Surfing in British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea and are part of the Lesser Antilles. The main islands are Tortola, Anegada and Virgin Gorda. The archipelago is known for having exotic and pristine beaches due to the strict development and environmental policies adopted by the local government. Surfers first arrived in the BVI in sailing boats looking for empty surf spots around the 60s. What they found was palm-fringed, white sandy beaches with beautiful turquoise water and abundant marine life that still remains pretty much the same until nowadays. The best time to surf in the islands is during the winter time when north swells are more often. It’s important to time wisely your trip as the swells can be inconsistent at some periods of the year. The BVI is the perfect destination for eager surfers who will be thrilled by the amazing surf conditions of what can be considered a paradise on Earth.
Climate in British Virgin Islands
The climate of the British Virgin Islands is considered tropical with hot temperatures throughout the year. As most tropical islands the weather is also influenced by the trade winds that prevail during the more dry and pleasant season that goes from December to March. During this period the average air temperature is around 25 °C (77 °F). From May to October the climate is hotter and the weather is more rainy with average temperature around 28 °C (82 °F). The best and most consistent time to surf in the BVI is in between November and March, when north winter swell comes from the North Atlantic ocean sending 2-15ft waves.
The water is warm throughout the whole year averaging around 26°C.
Best surf spots in British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands have many surf spots scattered along the 4 larger and 42 smaller islands that compose the archipelago. Here are the best and most popular surf spots on the island: Apple Bay, Anegada, Bomba’s, Brewers Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Cappon’s Bay, Cinnamon bay, Cow Wreck Beach, Denis Bay, Grassy Point, Hull Bay, Caveat Shredder, Josiah’s bay, Loblolly Bay, Playa Flamenco, Vacuums, West End, Yacht Harbour and Zoni Beach.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $10 USD. Mid-range meals start at $25 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $80-120 USD
Equipment rental
There is one place where you can rent gear. Surfboards start at $40 USD for the day.
Prepaid SIM cards
Digicel is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from official stores and approved resellers.
Prepaid packages start at $20 USD.
Public transport
Ferries are frequent between the islands. Getting around on your own by chartering a boat is also possible.
Driving is probably the most convenient way to get around, as there is no public transport system and taxi fares add up in a hurry.
Rental cars start at $70 USD a day.
All the islands have taxis that are easily accessible in the main tourist areas. Most vehicles are vans that carry up to 12 passengers; sometimes they’re open-air pickup trucks with bench seats and awnings. Rates are set. They are usually charged on a per-person basis, and the prices go down a bit if more than one person takes the taxi.
Gas prices
$1.14 USD a liter.
Types of risks
Rip currents, hurricanes and tropical storms.
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from many countries, including the UK, EU, Australia and US can enter the British Virgin Islands visa free and stay for 30 days.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella.
Things to know
Language & Currency
English is the official language.
The currency is US dollar (US$)
Best time to go
Between November and March.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 999
Checkl surf pictures of the British Virgin Islands at #surfbvi.
