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Population: 24,491 Dialing Code: +284 Languages: English (official) Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, other 2%, none 2% (1991) Internet TLD: .vg Located: Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Area: 153 sq km Literacy: 97.8% Comparative Size: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC Nationality Noun: British Virgin Islander(s) Nationality Adjective: British Virgin Islander currencyUSD |
Your exploration of the Caribbean should either begin or end with the British Virgin Islands (BVIs). This name is on the tongue tips of most seasoned tourists. The BVIs lie east of the US Virgin Islands, washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north, and its constituent - the Caribbean Sea in the south. It is an archipelago of 16 inhabited and more than 43 uninhabited islands. The country is a self-governing British overseas territory. The Dutch settled here first in 1648 before conceding it to the British in 1672. It has since remained under the Crown of England.
Beaches are the mainstay in most of the flat, coral islands. The ones that are steep and volcanic in nature feature rain forests. The inhabitants enjoy a warm tropical climate without much humidity or temperature variation. Apart from the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, there are others like Anegada that define a perfect getaway. One can rent a boat and go voyaging among the sprinkling of outlying islands. There is nothing to worry about since there are no current and barely any tides. Moderate trade winds and absence of underwater obstructions allow one to concentrate on enjoying the journey of discovery to its fullest. And this is true for beginners as well.
Scuba diving in the waters west of Salt Island, one will stumble upon the wrecks of 'The Rhone'. It is a former steamer that sunk 140 years ago. It can be explored underwater at three points where its chunks lie. If this awakens the mariner in a traveler, one can go windsurfing to Anegada. Else, head for Apple's Bay or Josaiah for surf oriented breaks. However, if one wishes to fish, a recreational permit for the act can be secured on weekdays.
Coming back to the land, one might engage in uncovering the past in the historic villages or the museum in Road Town. The Botanical gardens and the Sage Mountain are the places to get some shade.
Sea-food forms the typical attraction of the table. Meals are perked up with lobster and a variety of fish.