.svg/100px-British_Virgin_Islands_on_the_globe_(Americas_centered).svg.png)
Introduction
The British Virgin Islands (in English, British Virgin Islands) it's a overseas territory of the United Kingdom located in the Lesser Antilles. It is made up of the four northern islands of the archipelago of the virgins and its nearby keys, while those of the south correspond to the US Virgin Islands. To the west is Puerto Rico and to the east, Eel. It is an important tourist destination, receiving several cruises that travel the Caribbean, in addition to a recognized tax haven.
Understand
Landscape
The British Virgin Islands are made up of more than 60 islands and keys. More than 43 of the islands are uninhabited. The islands are divided into two types: most are steep volcanic islands (including the main islands, Tortola and Virgin Gorda), and a small number of relatively flat coral islands (such as Anegada and Sandy Spit). In fact, Anegada is known as "the drowned island" because its elevation is very low. Many people miss him completely until they sail near him. The highest point is Sage Mountain on Tortola.
Weather
With a tropical climate tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, and little seasonal temperature variation, the climate in the British Virgin Islands is quite pleasant. In the low season, there are some hurricanes.
History
The islands were colonized by the Dutch in 1648 before being annexed in 1672 by the British.
Economy
The economy is one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean. The US dollar is the legal currency within the British Virgin Islands. The islands of the British Virgin Islands are highly dependent on tourism, generating approximately 45% of the national income, along with the offshore financial industry.
Regions
- Anegada
- Jost van dyke
- Southern islands
- Turtledove: The largest city on the islands and home to the capital city, Road Town.
- Virgin gorda
To get
Entry requirements
The British Virgin Islands maintain a separate border control from the United Kingdom. Citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, the EU, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, the United States of America and other countries do not require a visa to enter and visit the British Virgin Islands. Other citizens require a visa. However, as of September 1, 2016, foreign nationals who have been granted a visa to visit the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada can also visit the British Virgin Islands on the same visa.
Passport and visa regulations apply in ports, especially for vessels moving back and forth between the US and Great Britain territories. Ferry operators can only carry US citizens carrying passports, or else they face a $ 3,000 fine. There is a $ 10 entry fee and a $ 20 exit fee, per person, when entering and leaving the country, respectively (August 2019).
By plane
Most international flights from North America to the British Virgin Islands involve changing planes in San Juan, Puerto Rico (for flights from North America and Spain), Antigua (for the United Kingdom) or Saint Martin (for the Netherlands and France) from Beef Island Airport cannot accommodate large aircraft. Alternatively, the British Virgin Islands can be accessed from the United States via St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, where upon arrival in St. Thomas, travelers can transfer to the British Virgin Islands by ferry. .
- Through St. Thomas (STTIATA). For North American visitors, flying to St. Thomas and then connecting by ferry is by far the cheapest way to travel to the British Virgin Islands from North America. However, some incoming flights arrive too late to catch the ferry to Tortola, so it may be necessary to spend the night in Charlotte Amalie. See the section on traveling by boat below.
- Via San Juan (SJUIATA). The other common way to travel from North America is to fly through San Juan. Several small regional carriers ply the route between San Juan and Tortola, but the two main carriers are Cape air and Seaborne Airlines]. Other small regional airlines include LIAT, Air Sunshine, interCaribbean Airways waves BVI Airways that are not yet operational. When you leave the British Virgin Islands, Cape Air and Seaborne can check your luggage with connecting airlines and give you boarding passes for connecting flights, but the reverse is not always true: when you travel to the Virgin Islands depending on how the ticket is issued.You may need to re-register (so you can do it at the gate often up to a few minutes before take-off, and it doesn't take long, these are pretty small planes).
Warning: If you are trying to book tickets directly over the internet (rather than through a travel agent) and you want to fly through Puerto Rico, it is normally much cheaper to book a flight to San Juan and then book a separate flight from San Juan to Tortola on one of the regional carriers. Due to pricing arrangements, codeshare booking through American Airlines or Continental can result in absolutely exorbitant ticket prices. Typically, a flight that can go as high as $ 700-850 to fly from a major American city to San Juan will skyrocket to around $ 6,000 if you add a connection to Tortola. However, you can usually book the connecting flight separately directly with a local airline for US $ 200-300.
- through Antigua or San Martín. Air travel from Europe generally involves flying from the UK to Antigua (British Airways, Virgin Atlantic), or flying to Sint Martin from Amsterdam (KLM, TIU Airlines Netherlands) or Paris (Air France), and then (in each case) connect through LIAT. However, a number of airlines are also linked to North America (American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, United, JetBlue, Spirit)
- 1.Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS IATA) (on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by a bridge). This is the main airport of the islands Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Q7703252) on WikidataTerrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Wikipedia Edit
- 2.Virgin Gorda airport (VIJ IATA). Virgin Gorda Airport (Q7933920) in Wikidata Virgin Gorda Airport in English Wikipedia.
On cruise
Cruise in Tortola
The main cruise ship pier in the British Virgin Islands is located in Tortola via Road Harbor. The port has two large cruise ships, but some cruise ship passengers may find themselves transported to the dock by a smaller boat because their ship is too big for the dock or the dock already has two ships docked.
Tortola is an ideal hub from which cruise ship travelers can experience day trips to incredible attractions and excursion opportunities to one of the many nearby islands. From snorkeling trips to bathing shopping, or simply savoring the famous BVI pain reliever at Pusser's or another beach bar, it's easy to hop from island to island in the British Virgin Islands.
Boat
Ships move freely between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.Some cruise ships visit major ports, but small vessels are more common.
Ferries run between Tortola and St. Thomas. There are several different ferry companies that provide services between the two islands. These ferries are what connects the people of the British Virgin Islands with the people of the United States Virgin Islands. Ferries connect the city of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas with Road Town or the West End of Tortola.
Many visitors also spend their time in the British Virgin Islands by chartering boats and leaving each island as they please. This is a very popular method of vacationing, but it requires work as you have to store your own food on board and captain the ship. If you don't like this, you can also hire a local captain who takes care of all the navigation on your trip.
The ferry is one of the most popular ways to get to Tortola from the US This is due to the fact that Americans can get to Tortola via a single direct flight and then a short ferry ride. This will undoubtedly save the traveler several hundred dollars as a second flight would not be necessary.
You can take one of the ferries, almost at any time of the day. After 5 p.m., most services are closed at night. The trip takes about 50 minutes depending on the weather. The scenery is well worth the price of the trip.
Prices
- One-way prices range from $ 25-30 for adults, $ 19-25 for children
- Roundtrip travel ranges from $ 45–52 for adults, $ 30–42 for children
Schedules
It varies a lot between companies. Some of the companies even alternate their schedules between themselves and another company. For an up-to-date list, take a look at the ferry schedule from this page.
Tips
Many travelers find it easier to buy two one-way tickets from different companies rather than one round-trip ticket with the same company. Since ferries from different companies are constantly coming and going, you should be able to take a ferry at any time during the day. Often a company will be convenient on arrival, but not on departure. Just check the schedule to find out if this will be the case for you, if not, by all means buy the roundtrip ticket and save a few bucks.
Travel
Boat
A great way to see the islands is by boat. They can be rented or rented sailboats Y motor with a crew from any major port. Sailing and driving conditions depend on the time of year, and anchoring on the islands can be tricky, so make sure you know what you're doing or hire a crew. Most companies that charter in the British Virgin Islands will require you to demonstrate a certain level of experience, either with boating certification from an accredited organization or by providing an extensive boating resume.
If you are an experienced sailor, there is nothing better than the BVI. Line of sight sails with moderate trade winds, no currents to speak of, hardly any tides, and few underwater obstructions other than the shoreline itself make sailing around the islands very relaxing.
Road Town, in Tortola, is one of the main centers for yacht charter (self-employed yacht charter) in the Caribbean. It is the headquarters of Sunsail Sailing Vacations and Tortola Marine, located at Road Reef Marina; Conch Charters, BVI Boat Y The Moorings, which are four of the major yacht charter companies operating out of Road Town / Road Harbor. Ten minutes from Road Harbor is Nanny Cay Marina, where you can find Horizon Yacht Charters Y The Catamaran Company. You can also pick up a discounted yacht charter from one of the major operators or an online broker like LateSail; You will find the best price if you are willing to go less in advance. For a luxury crewed yacht charter, Epic Yacht Charters It will pair you perfectly with a crew and a yacht.
By car
Cars can be rented on the larger islands, such as Virgin Gorda and Tortola, but are obviously unnecessary on many smaller islands, where goat paths and trails are the main means of transportation. There is a scooter for rent at Jost Van Dyke. By law (to protect the taxi industry) it is not possible to rent cars at the airport, nor is it possible for car rental companies to pick people up at the airport.
Please note that the roads are very hilly, the level of the roads is low, the level of driving is very low, and there are no specific laws against driving under the influence. People driving in the BVI for the first time are advised to think as if everyone else on the road is trying to cause an accident and make it look like their fault, although that's not really true, it will give you the right mindset. have when to get behind the wheel.
In taxi
Taxis in the British Virgin Islands can be expensive. Don't bother trying to haggle - taxi prices are set by law. Taxi rides can be colorful - sometimes taxis are shared with other passengers or the driver can stop along the way to run an errand. Either way, it's a good opportunity to really get to know the island!
To buy
Money
| Exchange rates for US dollars As of October 21, 2019:
Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available at XE.com |
The British Virgin Islands use the American dollar, denoted by the symbol "$"(ISO currency code: USD). It is divided into 100 cents.
Shopping
Shopping options vary in the British Virgin Islands, from local to some high-end options, although not as flashy as the jewelers and tourist shops in nearby Saint Thomas or Saint Martin. With rare exceptions, international chain stores are prohibited by law in the British Virgin Islands to protect local character; However, there are some stores like Little Switzerland that are very popular with Caribbean visitors for their beautiful high-end products.
The main shopping area in Tortola is Wickham's Cay in Road Town. Main Street is a small, winding road that leads from the Governor's House, past the old post office, to the Botanical Gardens. The shops on this road are in small West Indian houses and are often painted in bright colors, especially in the Serendipity bookstore, perhaps the brightest of all, which has a good collection of Caribbean history and books from kitchen (and now has an internet cafe upstairs). Notable stores include Pussers, a popular shop, bar, and restaurant (and home to the infamous Painkiller drink!), Sunny Caribbee that sells spices and handmade items, and Latitude 18 that sells casual beach wear. Next to the historic post office is Amethyst, which sells imported items from Africa and India, jewelry from Samarkand, and across the street, Kaunda's, where you can find Caribbean music.
In addition, near the cruise ship dock there is a branch of the Columbian Emeralds jewelry store and, opposite it, the Craft Market which, despite its name, mainly sells T-shirts and jewelry, clothing and other products. Island crafts genuinely made in the BVI include crocheted items, straw hats, rum, and guava liqueur, and can be found at the craft market. Not to be missed are the small bakeries selling local delicacies like Johnny cakes, roti, clam chowder and coconut bread.
In the rest of the island there are several pharmacies, supermarkets, variety stores and jewelry stores. Shoprite in East End and OneMart in Purcell offer a good variety of food at better prices than Road Town, although Bobby's supermarket in Road Town, Cane Garden Bay and Nanny Cay has good prices and is open until midnight 364 days a year (closed good Friday) . You don't need to find a specialty liquor store if you just want a couple of bottles of wine, beer, or rum, as supermarket prices are great, rum starts at $ 3 a bottle. Alcohol is very cheap in the British Virgin Islands, as there are no special taxes or duties on alcoholic beverages. If you are buying quantity or looking for specialty rums, Tico is an excellent shop.
On Beef Island, near the airport, is the beautiful Trellis Bay, which offers a selection of cafes, tourist shops and a supermarket. Both the Loose Mongoose beach cafe and Last Resort restaurant are worth a try on its own miniature island.
Shopping at Anegada is limited to basic necessities plus two gift shops at the hotel and the campground. Similarly, in Jost van Dyke there are a few gift shops, but mostly beach bars and places to lounge all day in a hammock and enjoy paradise. Virgin Gorda has a supermarket at the marina and gift shops at the resorts.
Eat and drink
To eat
Inevitably, freshly caught seafood is the dish of choice for most people. Lobster and various fish are available in the many restaurants in the British Virgin Islands. Options on all the islands range from very high quality dining options to beachside cafes. Local dishes include rotis and curries inspired by the cuisine of Guyana and Trinidad, with Italian, French and Asian influences.
The BVI sponsored an event titled "Taste the BVI" during the Annapolis Sailboat Show in Maryland, USA in 2009, featuring notable BVI chefs including Ken Molyneaux, Imran Ashton, Henry Prince and Neil Cline.
In 2011, the BVI National Culinary Team won nine medals in the Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition, taking home five gold medals, including one in the Culinary Team of the Year category and one in the Chef of the Year category.
The national dish is considered fish and mushrooms.
To drink
The Ron, of course, it is the preferred drink on the islands. Many delicious rum-based concoctions can be found in bars on the main beaches and roads. Because the beaches in the British Virgin Islands are so unspoiled, many do not have refreshment stands, so it would be wise to bring at least water. However, many of the beaches have nearby restaurants and bars, so it's easy to stroll around for a drink when you're done relaxing on the sand. The "pain reliever", a drink made from rum, coconut and topped with OJ, is highly recommended, as is the Bushwacker. However, each bar has its own drink specials, so the BVI is worth trying. Watch out for the No-See-Um, a refreshing banana, coconut, and pineapple drink made with 151 proof rum, you'll catch it before you see it coming!
There is a lot night life around Road Town, although many popular tourist spots are advertised and some of the more local bars are worth a visit, so ask a local what's in each place. Live local music is a feature of many restaurants and bars. The sunsets are spectacular, so having a drink on the beach or in the mountains, watching the sunset, and listening to local music before dinner can make for a very enjoyable vacation from the usual entertainment at most of the club. the continentals. Banana Keets on Tortola offers a beautiful view of the sunset, as does Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. The Banana Keets deck also overlooks Sage Mountain. Expats tend to hang out in Road Town, in Dove, Lebanon, or Village Cay. These places are full on Fridays. Don't miss the Full Moon Party at Bomba's Beach Shack, which is full of revelers and good times. This bar is famous for its walls where panties and bras hang, old plates are hung on the walls, and drinks flow freely.
external links
Wikipedia has an article on British Virgin Islands.w: British Virgin Islands
Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about British Virgin Islands. Commons
