BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
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The British Virgin Islands are a British Oversea Territory in the Caribbean and include nearly 60 islands, although most of them are not much more than a rock. The most important ones are Tortola - where the capital, Road Town, is located -, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost van Dyke. All islands are flanking the famous Francis Drake Channel. The BVI are much calmer and laid back than the US-Virgin Islands. Tourism and financial services as well as offshore business - are the main income source.
The topography differs from island to island, Tortola and Virgin Gorda are mountainous and covered by forests, while Anegada is a flat coral island. But whatever island you visit, the panorama is always breathtaking.
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Most of the BVI beaches are on Tortola and they are among the most beautiful of the Caribbean. But depending on where you stay, you may have to drive for a while to reach them, since they are mainly on the North side of the island.But many other islands have some spectacular beaches, accessible by ferry or excursion boats. The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where you reach a beach walking through a cave is one of the main attraction of the BVI. Many beaches also offer great snorkeling, and lots of them are often near empty. This is not a place for mass tourism, but for nature lovers, sailors and divers loving a relaxed lifestyle.
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Everywhere on the islands, you can rent cottages, villas or bungalows.On Tortola, the majority of hotels are located on the South side, near or adjacent to marinas. This is not surprising, since the Virgin Islands are a sailor's paradise and a favorite of the charter business! with all those islands and virgin cays, and adding the nearby US Virgin islands, sailors could spend months mooring every day on a different island, marina, cove or beach! The BVI are also an amazing place for scuba divers. Among the most famous dive sites is the wreck of the RMS Rhone near Salt Island, one of the best dive wrecks in the world. Lot's of other wrecks are located around Anegada. |
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Entertainment in the BVI is more mariner's affair. Bars are often in marinas, some are on beaches, bare feet and shorts with t-shirts being the main attire. There are some good watering holes in Road Town and on other islands, and some good restaurants in hotels and in the capital, although restaurants aren't cheap. But don't come to show off your haute couture models, there aren't too many places for that, although you will find the one or other luxury resort. People who come here tend to spend more on board of a yacht! In other words, the BVI attract a quite active, sea and nature loving tourism. A strict immigration policy makes sure guests are safe and can enjoy the island's natural beauty in peace. |
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