Of course, depending on whether or not you want to deal with a slightly foreign experience, where you're from might make a big difference in selecting which territory to visit. If you decide to visit the BVI, you may wish to stay on Virgin Gorda and let your hair down on Jost Van Dyke. Luxury Beachfront Vacation Rental in St. John, Virgin Islands or, St. Johns, Antigua & Barbuda? St Thomas- Mountain Top & Drakes Seat These two areas are must visit spots to take in the panoramic views in St Thomas. But one of the best parts about USVI life is that you dont have to wait until the night to experience nightlife. Dining in USVI is very affordable too, as prices for dinner start from as low as USD 15. Alternatively, no international flights from cities such as North American, Canada, Europe and South America fly directly to the BVI. But that comes with lots of perks, as accommodation there offers vacationers a luxurious and private atmosphere. As a result, there are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties. Undoubtedly the USVI is a better choice for families and children, as it is highly developed and commercialized, so there are lots of activities to enjoy not only for adults, but also for kids. When it comes to the US virgin islands, it features about 117 miles long coastline. These are valid for three months. But as you might have guessed from their names, the USVI are in United States territory and the BVI are in British overseas territory. This staple dish is an epitome of Virgin Islands fare. Required fields are marked *. This means that the USVI has more lodgings available, and most of them are more affordable. If you want an action-packed getaway with plenty of nightlife and activities, then head to St. Thomas or St. John in the USVI. Accommodation that is comfortable and fits your needs is a necessity to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. As the BVI is more expensive than the USVI in this aspect, a vacation in the British Virgin Islands is, overall, more expensive. If youre looking for a party on the water with plenty of downtown areas to stop at and hit bars and restaurants, USVI is the spot for you. After over a decade of traveling through the Caribbean islands, Rachel is sharing all of her secrets. Looking into booking your next Caribbean vacation? Drinking Age in US Virgin Islands vs British Virgin Islands. British Virgin Islands - Wikipedia Read on for further details and explanations on how these two beautiful Caribbean island groups compare. The islands are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Quite frankly, its hard to go wrong with either, but lets dive into some important comparisons before you make your final decision! One thing to keep in mind is that while there are a variety of public beaches available, some beaches in the USVI do charge a small entry fee (typically USD 4 USD 10) for beach maintenance purposes. US Virgin Islands are more developed and populated than the British Virgin Islands, so if you want to fill your days with adventures and activities, especially if youre planning a trip with the family, USVI is sure to fill your itinerary and mark everyones boxes! In this travel guide for the US Virgin I. At the first glance, these two destinations appear to be similar. The U.S. vs. British Virgin Islands debate has been raging for decades, and it is unlikely to end any time soon. There are some areas where you will need to scramble over rocks, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. However there are still some bars and restaurants worth a visit. Buck Island National Reef, which is located off the coast of St Croix, attracts visitors from around the world to see the white-sand and translucent waters at Turtle Bay Beach and snorkel or dive around the protected national monument reef to see the thriving marine life and corals of USVI. Prices between the islands differ as well. They've visited different parts and territories all across the United States. The island is also host to Lobster Festival which is a two day event where chefs and food experts prepare and serve unique lobster dishes. VacationVI 2022. Visitors with a valid US drivers license can drive in USVI for up to 90 days. The Virgin Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and fun in the Caribbean. In fact, the number of beaches on both island chains is so big that it might get confusing trying to decide where to go, since there are some differences. Choosing the perfect destination for your next vacation can be a daunting task. They are also close enough together to make island hopping not just possible but highly recommended, too. Do your research. For water sports, North Sound is a major center in the BVI. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas and 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays. Most importantly, dont forget they drive on the left side of the road in USVI and BVI! Of course, there are still roads, transportation, restaurants, lodgings, and all that good stuff. Unsubscribe at any time. If you are contemplating traveling to USVI, BVI or the rest of the Caribbean, cruising is an affordable option to consider. Youll find nightclubs, fine dining, and beach bars all around. United States Virgin Islands | History, Geography, & Maps The airport is located in the capital city, Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas. Again, always ask the drivers how much the ride will cost and what your final destination is. Once you get out a little further, it can be harder to find taxis. On other hand, UK Citizens require a passport to enter the British Virgin Islands and also the US Virgin Islands. Football Live Score - Sofascore That includes: USVI vs BVI: Which is safer?British Virgin Islands. Honestly, its not much more expensive than most Caribbean vacations youll go on. On paper, the British Virgin Islands are known simply as the Virgin Islands, but they're more commonly called by the longer name that denotes the differences between the nearby U.S.. The USVI tends to be more family friendly too. With two thirds of the island being Virgin Islands National Park, the natural beauty and environment of the beaches there are protected. Rum distilleries, sugar mills and once majestic plantation houses can be seen all over St. Croix, and arts, crafts and music festivals are held throughout the year. This is a nature preserve thats only accessible by boat, making it a perfect escape and an ideal place for a romantic swim. Neither the USVI nor BVI is short of tourist attractions and fun activities, which is why theyre both such a popular stop for cruise ships. Additionally, individuals can access the US Virgin Islands via St Croix. There youll find clear and calm waters, making it ideal for families with children. US Virgin Islands vs The British Virgin Islands - Nauticaltrips Finding the perfect destination can be a daunting task. Ironically, the difference isn't actually all that big. The U.S Virgin Islands include three main islands St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Your email address will not be published. Other beach bars include Hendos Hideout and One Love Bar and Grill. The most convenient way to travel around the island is by renting a car, as it allows maximum flexibility for visiting beaches and towns, plus taking cabs can get costly. If youre looking for things to do in the US Virgin Islands, you wont be disappointed. Overall, US Virgin Islands is the more commercialized and developed Virgin Island Territory. Underwater snorkeling at Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkeling Trail is one of the many things you can do at the park. Caribbean Travel on Twitter: "Travel to the British Virgin Islands (BVI Contrastingly, the US Virgin Islands Group is more mountainous than Aruba with the highest point of elevation . US Virgin Islands vs British Virgin Islands: The Honest Comparison You Your email address will not be published. The BVI arent short of beautiful islands, and you probably will want to visit more than just one of them. Ultimately, neither territory is superior in this regard: they're just different. The British Virgin Islands is much more local and laid back. The waters are well-protected and offer pretty much every water sport available windsurfing, sailing, diving, jet skis, parasailing, and much more. If you like a bargain, you may also want to visit some of the many duty-free shops on the island. [9] The total land area of the territory is 133.73 square miles (346.36 km 2 ). British Virgin Islands, British overseas territory in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Where is the U.S. Virgin Islands: Geography If you like that, then the British Virgin Islands is probably better for you. One is known for luxury and sophistication while the other has a reputation for being a party paradise. Virgin Gorda is the third largest BVI, and it is where you will find the tourist meccas most luxurious resorts and exclusive yacht clubs. Only 300 or so people call the tiny island of Jost Van Dyke home, but what the island lacks in size and population density it more than makes up for in fun factor. One of the most well-known tourist attractions in the USVI is the Virgin Islands National Park, located in St. John. From mountain top you can see a total of 20 islands. This is why its easiest to rent a car if you really want to see everything the Virgin Islands has to offer. If you fall into the latter category, you may want to set aside a day or two to hike up Gorda Peak and visit the Baths. Taxis in all the islands will charge per person. St John- Hike-St John is unique in that two third of the island is National Park. As an overseas department of the United States of America, the US dollar is the official currency. The island offers the tranquility of a Caribbean island combined with all of the comforts of home. On top of that, this grape tree lined beach has a full bar and a restaurant that hosts frequent music and entertainment events, as well as a diving and watersports shop. A must see if you ever visit the BVI. There are several popular beach bars and a signature drink called the painkiller cocktail that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. USVI vs BVI: Which Island is Larger?US Virgin Islands. British Virgin Islands. If you are travelling with kids who may not yet be ready to explore Caribbean cuisine, St. John might be the right option because there are multiple McDonalds and Pizza Hut restaurants on the island! USVI vs BVIwhat's the scoop? | CharterYachtCompany The British Virgin Islands consist of 16 main islands spread across 59 square miles of landmass. This is the place to come if you want a quiet vacation surrounded by nature, but remember that the entertainment and nightlife of St. Thomas is just a short ferry ride away. British Virgin Islands vs. Cayman - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums St John is the safest of the three USVI territories; St Thomas and St Croix have larger cities (Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, and Christiansted and Frederiksted, St Croix) and a higher crime rate. There is no shortage of excellent restaurants serving local and international dishes in both island chains. For couples that have already been together for a while or want to experience what an island wedding is like theres even a chance to renew your vows on a boat. USVI vs BVI: What's the difference between US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands? As one of the most well-known tourist attractions, it attracts around one million visitors a year. Be cautious in unfamiliar and unpopulated areas. Be careful when hiking and dont go too close to the edge if youre hiking on a trail thats further up, as a few accidents have happened in previous years. According to the BVI Tourism Authority, international flights must connect to other Caribbean islands such as Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Antigua or St Maarten. This is the most convenient way to get to both the USVI and BVI, and does mean getting to the USVI is slightly easier. US Virgin Islands vs British Virgin Islands for Vacation? Which is Explore St. John vacation rentals. In terms of prices for food, transport and daily activities, both destinations come pretty close. The liveliest nightlife across the Virgin Islands can be found in St. Thomas. Still, heres what to expect in the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands as there are some important differences. There are three main islands included in the US Virgin Islands St Thomas, St John, and St Croix.