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Visitor
Activities
Beaches
BVI beaches have been voted the best beaches in
the Caribbean. Some BVI beaches, like Cane Garden
Bay Beach on Tortola, Loblolly Bay Beach on Anegada,
White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, The Baths on
Virgin Gorda and Deadman's Bay Beach on Peter
Island were rated world class.
The beaches of The British Virgin Islands are
peppered throughout the entire archipelago of
60 islands and cays. Some have been discovered
and others are just waiting to be. Not only do
they possess such natural beauty and character
not seen elsewhere in the world, but also allow
you to be a part of a captivating marriage of
the Caribbean Sea and the northern Atlantic Ocean.
Nude and topless sunbathing is illegal in the
British Virgin Islands. Please respect the sensibilities
of the Islanders and their laws when visiting
the BVI. In addition, please cover up when visiting
Road Town or any place of business. Beach attire,
bare midriffs, men without shirts or shoeless
tourists are frowned upon anywhere outside of
a beach environment.
Sightseeing
Enjoy the charm of a Caribbean island noted for
its easy going elegance with friendly and welcoming
people. The British Virgin Islands have
amazing sites and scenery, beautiful views, breathtaking
hillside vistas, pristine waters and white sandy
beaches.
The best way to see and learn about the many sites
and scenery of these enchanted islands is to take
an island tour with the friendly and knowledgeable
taxi drivers. They are very proud ambassadors
of their islands and take real pride in showing
you around on an island expedition and sharing
their "hidden secrets".
You may prefer to take a tour of the island chain
by plane or helicopter. Experienced pilots will
take you above to capture a bird's eye view of
the islands' awesome colors and panorama.
You can explore the islands by yachts or power
boats and discover the hidden beauty beneath the
ocean. Dive the colorful reefs or explore ancient
shipwrecks.
Or, you might stroll lazily through our towns
and villages. Stop and have a drink at the local
pubs and beach bars. Meet and chat with welcoming
locals and other interesting guests for a casual
conversation. You never know who you might meet!
Dining
Sampling some of the local dishes is a fantastic
way to experience the culture, savour some "home
food" and get a chance to mingle with the
locals. From West Indian to Cordon Bleu cuisine,
The British Virgin Islands have a restaurant to
satisfy every palate, mood and budget. Some restaurants
are on the beach, others can be found along the
islands' dramatic ridges offering breathtaking
views of the sea. Some are located in historic
sugar mills, surfside shacks and fragrant tropical
gardens. With hundreds of restaurants throughout
the islands, whatever your mood, the variety is
endless and the dining is delicious! .
Water Sports
Scuba Diving
The dive sites are concentrated around Gorda and
the Sir Francis Drake Channel islands.
The dives off Sir Francis Drake Channel islands
boosts sinkholes and ledges as well as a wide
variety of caves and canyons. Another feature
of the area is some of the finest sponge encrusted
walls in the region. On the walls you will find
sides with tunnels, majestic arches and caves.
The site known as Painted Walls is the most obvious
example, but there are many other equally colorful
scenes.
Of the Sir Francis Drake Channel dives, the R.M.S.
Rhone is a very popular and reputable wreck dive.
Though there are no such old wrecks with a dramatic
story like the R.M.S. Rhone - there are several
other interesting wrecks in the area. Of these
wrecks nearly all are within the ability level
of most divers giving novice wreck divers a thrilling
experience.
Canoeing & Kayaking: The powdery sand beaches
along The BVI coastline and exposed waters near
inlets and barrier islands are remarkably scenic,
quiet and full of wildlife. The many lagoons throughout
the islands are an excellent path to paddle your
canoe and kayak.
Surfing
One
of the best water sports when it comes to making
a splash in the turquoise waters. The craze of
this water sport is quickly becoming a favorite
along BVI beaches.
Sailing
The most popular activity in the BVI. This
area is a major charter boat center and boasts
the largest concentration of bareboats in the
world. Whether you charter a yacht for a week
or two, or take a crewed day sail, a day on the
water is an invigorating experience. Cast your
cares to the wind and live the luxurious pace
of life on the sea.
Power Boats
If you want to explore The islands most remote
areas and secluded beaches, try a Power Boat.
There are companies in Tortola and Virgin Gorda
who will rent an unmanned boat for a day - all
you need is some power boat experience and the
curiosity to explore the islands. Or, if you prefer,
a power boat day sail, complete with crew will
guide you from island to island.
Parasailing
The scenery is superb when suspended under
a colorful parasail. See the beauty of the entire
island from 600 feet above sea level.
Fishing
Want to catch a Marlin or other game fish?
Licensed operators will charter boats from many
ports with crew, state-of-the-art equipment, bait
and a captain who will guide you to our best fishing
grounds. For those who enjoy the art of casting,
they will be happy to take you to remote and isolated
flats for the best The BVI has to offer.
Swim with Dolphins
For a different nature experience, you can
swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, located
at Prospect Reef in Tortola. Visitors can get
close to these amazing, intelligent creatures,
enjoying various activities with the Dolphins
as well as watching them perform various fun and
exciting behaviors.
Windsurfing
The year-round trade winds allow for great
windsurfing and kite boarding experiences. The
islands are also home to the annual Highland Spring
HIHO Windsurfing and Sailing Adventure. Competing
windsurfers will cover over 150 miles as they
race between 7 and 9 times from one island to
another.
Spectator Sports
Cricket
The international cricket matches have been
known to bring the entire stadium to a standstill.
Basketball
Summer Xplosion brings in fans every Wednesday,
Saturday and Sunday and the Playoff Grand Finale
is an action-packed series with a loyal following.
An exhibition game highlights the series where
a US Team competes against our local division
champions, demonstrating basketball tactics and
skills.
Softball
From the crack of the bat to the loud cheers,
one would know Softball is in full swing. A well
appreciated sport in The BVI, both women and men
teams are paramount to the leagues. Head to the
stadium in mid-February to July when the season
kicks off - ending with the exciting Championship
play offs.
Cycling
The very popular activity of Cycling is a
new introduction to the country's sporting scene.
The BVI has its own cycling team that competes
regionally and internationally. The team also
hosts races in the regional Caribbean Cup mountain
biking series held each year, bringing dozens
of riders and spectators to the Islands.
Horse Racing
The most popular spectator sport is held in
Tortola at The Little A Race Track and are full
afternoon events, with races, music, and a carnival-like
atmosphere. The horses are thoroughbreds and the
competition is keen. Two of the Virgin Islands
most famous, and certainly richest, horse races
are held here - The Chief Minister's Cup raced
during the August Festival and the Governor's
Cup raced in December with the BVI Tourist Board
as prime sponsor.
Track & Field
A much-loved sport, The BVI has produced a
host of star athletics and has earned international
merits since the 1970's. Sprinters, Keita Cline,
Deon Crabbe, Mario Todman, Derwin Scatliffe, Dean
Greenaway; High Jumpers, Raymond "Kat"
Solomon, Karl "Dub" Scatliffe, Mervin
"Lucky" Charles have given a string
of impressive, award-winning performances.
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