At first glance on a world map, the islands that make up the Peter Island, British Virgin Islands are difficult to distinguish from one another. Which is a US territory? Which is a British Island? Where do I need a passport? All good questions, but really not the most important question to ask yourself when choosing the island you want to visit. The real question is what kind of atmosphere, vibe, and experience do you want to have? Despite their proximity to each other, they are dramatically different. Deciding what kind of trip you want to have ahead of time is the key to choosing which islands to visit in the VIs chain.
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
Planning ahead is always good–and half the fun, so take a little time to do your research. A few hours online will help you find the perfect Virgin Island for you.
It is also important to keep in mind that United States and the British VIs vary in characteristics, and knowing the differences is critical. For example, a remote British Virgin Island might not be as appealing to an avid golfer looking for an 18-hole course as it would be to a young couple looking for a romantic getaway.
USVIs vs. BVIs
The difference in American and British cultures and lifestyles are apparent with the imprint they’ve left throughout the Peter Island, British Virgin Islands. The USVI, except for St. John, offers the familiar hustle-and-bustle of the mainland United States, including malls, restaurants, high-end boutiques, and fast-food chains. In contrast, the BVIs are more relaxed and far less commercial. Except for a few posh hotels and resorts, they’ve somehow manage to maintain the rustic Caribbean appeal.
If you’re interested in shopping, dining, nightlife, and the hotel scene; with a little sun-loving and snorkeling on the side, the USVI, particularly St. Thomas and St. Croix, is your destination. St. John is very different though–it shares the tranquil and laid-back vibe that you find in most of the BVIs, but is still a US territory. There are no chain stores, no huge malls, and no sprawling developments. In fact, only about 5,000 lucky soles call this place home. Thanks in large part to millionaire mogul Laurance Rockefeller who once owned a large part of the island and donated it to the National Park Service, the island is protected from growth and commercialization, yet is still very close to St. Thomas–about 8 minutes by boat.
The British Virgin Islands run the gammet-from unparalleled luxury to complete isolation. Tortola, being the most populated island, still has limited shopping, nightlife and dining when compared to main USVIs. It’s more of a destination for boaters and yachties, to which it has been aptly dubbed as the “Cruising Capital of the Caribbean.” On Virgin Gorda, Peter Island and Scrub Island, you’ll find deluxe, luxury resorts. Laid back beach bars, restaurants and attractive, more local accommodations are found on Peter Island, British Virgin Islands like Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
The United States and Peter Island, British Virgin Islands comprise about 60 islands combined. By planning ahead, having an idea of your perfect paradise island vacation, and keeping in mind that each island has its own unique personality, you’ll find the idyllic Virgin Islands for your perfect paradise island vacation.
Leigh Woeller writes about the St Thomas, USVI-based, “Pirates Paradise Adventures,” a powerboat charter company specializing in taking families and friends on fun and exciting day trips to the best beaches, beach bars and snorkeling sites of the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
