May Instagram Hotspots |

The Baths at Sunrise

For a memorable start to your British Virgin Islands holiday, head to The Baths on Virgin Gorda early in the day. Huge granite boulders create a maze of sea pools, sandy passages and natural arches, while the Caribbean light brings out every shade of blue in the water. In May, the weather is generally warm and inviting, making an early visit a comfortable way to explore.

Arrive before the busiest part of the day and you can often enjoy quieter moments among the rocks. Wear shoes with a good grip, take care on the smooth surfaces and keep your phone protected from splashes. A wide-angle photograph looking through the boulders towards the sea is one of the classic British Virgin Islands images.

Caribbean Holidays, May Instagram Hotspots, Aerial view of the bright white beach and turquoise water at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, with colourful beach bars and palm trees

White Bay Beach

White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is an easy choice when you want photographs that look instantly tropical. The beach curves beside clear, shallow water, with green hills in the background and a relaxed line of beach bars along the sand. May can be a particularly pleasant time to visit, before the summer heat becomes more intense.

Capture the scene from the water for a wider view, or walk along the shoreline for photographs of footprints, palms and gently moving waves. If you are staying for the afternoon, allow time for a swim and a cool drink between taking pictures. The best posts usually include the atmosphere as well as the scenery, so show a little of the laid-back island life.

Caribbean Holidays, May Instagram Hotspots, Colourful sailing boats anchored in the calm turquoise waters of The Bight at Norman Island, British Virgin Islands, with green hills beyond

Norman Island Views

Norman Island offers a different kind of Instagram backdrop, combining striking sea views with the unmistakable feeling of being somewhere reached by boat. The Bight is often dotted with sailing boats and day cruisers, set against rugged green hills. In May, the water is usually inviting for swimming, snorkelling and exploring by boat.

Take photographs from the deck as you approach, then look back towards the bay once you are ashore. Reflections on the water can be especially effective in the softer light of late afternoon. If you visit the nearby caves, avoid using a flash where possible and let the natural shadows add depth to your pictures.

Caribbean Holidays, May Instagram Hotspots, Golden hour view from a hilltop over Tortola, British Virgin Islands, with Sir Francis Drake Channel, islands and sailboats in the distance

Tortola Golden Hour

Finish the day with a high viewpoint on Tortola, where the islands and Sir Francis Drake Channel unfold below you. The changing light near sunset adds warmth to the hills and turns the sea into a pattern of blue, gold and silver. It is an ideal setting for a simple landscape photograph or a relaxed portrait.

Bring a light layer, as hilltop viewpoints can feel breezier after sunset, and check local advice before stopping along unfamiliar roads. Leave a little time to enjoy the view without your camera in hand. The British Virgin Islands are naturally photogenic, but the moments you remember most may be the quiet ones between taking pictures.