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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

British Virgin Islands

Nearby Destinations

Accessible locations within day-trip distance open up more of the BVI for your exploration. Day trips typically occur via ferry or private boat charter.

Tortola: The largest island in the BVI, Tortola holds the capital, Road Town, the popular Cane Garden Bay beach, and Sage Mountain National Park. Frequent ferries operate from Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda) to Road Town or Trellis Bay (Tortola). The journey shows scenic views. A full day is ideal to explore Road Town, visit a beach or two, and perhaps enjoy lunch.

Explore More Islands

  • Jost Van Dyke: Famous for its lively beach bars. Presents a relaxed, party atmosphere. Half to full day.
  • Norman Island: Known for The Caves, superb snorkeling and diving spots. Best reached via private boat charter.
  • Salt Island: Famous for the Wreck of the Rhone, a premier dive site. Mainly accessible by dive boats.
  • Many day charters include stops at these popular spots.

Travel Options

Consider various travel styles for your excursions.

Organized Tours

These tours frequently include transportation, lunch, and drinks. They allow for hitting multiple popular spots in one day. Logistics are handled.

Advantages

  • All-inclusive travel: often includes transport, lunch, drinks.
  • Efficient for visiting multiple spots quickly.
  • No personal planning for logistics.

Independent Travel Ferry + Taxi

This approach offers personal pace. You spend as much time as you like at each destination. Cost-effective for single-island visits (e.g., a trip to Road Town, Tortola).

Advantages

  • Full control over your schedule.
  • Budget-friendly for single-island trips.
  • Personalized exploration.

Private Boat Charters

Advantages

  • The most flexible and luxurious option.
  • Customize your itinerary, access secluded coves.
  • Visit snorkeling spots unreachable by larger tours.
  • You dictate the pace.

Disadvantages

  • Most expensive option.
  • Cost-effective for larger groups only.

Cost Considerations

  • Organized Tour (Half Day)$80 - $150 per person
  • Organized Tour (Full Day)$120 - $250 per person
  • Ferry to Tortola (Round Trip)$30 - $45 per person
  • Taxi Ride (Short Distance)$5 - $10 per person
  • Private Boat Charter (Full Day)$600 - $1500+ (group)
  • Rental Car (Daily)$50 - $70+
  • Local Lunch/Dinner$20 - $40+ per person
  • Snorkel Gear Rental$10 - $15 per day

Booking Advice

Book your day trips, especially boat charters, well in advance during high season to secure availability.
Find Day Trips on GetYourGuide

Natural Escapes

The BVI holds numerous natural havens for relaxation and exploration.

The Dogs Islands

This cluster of small, uninhabited islands lies northwest of Virgin Gorda. Known for pristine reefs, superb snorkeling, and dive sites. Clear waters and healthy coral mark wonderful underwater exploration.

Prickly Pear National Park

A small cay located in the North Sound with a beautiful beach, calm waters, and a casual bar/restaurant. Great for snorkeling in its protected bay. Accessible via a short boat ride from North Sound.

Anegada

The BVI's only coral island, distinct from volcanic islands. Known for its Horseshoe Reef (the Caribbean's third-largest barrier reef), a thriving population of pink flamingos, and remote, undeveloped beaches like Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach.

Anegada Transportation

Due to its distance, a full day trip is ideal. Day trips from Virgin Gorda via ferry (less frequent, needs planning) or organized boat/small plane tours.

Getting There

  • Ferry service (less frequent, planning needed).
  • Organized boat or small plane tours.
  • A full day is necessary.

Access to Nearby Cays

The Dogs are accessed via boat. Prickly Pear National Park is a short boat ride from North Sound, often visited during North Sound charters.

Boat Access

  • The Dogs: Best via private boat charter or organized tour.
  • Prickly Pear: Short boat ride from North Sound.
  • Many tours include these spots.

Conservation & Activities

Marine Park Fees:$2-5 per person/day (for some areas)
Reef Safe Sunscreen:Highly recommended
Snorkeling/Dive Tours:Widely available
Best Time for Wildlife:Year-round for marine life, flamingos seasonal
Protected Species:Sea turtles, corals
Local Initiatives:BVI National Parks Trust

Environmental Responsibility

  • Support conservation efforts by visiting National Parks.
  • Minimize waste, especially single-use plastics.
  • Conserve water.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Respect marine life.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural background by visiting the BVI capital.

Road Town, Tortola

Spend a day exploring the capital of the BVI. You can visit the shops along Main Street, learn about local history at the Folk Museum, and explore the local markets for produce and crafts.

Activities

  • Shop along Main Street.
  • Visit the Folk Museum for local history.
  • Explore local markets for produce and crafts.

Cultural Insights

Road Town presents a different pace from Virgin Gorda's serene environment, showing more urban life and commerce.

Experience

  • Urban setting contrasts with Virgin Gorda.
  • Opportunity for local interaction.
  • Explore diverse local eateries.

Getting to Road Town

Frequent ferries connect Spanish Town (Virgin Gorda) to Road Town (Tortola). The journey shows scenic views across the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Logistics

  • Frequent ferry service available.
  • Ferries from Spanish Town to Road Town.
  • Journey duration: approx. 30-45 minutes.

Time in Road Town

A full day is ideal to fully experience Road Town's attractions and atmosphere.

Suggested Duration

  • Allocate a full day for exploration.
  • Explore by foot in the town center.
  • Taxis available for longer distances.

Local Cultural distinctions

While Road Town is the administrative capital, cultural expressions and local life unfold across all islands. Local markets and community events present opportunities for connection.

Main Street Stroll

Wander and discover unique shops and local vendors.

Folk Museum

Gain insights into BVI heritage and traditions.

Local Markets

Taste local produce and handmade goods.

Engage Locally

Engage with locals at markets and shops for a cultural connection.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip to truly immerse yourself in the BVI.

Extended Stay Options

1.

Sailing Trip

A multi-day (3-7 day) bareboat or crewed yacht charter captures the quintessential BVI experience. Base yourself on a boat and island-hop, anchoring in different bays each night.

2.

Island-Hopping Stay

Dedicate a night or two to staying on another island. Tortola holds more amenities and attractions if you want a change of pace.

3.

Combination Trip

The BVI's proximity to the US Virgin Islands makes a combination trip feasible, with immigration procedures when crossing borders.

Recommendations for Extending Your Journey

  • Sailing Trip Advantages: Deep exploration of multiple islands, unparalleled freedom and access to secluded spots, anchor in different bays each night, customizable routes, quintessential BVI experience, sleep on the water.

Island-Hopping Stay Benefits

  • Experience different island vibes, Tortola for more amenities, Jost Van Dyke for a party vibe, diverse cultural immersion, more time on unique beaches, access various local services.

Longer Regional Travel Options

US Virgin Islands

Close proximity makes St. Thomas and St. John viable additions, with immigration procedures.

Other Eastern Caribbean

St. Maarten/Sint Maarten or Antigua serve as common flight connections.

Suggested Route

Fly into BVI, sail through islands, then fly out of another hub like St. Maarten.

Plan Ahead

Book your day trips, especially boat charters, in advance during high season to secure availability.
Explore Day Trips on GetYourGuide