The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) feel a bit elusive, but once you arrive you realize that you’ve discovered a super laid-back destination that offers just enough adventure to keep you coming back for more. Everywhere you look, you see another island beckoning you to visit, sparking an adventurous spirit.
The BVIs are known for their turquoise waters, quiet beaches, and lush lanscapes. There are four main islands—Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada—and many smaller cays to explore. A boat charter is the classic way to experience the BVIs for easy access to the hard to reach coves, but inter-island ferries make island hopping a great option too.
Each island has its own unqiue vibe. Tortola, the largest of the BVIS, is the hub, home to the international airport and the departure point for most charters, and a popular stop for yachters. Virgin Gorda is known for the iconic Baths; Jost Van Dyke for its legendary beach bars; and Anegada (a coral island) for its flat landscape, stunning beach, and incredible snorkeling. And we haven’t even scratched the surface to explore the smaller islands and private resorts.
The BVIs offer a mix of laid-back luxury and natural beauty. Unlike more bustling islands, the BVIs are all about uncrowded beaches, intimate boutique hotels, and exploring by boat. These islands are ideal for families looking to escape the crowds and embrace the slower pace of beach days, snorkeling, and simple outdoor adventures.
My first trip to the BVIs was a solo trip – and I encourage every mom to take one. I spent two days in a tiny boutique hotel on Jost Van Dyke, and it was one of the most comfortable rooms I ever stayed in, steps from one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. A little bit of extra travel was 100% worth the journey.
My next BVI trip was to Guana Island, a magical private island resort that any traveler who likes a blend of luxury and an edge of rustic adventure should experience at least once. One thing that blew me away about this island chain was just how easy it felt to get around – on paper, island hopping the BVIs appears quite the challenge, but now that I’ve done it, I realize just how accessible it could be with kids. I’m itching to go back.
– Lee, Founder of Mango Tree Travel
The BVIs are famous for island-hopping on charter boats, secluded coves, and laid-back beaches, offering a quiet retreat with beautiful natural attractions like Virgin Gorda’s Baths.
English is the official language, making it easy for families to communicate and navigate across the islands.
The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, adding convenience for American travelers.
There are four main islands in the BVIS with a combined population of around 30,000 – Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegeda. But there are about 60 islands total, including private island resorts and lots of small islands with character. Overall, the BVIs offer a tranquil, luxurious atmosphere, where outdoor activities and natural beauty take center stage.
Ferries make island-hopping easy – though navigating the ferry schedules and departure/entry points is worth bringing in an expert. Renting a car on larger islands like Tortola or Virgin Gorda is recommended for flexibility. Boats are popular for reaching smaller islands and coves.
From luxury private island resorts to boutique hotels, there’s an island and hotel for every traveler in the BVIs. It’s definitely worth considering staying on a catamaran if your kids are strong ocean swimmers to really explore the islands; and villas are a good option too.
Peak Season: December to April offers the best weather, with warm temperatures and little rain. This is the busiest season, especially during winter holidays, so expect higher prices and make reservations in advance for popular spots.
Shoulder Season: May to mid-August is a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and more affordable rates. The weather is still pleasant, and the beaches are less busy, allowing families to enjoy a quieter experience in the BVIs before the peak and hurricane seasons.
No Go: Fall is the island’s rainy season and things really slow down and close.
Reach the BVIs with direct flights to Tortola’s Beef Island Airport (EIS) from Puerto Rico or Miami, or take a ferry over from St. Thomas / St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands are a boundlessly beautiful haven for families with an adventurous spirit who love the Caribbean. While I rarely suggest it as a first-time island destination—thanks to the laid-back vibe and unrushed ferry schedules—the BVIs are hard to beat once you’re ready.
Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
The Virgin Gorda Baths are one of those "touristy" sites that are totally worth the visit -- walk through a labyrinth of boulders and swim in crystal clear waters. If you can arrive by charter boat to avoid a hot hike down to the rocks, then you're a winner.
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This beachfront bar on White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke, is legendary. Visited by day trippers, overnight guests, and charter groups, the whole beach is a vibe you won't want to miss. The calm water is great for kids too, so bring them along!
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CocoMaya is one of those laid-back waterfront restaurants that you just want to revisit time and again. Adults will love the interesting cocktails and elevated cuisine. Kids can entertain themselves with the oversized jenga and other tabletop games.
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This is our go-to beach bag for island getaways: It comes in multiple cool patterns, is water resistant, folds down into a suitcase, and can fit tons of travel toys and snacks.
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If you want to get your kids comfortable snorkeling, getting them their own gear will get them excited, involved, and give them a practice in the pool.
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Give your kids extra confidence for ocean swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling with water shoes to keep them sure-footed. These low profiles shoes are easy to pack and come in lots of colors.
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We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
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There’s a new gem in the market for mom swimsuits! Change of Scenery, an accessible but luxurious resort wear and swimwear line, designed by Jamie Banks, working mom of three, will make you feel fantastic on your next beach trip.
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Our founder spent hundreds of hours researching the best lightweight, waterproof baby carrier with sun protection for her Caribbean travels, and this is the winner. Beach naps baby.
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Table of Contents If choosing the best Caribbean islands with kids feels like another impossible task on your already chaotic to-do list—hi, welcome. We created Mango Tree just for you. And we’ve made it our mission to become the experts in traveling to the Caribbean with kids, especially to the characterful islands that offer more […]
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Table of Contents Looking for the best Virgin Islands for families? This Virgin Islands Family Vacation Guide will point you in the right direction. It can be a bit intimidating to start planning a trip to the Virgin Islands with your family. There are so many islands. It’s hard to tell them apart, and it’s […]
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Table of Contents Wondering if there are enough things to do in Virgin Gorda to choose it for your family vacation? Absolutely. Virgin Gorda is a popular Caribbean destination for couples and adults, particular those with an interest in boat charters. But don’t overlook it for your next tropical vacation with kids! There are […]
Learn MoreLee is my go-to person for all things family travel, not only does she have the best ideas, but I felt supported every step of the way. We had a blast on our trip, and can’t wait to plan the next one with Lee.
Frenchie, Family of 4, Spring Break 2024
Lee makes everything SO EASY! We gave her some guiding criteria and she came back with a variety of suggestions that met our asks and within our budget. . . . Lee made the booking process so easy and even helped us when another family decided to join us later on. She was able to work with the hotel to get us casitas right next to each other. The hotel was amazing for kids (the property had beautiful channels between the pools which basically made the entire property a kiddie pool AND it had a playground!). It was so nice to be somewhere that was family friendly, but that still felt “adult” and luxurious. She also was able to recommend nearby restaurants and activities, include a private boat service to take us to a secluded beach where the captain and his wife made us a fresh sea food lunch (including freshly opened coconuts for the kids. They loved it!). It was also helpful to have Lee on standby for any questions as the trip approached, too. Would 10/10 recommend Lee/Mango Tree Travel and will definitely be using her again!
Leslie, Family of 4, Spring Break 2024
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