The BVI beaches offer everything that a beach lover could want, including soft sand, warm waters, and picturesque settings. While some of these beaches can get pretty crowded in the peak season, most remain relatively deserted, especially when the cruise ships are away. Winter is the peak season for travel in the British Virgin Islands, so those looking to avoid the crowds might prefer a non-winter BVI beach vacation. Thankfully, some of the best beaches in the BVI are home to some hotels that keep their rates reasonable throughout the year. Such is the case at Cane Garden Bay, where affordable hotels such as Myett's Garden and Grille and Rhymer's Beach Hotel can help travelers stay on top of their budgets.

Cane Garden Bay is widely regarded as being one of the best beaches in the BVI, and it can be found on the largest island of Tortola. After passing over a series of hills, visitors make their way down to Cane Garden Bay, where white sands, green palms, and turquoise waters await. The surf is relatively gentle at Cane Garden Bay, as is the case at most of the top BVI beaches. Popular watersports activities include windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing. Cane Garden Bay tends to get crowded in the winter season, in which case booking a hotel room or vacation rental in advance is a good idea during this peak period. As is true of all the hotels and vacation rentals that can be found near the beaches in the British Virgin Islands, the hotels at Cane Garden Bay tend to raise their rates in the winter, so budget-minded travelers should visit during the spring, summer, or fall.

The island of Tortola is home to an array of good beaches, and when you aren't hanging out at Cane Garden Bay, they might enjoy Smuggler's Cove or Long Bay. The former is especially ideal for snorkeling, while the latter is home to the island's only full-service resort. Some of the other Tortola beaches that figure among the very best in the archipelago include Brewers Bay, which is ideal for snorkeling and surfing, and the very tranquil Josiah's Bay Beach. You could easily get your fill of sun and sand at the beaches on the island of Tortola, though this isn't the only island that beach enthusiasts will want to consider when planning a BVI beach vacation.

British Virgin Islands Map

The island of Virgin Gorda has long been a popular place to escape to in the British Virgin Islands, and it is home to a collection of fantastic beaches. These beaches include the Baths at Virgin Gorda and the beach at nearby Spring Bay. The Baths at Virgin Gorda is one of the most unique beaches in the British Virgin Islands, as it is strewn with large boulders. Erosion has formed caves and tunnels in the rocks, and a number of natural pools can be explored. Adjacent to this natural wonderland is Spring Bay Beach, which is a great place to go snorkeling. Visitors can also hike the wooded and rocky trail to the relatively deserted Devil's Bay Beach, which is an ideal place for some quality rest and relaxation.

Heading over to the island of Jost Van Dyke, the number of breathtaking beaches might not be as impressive as it is on Tortola or Virgin Gorda, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some sandy gems to choose from. Both White Bay and Great Harbour are home to two choice BVI beaches, especially for those who want to kick back and relax for a while. Some attractive vacation rentals can be found near these divine beaches, and the laid-back settings encourage visitors to get in the right frame of mind. It's easy to slip into a state of relaxation at any and all of the BVI beaches, and the other islands are not to be missed when making the rounds.

The best way to get around to all of the best beaches in the BVI is to go by boat. This island chain is a boater's paradise, and many yachters are known to drop in for an extended period. Since so many of the beaches in the British Virgin Islands boast natural harbors with relatively calm waters, it is easy to drop anchor and park the boat for awhile. Beaches like White Bay Beach on the island of Jost Van Dyke have ample facilities, and boaters are often lured to shore by music coming from the beach bars at destinations like Cane Garden Bay.

All of the BVI islands deserve some consideration when planning a beach vacation. Over on the islands of Anegada, Guana Island, and Peter Island, the beaches tend to be even more tranquil than they are on the other islands. Head to Peter Island's Deadman's Bay, for example, and you won't have much trouble escaping humans. Making a list of best beaches in the BVI can be frustrating, as there are so many good ones to choose from.