Ready to explore the British Virgin Islands? As a warm and relaxing destination, it's famous for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we've got all the practical info you need to plan a fantastic trip without breaking the bank. From hotel rates and food costs to sightseeing prices and transportation, we've covered everything because we have a huge amount of data from previous travelers.
How much does it cost to travel to the British Virgin Islands?
You should plan to spend around $377 per day on your vacation in the British Virgin Islands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $118 on meals
- $29 on local transportation
- $440 on hotels
A one week trip to the British Virgin Islands for two people costs, on average, $5,278. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$2,639
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2 Weeks
Per person
$5,278
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One Month
Per person
$11,310
-
One Week
For a couple
$5,278
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$10,556
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One Month
For a couple
$22,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the British Virgin Islands cost?
A one week trip to the British Virgin Islands usually costs around $2,639 for one person and $5,278 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to the British Virgin Islands on average costs around $5,278 for one person and $10,556 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the British Virgin Islands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to the British Virgin Islands on average costs around $11,310 for one person and $22,620 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is the British Virgin Islands expensive to visit?
The British Virgin Islands is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, the British Virgin Islands is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, the British Virgin Islands is more expensive than most.
From budget-friendly stays to high-end hotels, the British Virgin Islands has something to offer every traveler with different spending habits and travel preferences. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
the British Virgin Islands doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $162 per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $377 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $767 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to the British Virgin Islands.
For more details, see Is the British Virgin Islands Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to the British Virgin Islands?
The average British Virgin Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these British Virgin Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to the British Virgin Islands cost?
the British Virgin Islands on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$94
|
$220
|
$449
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$12
|
$29
|
$61
|
|
Food 2
|
$51
|
$118
|
$238
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$34
|
$79
|
$155
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$5-16
|
$12-37
|
$25-75
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your budget. Many people assume that they're a "budget" traveler, and some believe that they will spend just $162 per day in the British Virgin Islands, the reality is, most people are not comfortable traveling in that style. Consider what you really enjoy and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Is dining out important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit the British Virgin Islands for $162 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $377 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $767. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Discover the yachting islands of the Caribbean 2025-2026 - 15 Days - offered by Emerald Cruises.
Accommodation Budget in the British Virgin Islands
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in the British Virgin Islands can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in the British Virgin Islands for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $440. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $220 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in the British Virgin Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in the British Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $29 per person, per day, on local transportation in the British Virgin Islands. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in the British Virgin Islands is significantly more than public transportation.
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Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$29
If you're in the British Virgin Islands, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
The typical transit costs in the British Virgin Islands are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in the British Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in the British Virgin Islands can vary significantly, the average cost of food in the British Virgin Islands is $118 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$118
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in the British Virgin Islands is around $118 ($118) per person, with previous travelers spending from $51 to $238. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in the British Virgin Islands are as follows:
- Breakfast: $21 to $36
- Lunch: $18 to $59
- Dinner: $41 to $95
- Coffee: $11
- Fast Food or Street Food: $19
Food in the British Virgin Islands is comparable to that found elsewhere in the Caribbean. There are some local flavors and preparation techniques, but many of the dishes are common throughout the Caribbean. Is is expected, seafood is abundant, as is tropical fruit. Many dishes are prepared as soups and are wonderfully flavored with local herbs.
Callaloo Soup: This is a common dish throughout the Caribbean, including the British Virgin Islands. It is made with the leaves of a daheen plant, okra, local herbs, and any number of meats or seafoods.
Fungi: This dish is also found elsewhere in the Caribbean. It is made with cornmeal and okra and is often served with salt fish.
Salt Fish: This preparation of fish is common in many island dishes. It can be boiled or fried and served with breadfruit. Breadfruit is a local fruit that has a similar flavor to potatoes.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks at every stop. It's also a positive step for the environment.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in the British Virgin Islands, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Taste Of The British Virgin Islands in 3-Hour Food Tour for $140 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in the British Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in the British Virgin Islands typically cost an average of $79 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$79
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore the British Virgin Islands. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Brewers Bay Eco Hiking Tour for $80 details
- Private Art & Culture Tour in Tortola Virgin Islands for $125 details
- Beach Excursion in Tortola and sightseeing in Fahie Hills for $75 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in the British Virgin Islands, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in the British Virgin Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $25 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in the British Virgin Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$25
Hitting the town is a blast, but easing up on drinks can have a positive impact on your budget.
Traveling in the British Virgin Islands
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a self governing British overseas territory. In 1648 they were settled by the Dutch and were then annexed by the British in 1672. They're located just east of the US Virgin Islands and are a popular destination for beach lovers. There are more than 60 islands and keys that make up the territory, and 43 of those islands are uninhabited. The main islands are Tortola and Virgin Gorda, both of which are steep and volcanic in nature. Some of the islands, including Anegada and Sandy Spit, are flat coral islands. In particular, Anegada is called the "drowned island" because of its low elevation.
The British Virgin Islands have a tropical climate that is kept mild by the easterly trade winds. The humidity is generally low and the temperature stays consistent throughout the year. This comfortable climate is a large part of the appeal for visitors to the country. The low season is during the hurricane season when weather is more unpredictable.
The British Virgin Islands have a stable economy that is heavily reliant on tourism along with the offshore financial industry. Tourism provides approximately 45% of the national income.
Tortola is the largest of the islands and home to the capital city of Road Town. It is about ten miles long and three miles wide. Other popular islands to visit include Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.
At A Glance
- One of the best ways to explore the islands is by boat. It's possible to rent both sailboats and motorboats and also hire a crew. Conditions can be unpredictable so if you don't know what you're doing, you should definitely hire a crew. The many beautiful uninhabited islands make this a wonderful place to explore by boat. Many chartered boats can be arranged from Road Town on the island of Tortola.
- On larger islands it is possible to rent a car to explore. The smaller islands are easily explored by foot as there are many trails and paths you can follow. Scooter rental may also be an option. Rental car agencies can be found at the airport and elsewhere on the island of Tortola. The roads are not always in great condition and drunk driving is not uncommon.
- You can find many different shopping opportunities in the British Virgin Islands. There are locally made items as well as high end merchandise. In general, international chains are banned throughout the country in order to maintain a local character. The best shopping area on Tortola is Wickham's Cay in Road Town.
- Like elsewhere in the Caribbean, Rum is a popular drink throughout the country. There are a variety of cocktails made with rum at any of the bars around the beaches and in town. One local favorite is the "Painkiller", which is made with rum, coconut and orange juice. Ask for the bar's specialty and you generally won't be disappointed. Most bars have a happy hour between 4 pm and 6 pm.
- Nightlife in the British Virgin Islands is generally good, particularly around Road Town. It's worth checking out both tourist hot spots as well as local bars, as the atmosphere can vary. To find a local establishment, just ask around town. Many bars have great views of the sunset so you can enjoy a drink as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Local clubs are also great places to here some of the island's local music.
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Top Tourist Attractions
Josiah's Bay: This is a popular surfer's beach that is used by tourists and locals alike. During the right season the waves can be quite substantial. There is a gradual drop off into the water, so swimmers can venture relatively far from shore and still be at a safe depth. There are two restaurants nearby that are casual and reasonably priced.
Brewer's Bay: With dark golden sand, this is the only non-white sand beach on the island. When the weather is clear there are good snorkeling opportunities available, but if it has recently rained the runoff can effect visibility. There are several good food facilities available nearby as well.
Cane Garden Bay: This is the most popular and crowded beach in the British Virgin Islands. There are boats that anchor here and the beach is lined with restaurants and bars. There is often live music being played and a festive atmosphere, but if peace and quiet is what you're after, this is not the place for you. This area becomes particularly crowded when cruise ships are docked.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.