The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a British overseas territory made up of dozens of islands and cays in the northeastern Caribbean, near the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Capital: Road Town, Tortola
- Main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
Political status & governance
The British Virgin Islands are a British overseas territory with a locally elected government. The United Kingdom is responsible for areas including defense and foreign affairs.
Where are the British Virgin Islands located?
The British Virgin Islands are located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico and next to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The territory sits at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles and is made up of more than 60 islands and cays.
How many islands are in the BVI?
The territory includes dozens of islands and cays; the four main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
Climate
The British Virgin Islands have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. The region generally experiences a wetter season and a drier season, while the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November and can affect the islands.
People, language & culture
English is the official language of the British Virgin Islands. Local culture reflects a blend of Caribbean and British influences, with strong connections to the sea, sailing, and island traditions.
The 4 main islands of the British Virgin Islands
Tortola
Tortola is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands and is home to Road Town, the territory’s capital. Its landscape combines lush mountains, white-sand beaches, and sheltered harbours. The island is also an important starting point for exploring the BVI, with popular sailing areas including Cane Garden Bay, Soper’s Hole, and Trellis Bay. Tortola also offers opportunities to experience the territory’s history, local culture, water sports, and boating.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is one of the BVI’s main islands and is known for its scenic beaches, walking trails, nature areas, and panoramic coastal views. The island’s most recognizable landmark is The Baths, where enormous granite boulders create natural grottos, tunnels, and pools along the shoreline. Virgin Gorda is also home to Spanish Town, the island’s largest town, as well as yacht clubs, restaurants, and historic sites.
Anegada
Anegada is the only coral island in the Virgin Islands’ volcanic chain and is distinguished by its nearly flat terrain. The island reaches only 28 feet above sea level at its highest point and is surrounded by extensive coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks. Its secluded sandy beaches and clear waters also make it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is one of the main islands of the British Virgin Islands and is known for its distinctive character, natural scenery, and history. The island is part of the BVI’s popular island-hopping and sailing routes, making it a familiar stop for visitors exploring the archipelago by boat. Its small scale and coastal setting offer a different experience from larger islands such as Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Why the BVI are known for sailing
The British Virgin Islands are widely known for sailing and island hopping, thanks to their close-set islands, sheltered waters, and relatively short distances between many of the main destinations. These conditions make it possible to explore multiple islands and anchorages within a single sailing trip. Signature destinations such as The Baths on Virgin Gorda, White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, and the beaches and reefs around Anegada are part of what makes the BVI a popular sailing destination.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a British overseas territory in the northeastern Caribbean, made up of dozens of islands and cays. The four main islands—Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke—each offer a distinct landscape and character. With sheltered waters, short distances between islands, and a strong sailing tradition, the BVI are an ideal destination to explore by sea.
