British Virgin Islands

Tortola looking toward St. Thomas

The British took control of the 50 islands called the British Virgin Islands in 1773 and everything has remained English until today including the police, doctors, and offshore banking centers.
Each year over 40,000 offshore corporations register in the British Virgin Islands. Ernst and Young highly recommends British Virgin Islands as one of the best offshore banking centers for many reasons, including exemption from all local taxes, confidentiality and anonymity - no disclosure of directors names or capital, and the currency is the US Dollar making offshore banking even more attractive. Also see OPC International for a FREE guide to offshore investing.

Road Town on the big island of Tortola is the center of commerce for the British Virgin Islands and a charming small town. Almost empty, Road Town does have limited cruise ship docks. This delightful small town is also the center for the yacht charter industry in the British Virgin Islands. The airport is twenty miles from Road Town.

The Moorings Mariner Inn is a beautiful Caribbean hotel and restaurant in Road Town. The hotel complex is also The Moorings yacht charter base in the British Virgin Islands. The Moorings is the number one bareboat charter company in the world. For crewed yacht charter, Caribbean Connections can also help you find the perfect yacht. Yacht charter is the best way (and not the most expensive) to see all of the British Virgin Islands.

A highly recommended restaurant in the heart of Road Town is Pussers, a delightful British pub popular with tourist and locals. Also, Village Cay Hotel and Marina is another luxurious resort on the island of Tortola. And Prospect Reef Resort is an extraordinary resort in the heart of Road Town.

Sandy Spit, North Shore of Tortola

On the north shore of Tortola is Cane Garden Bay, a small remote Caribbean town with an extraordinary lagoon and beach club. Cane Garden Bay was immortalized in a Jimmy Buffet song and is a popular anchorage for sailboats cruising the British Virgin Islands. One of the finest hotels and restaurants in the Caribbean is also located on the north coast of Tortola, Sugar Mill Hotel and Restaurant has been constructed from a 17th century sugar plantation.
Camping is available on the north shore of Tortola at Brewers Bay Campground (284) 494-3463. There is a stunning shallow water reef just off the campground perfect for snorkeling. Winter and summer rates are the same, $ 35.00 (us) per night for a prepared site and $ 10.00 (us) per night for a bare site.

Trellis Bay, Tortola
There are many luxury hotels on the island of Tortola. Frenchman's Cay Hotel at West End is a lovely British Inn in a secluded part of Tortola. Also on the west coast of Tortola, Long Bay Beach and Villas is a luxury resort for those who cherish privacy. Private homes and villas are also available for short term rental on Tortola. Arena Villas has many excellent examples.

Guest Houses, Inns, and Villas available for rent include the following:
Beff Island Guest House, Beef Island, $100/day (winter), $75/day (summer)
284-495-2303
Carrie's Island Inn, Cane Garden Bay, $150/day (winter), $50/day (summer)
284-495-9220
Chateau Relaxeau Carib, Little Apple Bay, $900/wk (winter), $550/wk (summer)
707-938-3835
Elm Beach Suites, Cane Garden, $100/day (winter), $75/day (summer)
284-494-2888
Paradise Guest House, Jost Van Dyke, $85/day (summer) $75/day (summer)
284-495-9281
Bayview Vacation Apts, Virgin Gorda, $$95/day (winter), $65/day (summer)
284-495-5329
Calypso House, Virgin Gorda, $95/day (winter), $70/day (summer)
284-495-5367
Jennie's Housekeeping Units, Road Town, $485/wk (winter), $385/wk (summer)
284-494-3300
Jip's Place, Cane Garden Bay, $60/day (winter and summer)
284-495-4543
Mongoose Apts., Cane Garden Bay, $840/wk (winter), $560/wk (summer)
284-495-4421
Ronneville Cottages, Brewers Bay, $675/wk (winter), $450/wk (summer)
284-494-3337

Perhaps the most impressive resort in the Caribbean is located on the reclusive island of Virgin Gorda (population 5,000), The Bitter End Yacht Club . So prestigious the Beatles once used a recording studio here, Michael Jackson spent his honeymoon here, and British Royalty are no stranger to this remarkable resort. The resort includes a stunning restaurant, beach dancing at night, and a romantic view of the islands that is second to none. The resort is accessible only by water, featuring 89 island style villas and Freedom 30 yachts. All inclusive packages are also available.

Little Dix Bay is another renowned hotel and beach club on this remarkable island. And Leverick Bay Resort and Marina (photo above) is just one more example of exclusive resorts on Virgin Gorda.

The Baths on Virga Gorda

Also located on the island of Vigin Gorda is The Baths, a collection of underwater caves surrounded by huge boulders, some over twenty feet tall. Scientist can not fully explain how the boulders got here. Modern homes and villas located here are built in and around the boulders and property values can begin as high as $ 250,000(US) per lot. You can rent a private home or villa near The Baths by contacting Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals.
There are three ways to travel to Virgin Gorda, via the ferry at St. Thomas or Totola, use the small airport (3,000 feet) located on the island, or by charter yacht. You can anchor at Spanish Town, a wonderful small town located in the middle of the island. Mango Bay is a delightful resort located at Spanish Town.

Not far away is a private island and resort, Peter Island Resort and Yacht Harbour. Peter Island Hotel and Yacht Harbor is the only developed part of Peter Island. The entire island is reserved for owners and guest only, but the restaurant remains open to the public. Cruising sailboats are allowed to anchor here but are not suppose to go ashore. Directly beside Peter Island is Dead Chest, a deserted island named by the pirates and thought to contain lost treasure.

Between Peter Island and Salt Island is the wreck of RMS. Rhone used to film the movie The Deep. Today this wreck in fifty feet of water is a popular scuba diving spot, among many excellent diving locations in the British Virgin Islands. Dive British Virgin Islands operates from five locations in the British Virgin Islands. Underwater Safaris is another excellent scuba choice in the British Virgin Islands and they have many dive packages available.

For a spectacular private island, nature preserve, and wildlife sanctuary, Guana Island has limited accommodations for thirty guest. You can even rent the entire island starting at $ 9,200 per night! Visit the Website at Guana Island . Renting the entire island includes 850 acres and 7 beaches all to yourself.

The island of Jost Van Dyke (population 200) has become a popular watering hole for charter yachts, mostly because of the popular beach club Foxy's.

No one ever leaves a vacation in the British Virgin Islands disappointed. These islands represent remote pristine jewels of the Caribbean. There are hundreds of anchorages and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. And there is no visible crime in the British Virgin Islands. It is safe, serene, and truly unforgettable.

Some words of caution. Do not take any weapons into the British Virgin Islands. Even a pocket knife can land you in jail. In addition, many islands and bays that make up the British Virgin Islands are designated as National Parks. If you are cruising on a private yacht in these waters, use the mooring buoys where required. For Tours or custom cruises, please visit Capt Daniel Maye.

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