The BVI vs USVI debate isn’t new, and is not going anywhere either. These two exotic, sunny and paradise like destinations are popular for a reason, which we’ll detail further in this guide.
Unsure about if you should rather go in the BVI or in the USVI for your next holiday or your next Virgin Islands Yacht Charter? Let’s find out which of the two is for you!
USVI vs BVI : The main differences
Before we dive into the details, it’s important for you to understand the main differences between the USVI and the BVI. They can look similar at first glance, but they are actually more different than you might think.
The US Virgin Islands is a United States territory
As the name suggests, the US Virgin Islands is an organized but unincorporated United States territory.
This means that the inhabitants of the US Virgin islands have a regular US passport, even though they don’t have the exact same rights as US citizens. Their situation is similar to Puerto Rico or American Samoa.
In practice, this means that the US administration oversees the US Virgin Islands and they will for instance use the US Dollar as their official currency. The US being rather close from the US Virgin Islands, the USVI are therefore quite americanized compared to other islands in the Caribbean.
British Virgin Islands is a British Oversea territory
The BVI is a British Overseas Territory. Administratively, their situation is somewhat similar to their neighbors, even though they are technically more dependant from the United Kingdom than the USVI is from the US.
But still, the British United Kingdom oversees a part of the administration of the BVI and is responsible for their defense.
BVI locals therefore carry United Kingdom passports and are considered UK citizens. But unlike on the mainland, they use the USD as their currency, similar to the USVI.
Although the BVI is administered by the United Kingdom, its distance from mainland doesn’t exactly make them culturally close from them. While the USVI is quite americanized, it’s a lot less the case for the BVI.
The US Virgin Islands are more populated and more touristic than the British Virgin Islands
Another major difference when it comes to the USVI vs the BVI is how populated they are.
USVI has around 87K inhabitants for a total area of 346km² (133 sq miles). In comparison, the BVI has only 30K inhabitants, on a smaller total area of 153km² (59 sq miles).
The USVI are therefore more populated than the BVI, especially considering that the BVI are more spread out than their neighbors.
But USVI is also very popular among american tourists compared to its neighbors. Its is more urbanized and more dense than the BVI, although you can still easily find secluded islands and beaches with minimal effort.
Main islands of the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
The British Virgin Islands are true wonders to discover during a vacation with family or friends. These little corners of paradise are located between the Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe. The archipelago is made up of about fifty islands, sixteen of which are only inhabited. All this to say that it is difficult to visit in one trip all these jewels of the Caribbean Sea. The connection between these islands is done either by ferries, by boat or by water cab. Here are the three best British Virgin Islands to visit.
Tortola: the biggest island in the BVI and a true yachting hotspot
Tortola is a must-see entry point for visiting the BVI. It is the biggest island in the BVI archipelago and one of the most preferred for the yachting enthusiasts.
The island stands out for its colorful wooden houses surrounded by lush tropical quality vegetation. Treat yourself to a nice walk around the island to enjoy its beautiful landscape and to visit especially the Botanical Garden, the Governor’s House and the Dolphinarium. The latter is a place where you can swim with dolphins.
If you are a great lover of hiking, Mount Sage, which rises to 1,750 meters, awaits you. This one offers you a moment of visit which lasts approximately 1 h 30 during which you will benefit from a splendid point of view on the canopy of the equatorial forest and the coast of the Virgin Islands.
Virgin Gorda: the most popular island in the BVI
It’s also hard to miss Virgin Gorda during a stay in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most visited island in the BVI and the most touristic as well.
The island is located 30 minutes by ferry from Tortola. It seduces tourists with its many attractions, such as The Baths National Park located in its southwestern tip. Take a few hours to stroll along this white sand beach surrounded by huge volcanic granite rocks carved by erosion.
Virgin Gorda is one of the most popular destinations in the BVI. It has so many places to relax and marvel, like its emerald-colored natural pool and small cove opening onto the turquoise sea. For a swim, follow the small path to the beautiful sandy beach of Devil’s Bay.
Jost Van Dyke: the BVI island to party like a pirate
Jost Van Dyke is also one of the must-see British Virgin Islands. It stands out for its turquoise waters and its impressive coconut trees decorating its immense immaculate beaches of Sandy Bay or White Bay. The beaches of the island are incredible and worthy of beautiful postcards. At the end of the day, spend a pleasant moment at one of the beach bars where you can taste the products of the sea. These will be accompanied by a delicious rum cocktail and a musical atmosphere with a Caribbean rhythm, a unique and unforgettable moment.
The main islands in the US Virgin Islands (USVI)
The archipelago of the US Virgin Islands is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The three main islands are located 80 km east of Puerto Rico. In addition to St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, the archipelago consists of about fifty islets, most of which are uninhabited. These islands have been an integral part of the United States territory since 1917. This explains why the architecture, the culture, the gastronomy and even the way of life are almost Americanized. These little corners of paradise attract many vacationers each year because of their beautiful white sand beaches, their small ports and also their breathtaking charming villages.
Sainte-Croix: a historical island in the USVI
St. Croix is distinguished by its landscape of coastal plains, rocky peaks, ruins of old sugar mills and pristine forests. During your visit, don’t forget to stop by the island’s two historic towns. The first town, called Christandsted, is located on the north coast. It was founded by the Danes in 1735. The second town is called Frederiksted and is located on the west coast. There you will find many wooden houses.
A few kilometers away from St. Croix is Buck Island, another ideal place for those who love peace and quiet. It is surrounded by an impressive coral reef in the shape of an elk horn.
Saint-Thomas: an island with a US city vibe
Many cruise lines and boaters used to stop at St. Thomas Island when they passed through the waters of the USVI. Indeed, this is the most accessible island. It is also the most touristic thanks to the numerous places it contains. While on the island, stroll through the streets of the capital to discover the red-roofed houses and its brick ramparts. Also visit one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, Harlotte Amalie. St. Thomas is also home to the oldest building in the US Virgin Islands.
Saint-John: a very quiet island in the USVI
St. John is only a few miles east of St. Thomas. It is the smallest island of the archipelago. It is characterized by its authentic nature preserved far from mass tourism. The Virgin Islands National Park covers most of its surface and contains a lush flora associated with a rich and diverse fauna. You can, for example, admire iguanas, birds of paradise or wild donkeys.
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Yachting in the BVI vs Yachting in the USVI: which is better?
The BVI are a true worldclass destination when it comes to sailing. People fly from all around the world to have the privilege to sail its turquoise waters. The playground is a bit better than in the USVI as you have more small islands to visit than in the USVI. It is also less populated in general, but as well in the waters.
The USVI have a more American vibe on the island and is more popular among American tourists and yachties that can enjoy frequent flights and ease of access. The infrastructure remains top-notch for yachting, and you still have plenty of islands to explore when you charter a yacht in the USVI.
Overall, there is no clear winner in the yachting department. Historically, the BVI were far more popular than the USVI for yachting, but many have recently found that venturing outside of the usual and more touristic parts of the USVI can also lead to good surprises.
So it’s really up to you which one you should charter a yacht to, and the USVI and the BVI remain very close to each other in case you have a change of mind.
BVI vs USVI: which passports can enter?
The USVI being a US territory, it is very easy to enter for the US citizen as it’s considered like a domestic travel. You actually don’t even need a passport.
Other passports from first world countries such as the ones issued by the UE will also have free visas for 30 days or more, similar to the entry requirements to enter mainland US.
For the BVI, the situation is similar. UK citizen do not need a visa to visit the BVI. Other nationalities might get a visa exemption for a few days or show certain documents to get a visa, similar to the entry requirements in mainland UK.
Our verdict: should you go to the USVI or to the BVI?
Pick the USVI if you are american or like the US-vibe
If you like the bustling US-vibe or if you are an american citizen, then the USVI are for you. If you are a US citizen, you don’t even need a passport to travel to the USVI, which can certainly be convenient.
When it comes to party, shopping and overall convenience, the USVI might get a certain edge over the BVI. If you intent on yachting, this is certainly not the worst place on earth either!
Pick the BVI if you want seclusion
The BVI remain more quiet and secluded than the USVI.
When it comes to yachting, it’s truly the mecca of the Caribbean, and it’s probably a place you should visit at least once in your life if you are a sailing enthusiast.
If you are a UK citizen, the BVI allow you to travel freely, which could be a big plus if you are into extended stays on the archipelago or if you are preparing a long sailing trip.
Whichever archipelago you decide to go to, one remains close to the other, and you can absoluterly visit both if you want to.
