Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands Guide

Know Before You Go...®

If you’re considering booking the most private Caribbean vacation possible, then renting Necker Island is the way to do it. Here you’ve got 74 acres of tropical paradise all to yourself, along with tons of activities to keep you busy and entertained. Everything you need to know about Necker Island can be found under the tabs on this page, and we’re happy to assist you with any questions you may have as well.

Why Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands?

  • Necker Island is owned by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson.
  • Necker Island is an exclusive island resort in the British Virgin Islands.
  • The island covers an area of 74 acres and is surrounded by coral reefs.
  • Necker Island features a Balinese-style Great House and 10 unique guest suites.
  • The island is home to over 130 species of birds and over 100 species of fish.

Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
82° F
° F
February
83° F
° F
March
85° F
° F
April
87° F
° F
May
87° F
° F
June
89° F
° F
July
90° F
° F
August
90° F
° F
September
89° F
° F
October
88° F
° F
November
85° F
° F
December
83° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
2.3 inches
February
1.7 inches
March
2.1 inches
April
2.5 inches
May
4 inches
June
2.9 inches
July
3 inches
August
4.2 inches
September
5.2 inches
October
5.7 inches
November
4.9 inches
December
3.1 inches

History

The British Virgin Islands, also known as the BVI, is a group of Caribbean islands located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The islands were first inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, who arrived around 100 BC. The islands were later discovered by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the New World in 1493. He named the islands “Las Once Mil Virgenes” (The Eleven Thousand Virgins) in honor of Saint Ursula and her 11,000 martyred followers.

In the early 17th century, Dutch settlers established a small settlement on the island of Tortola, which would later become the capital of the BVI. However, the Dutch soon abandoned the settlement due to the harsh climate and lack of resources. In 1672, the British Empire claimed the islands and established a sugar plantation economy using enslaved Africans. The islands were a British colony until 1960, when they became a separate British colony from nearby Anguilla and the Virgin Islands.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the BVI became a popular hideout for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. The islands’ many hidden coves and secluded beaches provided the perfect base for pirates to raid passing ships. However, by the mid-19th century, the British Navy had successfully eradicated piracy in the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the BVI’s economy shifted from sugar plantations to small-scale farming and fishing. The islands also became a popular destination for tourists, with visitors drawn to the pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

In 1956, the BVI was granted a new constitution, which granted more autonomy to the islands. In the following decades, the BVI experienced a period of rapid economic growth, fueled by the development of the tourism and financial services industries. The BVI became a popular tax haven for international businesses, with its favorable tax laws and strong economy.

In 1980, Hurricane David devastated the islands, causing widespread damage and loss of life. However, the BVI quickly recovered and continued to thrive economically. Today, the BVI is a popular tourist destination, known for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture.

In recent years, the BVI has faced challenges, including rebuilding after the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its tourism industry. However, the resilient people of the BVI continue to work towards building a prosperous future for their beautiful islands.

Transportation on Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands

Getting to Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays of up to 6 months.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from the British Virgin Islands is required.
  • Travel Authorization: Most visitors do not need pre-arrival authorization, but travelers may need to comply with health and entry regulations, including completing a health declaration or entry form depending on current travel guidelines.

Departure Tax

A departure tax of US$20 is typically charged at the airport for international flights.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the airport or local police stations.
  • Driving Side: Left-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with paved roads in urban areas and some unpaved roads in more remote locations.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas, with higher speeds on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of all traffic signals, pedestrians, and local driving customs. Watch out for animals and cyclists, particularly in more rural areas.

Local Transportation

The British Virgin Islands offer a fun mix of transportation options to explore its stunning islands. Taxis are easy to find, with fixed fares to beaches, resorts, and attractions. For more freedom, rental cars and jeeps are popular, letting you cruise the island at your own pace. Water taxis are a must-try, offering a scenic way to hop between islands or reach hidden beaches. For a more adventurous option, scooters and bikes are available to explore the smaller islands.

Know Before You Go...® - Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands Travel Tips

Before making their way to Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands even more relaxing.

Capital: 2021Private
Population: 2020Unknown
Size: 2019Unknown
Electric Current: 110
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-04-29 09:08:00
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language of Necker Island, BVI is English, while the secondary language spoken is typically a mixture of Creole and Spanish. English is widely used in government, business, and education, while Creole and Spanish are often spoken among the lo
Currency: Necker Island, located in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is a private island owned by Sir Richard Branson. As such, it offers luxurious accommodations and amenities for its guests, including a variety of currency and payment options. The official currency of the BVI is the US dollar, and it is widely accepted on Necker Island. Many businesses and establishments, including the resort on the island, accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash in smaller denominations for smaller purchases or tips. In addition to US dollars, some establishments on Necker Island may also accept other major currencies such as the British pound, Euro, and Canadian dollar. It is recommended to check with the specific establishment beforehand to confirm their accepted currency. The resort on Necker Island also offers a variety of payment options for its guests. These include bank transfers, wire transfers, and direct
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are an important aspect of the local culture and economy. Although tipping is not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated and expected in certain situations. On the other hand, taxes are a necessary part of doing business on the island and are applied to various goods and services. When it comes to tipping, it is customary to give a 10-15% gratuity to service staff such as waiters, bartenders, and housekeeping. This is especially true in upscale establishments and resorts like Necker Island. It is also common to tip tour guides, boat captains, and drivers for their services. The amount of tip may vary depending on the quality of service provided, but it is always a kind gesture to show appreciation for a job well done. In terms of taxes, the BVI government imposes a 7% hotel accommodation tax on all stays at Necker Island. This tax is automatically added to the final bill and is collected by the resort to be remi
Dress Code: The dress code on Necker Island, BVI appears to be casual and relaxed, with an emphasis on comfortable, beach-appropriate attire.
Topography: Necker Island, BVI is a small, mountainous island with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Telephone: Country code: 1 Area code: 284

Necker Island, BVI, British Virgin Islands Weddings and Honeymoons

Getting Married In The British Virgin Islands

• You may apply for your marriage license at the Attorney General’s office located in the Government Administration Complex at Wickham’s Cay I, Road Town, Tortola.

  • You must be in the British Virgin Islands for a minimum of 3 days prior to the wedding service and after having made application for your marriage license.
  • You will be required to purchase $110.00 in postage stamps if you have been in the territory for less than 15 days prior to the ceremony or $50.00 in stamps if you have been in the BVI for 15 days or more.
  • You will require passports as proof of identity and to establish your date of arrival in the BVI.
  • If you were previously married, you will be required to bring a certified copy or original documentation of your divorce (absolute decree) or death certificate of a deceased spouse.
  • Two witnesses will be required to oversee the signing of your marriage license application and two (different) witnesses are required to be present during the ceremony. (You may select persons from the BVI to serve as witnesses for either or both occasions.)
  • Once your application for marriage license has been completed, you may then proceed to the

Registrar’s office (located above the Post Office) on Main Street, Road Town, Tortola. The office is open from 9:00 am to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays.

The Registar Requirements
Marriage ceremony fees are payable to the Registrar and are $35.00 if the ceremony is performed in the office and $100.00 if the ceremony is to be performed elsewhere.

  • Full (legal) names of both parties
  • Your ages and date of birth
  • Your occupations
  • The names of the witnesses for your wedding ceremony
  • If you are planning a church wedding, please contact the church of your choice and speak with the Minister or Priest regarding their requirements