British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Tortola

The largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, Tortola, or 'land of turtle doves', is also the main commercial center of the group and is within a 45-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Characterised by large rolling hills and sandy beaches in addition to its charming and relaxed atmosphere, Tortola is also the sailing capital of the territory and the jumping off place to many of the region's secluded little pieces of heaven on earth.

Rising up in the center of the island is the highest point in the archipelago, Mount Sage, which reaches up 1,780 feet (524m) above the sea and affords wonderful views over Tortola's lush tropical vegetation, uncrowded beaches and lovely bays, and the surrounding islands. Ruins of 18th-century buildings are also visible, a scattered reminder of the plantation era when rum and sugar were the source of the island's economy. On the south shore is the scenic capital city, Road Town, situated around a deep yacht-filled harbor that is lined with cheerfully painted restaurants, hotels and quaint island-style shops. International as well as local cuisine features on the menus of this varied community with specialties like fresh lobster, coconut curries or turtle dishes to tempt the palate.

The way of life on Tortola is resolutely Caribbean despite the infusion of so many people from different countries around the world; the people are known for their warmth and hospitality and new comers to the island soon find themselves slipping into a slower pace of life and easing into 'island time'.

Climate

Tortola has a sub-tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The high humidity and warm weather are eased by trade winds. Summer temperatures average from 79-88°F (26-31°C) and in winter it's between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Rainfall is erratic and there are occasional droughts.

Virgin Gorda

Its coastline fractured with hundreds of bays and inlets, Virgin Gorda, third largest of the British Virgin Islands, is a haven for yachtsmen and vacationers, providing private, safe anchorages and secluded pristine beaches.

Christopher Columbus was responsible for the name of the isle, which means 'Fat Virgin', because its shape reminded him of a reclining woman with a distended stomach. The heavy belly is the island's central high point, known as Gorda Peak, from which lush indigenous vegetation crisscrossed with numerous trails spreads down to the coast and the azure sea.

Virgin Gorda, just less than nine square miles (23 sq km) in area, is still a virgin paradise in many respects, as land development is strictly controlled. The island's resorts are luxurious and discreet, staffed almost entirely by local residents, and blending gently into the idyllic surroundings.

The friendly locals are justifiably proud of their piece of paradise which, it is hoped, will long retain its reputation of being the peaceful, relaxing 'Caribbean as it used to be'.

Climate

The climate in Virgin Gorda is humid and hot, tempered by trade winds, with an average annual temperature of 83° F (29°C) and little variation in the seasons. Most rain falls between June and December, and hurricanes are possible during the wet season.

Tortola

The largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, Tortola, or 'land of turtle doves', is also the main commercial center of the group and is within a 45-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Characterised by large rolling hills and sandy beaches in addition to its charming and relaxed atmosphere, Tortola is also the sailing capital of the territory and the jumping off place to many of the region's secluded little pieces of heaven on earth.

Rising up in the center of the island is the highest point in the archipelago, Mount Sage, which reaches up 1,780 feet (524m) above the sea and affords wonderful views over Tortola's lush tropical vegetation, uncrowded beaches and lovely bays, and the surrounding islands. Ruins of 18th-century buildings are also visible, a scattered reminder of the plantation era when rum and sugar were the source of the island's economy. On the south shore is the scenic capital city, Road Town, situated around a deep yacht-filled harbor that is lined with cheerfully painted restaurants, hotels and quaint island-style shops. International as well as local cuisine features on the menus of this varied community with specialties like fresh lobster, coconut curries or turtle dishes to tempt the palate.

The way of life on Tortola is resolutely Caribbean despite the infusion of so many people from different countries around the world; the people are known for their warmth and hospitality and new comers to the island soon find themselves slipping into a slower pace of life and easing into 'island time'.

Climate

Tortola has a sub-tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The high humidity and warm weather are eased by trade winds. Summer temperatures average from 79-88°F (26-31°C) and in winter it's between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Rainfall is erratic and there are occasional droughts.

Virgin Gorda

Its coastline fractured with hundreds of bays and inlets, Virgin Gorda, third largest of the British Virgin Islands, is a haven for yachtsmen and vacationers, providing private, safe anchorages and secluded pristine beaches.

Christopher Columbus was responsible for the name of the isle, which means 'Fat Virgin', because its shape reminded him of a reclining woman with a distended stomach. The heavy belly is the island's central high point, known as Gorda Peak, from which lush indigenous vegetation crisscrossed with numerous trails spreads down to the coast and the azure sea.

Virgin Gorda, just less than nine square miles (23 sq km) in area, is still a virgin paradise in many respects, as land development is strictly controlled. The island's resorts are luxurious and discreet, staffed almost entirely by local residents, and blending gently into the idyllic surroundings.

The friendly locals are justifiably proud of their piece of paradise which, it is hoped, will long retain its reputation of being the peaceful, relaxing 'Caribbean as it used to be'.

Climate

The climate in Virgin Gorda is humid and hot, tempered by trade winds, with an average annual temperature of 83° F (29°C) and little variation in the seasons. Most rain falls between June and December, and hurricanes are possible during the wet season.

Tortola

The largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, Tortola, or 'land of turtle doves', is also the main commercial center of the group and is within a 45-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Characterised by large rolling hills and sandy beaches in addition to its charming and relaxed atmosphere, Tortola is also the sailing capital of the territory and the jumping off place to many of the region's secluded little pieces of heaven on earth.

Rising up in the center of the island is the highest point in the archipelago, Mount Sage, which reaches up 1,780 feet (524m) above the sea and affords wonderful views over Tortola's lush tropical vegetation, uncrowded beaches and lovely bays, and the surrounding islands. Ruins of 18th-century buildings are also visible, a scattered reminder of the plantation era when rum and sugar were the source of the island's economy. On the south shore is the scenic capital city, Road Town, situated around a deep yacht-filled harbor that is lined with cheerfully painted restaurants, hotels and quaint island-style shops. International as well as local cuisine features on the menus of this varied community with specialties like fresh lobster, coconut curries or turtle dishes to tempt the palate.

The way of life on Tortola is resolutely Caribbean despite the infusion of so many people from different countries around the world; the people are known for their warmth and hospitality and new comers to the island soon find themselves slipping into a slower pace of life and easing into 'island time'.

Climate

Tortola has a sub-tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The high humidity and warm weather are eased by trade winds. Summer temperatures average from 79-88°F (26-31°C) and in winter it's between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Rainfall is erratic and there are occasional droughts.

Virgin Gorda

Its coastline fractured with hundreds of bays and inlets, Virgin Gorda, third largest of the British Virgin Islands, is a haven for yachtsmen and vacationers, providing private, safe anchorages and secluded pristine beaches.

Christopher Columbus was responsible for the name of the isle, which means 'Fat Virgin', because its shape reminded him of a reclining woman with a distended stomach. The heavy belly is the island's central high point, known as Gorda Peak, from which lush indigenous vegetation crisscrossed with numerous trails spreads down to the coast and the azure sea.

Virgin Gorda, just less than nine square miles (23 sq km) in area, is still a virgin paradise in many respects, as land development is strictly controlled. The island's resorts are luxurious and discreet, staffed almost entirely by local residents, and blending gently into the idyllic surroundings.

The friendly locals are justifiably proud of their piece of paradise which, it is hoped, will long retain its reputation of being the peaceful, relaxing 'Caribbean as it used to be'.

Climate

The climate in Virgin Gorda is humid and hot, tempered by trade winds, with an average annual temperature of 83° F (29°C) and little variation in the seasons. Most rain falls between June and December, and hurricanes are possible during the wet season.

Tortola

The largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago, Tortola, or 'land of turtle doves', is also the main commercial center of the group and is within a 45-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Characterised by large rolling hills and sandy beaches in addition to its charming and relaxed atmosphere, Tortola is also the sailing capital of the territory and the jumping off place to many of the region's secluded little pieces of heaven on earth.

Rising up in the center of the island is the highest point in the archipelago, Mount Sage, which reaches up 1,780 feet (524m) above the sea and affords wonderful views over Tortola's lush tropical vegetation, uncrowded beaches and lovely bays, and the surrounding islands. Ruins of 18th-century buildings are also visible, a scattered reminder of the plantation era when rum and sugar were the source of the island's economy. On the south shore is the scenic capital city, Road Town, situated around a deep yacht-filled harbor that is lined with cheerfully painted restaurants, hotels and quaint island-style shops. International as well as local cuisine features on the menus of this varied community with specialties like fresh lobster, coconut curries or turtle dishes to tempt the palate.

The way of life on Tortola is resolutely Caribbean despite the infusion of so many people from different countries around the world; the people are known for their warmth and hospitality and new comers to the island soon find themselves slipping into a slower pace of life and easing into 'island time'.

Climate

Tortola has a sub-tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The high humidity and warm weather are eased by trade winds. Summer temperatures average from 79-88°F (26-31°C) and in winter it's between 72-82°F (22-28°C). Rainfall is erratic and there are occasional droughts.

Virgin Gorda

Its coastline fractured with hundreds of bays and inlets, Virgin Gorda, third largest of the British Virgin Islands, is a haven for yachtsmen and vacationers, providing private, safe anchorages and secluded pristine beaches.

Christopher Columbus was responsible for the name of the isle, which means 'Fat Virgin', because its shape reminded him of a reclining woman with a distended stomach. The heavy belly is the island's central high point, known as Gorda Peak, from which lush indigenous vegetation crisscrossed with numerous trails spreads down to the coast and the azure sea.

Virgin Gorda, just less than nine square miles (23 sq km) in area, is still a virgin paradise in many respects, as land development is strictly controlled. The island's resorts are luxurious and discreet, staffed almost entirely by local residents, and blending gently into the idyllic surroundings.

The friendly locals are justifiably proud of their piece of paradise which, it is hoped, will long retain its reputation of being the peaceful, relaxing 'Caribbean as it used to be'.

Climate

The climate in Virgin Gorda is humid and hot, tempered by trade winds, with an average annual temperature of 83° F (29°C) and little variation in the seasons. Most rain falls between June and December, and hurricanes are possible during the wet season.