impressions.
A Quick Note on St. John
I got a lot of questions about St. John, and while we’ve heard incredible things, it’s not somewhere we’ve personally been yet.
Logistically, it just hasn’t made sense for us in this current phase of life. Most people rent houses and cars, and since there aren’t many beachfront properties, you typically drive to the beach and bring everything with you. I know plenty of people who love it and swear by it, but it just hasn’t aligned with how we prefer to travel right now. That could absolutely change in the future, but for now, the BVIs fit our pace and travel style better.
What is there to do?
One of the best things about the British Virgin Islands is that you can truly create your own adventure. You can be as busy or as laid-back as you want, and that flexibility is a big reason we love it so much.
Day Charters & Island Hopping
One of our favorite ways to spend a day is doing a private boat charter and island hopping. It’s the best way to see multiple spots in one day and experience the BVIs the way they’re meant to be experienced, by water.
Some of the places we’ve visited over the years:
Cooper Island
Long Bay Beach Resort
Peter Island Resort
Bitter End Yacht Club
The Ariel
Scrub Island
Willy T’s, a bar on a boat in the middle of the ocean (an experience in itself)
Snorkeling around The Indians
Nova Restaurant in Oil Nut Bay
Saba Rock
Ran into the Rum Runner
The Baths, which we went to when we stayed in Virgin Gorda absolutely worth the hike. Go early!
Norman Island
Sandy Cay
Meagan’s Bay (St. Thomas)
Jost Van Dyke (Hendos, Soggy Dollar Bar, Foxy’s, Ivans, Alice’s, Tipsy Shark)
There are still places we haven’t made it to yet, like Anegada, but they’re very much on our list for future trips.
Relaxing Is an Activity Here
Not every day needs a plan. Some of our favorite moments are the simplest ones:
Beach hopping
Swimming and snorkeling
Long lunches/dinners
Sunset drinks
Letting the day unfold without rushing
That slower pace is part of the charm, and not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s exactly why we keep coming back.
How Doable Is It With a Baby or Toddler?
Short answer: very doable, but it depends on the parents and the child.
We’ve been taking Conrad to the British Virgin Islands since he was about five months old, and over time he’s become a really great traveler. Each trip, we notice more and more families with young kids, which is always reassuring to see.
I’ve also personally been to the BVIs four times while pregnant, twice during my pregnancy with Conrad and twice during this current pregnancy, all at different stages. Those trips looked very different from one another, but all were completely manageable with the right expectations and planning.
That said, traveling to an island does require a different mindset. Life moves slower (which is part of the magic) but it also means you need to plan a bit more intentionally. Overnight shipping isn’t a thing, stores may have limited inventory, and flexibility is key. If you can lean into that, it can be a really wonderful experience with little ones (or while pregnant).
We’ve never had issues finding basics like diapers or wipes, and while we used to travel with a portable crib, the place we stay now has one available, which simplifies things a lot. You learn what’s worth packing, what you can source there, and what you can let go of.
More than anything, we just fully lean into the flexibility. Slower mornings, earlier nights, adjusting plans as needed, it all works when expectations are realistic.
I’ve shared quite a few posts on the blog about traveling with a baby and toddler, from packing tips to mindset shifts, and I’d definitely encourage you to revisit those if this is something you’re considering. They should help you feel more prepared and confident going into it.
Is it the same trip you’d take pre or sans-kids? No.
Is it still incredibly special and worth it? For us, absolutely.
What’s the attire/Vibe?
It really depends on where you stay, but overall the vibe throughout the islands is very casual. This is a place where flip-flops, swimsuits, UPF shirts, and elevated cover-ups are completely normal, even at dinner. You can dress up if you want, but being overly formal would be the exception, not the rule. Most people keep things easy, comfortable, and beach-forward.
That said, if you know me, you know I’ll always lean a little more polished. I’ve shared quite a few outfit roundups from our trips that definitely skew dressier than what most people are wearing, and that’s okay. I’m a firm believer in wearing what makes you feel good, even if it’s not the norm.
Just know that you’ll likely spend the majority of your trip in a swimsuit, with outfits built around it:
Swimsuit + cover-up
Swimsuit + shorts + UPF top
Swimsuit + easy dress for dinner
If you pack with that mindset, everything else falls into place. Casual, unfussy, sun-soaked, that’s the vibe.
What Kind of Trip Is the USVI/BVI Best For?
The British Virgin Islands are best for travelers who value pace over plans. This is an ideal destination if you:
Love slow mornings and flexible days
Enjoy being on or near the water
Prefer experiences over shopping or nightlife
Don’t mind things taking a little longer
Are okay with letting the day unfold instead of packing in activities
It may not be the best fit if you’re looking for a high-energy, go-go-go itinerary, lots of shopping, or a very structured schedule. The magic of the BVIs is in the ease, and that’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s everything.
More BVI & Travel Resources
A lot of the other questions I received are ones I’ve covered in depth over the years, from packing and outfits to traveling with a baby or toddler. If you’re planning a trip (or just dreaming one up), these posts should help you feel more prepared:
Above are a few of my favorite posts, so you can explore what’s most helpful for your trip. Thanks so much for being here and for letting me share a place that truly means so much to us. If you still have questions, feel free to reply or send them my way, I’m always happy to share what’s worked for us.
Thanks for reading!
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for letting me share a place that truly means so much to us. The British Virgin Islands are one of those destinations that evolve with you, each trip looks a little different depending on the season of life you’re in, and that’s part of what makes it so special.
I know everyone travels differently, and I also know questions don’t always fit neatly into a Q&A format. If you’re considering a trip and still wondering about something… logistics, timing, where to stay, traveling with kids, or anything in between, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to share what’s worked for us, or at the very least, point you in the right direction.
xx CMK