Photo Gallery
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Virtual Tours
BVI Virtual Tours
View beautiful 360-degree images in our virtual tours of the British Virgin Islands' most popular beaches and attractions.
About BVI
Welcome
Welcome and introduction from the Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism for the the British Virgin Islands and from the Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association.
History of the BVI: A Proud Past
Learn how the British Virgin Islands have evolved from the arrival of immigrants, the proud Virgin Islanders, its survival from hurricane devastations, to the island's modern economy.
The Boating Tradition
The Virgin Islands are credited for their rich boatbuilding tradition, from which the Tortola Boat — unique among Caribbean sloops — evolved.
National Archives BVI: A Showcase of Virgin Island History
The BVI Old Pictures Exhibition sponsored by the Archives Unit and the Friends of the National Archives, which showcases the history and culture of the islands, opened in April 2007.
BVI Government
On August 22, 2007 His Excellency the Governor Mr. David Pearey appointed Honourable Ralph Telford O'Neal, OBE as the first Premier of the British Virgin Islands.
Conservation: Conserving Nature's Little Secrets
Concern for the environment is not unique to the BVI. As human populations continue to grow worldwide, stresses on plant and animal communities mount. Communities everywhere are beginning to take action to conserve dwindling natural resources. However, such issues are of particular importance here because space is limited and visitors expect to find a pristine island environment.
Useful Information and Passports
Save precious holiday time and money while getting around the islands with this essential local information; Required travel documents, public holidays, car rentals, ferry information, banking, area code and important phone numbers, airlines and other helpful resources.
Lodging
BVI Accommodations
Decide where to stay. View all BVI hotels, inns, villas and charter boats. Complete descriptions, photos and links for all accommodations in The British Virgin Islands. You may also select and view accommodations by island.
BVI Accommodations: Be Our Guest
Pick an island, any island — lodging options offer something for everyone. And no matter what you're looking for — swimming pools, beaches, water sports, land activities, fitness centre, spa services, spacious layouts, contemporary furnishings and architecture — you're sure to find a place that suits your needs.
Experience BVI Aboard a Yacht
The BVI is about the sea. More than 60 islands, cays and offshore rocks comprise this archipelago. Just a few are inhabited, and the rest can only be reached by boat. It's little wonder that yachting has become so popular in these islands.
Download the British Virgin Islands Tourism Directory
Download the British Virgin Islands Official Tourism Guide and you'll get 40 beautiful pages of useful information for visitors, including beaches, events, getting around, places to stay, maps, sailing, watersports, dining, and business services.
Arts & Culture
Where the Arts Shine
Talented BVI artists reflect the beauty surrounding them. The British Virgin Islands' history, culture and heritage are reflected in its art. Both contemporary and folk art flourish to the point that the area has become a real mecca for both local and expatriate artists.
A Literary Tradition
From Anegada to Jost Van Dyke, the British Virgin Islands are full of stories and secrets. Anegada has its tales of shipwrecks, stories of pirates and lost treasure on Norman Island and Dead Chest Cay, and Marina Cay inspired a book and a film. This rich history and folklore have imbued the islands with their special charm and inspired local writers to share their folklore and culture with the rest of the world.
Pirates of the Caribbean
The British Virgin Islands have long been associated with pirates and pirate lore. In the early 1700s, the BVI saw many scoundrels and opportunists pass through its waters. The channel that runs the length of the island chain is named for Sir Francis Drake, whose exploits, daring and courage in the 1500s almost certainly saved Britain from Spanish domination.
The Great Wall
The Great Wall of Tortola began as "The Ridge Wall Project," an idea conceived by cultural enthusiast Eileen Lucia Parsons. The idea was shared with local artist Reuben Vanterpool who developed a proposal for executing the project. Vanterpool's goals for the project were to pass down the cultural history to Virgin Islanders and tourists, to create an outdoor art gallery accessible to everyone and to beautify a bare concrete wall.
Sun, Sea & Inspiration
With such a colourful past — full of Arawaks, pirates and privateers — it's no surprise that art sizzles here. The BVI is anything but simple. Like honey to a bee, the islands attract a wide array of local and international artists.
Virgin Islands Treasured Stamps
Two major collections of BVI stamps and covers auctioned in New York and London, resulted in stunningly high realizations totalling in excess of US$650,000. Stamp expert Giorgio Migliavacca, editor of the BVI Specialised Stamp Catalogue 1787-2001, and author of 14 books on stamps and postal history, explains why collectors worldwide treasure Virgin Island stamps.
Foxy "Unplugged"
Foxy is an entertainer. Foxy is unscripted. Everyone who has "experienced" the Foxy charm has gone away wishing for more.
Transportation
Transportation Services
Get around by ferry, taxi, rental car or by boat. Get full details, descriptions, photos and contacts for all transportation services in The British Virgin Islands. You may also select and view transportation by island.
Business Services
Visiting on business? Find helpful business resources in this section. Select and view business services by island.
Business and Finance
The BVI offers high quality financial services, a sound regulatory framework and political stability. The people of the British Virgin Islands are proud to uphold their reputation as one of the world's pre-eminent corporate domiciles.
Booming Offshore Finance
Current and upcoming legislation and regulation, such as the much-anticipated Securities and Investments Business Act, strengthen the BVI's financial products and make it a destination of choice for the major players in the investment fund, trust and captive insurance markets.
Design Factors Affecting a Captive Structure
At the outset of discussions, any potential captive owner is faced with a host of decisions and far too often the easier choice is to renew "as is." However, experienced consultants and captive management personnel can guide the client through these choices.
Registering Your Vessel in the BVI
It's as easy to register your vessel in the BVI as it is to sail in its relaxed territorial waters among the many islands. The BVI also comprises a tax neutral port within the Red Ensign Group, and its Register of Ships is a Category 2 Branch of the General Register of British Ships.
Expansion in the Hedge Funds Industry
Since the onset of the bear market in the early 21st century, hedge fund growth has been nothing short of spectacular. The current interest in hedge funds has its roots in the broad range of investment strategies that such funds are able to follow in order to generate returns for their investors.
Imaginative Use of BVI Insolvency Procedures
The financial services industry in the BVI is rapidly developing and growing in sophistication as the raft of recently introduced legislation beds down. Companies and their professional global advisers are becoming increasingly acquainted with the interesting opportunities offered by world-class legislation.
Real Estate: Make Yourself at Home
Learn why it makes good business sense to invest in the BVI. There are various clear-cut advantages, especially in the real estate arena.
Events
What's Happening in the BVI
What's happening? Get the most complete event calendar, festivals and activities information for the British Virgin Islands.
Sailing Capital of the World
The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival just keeps getting bigger and better. One of the Caribbean's premier sailing events, the regatta, which is held in late March and early April, represents one of the best events for offering something to everyone.
Bomba's Full Moon Parties
Although full moon parties take place in different corners of the world, those that take place in the BVI are some of the most renowned, celebrating both lunar madness and traditional culture.
2008/2009 Calendar of Events
Can't wait to participate? The BVI calendar of events is chock full of fun festivals, and activities. Get dates and organizer and sponsor information for the upcoming 2008/2009 events taking place throughout the islands.
Dining & Nightlife
BVI Restaurant Listings
Ready to eat? Find the best restaurants and bars in the British Virgin Islands and discover nightlife and entertainment options. Includes complete descriptions and photos. Search by island, or view the complete list of dining options.
Mouthwatering Masterpieces
Fabulous fare and gaiety is a way of life in the BVI. With a wide variety of restaurants, bars, nightspots and eateries — each with its individual flair — there's always a reason to look forward to your next culinary or nighttime adventure.
Party Afer Dark
If you love the nightlife, you’ve come to the right place. The mix of cultures and influences has created a wealth of entertainment options that add sizzle to balmy Caribbean nights.
Dining Profiles
Did you know BVI is home to the New England Culinary Institute? Get a glimpse into the lives of the island's most celebrated chefs. Learn how they create their famous palate-pleasing, award-winning culinary favorites.
Moonlight Madness
As the sun sets, the full moon rises and the calm of a Caribbean evening sets in. Soon, aromas of delicious West Indian dishes waft in the evening breeze as visitors and locals stroll along the waterfront promenade that winds its way around the crescent of Trellis Bay. It's full-moon party time!
Tropical Fruits and Other Treats
You can find locally grown produce at your nearest farmer's market or street kiosk. But when dining out in BVI, make sure to try these exotic tropical fruits and other treats found in the Caribbean.
Shopping
BVI Shopping
Ready for some retail therapy? These shops can supply you with both necessities and luxuries during your visit to the BVI. You can also search for stores, galleries and essentials by island.
Island Shopping
From colourful island apparel and T-shirts to unique creations, handmade jewellery and crafts by local artists, there are special mementos waiting to be hunted and collected.
The Art of Making Rum
Discover the special blend of history and flavour in Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. Once a prolific sugar-producing area, the area now holds the last rum maker in the BVI: the Callwood Rum Distillery, producer of Arundel Rum.
Islands
Exploring Islands in Paradise
When you think British Virgin Islands you probably think unspoiled tropics, beaches, sailing, diving and paradise. But, there's a whole lot more to these magical isles steeped in history.
Life’s a Beach
One of the main reasons that people come to the British Virgin Islands is for its beautiful beaches. They range from merely stunning to truly spectacular.
Snorkelling in the BVI
Today in the British Virgin Islands, most visitors spend more time on the water than in it. And those out on boats have the luxury of an almost unlimited number of dive and snorkel sites to explore.
Tortola
Tortola is the principal island of the British Virgin Islands and the centre of commerce and government. Find out more about what to see, how to get around and beaches in this paradisiacal island.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda is the second most populated island in the Territory. The island boasts world-class resorts, a laid-back casual lifestyle and its own wonders, both natural and man-made.
Anegada
Anegada is the most distant island in the archipelago. Accessible by air, ferry or private boat, Anegada is well worth the effort to see.
Jost Van Dyke
Jost Van Dyke is one of the sparsely inhabited islands that belie a rich history.Visiting Jost Van Dyke is easy. The ferry from West End, Tortola, offers regularly scheduled trips to the government dock in Great Harbour.
Other Islands
Other islands also offer attractions worth visiting, but most are inaccessible except by private boat. Some, such as Guana Island, Cooper Island, Peter Island, Norman Island and Marina Cay are home to hotels and restaurants that provide transport for visitors.
Activities
Activities
Plan your vacation time with this visitors guide to BVI activities. Although the British Virgin Islands are the sailing capital of the world, there are plenty of things to do for landlubbers too. View this complete list, or search for BVI activities by island.
A Sporting Good Time: Get a Move On!
BVI offers a plethora of landsports for the active traveller. From mountain biking and hiking, to horseback riding, tennis and team sports, there's something for everyone.
A Sporting Good Time: Wet and Wild
The BVI is a watersports paradise. For surfing, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, sea kayaking, sailing, deep sea fishing, and scuba diving, find everything you need to know here.
Sportfishing with Speedy's
Serious about your vacation adventure? Are you traveling with people who are inclined to want comfort? Then Speedy's is for you.
Sublime Spas
Nothing says "Getaway" like a stopover at a BVI spa. Yes, visiting the British Virgin Islands is, overall, a day at the beach, yet this in no way means there aren't a hundred other ways in which to spoil yourself.
What Lies Beneath
While there is much pleasure to be had on the water — sailing, power boating, kayaking, windsurfing — it's when you put on a diver's facemask and peer through the veil of the sea's reflective surface that the fun really begins. Discover some of the best wreck and reef diving in the world, right here.
Sunken Treasure
Mention Caribbean shipwrecks to most people and visions of wealth beyond measure fill their minds: Spanish doubloons, gold bars piled high and strings of jewels overflowing wooden treasure chests. But for scuba divers exploring the many sunken wrecks that lie scattered around the BVI the treasure is not in the booty, but in the beauty.
Rollicking Spring Regatta
In 2006, the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival celebrated its 35th anniversary as one of the most exciting events in the region. In addition to the local and inter-island competitors who consider the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival the pinnacle event of the year, international teams also fly or sail in to demonstrate their skills in "The Sailing Capital of the World."
Discovering Dolphins
Located at Prospect Reef, Dolphin Discovery is one of the island's most loved attractions, where guests can choose from a variety of dolphin-interaction programs.
Weddings
BVI Wedding Services
Getting married in the British Virgin Islands? On the beach, in a tropical setting, on the water, or under the water...the options are endless. Use these properties as resources to help you plan your dream wedding.
Island Romance
The British Virgin Islands soar high in the ranking for destination weddings, offering a smorgasbord of romantic options. Whether it's just the two of you or a large gathering, this small cluster of tropical isles has what it takes to fulfill all your nuptial fantasies.
Special Offers
BVI Special Offers
Planning a trip to the British Virgin Islands? Check back here often as these money-saving offers change and are added regularly.
Maps
BVI Maps
Maps of the British Virgin Islands and popular BVI diving and snorkeling sites including three of the best SCUBA diving sites in the Caribbean: The RMS Rhone, The Chikuzen and The Indians.
About Us
Experience BVI Contributors
Meet our editors, writers and photographers who help us bring you this invaluable resource site on the British Virgin Islands.
About HCP/Aboard Publishing
HCP/Aboard Publishing, custom publishers specializing in the tourism industry. How can we help you?
Advertise With Us
Find out how your business can reach affluent overnight visitors in the British Virgin Islands. Advertise in Experience British Virgin Islands or in ExperienceBVI.com.
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Look for Experience The British Virgin Islands guest guide in your hotel room, villa or charter boat.
