 |
dancing lessons from god |
Home
|
unusual travel arrangements for independent travellers
|
|
British Virgin IslandsBritish Virgin Islands<!-- begin quick bar --> <div style="float: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em"> <table cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #9866FF; background-color: #f3f3ff" width="330"> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Flag</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; padding: 2px">Image:vi-flag.png</td></tr> <tr><td colspan="2" style="text-align: center; border-bottom: 1px solid #C9AFFF; border-top: 1px solid #C9AFFF; background-color: #ddddff">Quick Facts</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Capital'''</td><td>Road Town</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Government'''</td><td>British overseas territory with internal self-government</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Currency'''</td><td>US dollar (USD)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Area'''</td><td>''total:'' 153 sq km <br>''water:'' 0 sq km <br>''land:'' 153 sq km</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Population'''</td><td>21,272 (July 2002 est.)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Language'''</td><td>English (official)</td></tr> <tr><td valign="top" style="padding-left: 2px">'''Religion'''</td><td>Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 10%, none 2%, other 2% (1991)</td></tr> </table> </div> <!-- end quick bar --> The '''British Virgin Islands''' are a self-governing United Kingdom|British overseas territory, situated in the Caribbean Islands|Caribbean just to the east of the Virgin Islands|US Virgin Islands. The BVIs, as they are called, are a popular travel destination for sailors, fishermen (and women), sun worshippers, and other independent travellers, albeit not for the cost conscious. Boating among the dozens of tiny, mostly uninhabited, islands is a great stop on any tour of the Caribbean Islands. Image:vi-map.png|frame|Map of British Virgin Islands ==Destinations== *Tortola-- The largest of the islands and home of the capital city, Road Town *Virgin Gorda *Jost Van Dyke ==Understand== ===Topology=== The British Virgin Islands are comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands, including the island of Anegada. The islands fall into two types, with relatively flat coral islands and steep volcanic islands. The highest point is Mount Sage at 521m. ===Climate=== The islands' climate is subtropical and humid, although temperatures are moderated by trade winds. ===History=== The islands were first settled by the Dutch in 1648 before being annexed in 1672 by the English. ===Economy=== The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is closely tied to the larger and more populous Virgin Islands|US Virgin Islands to the west and indeed the US dollar is the legal currency within the British Virgin Islands. The islands are highly dependent on tourism, generating an estimated 45% of the national income, together with the offshore financial industry. ==Get in== '''Passport''' and '''visa''' regulations are inforced at harbors, especially for boats moving back and forth between US and British territory. ===By plane=== Most international flights into the BVIs involve changing planes in San Juan, Puerto Rico since the Road Town airport is not set up for large planes. Other flights may arrive from Flordia or other Caribbean Islands. ===By boat=== Boats move freely between the BVI and the Virgin Islands|US Virgin Islands. A few ''cruise ships'' visit the major ports, but small vessels are more common. ==Get around== ===By Boat=== A great way to see the islands is by boat. '''Sailboats''' and '''motorboats''' can be rented or chartered with a crew from any major harbor. The conditions for sailing and motoring depend on the time of year and anchoring off islands can be trickey, so either be sure you know what you are doing or hire a crew. ===By Car=== Cars can be '''rented''' on the larger islands such as Virgin Gorda and Tortola, but are obviously unnecissary on many islands where '''goat paths'' and '''foot trails''' are the main mode of transportation. ==See== '''Nature''' is the main attraction in the islands. With '''coral reefs''', '''white sandy beaches''', and scenic seaside towns the main draw. Other attractions include '''historic''' towns, churches, and, if the sun is too much for you, a few museums scattered through the islands. ==Do== *'''Sail''' '''Moorings''', will rent you boats of all size power and sail. They have been doing it forever and have nice boats. *'''Scuba''' *'''Fishing''' ==Buy== ==Eat== ==Drink== '''Rum''', not surprisingly, is the drink of choice in the islands. Rum punch and other concoctions can be found at thatch-roofed bars on almost every strip of sand. Highly recommend a "Pain Killer". Probably the best rum based cocktail of all time. '''Nightlife''' is restricted to the larger towns, otherwise enjoy a beer, sunset, and maybe some local music. ==Sleep== If you're renting a boat, you already have your bed too, but for landlubbers, the larger islands offer resorts, budget bungalows and a few things in between. To get off the beaten path you really will need to be seaworthy. ==Get Out== Island hop to the Virgin Islands|US Virgin Islands and the rest of the Caribbean Islands ==External links== {{msg:stub}} fr:Îles Vierges britanniques First page | Prev | Next | Last page |
if you like cool drinks you may be interested in:
Hope you enjoyed reading about British Virgin Islands |
|
