East of Puerto Rico, you’ll find some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands: the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.
Given their geographic proximity, you might not notice a difference between these two distinct countries.
Beaches in both are covered in white sand and home to crystal clear, turquoise waters. Healthy jungles overlook most of the shorelines, backdropped by emerald hills in some cases.
Clearly, both overseas territories are worth a visit—but what experiences can you expect from each?
The basics: USVI vs. BVI
The good news: travelers looking for a tropical getaway can’t go wrong with either.
The US Virgin Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint Croix are world-famous stopovers. Meanwhile, the British Virgin Islands are home to legendary places like Virgin Gorda Island, home of the Caribbean’s freest and fattest pigs.
Along with stunning beaches, both territories offer a similar reel of adventures.
You can enjoy the water by snorkeling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and parasailing. On land, hiking is popular, along with more relaxing experiences like spa treatments and shopping.
Still, there are a few notable distinctions. Want to know the key differences between the British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin Islands? Here are the five main differences.
US Virgin Islands offer better nightlife
The US Virgin Islands have a lot more infrastructure compared to its British counterpart.
What does that mean directly for tourists? If you’re a little hesitant about getting off the beaten path, then you’ll feel right at home on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix.
The main drags on both islands are home to world-class resorts from Wyndham, Hilton, and more. You can find massive casinos and luxury shopping centers within walking distance. Many tourists also spend a good amount of time at nightclubs, both casual and extravagant.
In general, you’ll find a lot more to do on the US Virgin Islands when it comes to nightlife and entertainment. The same is true for the available number of large-scale resorts.
British Virgin Islands are bigger for yachting & sailing
The British Virgin Islands have a reputation for yachting and sailing, by comparison. Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands, is known for attracting some of the region’s finest sailboats and yachts.
If you’re heading on a bougie cruise in the Caribbean anytime soon, you’ll most definitely be stopping over in Tortola at some point.
Because the British Virgin Islands are less crowded (more on this below), many charters stick to its tiny coves and islets.
British Virgin Islands are more rustic and rugged
That leads me to my next point: overwhelmingly, the British Virgin Islands are less developed than the US Virgin Islands. If you like air-conditioning and big screens, that’s probably a bad thing.
But if you like to escape from reality and other travelers, it’s probably a huge plus.
The British Virgin Islands has many tiny islands that allow visitors to really drop off the map, including Anegada. These are some of the loneliest (or most peaceful) shores in the Caribbean, which makes the British Virgin Islands a great choice for those who want classically stunning beaches without all the cabanas.
US Virgin Islands speaks more languages
In terms of culture, the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands closely mirror that of the US and UK. The English in USVI comes with an American accent, while the BVI speaks with a British accent.
Then, there’s Spanish. Every year, the United States tilts more toward a bilingual nation. The same is true for the US Virgin Islands.
Not only are they in closer proximity to Spanish-speaking islands like Puerto Rico, but many US citizens who live there also speak a bit of Spanish. You’ll also hear variations of Caribbean Creole, as there’s a larger African population in the US Virgin Islands.
British Virgin Islands has fewer tourists and higher prices
Generally speaking, the US Virgin Islands are more accessible financially. Not only that, but tourists will feel at home and comfortable thanks to all the Americanized resources available.
The British Virgin Islands, by contrast, have fewer resorts. And they tend to be more luxurious and remote.
Most are also located on smaller islands, requiring travel via boat or seaplane. I think Necker Island, the private abode of Richard Branson, paints a fairly accurate picture of life in the British Virgin Islands compared to its US counterpart.
FAQs: British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin Islands
What entry requirements and travel documents are necessary for entry?
Americans can enter the US Virgin Islands with a passport or a valid state ID. Entry to the British Virgin Islands requires a passport to entry for US citizens. If you’re a non-US citizen, check to make sure whether you need a visa to enter.
What currency and payment methods can be used in each country?
Both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands use the US Dollar.