Beef Island - The island gets its name from the times of pirates when the island was the hunting spot for buccaneers to supply their ships. The airport here is the main strip for the entire BVI. There are a number of very fine beaches here.

Virgin Gorda - The island is about 7 miles long and has a mountain over 1,300 feet high. There is a local curiosity here called The Baths. Huge boulders form a swimming pool and underwater caves. Climbing on the boulders is adventurous as hoards of cruise passengers do it daily. Snorkeling in the area is good. Spanish Town is the main settlement which as a very good yacht harbor. Other anchorages are Biras Creek and Bitter End.

Guana Island - The island is ia private 850 acre estate on which is a wildlife sanctuary. The island is available for rent.

The Dogs - The island is uninhabited but is mentioned here because of the fact that the island is very popular with divers. The island is a nesting area for birds including frigate birds.

Dead Chest - This is a very small island which is said to have been the spot where Blackbeard marooned sailors. The lyric says it all - "15 men on a Dead Man's Chest - Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum!"

Mosquito Island - The private island comprising about 125 acres is only accessible by boat. The island can be rented and it's expensive. The island has a very nice beach.

Salt Island - There are 20 people who live here including two old men to provide the British crown one bag of salt in annual rent for the island. Other than the salt which they produce for the crown, they sell salt to inquiring visitors. Otherwise the island is a good rest area for divers.

Marina Cay - This is a good anchorage for yachts and those yachts passing through to get supplies. There are a number of shops which sell basic items including clothes and food. There is diving, snorkeling and swimming. The beaches are good.

Cooper Island - The island has a beautiful beach and a small resort called Cooper Island Beach Club which is very lovely and very private.

Peter Island - The island is about 1,00 acres of sheer tropical beauty. Palm lines beaches, excellent yacht facilities and blissful isolation make the island very attractive. The Peter Island Resort and Yacht Harbor is the place to stay here. Don't look for any bargains but if you want to come here you won't need any.

Norman Island - This is reputed to be the island from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." There are caves here where treasure has been found and also where good snorkeling can be done.

Anegada - This is the only one of the BVI which was not formed from volcanic activity. The island is made of coral and limestone. Aside from the few iguanas and flamingos there is not much on the surface. Underwater abounds with sea life including turtles, lobster and many species of colorful fish. Shipwrecks provide endless hours of exploration for snorkelers and divers. Fishing around the island is very good and boats can be hired.

Jost Van Dyke - One shouldn't be surprised that this or any Caribbean island would be named after a pirate - a Dutch one at that. The island has a customs house and so can be used as a port of entry. The little harbor is very charming and facilities are present for restocking boats.

Capital: Road Town on the island of Tortola

Population: 18,000

Area: 60 square miles

Language: English

Time: + 1 hour from New York

Electricity: Both 110 and 220 at 60 Hz

Geography: There are 16 inhabited island out of a total of 60. The island group can be found next to the US Virgin Islands which are just east of Puerto Rico.

Access to the island from North America is through St. Thomas. From there are ferry boats and light aircraft which make the journey to principally Tortola. There is additional service from San Juan. Note that firm reservations on specific flights may mean close to nothing. You arrive at the airport and they will get you there. Make sure that your returning flights have more than ample connecting time.

Tipping: Service charges are covered in the basic prices here but tipping individuals for special services is important.

Shopping: There are very few shops to be found among the islands. What there is open and close fairly much at whim.

Food and Drink: Most food here is what you might expect in the Caribbean - seafood. Meat must come in from somewhere else and is costly. Drinks are not as varied as in other areas of the Caribbean but soft drinks and beers are fairly available. The water does not have any bad reputation here.

Social: Hang Loose!

Business: What business? Actually Tortola has many financial firms for which infomal attire is normal.. Business cards are necessary.

Tipping: Service charges are covered in the basic prices here but tipping individuals for special services is important.

Shopping: There are very few shops to be found among the islands. What there is open and close fairly much at whim.

Food and Drink: Most food here is what you might expect in the Caribbean - seafood. Meat must come in from somewhere else and is costly. Drinks are not as varied as in other areas of the Caribbean but soft drinks and beers are fairly available. The water does not have any bad reputation here.

Social: Hang Loose!

Business: What business? Actually Tortola has many financial firms for which infomal attire is normal.. Business cards are necessary.

Climate

The islands experience subtropical conditions. The temperature is higher along with the humidity in the summer and lower, but pleasant, in the winter. The rainy season is during the late summer into December ending just before Christmas. The ideal times to visit are late December through April.