British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin Islands

Can’t decide between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands for your next vacation? To help you choose, we’ll go over the pros and cons of each territory.

USVIs vs. BVIs

The US Virgin Islands (USVIs) is a US territory made up of three sizeable islands—St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) is a British Overseas territory that’s roughly half the size of the USVIs. The BVIs consist of four main islands—Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke.

Currency

Both the USVIs and the BVIs use USD as their main currency.

Accessibility

For US residents, the USVIs are more accessible than the BVIs. US citizens can enter the USVIs without a passport, but to visit the BVIs, they need a passport and a return or onward ticket.

You can also easily fly to the USVIs using any major airline; your plane will drop you off in St. Thomas or St. Croix. You can fly to BVIs, but it only has a short runway, so you need to connect via another Caribbean island such as Puerto Rico. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from St Thomas; the trip takes under one hour.

Attractions

Both destinations have their fair share of things to do and see!

The USVIs are home to several beaches, like Honeymoon Beach and Big Maho Beach. They’re close to local restaurants, and you can snorkel, sail, hike, bike, and more in their waters and on their sandy shores. The USVIs also have an abundance of historical attractions to check out, like the village of Christiansted on St. Croix, vast museums and galleries, and even a historical sugar mill. If you like to party, visit St. Thomas, where shops, clubs, and bars are plentiful.

Meanwhile, the BVIs have more islands to visit and choose from. There are luxury resorts, beautiful natural beaches, undersea wildlife troves, rum distilleries, and more. You’ll also find plenty of local businesses—that’s because, apart from luxury brands, international brands are banned in the BVIs! This allows you to bring home some truly one-of-a-kind and meaningful souvenirs.

Which To Choose?

So, British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin Islands: which is the better vacation destination? If you want a lively yet family-friendly experience full of shopping, partying, and exploration, all without leaving the US, the USVIs are the clear winner. But if you’d prefer to visit a variety of islands and spend time relaxing on beaches, strolling through quaint towns, or admiring nature, the BVIs may be more up your alley. Both destinations have their pros and cons; choose the one you feel resonates with you most. And remember, you can always visit the one you don’t choose later!

If you want to hang out on the sea during your next trip, chartering a yacht is a fun and luxurious way to do just that. At Seize the Day Charters, we can help you find the best BVI or US Virgin Islands yacht charters around. Our team is experienced, passionate, and dedicated to helping you find the ideal yacht charter for your trip. Contact us today to start your chartering adventure!