Choosing Between the American or British Virgin Islands: A Guide for Your Vacation Decision
Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant shores of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the tranquil British Virgin Islands (BVI), two idyllic archipelagos that offer a unique blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty.
For those seeking a luxurious getaway, the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina in the BVI serves as the perfect jumping-off point for various BVI adventures, while the Lovango Resort & Beach Club in the USVI offers accommodations ranging from traditional rooms to glamping tents, all boasting balconies overlooking a bird sanctuary.
The Lovango Resort & Beach Club is also committed to sustainability, with a reverse osmosis and desalination process that produces 40,000 gallons of useful water each day. Meanwhile, the Hideaway at Hull Bay in St. Thomas, USVI, is a beachfront estate and secret garden with a working two-acre farm, providing fresh produce for dishes at The Shack, its on-site restaurant.
The BVI is home to the only floating spa in the region, Ocean Spa, built out of wreckage from Hurricane Irma and telling the story of repurposing pain into a source of wellness. For those interested in scuba diving, Jost Van Dyke Scuba in the BVI is an excellent starting point.
The USVI offers a mix of cultural heritage, luxury shopping, and nightlife, as well as natural tranquility and ecotourism. The BVI, on the other hand, is renowned for its snorkeling resorts, pristine beaches, sailing, and laid-back Caribbean vibe.
Traveling between the islands is made easy with ferries and local air services connecting the main USVI islands, and ferries from St. Thomas (USVI) to the BVI islands for island hopping. Crescent Beach in the USVI has plentiful coral for snorkeling, and Carval Rock, a mysteriously jagged formation in the USVI, can be spotted from Crescent Beach.
For those seeking a more active vacation, the North Drop, a 12-mile section of the Caribbean seabed in the BVI, is known for excellent blue marlin fishing, particularly on full moons during warmer seasons. Offshore Sailing School is open for enrollment at the Scrub Marina for those wanting to learn sailing.
Moreover, Dream Caribbean Blue offers yacht rentals at the Scrub Island Marina, complete with captain and chef, and provides clear-bottom kayaks and paddle boards. Annaberg Sugar Plantation in St. John, USVI, has a period dress guide named Ms. Olivia Christian who gives talks on the ruins and demonstrates old-world bread making. Trunk Bay in St. John, USVI, was voted Best Beach in the World in 2024 and offers a unique underwater snorkeling trail.
The British Virgin Islands have a small airport on the main island of Tortola, called Beef Island (EIS) Airport. Cinnamon Bay in St. John, USVI, offers rentable water sports equipment and sand wheelchairs.
When planning a trip to both territories, U.S. citizens can travel freely to the USVI without a passport, but will need a passport for the BVI entry and re-entry to the U.S. mainland. The U.S. dollar is the official currency in both archipelagos, simplifying money matters for travelers visiting both without needing currency exchange. Both the USVI and BVI use Type A and B electrical outlets, with a standard voltage of 120V and frequency of 60 Hz.
By following this guidance, you can enjoy a seamless trip exploring both the vibrant culture and beautiful nature of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, these islands offer an unforgettable Caribbean experience.
- At the Lovango Resort & Beach Club in the USVI, you can stay in eco-friendly accommodations with a view of a bird sanctuary, and they also produce 40,000 gallons of useful water daily through sustainability efforts.
- For a unique wellness experience, the BVI's Ocean Spa, built from hurricane wreckage, offers treatments in the only floating spa in the region, telling a story of repurposing pain into wellness.
- The Hideaway at Hull Bay in St. Thomas, USVI, is a beachfront estate and secret garden with a working farm, providing fresh produce for its on-site restaurant, offering a glimpse of home-and-garden lifestyle in an island setting.
- If you're interested in scuba diving, Jost Van Dyke Scuba in the BVI offers beginner courses, while the crystal-clear waters around Crescent Beach in the USVI are great for snorkeling, featuring a wealth of vibrant coral life.
- Offering a blend of cultural heritage, luxury shopping, nightlife, natural tranquility, and ecotourism, the USVI caters to various traveler lifestyles, while the BVI is renowned for its snorkeling resorts, pristine beaches, sailing, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, making it appealing for adventure-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.
