TAKE A JOYRIDE IN PARADISE
Exploring sixty islands makes for one scenic trip with you in the driver’s seat. Crisscross the azure waters aboard a yacht, cruise the long, scenic roads by car and then bike down to shorelines filled with secluded beaches. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, discover the secrets of paradise in the BVI.
Taxi Services
Take a taxi ride with the BVI's many taxi operators who are as friendly as they are knowledgeable.
Rental Cars
Renting a car in Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada or Jost Van Dyke means, having the freedom to move around at your own pace. A valid BVI driver’s license and a fee of $10.00 US are required by all who seek to drive in The BVI. A temporary BVI driver’s license can be obtained from the Vehicle Licensing Department or any Car Rental Agency once a valid driver's license from another country is produced. Remember, you must be at least 25 years old to rent a car, and driving is on the left side of the road in The BVI. Contact your car rental agency to pre-arrange pick-up at your hotel, the airport, or ferry dock.
Bicycles & Scooters
Breeze around on a bike or scooter and explore some of the larger islands in the BVI. Check out the listings below for rental agencies.
Inter-Island Ferries
Ferry services among the larger islands of the BVI are frequent, speedy and efficient – the perfect way to go island hopping. For more information on ferry schedules click here.
Inter-Island Aviation
Take advantage of the many air charter companies that travel throughout the BVI and the Caribbean.
Apple Bay Beach is just over the hill from Long Bay. Here, on any day in season you can see at least a dozen surfers from all over the world. The bay is also known for its full moon parties at Bomba's Surfside Shack, as well as the Friday night fish fries hosted by local residents under the banyon trees. In the evenings, you can usually find music playing at one of the bay's two hotels and several local restaurants.
Brewer's Bay Beach
Brewer's Bay, once the site of several sugar plantations and distilleries (hence its name) is just around the eastern point by boat or over a steep hill by car from Cane Garden Bay. Ruins can be seen on the beach and along the road going out of the bay to town. In winter, the campground here is home to an interesting group of travellers who return year after year. The water offers some of the best snorkelling on the island because of its many reefs.
Cane Garden Bay
Centrally located on Tortola's north shore, Cane Garden Bay is a long, lovely, curved bay sheltered from heavy winds, making it a favoured anchorage for boaters. Attracting both tourists and residents, an abundance of activities can be found here: boating, windsurfing, water-skiing, and swimming. Some of Tortola's most popular bars and restaurants line the beach, and island music can be heard at many of these spots nightly.
Elizabeth Beach / Lambert Bay
Elizabeth Beach is without doubt, one of the widest on Tortola, providing sun worshipers plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the beautiful views of the British Virgin Islands. Also known as Lambert Bay, it is one of the north shore's finest beaches and is a favourite picnic spot for residents because of its sheltering palm grove and fine white sand. A resort is located behind the beach.
Josiah's Bay Beach
This beach on Tortola's East End has a long and wide swath of sand that makes it ideal for sunbathing. There is a small beach bar on the beach and several guest houses and restaurants nearby. At certain times in the winter when the waves reach their optimum peak, it is a favourite surfing spot.
Long Bay
Long Bay is a mile-long stretch of white sand beach, perfect for a tranquil sunset walk. A resort and several guest houses line the eastern portion of the beach. The western end, fringed with palms and sea grapes, offers greater solitude and good swimming.
Smuggler's Cove
Located at the western-most end of Tortola, Smugglers Cove is secluded, sheltered, serene, and hard to reach. The road to it is unpaved, but passable. The water is exceptionally warm, clear, and calm. Snorkelling off both points is good and sometimes sea turtles can be found swimming close by.
A National Park made up of a series of small sea pools lying beneath a canopy of giant granite boulders. These sheltered light-filled grottoes create a unique setting to swim and explore. Snorkelling along the outside perimeter of both The Baths and Devil's Bay reveals an area rich in colourful fish and coral.
Devil's Bay Beach
This National Park is accessible by boat or by walking through the trails of The Baths. The beach is pure white sand and sprinkled with large granite boulders. Its deep blue waters make for excellent diving and snorkelling.
Mahoe Bay Beach
This remote quiet beach with vivid blue water is located north of Savannah Bay. The bay lies at the end of a tropically landscaped drive leading to a restaurant, beach resorts, and villas. Its gentle sandy curves and two picturesque reefs afford wonderful water activities.
Savannah Bay Beach
Located to the north of Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour and with spectacular sunsets, Savannah Bay is a beautiful long curving stretch of sand perfect for relaxing on the beach and swimming.
Spring Bay Beach
Sprinkled with boulders, this stretch of white sand is one of Virgin Gorda's loveliest and features some of The BVI's clearest waters.
Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is one of a series of spectacular white sand beaches that line Virgin Gorda's western shore. Bordered by a private estate and a palm grove, Trunk Bay can be reached by boat or along a path from Spring Bay.
The island's arrival point with its white sandy horseshoe shape, offers a fabulous water sport facility with a host of friendly and casual beach bars and restaurants. Dinghy docks available.
Sandy Cay
Sandy Cay is a tiny island off the southeast coast of Jost Van Dyke that has a spectacular white sand beach perfect for sunbathing or snorkelling. A path leads to the cay's interior and just to its north is the smaller, but also beautiful, Sandy Spit (noted below).
Sandy Spit Beach
Totally remote but within reach by boat, this spectacular beach is definitely worth the trip! Enjoy marvellous snorkelling in a relaxed atmosphere.
White Bay Beach
With a long stretch of pure white sand, this palm-lined beach was voted one of the top ten beaches in the world by Caribbean Travel & Life. Protected by a great snorkelling reef, anchor close to shore and swim to the beach. Visit the award-winning beach bars.
Anegadians offer many stories as to how this beach got its name. Found on the north western end of Anegada, Cow Wreck Bay Beach is a pristine beach that features a small beach bar and restaurant, and a few villas.
Flash of Beauty Beach
With coral sand and crystal clear water, Flash of Beauty Beach features a unique trail of conch shells leading from the beach bar to the shoreline. In addition to beachcombing and sunbathing, excellent snorkelling is also found here.
Loblolly Bay Beach
Comprised of miles of secluded pristine beach, Loblolly Bay Beach is ranked as one of the world's best beaches. With a 360 degree lookout and a 50 foot walkout into the ocean, Loblolly Bay Beach features two beach bars and restaurants, as well as sun shelters and hammocks within the sea grapes.
Established in 1961, the BVI National Parks Trust is responsible to safeguard the territory's natural assets as well as the territory's first national park at Sage Mountain on Tortola. In all, there are 28 national parks, which encompass a stunning array of land and marine areas including historic sites, tropical forests, bird sanctuaries and one of the world's most famous shipwrecks, each a jewel in its own right.
Some of the sites are only accessible by boat; others are easily reached by car or taxi. Either way, visiting one or more of the many national parks can be the highlight of a trip to the British Virgin Islands.
For more information on the National Parks Trust, please click link.
Island: Virgin Gorda
Established in1990
The centrepiece of this dramatic area on Virgin Gorda's north shore is The Baths, a geological wonder comprised of awe-inspiring granite boulders, which form sheltered sea pools on the beach's edge. The protected area also includes Devil's Bay, which can be reached from The Baths by a series of ladders scaling the boulders. Just north of The Baths, Spring Bay is reached by a separate road and includes a lovely white sand beach.
Cam Bay National Park
Island: Great Camanoe
Established in1999
Cam Bay, on the eastern shore of Great Camanoe, is comprised of an extensive shallow reef and lagoon system. Its calm waters, colourful reef fish and pristine marine environment attract swimmers and snorkellers. Birdwatchers enjoy the salt pond, where a variety of migratory wading birds and shorebirds can be seen. Pottery shards discovered in Cam Bay also suggest the presence of a pre-Columbian settlement in the area.
The Copper Mine
Island: Virgin Gorda
Established in 2003
This national park located on Virgin Gorda's desolate southwest tip was mined by Cornish miners between 1838 and 1867, and perhaps even earlier by the Spanish. Today the remains of the chimney, boiler house, cisern and mine shafts can be seen.
Dead Chest National Park
Island: Dead Chest
Dead Chest Island, an uninhabited National Park, has three dive sites reached by dinghy from Deadman's Bay. Coral Gardens, a friendly site for novices and snorkellers in very calm weather (but watch for boat traffic), which gets its name from the many massive heads of brain, star, and sheet corals resembling an aquatic garden. Dead Chest West, a series of discoveries, including an archway, caves, bowls, and mazes. Dead Chest Island reputedly got its name when the notorious Blackbeard, after a mutiny, put 15 men ashore on this island with only a bottle of rum, hence the song: "15 men on a dead man's chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum."
Devil's Bay National Park
Island: Virgin Gorda
Established in1964
A 15-minute hike from the top of The Baths brings you to the picturesque Devil's Bay, at Virgin Gorda's southwestern tip. Its beaches are a tranquil location for swimming and snorkelling. Mooring buoys and a dinghy dock allow boaters to access the beach.
Diamond Cay
Island: Jost Van Dyke - Diamond Cay
Established in1991
Diamond Cay, declared a national park in 1991, is located off Long Bay, Jost Van Dyke. Like most other islands that have been declared National Parks, Diamond Cay is a bird sanctuary. The 1.25 acre nesting site is home to several species of bird, including tern, boobies, and pelicans. The island is part of a proposed protected area, which includes the privately owned islands of Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit, a portion of Little Jost Van Dyke, and the surrounding marine area. The endangered leatherback turtle nests on Sandy Cay. Two species of lizard live on Sandy Spit. The volcanic nature of the island is more pronounced on the windward side, with bare, rocky cliffs, while the leeward side is lined with sandy beaches. The area has several day anchorages close to vibrant reefs, for snorkelling, and a hiking trail on Sandy Cay. Boaters should be cautious and conscientious about anchoring in sand only to avoid damaging the reefs.
Fallen Jerusalem National Park
Island: Fallen Jerusalem
Established in1974
The island of Fallen Jerusalem is 30 acres and is comprised of beautiful coastal vegetation and strewn with enormous boulders, similar to those found at The Baths. The island was declared a national park in 1974 because of its importance as a sanctuary for several species of birds. The endangered red-billed tropic bird finds refuge on the island. In addition, Fallen Jerusalem is an important nesting site for seabirds such as the brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies and brown pelicans, along with sandwich, royal and bridled terns. Secluded beaches border delightful snorkelling areas; North Lee Bay beach being the best on the island. On the northwest shore, underwater tunnels and caves are a haven for nocturnal fish, while schools of glassy sweepers glisten like bits of shiny copper. Overnighting is not encouraged, as there is no safe, overnight anchorage.
Gorda Peak
Island: Virgin Gorda
Established in1974
Gorda Peak is a 265-acre national park starting at the 1,000 foot contour and continuing up to the island's highest point of 1,370 feet. The area, which contains a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants, has been extensively reforested with mahogany trees. An observation tower at the top offers spectacular views of some of the surrounding islands.
J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens
Island: Tortola - Road Town Area
Established in1979
J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens are a cool and peaceful refuge located in the centre of Road Town. The four-acre gardens include a lush array of indigenous and exotic tropical plants. A pergola walk, lily pond, waterfall, tropical bird houses, and miniature rain forests are just a few of the garden's attractions. The gardens are considered by many to be among the finest in the Caribbean.
Little Fort National Park
Island: Virgin Gorda
Established in1978
Little Fort National Park can be found just south of the Yacht Harbour. It was the site of a Spanish fortress and some masonry walls still exist on the hillside, including the ruins of a structure called the Powder House. The 36-acre area is also a wildlife sanctuary.
Little Tobago/Great Tobago National Park
Island: Great Tobago & Little Tobago
Established in1995 (Great Tobago) 1998 (Little Tobago)
At the northwestern corner of the BVI chain lie the Tobago Cays, two islands surrounded by rugged cliffs, and whose sea beds slope dramatically to depths of 165 feet. The cays are an excellent habitat for seabird nesting, as Great Tobago is the only nesting site in the BVI for the magnificent frigate birds. East of this island, experienced divers can explore the waters around Mercurious Rock, where open ocean meets land and shoals of fish congregate.
Mount Healthy
Island: Tortola
Established in1983
Mount Healthy on Tortola features the intact remains of a thickly walled stone windmill, once part of an 18th century sugar plantation. It is the only such windmill on Tortola. The park can be reached along the road which leads from Ridge Road down to Brewer's Bay, located on Tortola's north shore.
Prickly Pear National Park
Island: Prickly Pear
Established in1988
This 243-acre island was declared a National Park in 1988. Located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, the cacti covered hills of Prickly Pear slope down to several pristine beaches. In the low-lying areas, white and black mangroves grow along the island's four salt ponds, providing an important habitat for resident and migratory birds. Red mangroves on the southern shore are home to a variety of fish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. The northern and eastern shores boast two of the territory's best beaches. The north beach, in particular, offers great swimming and snorkelling. For hiking enthusiasts, the National Parks Trust and Visions International created a hiking trail which leads from the Sand Box Bar, over a gentle slope, down to the North Beach. While hiking, you can rest under the shady tamarind tree, at the top of the hill, and enjoy the cool, Caribbean breeze.
Rhone Marine Park
Island: Salt Island
Established in1980
The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI, and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and sea grass beds. The wreck is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship's anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.
Sage Mountain National Park
Island: Tortola
Established in1964
Sage Mountain National Park can be found along Tortola's mountainous ridge, and at 1,716 feet, is The BVI's highest point. Within its lush boundaries you will find mahoganies, hanging vines, enormous elephant ears, white cedars, and kapok trees, thick ferns and many other local flora.
Shark Bay at Brewer's Bay
Island: Tortola
Established in1999
This 18.4 acre nature preserve is located on a dramatic point above Brewer's Bay on the island's north shore. It has several interesting ecological features, which include very large boulders and forms a unique cave once inhabited by bats but is now a resting place for weary hikers. There is also a collection of orchids nestled between the boulders and several pelicans enjoy the bay as well.
Spring Bay
Island: Virgin Gorda
Established in1964
To the east of The Baths is Spring Bay. The giant boulders line the beach and there are excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities for novices and professionals alike. The well-manicured lawn leading to the beach is also a favourite for picnic and recreational games. The NPT has recently put in swings and added picnic benches to further enhance the park. Its small coves, which provide safe snorkeling are popular with charter boat guests, who moor their boats in the area. Massive boulders form coves that allow a steady but calm flow of water back and forth. Marine life is vibrant at Spring Bay since fishing is not permitted. A unique enclosure of boulders forms a natural pool called The Crawl. In the past, this was used by fishermen to hold turtles and fishes alive until they were ready to be used.
West Dog National Park
Island: West Dog
Established in1974
Nestled in a cluster of islands known as The Dogs west of Virgin Gorda, West Dog is a rugged, volcanic island rising steeply out of the sea. It provides an ideal habitat for nesting seabirds seeking protection, as well as a fascinating environment for divers and snorkelers. The surrounding waters are filled with fish, colourful coral reefs and submerged pinnacles.
If you would like to find out more about The British Virgin islands National Parks Trust please click: www.bvinationalparkstrust.org.
Learn the secrets of the past
Stories of slavery, pirates, fishing and agricultural era are some of the enchanted tales of the BVI. Your experience in the BVI will be enriched by visiting our National Parks, Copper Mine, Forts, Museums, Churches, Burial sites and old Plantation Estates. Across the seas from shore to shore, you'll climb the hill to Old Government House Museum, Mount Health, Fort Burt, and the Copper Mine just to name a few. Old memories of sugar fields from days gone by extend all around you at Josiah’s Bay Plantation. These are just a few of the historical sites to be seen in the BVI. With such a rich past and culture, you can easily see why the BVI has played such and important role in Caribbean history.
1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works
Island: Tortola - Road Town
Built by the McClevery slaves, this location was the site for sugar production in 1940 and cotton production in the 1900’s.
Britannic Hall
Island: Tortola – Main Street, Road Town
Built in 1910, this historic building was the site of physician’s surgery. This building now houses the offices of Smith’s Gore Real Estate.
Callwood Rum Distillery
Island: Tortola - Cane Garden Bay
This site features the original structure of a Sugar Cane distillery. Visitors to this rustic site can purchase samples of rum. The original boiler still operates and produces rum, which in then stored in original storage casks. The old guard house is also intact and has been turned into an art gallery and gift shop.
The Dungeon
Island: Tortola - West End
This site is located on private property and is not currently maintained. Located near Pockwood Pond, halfway between Road Town and West End, this fort was built in 1794 and housed a garrison of soldiers responsible for protecting the islands.
Fort Burt
Island: Tortola - Road Town
Rebuilt by the English in 1776 and named after William Burt, Governor of the Leeward Islands. Originally built approximately 20ft above sea level, this site offers breathtaking views of Road Harbour and the surrounding islands. This commanding site offered defence to Road Harbour and features foundations, magazine and cannon remains of this historic ruin. Presently the site of a hotel and restaurant, meals are served during breakfast and dinner.
Fort Recovery
Island: Tortola, Tower's, West End
Built in the 1640s as a military gun post, these ruins remain intact and are the oldest historical landmark in Tortola. Located on the coastal area, this site features a hotel, with modern amenities.
Her Majesty’s Prison
Island: Tortola - Main Street, Road Town
As the oldest building in Road Town, this prison experienced the execution of Auther W. Hodge on May 8th, 1811 for the murder of a slave.
Josiah's Bay Plantation
Island: Tortola -Josiah’s Bay, East End
Originally a sugar factory, the building was converted into a rum distillery in the early 20th century. The machinery was powered by steam and diesel engines, examples of which can be seen on the site today. A restaurant, art gallery and store are now housed in the historic building.
Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society
Island: Jost Van Dyke - Great Harbour
http://www.jvdps.org/ & http://www.sloopnews.org/
Tel: (284) 540-0861
susan@jvdps.org
Sloop Project:
In an effort to preserve an important piece of Jost Van Dyke’s maritime tradition, the JVD Preservation Society has embarked on an ambitious plan to build and sail a replica of a Tortola sloop. The sloop, christened Endeavor, is under construction in Great Harbour. The building project is an educational effort that involves local school children. They learn the history of the boats as they help to build the sailing craft from the keel up. Visitors can view the sloop building project behind Foxy’s bar and visit the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society’s office at Great Harbour to learn more about the island.
Main Street
Island: Tortola - Road Town
In addition to serving as Road Town's main shopping district, Main Street contains several historical landmarks including the Post Office built in the mid 1800s, St. George's Anglican Church, Britannic Hall and the Virgin Islands' Folk Museum.
Mount Healthy Windmill National Park
Island: Tortola – Mount Healthy
The 18th century windmill located at Mount Healthy, belonged to the area's wealthiest planner. Slaves harvested and processed raw cane into sugar at this extensive sugar cane cultivation. Other ruins on the property included the boiling house, and remnants of the animal mill round, distillery, hospital, storage shed, and housing, some of which can be seen on private property in the area.
The Noel Lloyd/ Positive Action Movement Park
Island: Tortola – Wickham's Cay I, Road Town
This park symbolizes the struggle and opposition of locals to the Bates Hill Agreement which would have prevented locals from accessing this area except for jobs as servants. Pioneer Noel Lloyd championed this cause and the FCO agreed to buy back leases of Wickham’s Cay in 1970. Today, a life size statute of Noel Lloyd and face plates of other members of PAM stands in memory of their efforts.
North Shore Shell Museum
Island: Tortola - Carrot Bay, West End
A cluttered museum in Carrot Bay, with thousands of shells on display, as well as boats and various crafts.
Old Government House
Island: Tortola - Road Town
The recently refurbished Old Government House, a national landmark, was once the governor's residence. It is now a public museum open Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM.
RMS Rhone
Island: Salt Island (Marine Park)
The Rhone was a 310’ Royal Mail Ship that was dashed against the rocks off Salt Island during an 1867 hurricane. Now a National Park, its remains have become a fascinating underwater habitat for marine life. To explore the mysteries properly, bring snorkelling or diving gear.
Road Town Methodist Church
Island: Tortola - Main Street, Road Town
The wall of the present chapel was rebuilt and dedicated in 1926 after the previous structure was destroyed by hurricane. Regular services are held there weekly.
Saba Rock Nautical Museum and Gift Shop
Island: Saba Rock (North Sound)
Owned by renowned diver Bert Kilbride, the museum showcases artefacts from the wreck of The Rhone, as well as other shipwrecks. Unique jewellery and other gifts are for sale.
www.sabarock.com/museum.html · sabarockfun@aol.com
Sir Oliva Georges Plaza
Island: Tortola - Road Town
This courtyard like area was the site of much commerce and trading in the early 1940-1960’s. Named are the first BVIslander to be knighted, Sir Oliva Georges, this area houses the Royal Virgin Islands Police Headquarters and other commercial buildings.
St. Phillips Anglican Church
Island: Tortola - Kingston
Constructed in 1840, St. Phillips is said to be the first church built for liberated Africans in all the Americas and it will undergo a complete restoration in the near future.
Sunday Morning Well
Island: Tortola - Road Town Area
This landmark symbolizes the area for the emancipation proclamation in 1834..
Thornton Plantation
Island: Tortola - Palestina Estate
This plantation was the birthplace of one of Tortola's most famous sons. Architect William Thornton prepared his first plans for the new United States Capitol building here. Ruins of the Thornton family's Pleasant Valley sugar factory still stand.
Vigilant
Island: Tortola
Vigilant, a traditionally styled 25-foot wooden boat, is one of just three original Tortola sloops remaining in the BVI. Since the 18th century, sloops such as this have carried trade goods and provided a means of communication amongst the islands. Vigilant was one of the fastest, and a familiar sight on the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
VI Maritime Museum
Island: Tortola – Paraquita Bay, East End
The Centre offers education programmes focused on marine studies and showcases a series of sloops made in the BVI. As a means of commerce and trade these relics were important to the fishermen and captains of the day. Artefacts and portraits of Captains are showcased there.
www.hlscc.edu.vg/hlsccwebsite/default.aspx · info@hlscc.edu.vg
Virgin Island Folk Museum
Island: Tortola - Main Street, Road Town
Located on Main Street just past The Sir Oliva Georges Plaza, the Virgin Island Folk Museum has some Arawak and Carib pottery and stone tools, including a decorated spindle, wreck of The Rhone and H.M.S. Nymph artefacts, plantation items and reef conservation information. This small museum also sells t-shirts, paintings, maps, and gifts.
Zion Hill Chapel
Island: Tortola - West End
An early 19th century chapel, built atop Zion Hill, was the site of celebration on the Day of Emancipation in 1834. After being periodically destroyed by hurricanes, it was replaced with the present Methodist chapel, a fine example of West Indian simplicity built in pasture land at the foot of Zion Hill. It has served both as a church and school.
Shoot the curl on the wave of the day. Parrotfish surround your kayak as you paddle into a secluded lagoon. High winds blow all around you as you drift 600 feet above water gliding in a parasail. No matter what your interests are, the BVI is your playground. Between the fast pace of windsurfing or an easygoing swim with dolphins, there’s always an adventure waiting for you in our crystal clear waters.
Kayaking
The powdery sand beaches along the BVI coastline and exposed waters near inlets and barrier islands are remarkably scenic, quiet and full of wildlife. The many lagoons throughout the islands are an excellent place to paddle your kayak.
Surfing
One of the best water sports when it comes to making a splash in our turquoise waters. Surfing is quickly becoming a favorite activity along our beaches.
Windsurfing
Our year-round trade winds allow for great windsurfing and kite boarding experiences. We are also home to the annual Highland Spring HIHO Windsurfing and Sailing Adventure. Competing windsurfers will cover over 150 miles as they race between seven and nine times from one island to another. Finian Maynard is a four-time speed windsurfing world champion (1998 until 2001) and holds the current speed world record for sailing vessels, currently living in the British Virgin Islands.
Parasailing
The scenery is superb when you're suspended under a colourful parasail. See the beauty of the entire island from 600 feet above sea level.
Swim with Dolphins
For a unique experience, you can swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, located at Prospect Reef in Tortola. Visitors can get close to these amazing, intelligent creatures, enjoying various activities with the dolphins as well as watching them perform fun and exciting acrobatics
Power Boats
If you want to explore the BVI's most remote areas and secluded beaches, try a powerboat. There are companies in Tortola and Virgin Gorda who will rent an unmanned boat for a day - all you need is some powerboat experience and the curiosity to explore
It’s the single, most meaningful day of your life and the people and places in the British Virgin Islands plan to make it a memorable one. With softly swaying palms, warm, gentle breezes, secluded beaches and pristine and crystal-clear waters in attendance, we guarantee your wedding will be incredibly special.
Marriage Rules & Regulations
A marriage license is easy to obtain in the British Virgin Islands and the certificate is valid internationally. A couple is required to be in the BVI for three business days before they can be married. On your day of arrival, apply for a license at the Attorney-General's Office, located on the 2nd floor of the Central Administration Complex in Road Town, Tortola. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Your application will take three business days to be processed.
Requirements of the Attorney-General's Office
- Your passports as proof of identity and date of arrival in the BVI.
- Proof of marital status (certified original copies of Degree Absolute for divorced spouses or Death Certificate of deceased spouses). $110.00 (in BVI postage stamps) for a special license for those residing in the BVI for three days or $50.00 (in BVI postage stamps) for those residing in the BVI for 15 days or more.
- Two witnesses: (1) for signing the license application and (1) to be present at the marriage ceremony. (Witnesses need not be the same for both exercises; persons in the BVI may be selected as witnesses.
Requirements of the Registrar-General’s Office
- The names of the two parties as they appear on your travel documents
- The ages of both parties
- The occupations of both parties
- Marital Status
- The names of the two witnesses to the ceremony
For further details, please write or call:
Registrar-General
P.O. Box 3199
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands VG1110
Tel: (284) 494-3442/5650
Fax: (284) 494-2783
Email: SBenn@gov.vg
Note: All ministers in the BVI are Marriage Officers and can perform civil ceremonies outside church. A Civil Marriage Officer is also available.