The British Virgin Islands

Location and Geography

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.

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.

Map of the British Virgin Islands

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.

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

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.

Weather

Perfect Atmosphere Year-round.  Constant trade winds with average temperatures of 27-32°C (80-90°F).  Lots of sunshine with occasional short rain showers.

Documentation:

Valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI and you are required to have a valid passport to enter the US.  Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.  Current time for renewing passports is approximately 10-12 weeks (expedited service is available at additional costs).

Airport Security:

For international flights it is recommended that you plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.  Allow additional time for parking your car.  See the TSA Security Guidelines for further details.

General Information:

Attire is casual.  Shorts, t-shirts, short sleeved shirts, boat shoes, flip-flops and sandals.  The evenings can sometimes get a little cool and/or breezy for which a light jacket or sweatshirt might come in handy.

The BVI are in the Atlantic time zone but do not observe daylight savings time. 

English is the official language as the BVI are legally a part of the United Kingdom.  However, the US dollar is the official Currency.  Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the islands.

Electricity is the 220 volt UK standard on shore.  Everything on the yacht is 12 volt running off the batteries.  There are two 12 volt outlets which can be used with car lighter adapters to power/charge such things as iPods, MP3 players and small DVD players.

The tap water is good but bottled water is readily available throughout the islands.

There is a hospital on Tortola with additional clinics in various locations.

Remember to bring your prescription medications, cameras, sunscreen lotion, swimsuit, cover-up, comfortable walking shoes, and insect repellent.  There isn’t  any particular insect problem BUT mosquitoes and sand flys/fleas, also known as “no see-ums” can be found throughout the Caribbean.  So be prepared.  Insect repellents with deet work well as well as Avon’s Skin So Soft diluted 50%.

For additional information:

www.bvitourism.com