The British Virgin Islands were first spotted by Europeans when Christopher Columbus sailed the Caribbean in 1493. Though he was for some reason unimpressed, these islands were annexed by Britain in 1672 and have remained part of the United Kingdom ever since. Today the islands have their own elected government and rely on the U.K. only for defense and foreign affairs.
However, most of the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.) remain unpopulated to this day, with three major inhabited islands and many small unpopulated bits of land. These deserted islands make great dive sites and have wonderful beaches. The B.V.I. are also one of the world's most popular sailing destinations, and the laid-back atmosphere is reminiscent of colonial times. For up-to-the-minute information, check out the BVI's major newspaper, the Island Sun, and for more general information visit the CIA World Factbook for the BVI.
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Getting There
Travelers to the island of Tortola typically arrive via air at Tortola's Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport or by ferry from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the U.S. mainland or Canada, but connecting flights are available from Caribbean regional carriers through the airports at St. Johns and San Juan. American Eagle, Caribbean Star, Caribbean Sun, Cape Air, and LIAT offer connecting service into Tortola.
Ferries depart approximately every 45 minutes from Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Road Town on the British Virgin Islands. Tortola has two ferry docks, one at Road Town and one at West End, both of which are easily accessible from most places on Tortola.
Government regulated taxi services will meet you at the airport or the docks to take you to your final destination. A trip to Road Town will generally cost less than $20.
Entry Requirements
For those from the U.S. and Canada, an original birth certificate and official photo ID are acceptable, but a valid passport is preferred and recommended. Citizens of all other countries, including those of the Caribbean, are required to have a valid passport.
Climate
The British Virgin Islands experience a moderate 40 inches of rainfall annually, which is average when compared to the rest of the Caribbean. Temperatures are also relatively stable, from 73 to 80 in January, and 84 to 89 in July (all in degrees Fahrenheit).
Geography
The British Virgin Islands are known for their fantastic sailing, with small bays, hidden coves, and secret hideaways scattered in between the 40 (mostly uninhabited) islands. The islands are located in the northeastern corner of the Caribbean, a 60-mile hop-skip-and-jump east of Puerto Rico. Most islands are small slivers of unpeopled land; the three main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Tortola is the central metropolis of the country and is home to Road Town, which is the B.V.I.'s capital and largest city.
Health and Safety
All of the water in the B.V.I. is potable, meaning it is safe for consumption. The island itself is one of the safest in the Caribbean, and crime is a rare occurrence. Still, follow the same precautions as you would in your hometown. Safeguard your valuables and lock your hotel room and car doors.
People
Peaceful and casual are the two best words to describe the attitude of these islands. The people of the B.V.I. are warm and kind-hearted towards tourists; visitors do not have to worry about the defensive hostility towards tourists that may be found in some other regions of the Caribbean. Where other Caribbean islands have emphasized and developed tourism, B.V. Islanders have kept to themselves. They know what they have, and they know that there will always be people escaping to their home, without the hustle and bustle of major resorts and huge events. Culturally, the people are Caribbean, despite an African heritage. Most residents have lived on the island, if not in the same home, for generations. As part of their British heritage, B.V. Islanders consider hospitality of the utmost importance, and any visitor is guaranteed a wonderful stay on these friendly islands.
