About the BVI
"The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” ~Robert Wyland
The BVI is a British Over Seas Territory located in the Caribbean Sea. It is made up of a group of about 60 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The main island is Tortola where the capital, Road Town, is located. The other main, populated islands are Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. The infamous Willy T bar and restaurant is located on Norman Island also known as "Treasure Island" due to Robert Louis Stevenson basing his famous book on the island. The BVI is known as the sailing capital of the world because of the constant tradewinds that blow through the area in the winter time. Whether you like diving, snorkelling, relaxing on beaches, bar hopping, or dancing the night away, there is always something for you to experience in the BVI.
Tortola is the main island in the BVI and means Turtle Dove in Arawak. It is a great island to be your base for your vacation! There are many beautiful white sand beaches such as Smugglers Cove and Brewers Bay.
Norman Island is known for the infamous Willy T bar and restaurant. This is a great spot to get lunch, drinks and to take the plunge by jumping off of the top deck of the boat! Pirate’s bar and restaurant is also located here for an alternative lunch stop. A quick visit to The Caves for a snorkel will have you imagining pirates hiding their treasure in the rocks. Alternatively, you can snorkel The Indians which is a fantastic rock formation just off the island.
Cooper Island is home to Cooper Island Resort. This eco friendly resort not only has an amazing restaurant but also offers a fantastic rum bar, boutique, ice cream and coffee shop. Keep an eye out for turtles as they love to feed on the turtle grass on the sea floor.
Jost Van Dyke is not to be missed! Soggy Dollar Bar located in White Bay is known for its delicious painkiller cocktail and well stocked boutique. Foxy’s Tamarind Bar, which is located just around the corner in Great Harbour, is a fun stop for a drink to check out all the flags, license plates and stickers from other guests. Don't forget to bring your own to add to the collection! You might be lucky and catch a glimpse of Foxy who sometimes visits the bar to tell jokes and stories.
Virgin Gorda is home to The Baths National Park which is made up of gigantic boulders. It's so much fun to meander through. There are hidden pools and a beach on either end of the trail. The coast line of this island is beautiful. Keep a look out for any flamingoes that may have flown from Richard Bransons island.
Peter Island is home to the Peter Island Resort. This privately owned island is accessible to the public and has many beaches that visitors are able to enjoy as well as restaurants. Deadman's Bay is a beautiful beach!
Anegada is also called The Drowned Island. The turquoise blue waters, the fresh conch and lobster, and the miles and miles of white sand beaches makes this island worth a visit. It is a bit of a longer trip but it is one of the crew's favourite places in the BVI!
General BVI FAQ's
What currency does the BVI use?
The BVI uses the American dollar. This currency was chosen in 1959, replacing the British West Indies dollar, and has been used ever since. It was decided to use the American dollar due to the close proximity to the US Virgin Islands.
What is the current population?
The current population of the BVI is around 31,000 people.
What is the biggest island in the BVI?
Tortola is the biggest island with an approximate size of 21.5 square miles. Anegada is the next biggest island with a size of approximately 15 square miles.