British Virgin Islands Yacht Charters

Fact File for British Virgin Islands

The BVI are a mountainous terrain of lush green slopes, impressive coral reefs and world-famous shipwrecks. All 50 islands are a true slice of heaven with many activities on offer, including whale and dolphin-spotting. Norman Island was supposedly the location of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.

COORDINATES: 18º30N, 64º30W

LANGUAGE: English

CAPITAL: Road Town, Tortola

WEATHER: Tropical climate moderated by trade winds. Temperatures vary little throughout the year, daily summer temperature reaches 32C (89F) and winter sees 29C (84F).

BEST TIME TO CHARTER: December-April

AIRPORTS: Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island.

TIME: UTC-4

CURRENCY: USD; major credit cards are accepted in some establishments and there are ATMs in Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Travelerscheques, particularly in USD, are accepted in most places but all are liable to a 10c stamp duty.

ELECTRICITY: 110V, 60Hz

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

1 Jan - New Year's Day
5 Mar - LavityStoutt's birthday
2nd Mon in Mar - Commonwealth Day
Mar/Apr - Good Friday, Easter Monday
May/Jun - Whit Monday
2nd Sat in Jun - Queen's birthday
1 Jul - Territory Day
1st Mon in Aug - Festival Mon/Tues/Wed
21 Oct - Saint Ursula's day
25 Dec - Christmas Day
26 Dec - Boxing Day

MAIN PORTS AND MARINAS: Bitter End Yacht Club,Scrub Island Resort Marina, Village Cay Marina, Diamond Cay Marina

RECOMMENDED BEACHES: Smugglers' Cove, Long Bay, Brewer's Bay, Marina Cay and many more

CULTURAL: Pace of life is very laidback. Shaking hands is a customary greeting and dress is mostly informal, except for formal requirements at some hotels. Beachwear should be limited to the beach or poolside. As the islands remain part of the British Commonwealth, the islanders reflect many British traditions and customs.