The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago of more than 60 islands and cays, each unique in character, many of them unspoiled and untouched. With Pristine beaches garlanded with coral reefs, sheltered bays and coves, spectacular arrays of boulders, crystal pools, lush green valleys and rolling hills, sweeping down to sandy beaches.

The two islands with the most name recognition are Tortola, known for its gorgeous mountain scenery and boating, and Virgin Gorda, known for the Rockefellers's exclusive Little Dix Bay resort and for the "Baths" (huge granite boulders, caverns, grottoes, and pools).

Of course, other peers are noteworthy, too. There’s Jost Van Dyke which is known world wide for FOXY'S BAR ON THE BEACH and their New Year Parties. Then there is Norman Island: said to be the model for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. And there's a wealth of smaller islands, completely unspoiled, with names like Scrub Island, Prickly Pear Island, Mosquito Island, Great Dog and Dead Man's Chest.

Tortola: This island is a haven for lovers of quiet, uncrowned beaches and, in the winter months, Long Bay, Smugglers Cove, and Cane Garden Bay are the best bets, though it's hard to go wrong here.

Virgin Gorda: is undoubtedly one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean and is a magnet for sailors and Tourists alike. The rocky interior landscape has a lunar feel, and the gain in altitude at Gorda Peak delivers several fine vantage points.

The Baths, located on a beach on the southern tip of the Virgin Gorda, is a site now routinely visited by tourists. Instead of taking the path that leads to the Baths, you can also follow the path on the left. It leads to Devil's Bay, a truly marvelous beach, similarly endowed with Virgin Gorda's trademark 'boulders', yet different in its own right.

Because the islands are a British territory, you'll discover a delightful blend of Caribbean and European cultures. fiere there are no high-rises or casinos, just friendly people, small boutiques and dancing in the sand is as natural as the stars above.

The British Virgin Islands are also a favorite among the yachting crowd. The crystal-clear waters of the British Virgin Islands provide protected cruising and exhilarating sailing, where you're always in sight of land, and sheltered anchorages are around every bend. Our islands offer fine cruising throughout the entire year, because when it comes to weather, there is no off-season; our 85 to75 degree climate invites you all year-round.

Sailing, boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, beach combing and sun bathing come as naturally as breathing. The constant trade winds, hundreds of coves, bays, breathtaking beaches and anchorages lend themselves to sailing, water sports and Caribbean yacht charters.

At the risk of trotting out a hackneyed phrase, the British Virgin Islands are truly an "island paradise". If you close your eyes and imagine a Caribbean sailing vacation ... odds are you are envisioning the BVI beaches!

Where are the British Virgin Islands?

This beautiful Caribbean nation is located east of the USVI and about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico.

Map of the Caribbean

There are daily ferries between the Islands as well; running between West End and Jost Van Dyke, and between Road Town and Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda. Ferries also run daily between Tortola and ST. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The British Virgin Islands are easily reachable by all major airlines, routing either through San Juan, Puerto Rico, or St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Beef Island,

m3 ® 2005 WeBeSailing.com ▪ All Rights Reserve