The British Virgin Islands are a wonderful set of 60 islands in the Caribbean offering everything from diving to history. The BVI's are both family friendly and romantic, which makes it great for everyone. There are a variety of perfect conditions for the sportsman in you perhaps the best known of which is sailing but they are also popular for scuba diving.
So you're interested in a visit to the British Virgin Islands?
Located just to the east of Puerto Rico these islands are more than just a popular scubadiving location.
The largest island of Tortola has sandy white beaches, and historical sites like the Church of St. Philip that while in ruins is just as beautiful as the coral you'll find beneath the water's surface. This is handy because you can't dive all day long and you compliment your diving vacation with sights and experiences above the water.
Virgin Gorda might be small, but it's got The Baths. This natural volcanic grotto area is simply stunning. Watch this video now.
Over on Anegada is where you can try SCUBA diving with stingrays. Add in Kitesurfing and Windsurfing, and you've got yourself one hell of a good time.
Jost Van Dyke (image courtesy of wikipedia) is for the rugged adventure type--stay in a simple cottage after hopping a ferry from Tortola.
These are just some of the biggest and most popular of the British Virgin Islands. Some smaller ones are known as Fallen, Jerusalem and Deadman's Chest. Eustatia Island has its very own private estate and Sir Richard Branson owns Mosquito Island.
Whatever island you've chosen, you need a passport (not if you're Canadian). Check the ENTRY REQUIRMENTS HERE When flying into the British Virgin Islands, you'll have to arrive at the only international airport, the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport in Tortola. And if you're arriving by boat your point of entry can only be Tortola, Virgin Gorda, or Jost Van Dyke.
Staying in The BVI's
Unless you've got a yacht, you're gonna need a place to stay. Thankfully the British Virgin Islands have all sorts of accommodations to suit all kinds of budgets. I don't think you'd be disappointed if you chose a cottage or villa instead of a luxury resort/spa hotel.
Things to Do
Just think of all the excellent kayaking, snorkeling, diving, eating, drinking (try the Painkiller Cocktail), festivals, and steel band music. Heck, I'd sleep in a shack if I had all this to look forward to. Did I even get to the 28 National Parks, or the seafood BBQs? No? How about the Spring Regatta in April? No? Wow, must have left out the Halloween festivities too. Ok, technically that's still part of Hurricane Season- but we won't let that stop us (neither should you). High Season doesn't kick in until the middle of December (like all the Caribbean), lasting until mid-April.
If you follow my simple guide to the British Virgin Islands, you'll know where and when to stay what to do, and how to get there. Anything to make it easier to hurry up and dive in the azure water, I'd say. Wait...is that a Cricket game? Awesome!