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Visitor Activities


British Virgin Islands BeachesBeaches
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 British Virgin Islands Travel SightseeingVirgin 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
British Virgin Islands SailingOne 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.


BVI At A Glance

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British Virgin Islands Flag


BVI at a Glance


Language: English

Government: British Overseas Territory since 1672. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by a Governor

Capital: Road Town, Tortola

Size: 153 sq km (59 sq miles)

Location: 153 sq km. Comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the island of Anegada

Climate: Subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Electricity: 110/60 volts AC, 60Hz. American 2-pin plugs are used

Currency: Currency: USD

Driving: A valid British Virgin Islands Driving License is required by all those seeking to drive in The British Virgin Islands. For a fee of $10.00, a temporary British Virgin Islands Driving License can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies with a valid Driver License from another country. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road in The British Virgin Islands. Minimum age for Car Rentals is 25.

 

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