British Virgin Islands

Often referred to as 'Nature's Little Secrets', visitors to the British Virgin Islands will not be hard pressed to find out why. Abounding in natural beauty, the 36 islands making up the Caribbean archipelago (16 of which are uninhabited) have kept the affects of tourism at bay and offer unblemished beaches, numerous unspoiled anchorages, exotic fauna and flora and a low-key lifestyle.

Situated about 50 miles (80km) east of Puerto Rico and just north east of the US Virgin Islands, the islands and cays that make up the British Virgin Islands are clustered around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, which is renowned for its sheltered, crystal clear waters. Its location has made the archipelago a Mecca for yachting enthusiasts and the islands are known as one of the best and safest sailing destinations in the world, with reliable trade winds, near perfect weather and a choice of secluded and intriguing bays to visit.

The largest island, Tortola, is the yachting capital of the Caribbean and the territory's main commercial centre, its beautiful mountainous slopes endowed with tropical fruits and flowers. It is an ideal base from which to explore some of the other inhabited islands such as Virgin Gorda, noted for its spectacular geological formations and one of BVI's most famous landmarks - The Baths. Travelers in search of a remote and rustic retreat, with the smell of freshly baked banana bread and the sounds of the famed calypso-singing in the air, should head for the friendly beach haven of Jost Van Dyke, while the reefs surrounding Anagada's low-lying coral atoll and its miles of deserted white beaches shouldn't be missed by divers, snorkelers and sun worshippers. Besides these major islands, there are also dozens of secluded islets and cays to explore, each blessed with its own special charm and unique beauty.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60 Hz. Plugs are the same as in the US with two-pin flat blade attachments common.
Money: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Most establishments on the larger islands accept credit cards and travelers cheques, but on Anegada it is best to have cash. Banks and exchange facilities can be found in Road Town, Tortola. ATMs are available in Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: English is the main language spoken on the islands.
Entry Requirements for Americans: US passport holders require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible.
Passport/Visa Note: Travelers need a return or onward ticket and all the documents required for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from the BVI by air will require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
Health: Bottled water is recommended although tap water is usually chlorinated. There is a risk of dengue fever. Limited medical facilities can be found on all the main British Virgin Islands, but there is only one hospital located in Road Town, Tortola, and complicated medical conditions are usually referred to the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or the USA. Comprehensive medical and travel insurance is recommended.
Tipping: For good service, 10% is usual. Hotels often add a service charge to the bill, usually between 10 and 12%, so it is best to check before tipping. Bellhops and porters usually expect $1 per item of luggage. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped as most own their own vehicles.
Safety: The British Virgin Islands have a low crime rate, but sensible precautions should be taken regarding valuables, especially on beaches. The islands are susceptible to hurricanes particularly during the months between June and November, but tropical storms can occur throughout the year.
Customs: It is considered impolite to take photographs of the local people without asking their permission beforehand.
Business: Business attire is fairly formal and conservative; a lightweight suit is appropriate for most meetings, unless in an informal outdoor setting where smart-casual dress is more appropriate. Handshaking is customary for introductions between both men and women; women are considered equals in the business world and should be treated as such. Business cards are exchanged on introduction. Being late for meetings is considered offensive despite the laid back impression of the island, although meetings are usually fairly unstructured. The language of business is English, and hours of business generally from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialing code for the British Virgin Islands is +1 284. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01127 for South Africa). No area codes are required. A GSM 900/1900 network covers the islands. Internet cafes are available throughout the islands and many hotels provide Internet connections. Phone boxes are widely available and accept coins and phone cards, which can be purchased in most shops.
Duty Free: Travelers to the Virgin Islands over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco; and wine or spirits up to 1 liter.
 

Activities

Sailing

The sailing charter industry is one of the main businesses on the island and the BVI's diverse fleet is based on Tortola from where infinite sailing destinations can be reached. Charter boat companies cater for all needs, from bareboat charters to day sails; snorkeling, diving and fishing trips, and crewed charters.

 

Tortola

The largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, Tortola, or 'land of turtle doves', is also the main commercial centre of the group and is within a 45-minute ferry ride from St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Characterized by large rolling hills and sandy beaches, as well as its charming and relaxed atmosphere, Tortola is also the sailing capital of the territory and the jumping off place to many of the region's secluded little pieces of heaven on earth. Rising up in the centre of the island is the highest point in the archipelago, Mount Sage, which rises to 1,780 feet (524m) and affords wonderful views over Tortola's lush tropical vegetation, its un-crowded beaches and lovely bays, and the surrounding islands. Ruins of 18th-century buildings are also visible, a scattered reminder of the plantation era when rum and sugar were the source of the island's economy. On the south shore is the scenic capital city, Road Town, situated around a deep yacht-filled harbor that is lined with cheerfully painted restaurants, hotels and quaint island-style shops. International as well as local cuisine features on the menus of this varied community with specialties like fresh lobster, coconut curries or turtle dishes to tempt the palate. The way of life on Tortola is resolutely Caribbean despite the infusion of so many people from different countries around the world; the people are known for their warmth and hospitality and new comers to the island soon find themselves slipping into a slower pace of life and easing into 'island time'.

 

Airports

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)

Location: The airport is situated nine miles (15km) from Road Town, Tortola. Time: Local time is GMT –4. Transfer to the city: Taxis are available. Many resorts provide water launches or courtesy vans for their guests. Car rental: There are no car rental companies at the airport. Facilities: There is a restaurant and bar, and tourist information is available. Departure tax: US$15 tax and US$5 security charge payable on leaving the BVI by air.

 

Climate

The islands have a sub-tropical climate with high humidity, although temperatures are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures in summer average from 79 to 88° F (26 to 31°C) and between 72 and 82° F (22 and 28°C) in winter. Rainfall is erratic with occasional droughts.