Thanks to the BVI Tourist Board for the following information:

The Experience

Known as “the land that time forgot,” the British Virgin Islands remains an undeveloped haven for natural treasures; what the destination lacks is its greatest asset -- no high-rise hotels, no casinos and no crowds

Mystical, lush and inspiring with 60 storied islands, the destination lures adventurers, romantics and escapists with verdant hillsides covered in ancient mahogany trees and cacti, pristine beaches kissed by Technicolor tides, a colourful aquarium of the world’s most diverse sea life, extensive coral reefs responsible for claiming renowned wrecks, vast outbacks and wildlife sanctuaries sheltering endangered species

Location

Situated between the deep waters of the Atlantic and the glittering Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico. Other nearby neighbours include the United States Virgin Islands, located to the immediate south west of the BVI

Most islands lay in a distinct formation flanked around the Sir Frances Drake Channel -- including the main island of Tortola creating the backbone of the Channel, Virgin Gorda stretching to form the eastern border, Jost Van Dyke lingering in the west, Anegada dangling remotely north in the Atlantic and a series of smaller islands speckled in the south

Portrait

Rising majestically out of the Caribbean Sea, the islands, nearly all mountainous with lush elevations, envelope visitors in the relaxing embrace of Caribbean lifestyle

Tortola
• Surfing in the northern Apple and Josiah’s Bay
• Sailing adventures in the south from Nanny Cay and Road Harbour
• Soper’s Hole remains a vibrant centre of activity
• Cane Garden Bay is a centre for energetic beach activities

Virgin Gorda
• Savannah Bay, Mountain Point and Long Bay known for curving stretch of uninhabited beaches
• The Baths is a natural wonder beyond belief
• Secluded Trunk Bay bordered by a private estate and palm grove

Jost Van Dyke
• Exudes a ‘lost in time’ feel
• Punctuated by a lack of manmade amenities
• The beach is the main road
• One of the most popular day excursions in the BVI

Anegada
• The drowned island
• Remotely located north
• Succulent lobster feasts
• Challenging sailing outside of the protective Sir Francis Drake Channel
• 37 kilometres of untouched, uninterrupted beaches

Distinctions

Undisputed Sailing Capital of the World

Home to the Caribbean’s Best Wreck, the Wreck of the - Rhone

No building is taller than the highest palm tree

Natural Attractions

Preserving Nature’s Little Secrets
The more than 60 islands create a mystical archipelago in the form of coral atolls, verdant hillsides, endangered wildlife, reefs scattered throughout the Technicolor sea and a biodiversity of marine life rivalled only by the Amazon

From a primeval rainforest on Tortola and Mother Nature’s finest creation on Virgin Gorda, to the droves of wildlife roaming Jost Van Dyke and the rich reefs surrounding Anegada, the BVI is committed to protecting their natural wonders through environmental preservation organisations and partnerships with the biggest names in conservation

The Sailing Capital of the World

With fair weather and constant winds, most islands are reached by line of sight navigation and contained within an 80 nautical kilometre radius. Both crewed and bareboat charters available (Tortola houses the largest bareboat fleet in the Caribbean totalling more than 700)

Diving/Snorkelling

The many coves, bays, reefs and islets for mooring and anchorage also offer sightings of a new existence for divers and snorkellers

• Wreck of the Rhone - Salt Island
• Loblolly Bay - Anegada
• Cow Wreck Bay
• The Baths - Virgin Gorda
• Wreck Alley - Cooper
• The Indians - Norman Island
• The Caves - The Bight
• Grand Central Station - Guana

Fishing

Breaking world records -- including the record for Atlantic Blue Marlin weighing 590 kilograms -- the BVI offers the most diverse fishing in the Caribbean.

From “secret” fishing holes tucked into shallow crevices to renowned deep water spots, the BVI provides fishermen fruitful waters to catch more than 160 varieties including wahoo, dolphin, tuna, king fish, marlin, tarpon and bonefish

Bonefish
Anegada and Horseshoe Reefs
Jost Van Dyke Shallows
Beef Island
Marina Cay

Marlin/Billfish
North Drop – Jost Van Dyke
South Drop – Virgin Gorda
Peter Island

National Parks Trust

Established in 1961 to preserve the natural beauty and historic features of the territory. Currently there are 20 National Parks throughout the BVI totalling more than 736 hectares on both land and sea

• Sage Mountain National Park - Tortola
• Mount Healthy National Park
• J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens
• Queen Elizabeth II National Park
• Shark Bay at Brewer’s Bay
• Gorda Peak National Park - Virgin Gorda
• The Baths National Park
• Devil’s Bay National Park
• The Copper Mine
• Spring Bay
• Little Fort National Park
• Diamond Cay - Jost Van Dyke
• Rhone Marine Park - Salt Island
• Cam Bay National Park - Great Camanoe
• Dead Chest National Park - Dead Chest
• Fallen Jerusalem national Park - Fallen Jerusalem
• Little Tobago/Great Tobago Park - Great Tobago
• Prickly Pear National Park - Prickly Pear
• West Dog National Park - West Dog

Accommodations

Whether “floating rooms” in the form of yachts or land-based abodes, the BVI offers a wide range of accommodations from modest inns and high-end hotels to private resorts encompassing entire islands, all unpretentious and complementing the natural island beauty

Jewels of the BVI
A charming collection of intimate inns nestled in her hills and along her shores allowing guests to fully appreciate Mother Nature in rooms that don’t distract from the natural settings. This setting if perfect for ultimate relaxation

Luxury Resorts
For the ultimate in natural luxury, islands such as Peter, Guana and Necker whose resorts are the only development, epitomize privacy and quiet elegance with supple spa treatments, well-appointed accommodations and a sense of exclusivity as some house a maximum of only 32 guests at a time

Dining

Infused with Caribbean flair and West Indian influences, authentic dining is a trademark of the BVI

Roti
Flavourful East Indian flat bread filled with meat or vegetables

Pâté
Not to be mistaken for liver pâté, this West Indian dish is baked/grilled style pita bread filled with spiced meat, seafood, or vegetables

Fungi
In no way related to the mushroom, this delight is made from cornmeal and okra, and is usually served with seafood dishes. Very similar to Italian polenta

Anegada lobster
The ultimate in BVI seafood delicacy -- reputed to be the best in the Caribbean

Climate

Perfect Atmosphere Year-round
Constant trade winds with average temperatures of 27-32°C provide the perfect setting for casual summer attire during daytime fun in the sun and semi-formal night time attire. Flip-flops and bathing suits are worn year round with only a light jacket occasionally needed during evenings of the winter months

Access by Air

There are no direct flights into the main airport of the BVI - the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport (EIS)- from the USA, Canada, Europe or South America

Flights are routed through the following airports:

Luis Munoz marin International Airport
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Connecting service to the BVI offered by American Eagle, Caribbean Sun, Cape Air, Liat Air

Cyril E. King Airport
St. Thomas, USVI
Private charter flight transfers only

Access by Ferry

Visitors flying into the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas in the USVI have the option of either arranging a charter flight to the BVI or by taking the ferry between St. Thomas and Tortola

Ferry service can be accessed by taking a taxi from the St. Thomas airport to the ferry dock. Tickets may be purchased at the ferry dock prior to departure. Ferries only run during daylight hours, from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, though they run constantly during those hours

Immigration

Valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI

Currency

U.S. Dollars

Visitor Information

BVI Tourist Board | 2nd Floor
Akara Building | DeCastro Street
Road Town, Tortola, BVI
Tel: (284) 494-3134
Fax: (284) 494-3866
Email: info@bvitourism.com

 

Sample Itinerary: The Virgin Islands

Day 1: Board your yacht in St. Thomas and after lunch, enjoy a leisurely sail (or motor sail) to Frances Bay on St. John. Have an afternoon swim, then walk the beach and enjoy a Caribbean sunset. Savor a delicious dinner either in the cockpit under the stars or below in the coziness of the main salon. Perhaps make plans for a "wedding in paradise."

Day 2: After breakfast depart for Leinster Bay, also on St. John, for snorkeling, exploring and a hike to a sugar mill. Return for lunch and then proceed to Jost Van Dyke to clear BVI customs. Explore Jost, visit Foxy's and other well-known beach bars. This is a good spot for a West Indian meal ashore at moderate prices - an island pig roast perhaps - and some evening revelry in the form of a "jump up" (party).

Day 3: Depart Jost and sail to Sandy Spit for the beach and snorkeling. Sail to Cane Garden Bay for the evening or on to West End, Tortola for lunch and a trip ashore to Pusser's Landing for a "Painkiller" and shopping. Sail on to the Bright at Norman Island and visit the "Wille T" (floating bar and restaurant) for sunset cocktails or after dinner wildness.

Day 4: Snorkel at the water level Caves at Norman Island made famous in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." Sail on to Cooper Island for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon sail to Trellis Bay on Beef Island. After dinner, go to the Last Resort for Tony Snell's musical review or have a relaxing drink at Pusser's Marina Cay.

Day 5: Sail to Virgin Gorda and visit the Baths, those wondrous house-sized boulders that form fascinating pools and grottoes to explore. After lunch, sail on to the North Sound. Visit the Bitter End Yacht Club for snorkeling, boardsailing, water-skiing or hiking. Every activity can be done here.

Day 6: Depart North Sound after morning activities and lunch for a sail to Peter Island where there is a great beach on Deadman's Bay and excellent snorkeling in Great Harbor. Visit Peter Island Yacht Club - a very upscale place for a dinner ashore (jackets required in season) if that's your preference.

Day 7: More water sports in the morning (possibly a rendezvous dive on a coral-encrusted 1867 wreck of the British mail steamer "Rhone".) Following lunch, sail to Cruz Bay on St. John to clear U.S. Customs. Check out the local shops here or sail on to Christmas Cove on Great St. James for snorkeling or watersports. Enjoy your last evening aboard with another glorious Caribbean sunset and a special dinner prepared by your chef.

Day 8: After breakfast (with a farewell Bloody Mary or mimosa, perhaps?)
and a final swim, return to Red Hook or downtown St. Thomas for some
last minute duty free shopping before you catch your flight home.