BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of over 50 islands and Cays, located in the Leeward Islands, about 90 miles East of Puerto Rico and North East of the US Virgin Islands. The main island of Tortola is about 54 square miles, with Virgin Gorda about 8 square miles. Most of the islands are made up of rolling hills, although Anegada is completely flat rising to only a few feet above sea level.

The dive sites are concentrated around Gorda and the Sir Francis Drake Channel islands.

The dives off Sir Francis Drake Channel islands boosts sinkholes and ledges as well as a wide variety of caves and canyons. Another feature of the area is some of the finest sponge encrusted walls in the region. On the walls you will find sides with tunnels, majestic arches and caves. The site known as Painted Walls is the most obvious example, but there are many other equally colorful scenes.

Of the Sir Francis Drake Channel dives, the R.M.S. Rhone is a very popular and reputable wreck dive. Though there are no such old wrecks with a dramatic story like the R.M.S. Rhone - there are several other interesting wrecks in the area. Of these wrecks nearly all are within the ability level of most divers giving novice wreck divers a thrilling experience.

Climate Winter: 72-82F (22-27C) Summer: 80-90F (26-32C)
Water Temp Winter 75F - Summer 85F (summer) (23-29C) Visibility 60-100 ft (18-30m)

 

Dive Services & Accommodations

 

Travel To BVI

The British Virgin Islands are home to three airports. Beef Island Airport (EIS) is the gateway by air to our islands and is located on the eastern end of Tortola. Daily scheduled commercial flights, private jets and charter flights arrive from and depart for larger, neighbouring Caribbean islands. Virgin Gorda has a small airport, with a lighter inter-Caribbean schedule. Anegada has the third airport for flights in and out of other British Virgins Islands.

From Europe	Connecting Through Puerto Rico
British Airways Martinair Condor Iberia	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Cape Air American Eagle
From Europe	Connecting through Antigua
Virgin Atlantic British Airways BWIA Condor Air France	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters American Eagle
From Europe	Connecting Through St. Maarten
Air France KLM	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Winair American Eagle
From North America	Connecting Through Antigua
American Airlines Continental Airlines US Air Delta Airlines	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Caribbean Star
From North America	Connecting Through Puerto Rico
American Airlines Delta Airlines American Trans Air Northwest Airlines US Air	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Cape Air American Eagle
From North America	Connecting Through St. Maarten
American Airlines Continental Airlines US Air Northwest Airlines	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Winair American Eagle
From North America	Connecting Through St. Thomas
Air Canada American Airlines Continental Airlines	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Cape Air American Eagle Air Sunshine
From South America	Connectiong Through Puerto Rico
LACSA Copa Airlines	LIAT Fly BVI Island Helicopters Cape Air American Eagle

Ferry Services

Ferry Services among the islands are frequent, easy and comfortable. Below are boat and ferry services. Please contact them or ask your resort to provide times and details.

Caribbean Maritime Excursion (operating as Road Town Fast Ferry) (USVI - BVI)
284-494-2323

Operates from the Water Front & Red Hook, St. Thomas to Road Town, Tortola.

Inter-Island Boat Services (USVI - BVI)
284-495-4166

Operates from Red Hook, St. Thomas & Cruz Bay, St. John to West End, Tortola.

Marina Cay Ferry (Beef Island - Marina Cay)
284-494-2174

Complimentary ferry service from Trellis Bay, Beef Island to Marina Cay.

Native Son, Inc. (USVI - BVI)
284-495-4617

Operates from the Water Front & Red Hook, St. Thomas to West End & Road Town (via last ferry), Tortola.

New Horizon Ferry Services (Tortola - Jost Van Dyke)
284-495-9278

Operates from Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke to West End, Tortola.

North Sound Express (Tortola - Beef Island)
284-495-2138

Operates from Beef Island, Tortola to Spanish Town, Leverick Bay and Bitter End, Virgin Gorda.

Nubian Princess (USVI - BVI)
284- 495-4999

Operates from Red Hook, St. Thomas & Cruz Bay St. John to West End, Tortola.

Peter Island Ferry (Tortola - Peter Island)
284-495-2000

Operates from Baugher's Bay, Tortola to Peter Island Yacht Harbour.

Smith's Ferry Services Ltd. (operating as Tortola Fast Ferry) (USVI - BVI)
284-495-4495

Operates from the Water Front & Red Hook, St. Thomas to West End & Road Town, Tortola and The Valley, Virgin Gorda.

Speedy's (USVI - BVI)
284-495-5240

Operates from the Water Front & Red Hook, St. Thomas to West End & Road Town, Tortola and The Valley, Virgin Gorda.

Entry Requirements

Visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided that they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of adequate means of support and pre-arranged accommodations during their stay. Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension. Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and the West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal, and the Owen Harrigan Visitors Centre at Gun Creek and on Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.

U.S. citizens travelling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States

Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at: Tel: 284-494-3471 or 284-494-3701 Ext. 4700.