One Week in the BVI: Beaches, Sailing and Island Magic

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are often described as paradise on earth — and for good reason. With their pristine beaches, calm turquoise waters, and laid-back island lifestyle, these islands are the perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly relax. But they also offer plenty of adventure, whether that’s sailing between islands, snorkelling with sea turtles, or discovering a hidden beach where you’re the only one there.

If you’ve ever wondered how best to spend a week in the BVI, here’s a little inspiration for the perfect seven-day escape.

Day 1 – Arrival and First Impressions

Touch down or dock in Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, and let the warm Caribbean breeze welcome you. Depending on your arrival time, you might spend the afternoon unwinding at your hotel or villa before heading to Cane Garden Bay for your first BVI sunset. Grab a cocktail from one of the beachfront bars, sink your toes into the sand, and ease yourself gently into island time.

Day 2 – Discover Tortola’s Beaches and Culture

Start your adventure with a day exploring Tortola. BVI Holidays can rent a vehicle for you. Smuggler’s Cove is a peaceful, golden-sand beach that feels a world away from your hectic every day life, and the snorkelling there is excellent. Brewers Bay on Tortola offers calm waters and the chance to snorkel with turtles. In the afternoon, visit Road Town, the capital of the BVI, to get a taste of local life. Visit the craft shops, enjoy freshly caught seafood, and perhaps stop at the botanical gardens. You may even like to experience zip-lining over Tortola with the Original Virgin Canopy Tour. It’s safe, quiet and offers breathtaking views over Tortola and the surrounding islands.

Image Credit to Zitilibra

Day 3 – Sailing to Jost Van Dyke

No trip to the BVI is complete without a day on the water. Charter a boat or join an excursion to Jost Van Dyke, an island famous for its beach bars and lively charm. White Bay is picture-perfect, with its dazzling sands and turquoise water, and here you’ll find the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar — birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail. Sip one, take a swim, and soak up the easygoing atmosphere.

Day 4 – Virgin Gorda and The Baths

A short ferry ride takes you to Virgin Gorda, home to one of the Caribbean’s most remarkable natural wonders: The Baths. These giant granite boulders form hidden pools, caves, and pathways that are perfect for exploring and photographing. Spend the morning here, then head to nearby Spring Bay or Devil’s Bay for a quieter spot to swim and relax. End your day at one of Virgin Gorda’s laid-back restaurants, dining on fresh lobster as the sun sets. On certain days, the last ferry from Virgin Gorda to Beef Island is at 23:15 – plenty of time to relax and enjoy a wonderful dinner or party night.

Day 5 – Snorkelling and Secluded Spots

Dedicate a day to discovering the underwater world of the BVI. Norman Island, said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, is surrounded by clear waters ideal for snorkelling. The caves and reefs here are alive with tropical fish and colourful coral. For something quieter, try Cooper Island, where secret bays and calm waters make it a snorkeller’s dream.

Day 6 – A Day of Island-Hopping Adventure

With over 60 islands and cays, the BVI begs to be explored by sea. Spend the day sailing from one to another — perhaps stopping at Peter Island, Salt Island, or tiny Sandy Spit, a postcard-perfect islet surrounded by brilliant blue sea. Pack a picnic, bring your snorkel, and simply let the day unfold as you go from beach to beach, each one more beautiful than the last.

Alternatively, you may want to jump on the ferry to Anegada the most northern of the British Virgin Islands. You can rent a mini moke or scooter and visit conch island, Cow Wreck Beach bar, snorkel off the beach at Anegada Beach Club, try your hand at kiteboarding, go horseriding along the beach – there is so much to do on Anegada.

Day 7 – Relax, Reflect, and Unwind

On your final day, take it slow. Linger over breakfast with a view, return to your favourite beach for one last swim, or treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment before departure. This is your time to savour the peace and beauty of the islands, soaking up the memories of an unforgettable week.

Final Thoughts

A week in the British Virgin Islands is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you spend your days exploring hidden beaches, sailing to remote cays, or simply lying in a hammock with a good book, the BVI offers something truly special. And once you’ve been, you’ll understand why so many visitors return again and again — because one week in paradise is never quite enough.