60 reasons to visit the Caribbean
Each of the 60 islands (with only about 16 being inhabited) that comprise the British Virgin Islands has something for everyone with secret bays, hidden coves, isolated beaches, white-tipped waves, swaying palms and a unique people. The BVI were first inhabited by the Ciboney Indians who arrived in Stone Age canoes from the Americas, followed by the Arawak Indians from South America who peacefully dominated the islands for many years until the arrival of the Carib Indians. These Carib Indians were a fierce and aggressive bunch, who worked their way north from South America about one hundred years before Christopher Columbus arrived. Columbus’s discovery of the BVI in 1493 brought about its colonization by the Spaniards who were followed by the French and finally the British.
In those days of old the islands abounded with pirates and privateers who left behind a rich legacy of tales of treasures untold. The primary islands of the British Virgin Islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.
Tortola
Tortola, is also known as "land of turtle doves," or Chocolate City. It is the Territory's main and largest island, with a population of over 14,000. Sage Mountain is the BVI's highest point with a National Park at 1,780 feet above sea level. Tortola's mountain peaks are covered with frangipani and sage on its southern coast, while its northern shores flaunt white sandy beaches, groves of succulent bananas and mangoes and groups of palm trees. Beef Island, the site of the BVI's main airport, is connected to Tortola by a bridge. Road Town, the capital of the BVI is located on the southern shore of Tortola.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda or "Fat Virgin,” refers to a protruding mountain seen by Columbus when he first encountered the island. It is second largest of the British Virgin Isles at ten miles long and two miles wide (8.5 square miles), and a population of about 2,500. Virgin Gorda is known for its yacht clubs, quiet coves, and safe anchorages for bare boats.
Anegada
Anegada is just a dot on the map lying 20 miles north of Virgin Gorda. It covers 15 square miles and rises 28 feet above sea level with a population of about 250. Over the years, more than 300 ships have been wrecked on the perilous coral reefs encompassing the islet, a misfortune which, in turn, has made Anegada a heaven on earth for divers. The wrecks and reefs themselves have been enhanced with colourful formations of the ordinary undersea flora and fauna.
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is a four-square mile island to the north of Tortola's West End with a population of 200. Once known as the reputed hideaway for a Dutch pirate of the same name, Jost Van Dyke still opens it arms for travellers looking for an isolated, rustic getaway with first-class hiking trails.
Where are the British Virgin Islands?
The British Virgin Islands lie at that imaginary border where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, north of the Leeward Islands, and adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tortola is located 18 degrees 26 Minutes North, 64 Degrees 40 Minutes West. It rises steeply out of the sea to around 1500 feet despite being relatively small in size.
Weather in the British Virgin Islands
Generally, the weather is hot and usually sunny year round with more humidity in the summer months. Tropical showers may occur at any time however these usually pass through quickly. The hurricane season officially runs from June 15th – November 15th. The average temperature is 83° F (29°C) with little seasonal variation. The wet season lasts from June to December. The climate is sub-tropical rather than tropical with trade winds to help moderate extremes of heat and humidity. Temperature ranges from 72° F (22° C) to 82° F (28° C) in the winter and 76° F (26° C) to 88° F (31° C) during the summer. Night temperatures drop to 60° F (15° C) with erratic rainfall averaging 127 centimetres per year and the occasional droughts.
Advice for travellers to Tortola
Passports & immigration
The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory:
Visitors are welcome for a period of up to 6 months provided they possess return (or ongoing) tickets and prearranged accommodations during their stay.
All visitors with the exception of US and Canadian Citizens are required to carry a valid passport. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport you can visit www.ips.gov.uk/passport/index.asp. Visitors from certain countries may also require visas. To confirm whether or not a visa is required, contact the Government of the British Virgin Islands, the nearest British Consulate or the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office.
Departure Tax
A departure tax is levied at the rate of $20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.
Banking
The following banks operate in the British Virgin Islands:
- Bank of Nova Scotia
- Barclay's Bank PLC
- Chase Manhattan Bank NA
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
- Guyerzeller Bank (BVI) Ltd
- Development Bank of the Virgin Islands
- VP Bank (BVI) Ltd.
Hours of Business- Mon- Fri: 9.00 am - 3.30 pm. Closed at weekends.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted in many - but not all - establishments. There is a 10 cent stamp duty on all cheques and travellers checks. An American Express office is located at Romney Associates in Road Town.
Currency
The currency of the B.V.I. is the U.S. dollar.
Customs regulations
All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering the B.V.I. on a temporary basis will not be subject to duty. Liquor prices in the B.V.I. are so low that - even with duty added - savings can be made by purchasing here.
Driving
Valid B.V.I. Driving Licenses are required by all those seeking to drive in the B.V.I. For a fee of $10.00, a temporary B.V.I. Driving License can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid Driver's License from another country can be produced. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road in the B.V.I.
Electricity
Voltage in Tortola and throughout the BVI is 110 volts.
Language
English is the official language.
Clothing
Casual dress is always acceptable, although some restaurants on the island do require 'elegantly casual' in the evenings. Visitors should not wear swimsuits or mini shorts in the streets or stores. Please ensure to cover up if you are venturing into the shops from the beach. There are no nude beaches in the B.V.I. Bring long pants and hiking shoes if you intend to hike.
Marriage Licenses
Prior to the ceremony the couple needs to visit Tortola’s registrar’s office, purchase $110 of postage stamps to declare residential status, and pay a $50 license fee. The couple must reside on the island for at least three (3) days before the ceremony takes place.
Telecommunications
Cable & Wireless (British Virgin Islands) provides a range of reliable services including cardphones, payphones and credit card calling facilities. Caribbean Cellular Telephone "Boatphone" offers a cellular phone service allowing you to keep in touch whether on a boat, in a hotel or on the road. VHF radio is also a widely used and Tortola & Virgin Gorda Radio can patch radio transmissions into the phone lines.
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time less 4 hours.
Gratuities
If no service charge is added by your hotel or restaurant, please leave 10% of the bill for good service.
Water
The tap water is safe to drink. Do not drink from rivers or streams. Bottled water is available.
