The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a group of sixty volcanic islands, located to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands enjoy average temperatures of around 80 Fahrenheit and a dependable year-round breeze.
The four main inhabited islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada.
Tortola and Virgin Gorda are the two main islands of commerce with the majority of the 28,000 of the BVI’s population living in Tortola.
Jost Van Dyke has a smattering of around 200 residents. It has a brilliant, white beach with an array of bars and is on the map for hosting the world famous annual, Foxy’s New Year’s Eve party.
Anegada is a coral island surrounded by reefs and shipwrecks and fringed by 23 miles of empty, powder white beaches. Ecologically undisturbed, Anegada provides a natural reserve for rare and endangered wildlife and plant species.
About Tortola | About Virgin Gorda
In and on the water
Pristine dive sites throughout the BVI, protected through the National Parks Trust, are prized national assets. The wreck dives have been acclaimed by the international dive industry. Snorkelers and divers are always rewarded with a display of darting tropical fish and more often than not, a passing turtle or ray.
If you want to do more than just look, bone, fly and deep water fishing excursions can be arranged.
The BVI has the largest number of charter boats in the Caribbean and with line-of-sight sailing it is the perfect destination for nautical adventures. There are plenty of other water sports available too. Surfers have choice of locations to ride the waves and the trade winds are particularly conducive for wind surfing and kite boarding. Kayaking is another great way to explore the myriad of creatures that abound in shallow waters and mangroves.
In keeping with its reputation as ‘the’ sailing destination, the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the largest events in the Caribbean. This popular seven-day sailing extravaganza draws thousands of international racers and visitors to the BVI every year.