The British Virgin islands abound with so many colorful stories it's difficult to separate fact from fable.

BVI Vacation Travel and Tourism Information

Adjacent to the U.S. Virgin Islands, the BVIs are an extremely picturesque group, mostly mountainous and a lush green during the early summer rainy season.

The BVIs also are the home territory of Long John Silver of Treasure Island fame. Robert Louis Stevenson visited the BVIs shortly before writing his classic, though what he called Treasure Island is actually known as Norman Island, named for the pirate whose treasure is believed still buried there

It was on Dead Man's Chest Island (one of 36 islands, rocks and cays that comprise the British Virgins) that Blackbeard marooned 15 of his buccaneers with only a bottle of rum and a cutlass. It's not known how many survived, but we still commemorate their ordeal when "Yo-Ho-Ho and a Bottle of Rum" is sung.

Of the 36 islands, 15 are inhabited. Tortola,

Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke are the largest and most important islands.

Tortola, which houses the bulk of the population, is at the center of everything. Its Emancipation Festival is the year's social highlight.

Tortola also is the base for exploring one of the Caribbean's most famous shipwrecks, the HMS Rhone.

Virgin Gorda, the next most visited island, features some of the area's most exclusive resorts and the monumental beach known as The Baths.

Mountainous Jost Van Dyke, just a few minutes boat ride from Tortola, is known for its outstanding white sand beaches, tropical beaches and beach bars.

As a totally water-oriented community, there isn't a lot in the way of real nightlife or other social opportunities. After-dark activities, other than night dives underwater, are confined to the hotels, restaurants or private boats.

Just as for the pirates of old, the BVIs are a place for total escape.

Today's Weather in the BVIs

Current conditions and 10-day forecast

Detailed Background Facts & Map
Courtesy of the CIA

Arrival Briefing
What You Need to Know If You Go

Getting Married in the BVIs
Plan on at least 3 days

Major Attractions

Camping & Campgrounds
Beach camping is limited to these areas

Chartering a Sailboat
You never need put the sail, only putt around

Emancipation Festival
One of the most authentic carnivals

Tortola
The center of everything: sailing,
beaches & snorkeling

Virgin Gorda
The Baths and other natural attractions