The British Virgin Islands (BVI), officially the Virgin Islands, is a British overseas territory located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago; the remaining islands constitute the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Spanish Virgin Islands.
The official name of the Territory is still simply the "Virgin Islands", but the prefix "British" is often used to distinguish it from the neighbouring American territory which changed its name from the "Danish West Indies" to "Virgin Islands of the United States" in 1917.
British Virgin Islanders are classed as British Overseas Territories citizens and since 2002 have had an entitlement to take up full UK citizenship. Although the territory is not part of the European Union and not directly subject to EU law, its citizens are deemed to be citizens of the EU as well.
It is part of a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean, is a British overseas territory. Comprising 4 main islands and many smaller ones, it's known for its reef-lined beaches and as a yachting destination. Tortola is home to the low-key capital, Road Town, and rainforested Sage Mountain National Park. On Virgin Gorda is The Baths, a labyrinth of beachside boulders.
Population: 28,054 (2010)
Area: 59.07 mi²
Capital: Road Town
Languages: English
Currency
The US dollar is the legal currency within the British Virgin Islands.
Climate
The British Virgin Islands enjoy a tropical climate, moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year. In the capital, Road Town, typical daily maxima are around 32 °C (89.6 °F) in the summer and 29 °C (84.2 °F) in the winter. Typical daily minima are around 24 °C (75.2 °F) in the summer and 21 °C (69.8 °F) in the winter. Rainfall averages about 1,150 mm (45.3 in) per year, higher in the hills and lower on the coast. Rainfall can be quite variable, but the wettest months on average are September to November and the driest months on average are February and March. Hurricanes occasionally hit the islands, with the hurricane season running from June to November.
Safety
The BVI has much lower incidence of crime than many other Caribbean countries, and wandering about alone, even at night, is not considered particularly high risk. However, as with all foriegn travel, tourists should use good judgment and avoid certain areas.
Despite the perception of the Caribbean being laid back in relation to drugs, possession and supply of narcotics is a criminal offence and penalties can be severe.
Health
Health care in the British Virgin Islands is predominantly provided by private healthcare providers with an overlay of public support. There is a single public hospital in the British Virgin Islands - Peebles Hospital in Road Town on Tortola. There is also one private hospital - the Bougainvillea clinic (also in Road Town). On Anegada, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, there are day clinics to serve non-emergency medical needs of residents of those islands. Although there is period discussion about the possibility of building another hospital on Virgin Gorda, to date there has been no commitment to doing so. For emergency medical evacuations from other islands a boat is maintained.
Under the Public Hospital Ordinance free medical treatment is available at all public facilities to the elderly (being persons who are 65 or older), children (being persons aged 16 or under), police officers, firemen, prison officers, public health workers, the mentally ill, indigent persons and prisoners. All other persons must pay for medical treatment received from public health care facilities, although the cost of health care is usually less expensive than from private health care providers.
Transportation
A great way to see the islands is by boat. Sailboats and motorboats can be rented or chartered with a crew from any major harbour. The conditions for sailing and motoring depend on the time of year and anchoring off islands can be tricky, so either be sure you know what you are doing or hire a crew.
If you are an experienced sailor, it doesn't get any better than the BVI. Line of sight sailing in moderate trade winds, no currents to speak of, barely any tides, and few underwater obstructions other than the shore itself make sailing around the islands very relaxing. Most of the 60 or so islands and cays are only a couple of hour's sail from your next destination.
Road Town, on Tortola, is one of the principal centres for bareboating (self-hire yacht chartering) in the Caribbean.
Taxis in the British Virgin Islands can be expensive. Do not bother to try and haggle - taxi prices are fixed by law. Taxi rides can be colourful sometimes taxis are shared with other passengers or the driver may stop en route to run an errand. Either way, it's a good chance to really get to know the island!
Cars can be rented on the larger islands such as Virgin Gorda and Tortola, but are obviously unnecessary on many smaller islands where goat paths and foot trails are the main mode of transportation.
Be aware that the roads are very hilly, the standard of the roads is low, the standard of the driving is very low, and there are no specific laws against driving whilst under the influence. People driving in the BVI for the first time are advised to think as if everyone else on the road is trying to cause an accident and make it look like their fault - although that is not actually true, it will give you the right frame of mind to have when get behind the wheel.
Popular Car Rentals: Economy, Avis, Kayka, Car Flexi.
Top Beaches
White Bay
White Bay Picture a classic Caribbean beach: a stretch of perfect sand, sailboats ad yachts docked in the bay, lively bars slinging potent cocktails, lush mountains in the disctance. White Bay is the place. Oh, and did we mention snorkeling? The bay is protected by a coral reef teeming with marine life. As for that cocktail, the famed Soggy Dollar Bar claims to invented the original Painkiller, best sipped from a hammock. The watering hole's name comes from the boaters who come ashore and pay with, you guessed it, soggy dollars.
Smuggler's Cove
Smuggler's Cove The reefs at this secluded spot make it dangerous for boats to anchor, which means almost no crowds from day-trip charters. By car, navigate winding Route 1 to the west side of the island near Belmont Bay, or you can take the 20-minute hike from Long Bay. Bring your mask and fins: The same coral that hinder yachts makes for excellent snorkeling. Thanks to fewer visitors, the beach is unspoiled, with only a few snack shacks and bars.
Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay It's clear why this is Tortola's most popular beach: The family-friendly strand is lined with lively restaurants, windsurfers rule the waves and the location offers prime sunset viewing. After dark, the area's bars come to life. Dance to live reggae at Quito's Gazebo; the owner, Quito Rymer, has toured with Ziggy Marley.
Spring Bay
Sprinkled with boulders, this stretch of white sand is one of Virgin Gorda's loveliest and features some of The BVI's clearest waters.
Long Bay Beach
Long Bay is all about the beach, with the accommodation, restaurant and swimming pool all set right along the seafront on Tortola’s pristine west coast. It’s a simple, laid back place that offers an affordable way of experiencing the stunning beaches, cobalt bays and enchanting natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands.
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