Magazine > Bonus Coverage

Island Profile: British Virgin Islands
by Brian Courtney
Average Rating
Image by Geri Murphy
These 60 islands harbored many pirates during their heyday Sailing and history are the hallmarks of the BVI, which are strewn along Sir Francis Drake Channel and include Dead Chest Island. These 60 islands harbored many pirates during their heyday and Norman Island was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's literary classic Treasure Island. With the exception of Anegada, the BVI are steep and rugged volcanic islands. While they are similar geographically to neighboring St. Thomas and St. John of the USVI, the BVI are far less developed. There is no fast food and most of the resorts are tiny by comparison.Tortola, the largest island, provides lots of access to diving on its shores and to neighboring islands on both sides of Drake Channel. No description of the BVI is complete without mentioning The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where massive granite boulders are strewn about like confetti. The aquamarine sea pools among the boulders create intimate niches. Visit these monoliths during off times, like right before sunrise, so you can appreciate them in privacy, and bring snorkeling equipment.Flights from the U.S. to Tortola connect through Puerto Rico. An alternative is to fly into St. Thomas, which has direct flights and is usually cheaper, then take the ferry across. It takes longer, but the crossing is scenic and fun. The BVI use U.S. dollars, and  driving is on the opposite side of the road. For information on traveling to the BVI, accomodations, diving and special dive packages, click on the home page below. For information about diving the BVI by live-aboard, click on the home page below. For general information about the BVI and diving services, click on the home page below.
RELATED ARTICLES

FOR MORE INFO
USER COMMENTS View all
 

POST A COMMENT
Already a member? Log in here
Username: 
Password: 
 
Bookmark this page.

What are these?
Advertisement

Subscribe to our eNEWSLETTER

Sign up to get news about travel deals, giveaways, new products and special offers.
Name  
Email
Advertisement
Become a PADI Diving Society member. Get Sport Diver magazine and a sports bag for FREE!
Join the PADI Diving Society for only $29. Your membership dues include a one-year subscription to Sport Diver and a free sports bag plus: savings on dive equipment, hotel and car rental discounts, access to members-only events and much more!
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Email Address:
 


In the Spotlight