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British
Virgin
Islands

Road
Map

Updated on 28-Jan-2010

About the Island
How to get Here
Getting About
History
Accommodation
Real Estate & Villa Rentals
Sightseeing
Shopping Services & Spas
Dining & Entertainment
Watersports Activities & Sailing
Yacht Services Marinas & Sailing
Beaches
Useful Information
Events
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About the Island

Introduction To British Virgin Islands



First settled by the Dutch in 1648 and later annexed by the British in 1672, the British Virgin Islands are a total of 33 islands, with 5 major ones: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island and Anegada (15 miles or 24 km to the north of Virgin Gorda).




Location Leeward Islands in the North Eastern Caribbean
Co-ordinates 18º 26' N, 64º 40' W
Size 95 Square miles, (153 sq. km)
Capital Road Town (Tortola)
Language English
Population 24,041 (2008 est.)

20 of the 33 islands are uninhabited. The coral islands are flat, whilst the volcanic islands are steep and hilly. The highest point is Mount Sage, Tortola, at 521m (1684ft). Its people are of mixed origins, though primarily of African descent. Rainfall levels are moderate (1150mm p.a. or 45 in), and the vegetation ranges from lush tropical vegetation in the hills to more sparse scrubland on the  flatter, more exposed islands.
 


  

The British Virgin Islands Roadmap & Guide

Our Skyview Guides provide the island visitor with a detailed, pocket sized holiday/vacation guide and road map. On your arrival to the Island, through your hire car company or accommodation provider please ask for your complimentary copy. The guides can also be bought online through our store. Use our map tools in the menu directly above to actually explore the Island in much more detail; start with our Map Viewer.

Getting About

When in the British Virgin Islands, one normally gets around in a hire car or taxi; see our Transport options in our Getting About Page.

Accommodation

We have visited many resorts, hotels and small inns to provide you with a full resource to help you create an individual holiday. Please do not be afraid to contact proprietors directly or through the links to their own web pages. We are sure that through your own exploration you will find the perfect place to get away from the stress of day to day living.

Shopping & Services

The British Virgin Islands shopping includes chic beachwear shops, jewellers and gift shops located on the larger island (Tortola) in the towns and in some of the resorts.

Activities - What's There To Do?

The British Virgin Islands have earned a reputation as a great place for cruising and the yachting community and culture is everywhere to be seen in the numerous marinas - so, understandably, many of the activities revolve around the sea - like cruising, diving, whale & dolphin watching, but there are also plenty of activities for the landlubbers! - hiking and nature trails are to be found in Tortola and Virgin Gorda, opportunities for birdwatching are excellent, plus turtle-watching. There are places of interest associated with the islands' history and, of course there are some lovley beaches including the beautiful and unusual rock formation at The Baths.

Useful Information

All Caribbean islands have something unique about them that the traveller should be aware of before leaving home, our Useful Information page gives an insight into this information

How to get Here

There are many options to getting to and from the British Virgin Islands. Visit our How to get Here pages for the options and use our Travelocity© Partner link to book your flight!

Island History

We have compiled a short synopsis of the History of the British Virgin Islands on our History Page (well worth a read, by the way).

Sightseeing

There's lots to do in the Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands in particular has gained an unparalleled reputation for its' crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. It's got more to offer, so please visit our sightseeing page where we have compiled information on places of interest to help you explore opportunities before you get to the Island.

Dining & Entertainment

When you've had enough of the beach, or you have strecthed yourself to the limit with the multitude of activities in the British Virgin Islands, then what better than food and some nightlife? Check out our Dining & Entertainment Pages.

Calendar of Events

The British Virgin Islands has a lively calendar of events, full of all sorts of activities from the famous traditional boat races to music festivals, food festivals, parades and fashion shows.

Altogether, the British Virgin Islands is a real find for those wanting something a little out of the way but with enough to do to make for a really relaxing holiday.

Recommended Links & Further Reading

Visit our Recommended Links page for further country specific on-line information.  Also, we come across publications from time to time that may be of benefit for further reading, when available these publications are available through Amazon on the links below.

Hurricanes & Hangovers: and other tall tales and loose lies from the coconut telegraph (Published 2008)

This book gives a glimpse of life in the Virgin Islands as seen thru the rose-colored sunglasses of a transplant who loves the people and places in the islands. Locals, natives, visitors, transplants, tourists and expatriates from all over the world; all provide an eclectic diversity for a wonderful time in the paradise of the Virgin Islands!