After eight years in the White House, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are enjoying a well-deserved holiday in the British Virgin Islands.

Recently released video and photos of the Obamas' holiday with Richard Branson show them laughing, joking around and having some fun in the water off one of the businessman's private islands.

Mr Obama appeared to be taking advantage of his new-found freedom after telling Mr Branson he had been prevented from surfing by his security detail during his time in office.

Barack Obama enjoys a well-deserved vacation in the British Virgin Islands. ( Supplied: Jack Brockway )

He also joined in a friendly challenge with the Virgin founder — learning how to kitesurf before Mr Branson learned to foilboard.

"We agreed to have a final day battle to see who could stay up the longest," Branson wrote in a blog post.

Both spent a couple of days learning their chosen sport, falling "many times" but making considerable progress.

Barack Obama jokes around with Richard Branson during his stay on Moskito Island. ( Supplied: Jack Brockway )

"We were neck and neck until the last run on the last day, when I got up on the foilboard and screamed along for over 50 metres, three feet above the water," Mr Branson wrote.

"I was feeling very pleased with myself, only to look over and see Barack go 100 metres on his kiteboard! I had to doff my cap to him and celebrate his victory."

He said inviting the Obamas to his island was "a huge honour".

Mr Obama spent his first days after leaving Washington vacationing in Palm Springs, California.

Barack Obama learns how to kitesurf with Richard Branson in the British Virgin Islands. ( Supplied: Jack Brockway )

AP