Things to Do
Sailing
With fair weather and constant winds, most islands are reached by line of sight navigation and contained within a 50 nautical mile radius. The BVI houses the largest bareboat fleet in the Caribbean, both crewed and bareboat charter are available.
Diving/Snorkelling
The secluded coves of the BVI provide outstanding underwater visibility and a wide variety of exotic dive sites. Countless reefs, towering coral pinnacles, underwater caves, canyons, massive boulders and grottoes are strewn across this vast submerged shelf, creating a choice of more than 100 dive sites that range from shallow for the novice snorkeler, to dramatic sea caverns and extraordinary shipwrecks for the experienced scuba diver.
Fishing
Breaking world records – including the record for Atlantic Blue Marlin weighing 1,300 lbs – the BVI offers the most diverse fishing in the Caribbean. From “secret” fishing holes tucked into shallow crevices, to renowned deep water spots, the BVI provides fishermen with fruitful waters to catch a variety of fish including wahoo, dolphin, tuna, king fish, marlin, tarpon and bonefish. Recreational fishing licenses are required for if only to drop a line in the water.
National Parks
There are 21 National Parks, which encompass a stunning array of land and marine areas including historic sites, tropical forests, bird sanctuaries and more! Whether accessed by boat, car, or hiking, the Virgin Islands National Park sites can be the highlight of any trip!
These are just a few samples: The Baths in Virgin Gorda; Devils Bay, Virgin Gorda; Sage Mountain on Tortola; Shark Bay, Tortola; West Dog, The Dogs; RMS Wreck of the Rhone and Dead Chest Marin Park.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Saying “I Do” in an intimate seaside wedding at one of our secluded beaches, or at a gala reception on land, or at sea is simple. It’s the perfect way to start your life together. A marriage license is easy to obtain and the certificate is valid internationally.
Major Events
The BVI hosts a number of major events throughout the year. Every event has a way of highlighting what makes the destination so extraordinary. Let’s take for example, the BVI Spring Regatta which is one of the most important Annual boat races, where more and more beautiful sailboats participate, including very well-known vessels that have participated in the America’s Cup.
Another example the Full Moon parties that take place monthly on the night of the full moon. This beachside celebration makes for an unforgettable experience that draws visitors from near and afar.
Travel on island
Be adventurous and explore! Car rentals can be booked via your travel agent or locally at the airport, hotels or car rental offices. Temporary driver’s licenses are easily available on presentation of your driving license from your country. You can also rent a bike or moped. Taxis are also widely available. Fares are listed and based on the number of persons travelling and their final destination. Use only authorized taxis; fares, the driver’s name and taxi license should be clearly displayed in the vehicle.
Inter-island travel
Interested in island hopping? Ferry services within the large islands are frequently and efficient. You can also take advantage of the many air charter companies that fly and tour the BVI. Navigate yourself and rent a boat; line of sight sailing makes it easy!
Accommodations
Whether “floating rooms” in the form of yachts or land-based abodes, the BVI offers a wide range of accommodations from modest inns and high-end villas to private island resort, all unpretentious and complementing the natural island beauty.
For more information please visit: www.bvitourism.com
Or call 1.800.835.8530
General Information
Location
Situated between the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, just east of Puerto Rico, the BVI is a family of islands lying in a distinct formation flanked around the Sir Frances Drake Channel.
Climate
80-90°F. Flip-flops and bathing suits at the beach or pool. Summer wear with a light jacket on winter nights.
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time. There is no Daylight Savings Time.
Currency
U.S. Dollar
Language
English
Electricity
110 Volts standard; 60HZ
Service charges and taxes
7% Hotel Accommodation tax + 15% of service charges payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels, apartments, cottages, villas and similar accommodations. A service charge of 10-15% is common on restaurant bills in some instances may be included in the bill.
Getting Here
Entry Requirements
A valid passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI. Some nationalities require a Visa obtainable from your nearest U.K. Consulate.
Access By Air
Connecting airports surround the BVI, making arrivals and departures an easy part of your travel journey. There is no non-stop service to the BVI. However visitors can fly to San Juan (SJU), St. Thomas (STT), Antigua (ANU) and St. Maarten (SXM) with connections to Beef Island (EIS) and Virgin Gorda (VIJ).
All flights must connect through the following:
Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) San Juan, Puerto Rico
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) St. Maarten
Cyril E. King International (STT), St. Thomas, USVI
Lester Bird International (ANU), Antigua
For more information please visit:
www.bvitourism.com/arriving-air
Access By Ferry
Visitors flying into the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands have the option of taking the ferry between St. Thomas and Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Ferry service can be accessed by taking a taxi to the ferry dock. Tickets may be purchased at the ferry dock prior to departure. Ferries run during daylight hours, from 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. Contact local ferry companies for the daily schedule.
Departure Tax
A $20.00 departure tax is required at the airport and a $15.00 departure tax at the Sea Ports.
Our Offices
United States of America, New York
BVI Tourist Board
1 West 34th Street
Suite 302
New York, NY 10001
Toll Free: (800) 835-8530
Tel: (212) 563-3117
Fax: (212) 563-2263
E-mail: info@bvitourism.com
Los Angeles
(213) 304-2993
Miami
(213) 300-7338
Caribbean, Tortola
BVI Tourist Board
DeCastro Street
2nd Floor, Akara Building
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel: 284-494-3134
Fax: 284-494-3866
E-mail: info@bvitourism.com
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
Tel: 284-495-5181
Fax: 284-495-6517
E-mail: info@bvitourism.com
Puerto Rico, San Juan
PR Links
89 de Diego Ave, Suite 105
Tel: 787-782-8800
Fax: 787-782-8801
E-Mail: tdardet@bvitourism.com
United Kingdom, London
ADPR
The Old Apple Store
New Cross Court
West Lambrook, Somerset
Tel. 01460 241641
E-Mail: hello@adpr.co.uk
Germany, Dusseldorf
Travel Marketing Romberg
Schwarzbachstr, 32
D-40822 Mettmann Bei Dusseldorf, Germany
Tel: 49-2104-28-66-71
Fax: 49-2104-91-26-73
E-mail: bvi@travelmarketing.de
Asia, Hong Kong
BVI House Asia
Suite 5106, 51/F.
Central Plaza, 18 Harbor Road
Tel: (852) 3468 8530
Fax: (852) 3107 0019
E-mail: info@bvihouseasia.com.hk
Italy, Milano
AIGO Communicazionne
Pizza Ciazzo 3
20124 Milano, Italy
Tel: 39-02-667-14374
Fax: 39-02-669-2648
E-Mail: staff@aigo.it
Latin America
JG Black Book
594 Boardway, Suite 1001
New York, NY
Tel: 212-967-5895
E-Mail: alexandra@jgblackbook.com
E-Mail: tania@jgblackbook.com