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Airport
The main airport in the BVI is Tortola’s Terrence B Lettsome International Airport (airport code EIS). It is located just off the east end of Tortola, the main island in the BVI on Beef Island (it is usually referred to as Beef Island airport). Built recently at the cost of US$82 million, it is one of the most impressive airports in the Caribbean. A runway extension was completed in 2004 and so it can now accommodate 64 seater planes that come from San Juan and St Maarten. The Departure Lounge and the Arrivals and Customs Halls area are air conditioned. There are a few stores and a food concession, but a nice alternative is to head down to the Cyber Café on Trellis Bay beach, just a few minutes’ walk away, for a last drink on the waterfront before departure.
The BVI also has small international airports on Virgin Gorda and Anegada, which are serviced only by charter airlines, from within the BVI and from St Thomas and from San Juan in Puerto Rico. The strip at Virgin Gorda is quite ‘sporting’, because of cross winds, so only twin engined planes and helicopters are permitted to land there.
Taxi Rates from Beef Island to
Road Town - US$15
Nanny Cay - US$21
West End - US$24
Cane Garden Bay - US$24
The trip to Virgin Gorda on the North Sound Express (from the jetty close to the airport)now costs US$30 per person one way. |
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Banks
The currency in the British Virgin Islands is the US Dollar.
Bank opening hours are Monday - Friday 9am-3pm, with some open until 5pm on Fridays. Banks generally still require customers to show their passport, or some other photo ID when cashing travellers cheques. ATMs are available in several locations, including several banks in Road Town, the Rite Way grocery in Purcell, East End, Sopers Hole in the West End and two in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. Please note that most ATMs charge for overseas cash transactions and that most ATMs have a maximum withdrawal limit of US$200.
The following banks will be able to provide personal banking services if you need them (most hotels will be able to help you)
BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO
PO Box 67, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 2117, f 4945 294
FIRSTBANK VIRGIN ISLANDS
PO Box 435, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 2662, f 494 3863
FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK
PO Box 70, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 2171, f 494 4315
barcbvi@surfbvi.com
SCOTIABANK (BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS) LIMITED
PO Box 434, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 2526, f 494 4657
Of course the BVI has a big offshore financial sector. The following banks provide offshore banking services
VP BANK (BVI) Limited
PO Box 3463, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 1100, f 494 1199, vpbank@surfbvi.com
HSBC GUYERZELLER BANK (BVI) LIMITED
PO Box 3162, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 5414, f 494 5417, k.morgan@hsbc.guyerzeller.vg
LONDON INTERNATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY LTD
PO Box 986, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 6544, f 494 6533
RATHBONE BANK (BVI) LIMITED
PO Box 986, Road Town, Tortola, t 494 6544, f 494 6532, rathbone@surfbvi.com |
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Bars & Nightlife
There are many bars across the islands, particularly along the southern shoreline of Tortola (the bars on the north shore are mainly the beach bars). As it happens, very few of the bars on the island are regarded as ‘tourist’ bars, but then see a friendly mix of the various expatriate crowds that live in Tortola (these include ‘salty sea dogs’, crews from day and term charter yachts, the ‘trust company crowd’, which comprises mainly of young lawyers and accountants, and older established members of the community). Many of the beach bars stay open in the evenings and double as regular bars.
TORTOLA
Clockwise from the West End
The Jolly Roger, West End
An open-sided upstairs deck and a waterfront platform beyond the ferry terminal at the West End (of Tortola). It is a favourite hangout for the boating community in the area and home of the 'Loyal' West End Yacht Club. Besides rumbustious evenings of drinking, it is well known for hosting a couple of good two-day regattas, with race starts and finishes taking place off the dock. In the season they have regular guest bands that draw a large crowd.
Bomba’s Surfside Shack, Apple Bay
Set between the road and a narrow beach, overlooking Jost van Dyke in the distance, Bomba’s is a notorious island institution. It is made of driftwood, left-overs from construction sites and hurricane debris, built by Bomba himself, a large bushy-bearded man. It is decorated with faded business cards, photographs and a bizarre collection of women’s underwear. Best known for its Full Moon Parties and magic mushroom tea, surfing (right offhsore here), beer and basic BBQ.
Clem’s by the Sea, Carrot Bay
A sleepy and unassuming bar set back from the main road, Clem’s is home to the steel band Clem and the Starlights. You can occasionally catch them playing there when they’re not booked by another bar or restaurant. Also good local food.
Cane Garden Bay
There are lots of beach bars in Cane Garden Bay and they double well as general bars. Timings are haphazard. One day they can be buzzing and the next very quiet.
De Wedding, Cane Garden Bay
At the western end of the bay, slightly removed from the main action, a nice retreat for a quiet drink.
Myetts, Cane Garden Bay
Set back in the trees overlooking the beach, sprawling and often lively, with live music frequently on weekend evenings, often the heart of the action.
Stanley’s Welcome Bar, Cane Garden Bay
Sandwiched between Myetts and Elm’s Beach Bar, Stanley’s is one of the BVI’s traditional beach bars. With plastic flowers jammed in sand-filled jam-jars, perched on oil-cloth tables it is unassuming, but worth a stop. With quiet and friendly service it is a haven on Tortola’s busiest beach.
Big Banana, Cane Garden Bay
The name is improbable, but the bar is a popular hangout for locals going to Cane Garden Bay. A varied but predictable menu, reasonable food and the occasional live band.
Quito’s, Cane Garden Bay
A Caribbean classic, wooden decks overlooking the sand and yachts at anchor, also home of Quito and the Edge. Live music several times a week, sometimes Quito doing his one-man show, otherwise the full ensemble. Occasionally just the Edge on their own.
Skyworld, Ridge Road
More of a restaurant in the evening, but a good place to stop in during the day (when the cruise ship crowds aren’t in at least) for a drink and the view.
De Loose Mongoose, Beef Island
On Trellis Bay. Sportsmen and bathers by day, building up to a lively crowd in the early evening.
The Cyber Cafe, Trellis Bay
The new venue for Full Moon parties on Tortola. Live music on the beach, family atmosphere, with moko-jumbies (stilt dancers) and burning sculptures by Aragorn Dick Reed.
The Last Resort, Trellis Bay
A bar and restaurant on a small cay in the middle of the bay, 5 minutes by ferry from a pick up spot. Often lively, with entertainment most nights, a band and a singing chef.
There are a number of bars in Road Town. Many are really restaurants but they allow a bar trade too.
Village Cay Marina
A popular stopover after work, or at any time of day for that matter, right in town overlooking Village Cay Marina from the dockside.
Le Cabanon
Bustling, open-air bar and restaurant opposite the ferry terminals on Waterfront Drive. Good mixed crowd that stop in for beer or a glass of wine.
Pussers Pub
On the waterfront opposite the ferry terminals, mock nautical with stained wood and brass. Can be lively, often with groups off the cruise ships.
The Dove
At Happy Hour this is a popular hangout for Tortola’s young ‘yuppie’ crowd from the Trust Companies. Otherwise mostly a restaurant.
The Bat Cave
Currently one of the hottest nightspots, the Bat Cave bustles every night, particularly at the weekends. Jamie, the bar tender concocts some top cocktails.
The Pub
Set right in the water Heading out of Road Town the other way, the Pub is home to many of Tortola’s older ex-pat community. It can be fairly rumbustious. The day-time waitress, Princess, does an admirable job of keeping everything under control and service flowing well.
The Virgin Queen has a discotheque on Saturdays. The Treehouse is a loud, late-night bar next to the Captain’s Table on Inner Harbour Marina.
VIRGIN GORDA
Bath and Turtle, Yacht Harbour
Set on an interior courtyard at the marina shopping complex in Spanish Town. Popular with long term residents on the island and the yachting fraternity.
Chez Bamboo, Spanish Town
Always fun and busy on a Friday night when the band Phase Two plays on into the evening.
Rock Café
Set on a series of decks among boulders on a steep hillside just south of the town. Or inside in the more modern Italian style setting of Sam’s Piano Bar, where there is lively music every night.
MineShaft
Set right at the south of the island. Nice atmosphere with lots of cocktails, from a deck with a view. Renowned for spectacular sunsets and their monthly Full Moon party.
Leverick Bay
A popular Friday night out for visitors and locals. Music on the extended beach bar and stage by the Latitude Stars and entertainment from stilted jumbie dancers.
Top of the Baths
Used more as a staging post for those land-based visitors to the Baths. They grab a drink as they wait for their taxi.
Giorgio’s Table, Mahoe Bay
Mostly a(n Italian) restaurant, but a very pretty place to stop for a drink and watch the sunset.
Saba Rock
A blip of rock in the channel at the entrance to the North Sound. Somehow irresistible, but now quite developed and no longer with the raffish character it once had.
Bitter End
Lattitude Stars play on Tuesday nights and there is a limbo competition if you like that sort of thing.
JOST VAN DYKE
There are lots of bars on Jost, but none that are not on the beach already. See under Beach Bars.
NORMAN ISLAND
Willy T
A floating bar set in an old Baltic trading boat, one of the ‘must-sees’ of a trip to the Virgin Islands. The ‘new’ Willy T (now some 6 years old) doesn’t quite have the same charm as the original, but it’s cleaner and more spacious. A riotous nightly assembly which culminates reliably in dancing, walking the plank (if you can walk that straight) and the infamous ‘body shot’ (ask).
ANEGADA
There are few bars in Anegada that are not on the beach and attached to a hotel. See below under Beach Bars. |
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Beach Bars
The beach bars are one of the best features in the BVI. There is almost one in every bay, and many are classically cool Caribbean hangouts, a shed beneath the palm trees on a lonely stretch of sand. A perfect place to retreat to after the heat of the beach.
Of course they are also a classic stopover for yachts and you will find beach bars in several of the remote islands (Norman Island, Cooper Island and Prickley Pear in the North Sound, and shoulder to shoulder on Great Bay on Jost van Dyke). You can sail from bay to bay, snorkelling, stopping for lunch and then, after anchoring up in the afternoon, catching the sunset form a rickety shack. It is Caribbean perfection.
TORTOLA
In Cane Garden Bay on Tortola the beach bars stand almost cheek by jowl. Some offer watersports equipment, but they all offer a retreat from the heat of the beach.
De Wedding, Cane Garden Bay
At the western end of the bay, slightly removed from the main action, a nice retreat for a quiet drink.
Rhymer’s, Cane Garden Bay
Painted a brilliant shade of pink, Rhymers has quite a cavernous atmosphere of a modern concrete deck. It offers the standard range of bar fare and simple plates of food.
Big Banana, Cane Garden Bay
The name is improbable, but the bar is a popular hangout for locals going to Cane Garden Bay, also a retreat from the heat of the sun. A varied but predictable menu, reasonable food and the occasional live band.
Myetts, Cane Garden Bay
Set back in the trees overlooking the beach, a good view from upstairs, live music frequently on weekend evenings.
Stanley’s Welcome Bar, Cane Garden Bay
Sandwiched between Myetts and Elm’s Beach Bar, Stanley’s is one of the BVI’s oldest beach bars. With plastic flowers jammed in sand-filled jam-jars, perched on oil-cloth tables it is unassuming, but worth a stop. With quiet and friendly service it is a haven on Tortola’s busiest beach.
Quito’s, Cane Garden Bay
A Caribbean classic, wooden decks overlooking the sand and yachts at anchor. Live music in the evenings but a good retreat by day.
Brewer’s Bay Beach Bar
A simple concrete deck set above the beach, with a view through the sea almond trees onto Brewers Bay. Simple fare, cold beer, soft drinks.
Cyber Cafe, Trellis Bay
Waterfront internet bar/cafe with good local food.
Loose Mongoose, Trellis Bay, Beef Island
Tucked away at the top of the beach, a small bar under the palms and the Loose Mongoose itself where you can get food.
Marina Cay
Tiny island stopover where you can spend the day hanging out. There is a small beach, beach bar and snorkelling gear.
VIRGIN GORDA
There are not really any beach bars in Virgin Gorda – at the Baths, there are a couple of stalls selling suncream and cold drinks – but there is a cracking retreat at Prickly Pear Cay in the North Sound, a shed with watersports and food on a superb strip of sand.
The Sandbox, Prickly Pear Island, North Sound
A bar and restaurant on a simply superb strip of sand. Classic 'castaway' for people on boats and visitors from nearby resorts. You should avoid it when a cruise ship is in Spanish Town.
Peter Island
A beach bar tucked away in Buttonwood Bay. Only accessible by boat. It is most popular for lunch, but there are some secure overnight moorings.
NORMAN ISLAND
Pirates
In the Bight, the major harbour at Norman Island (home also to the Willy T). Wooden structure with a tin roof right on the beach. Can get lively.
JOST VAN DYKE
Great Harbour in Jost van Dyke is literally lined with beach bars. The most notable is Foxy’s, an island institution with hammocks slung between the palms, bench tables in the sand and live music, sometimes by Foxy himself. Often a good crowd, can be great fun. Foxy’s Taboo, set on Diamond Cay at the east end of the island, with a view out to Sandy Spit is a bit lower key. There are several others on Great Harbour including Ali Baba and Happy Laurry’s, but people also speak highly of Corsairs.
On White Bay, a superb stretch of white sand, next one to the west, you will find the Soggy Dollar, a classic Caribbean bar overlooking the water.
ANEGADA
Cow Wreck, north shore
A modern building set on a curved strip of excellent sand, friendly welcome for a day out on the endless sand.
The Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay
A classic West Indian beach bar. Benches and tables undercover for food, lunch and dinner, with good West Indian fare on the menu. Bar on the sand. There are limited public facilities.
Flash of Beauty, Loblolly Bay
A small beach/bar restaurant offering a limited range of choices, at the easternmost point of Loblolly Bay, a more isolated and peaceful spot than its neighbour. |
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Beaches
The BVI have many excellent beaches. Almost all have bright white, often fine, sand and many are backed by palms in classic Caribbean style. They vary from active strips with watersports and a backdrop of beach bars to tiny, completely undeveloped coves and spits of bare sand that you reach by dinghy. Some have their own distinctive features, the most famous of which are the beaches in the south of Virgin Gorda. These are characterised by massive boulders. At the Baths, the islands’ most famous beach, the boulders are jumbled on one another, giving creep-throughs and a luminous green light. Other islands, such as Jost van Dyke, Peter Island, Cooper Island and Anegada have picture-perfect beaches that are sometimes deserted and crowded at others.
All beaches in the BVI are public and you are permitted to the high water mark but no farther. Some more remote beaches cannot be reached by car and require a hike. Others, the more popular ones, may be overrun for a few hours by cruise ship passengers. Ask around before going. There are beach bars on many of the beaches, sometimes vendors with a container selling chilled drinks, but others have nothing at all.
TORTOLA BEACHES
Tortola’s natural, and nicest, beaches are all on the north side, on the Atlantic Ocean. The south side is largely coral, but a couple of man made ones have appeared recently at Brandywine Bay and Nanny Cay.
The north shore of Tortola faces the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the bays are protected from the really large swells, but you should be aware that during the winter season, the currents can be bad, particularly at the eastern end of the island, and the swimming can be dangerous. Little Apple Bay and Josiah’s Bay, also on the north side of Tortola, do see good breakers, and there are sometimes competitions that draw good international surfers.
Starting at the western tip of the island, heading clockwise.
Smuggler’s Cove (aka Lower Belmont Bay), western tip, north side
A Caribbean classic, a wonderful curve of palm-backed sand at the western tip of Tortola. The road is unpaved but passable. Although nudity is illegal and largely unwelcome in the BVI, people have been known to bathe here ‘au naturel’. Please use your discretion. Occasional vendors but otherwise no facilities.
Long Bay
A lovely mile-long stretch of white sand beach. Long Bay Resort’s cottages and several villas line the seafront. The western end offers greater solitude and good swimming.
Apple Bay
The ‘surfing beach’, home to famous surfer's bar - Bomba's Surfside Shack. Some sand and swimming, but also a small community with restaurants and small places to stay.
Cane Garden Bay
The busiest beach in Tortola, also a thriving community and a popular anchorage. A superb stretch of gently curving, west facing white sand, with watersports, stores, laundry, bars, hotels, and guesthouses/apartments/ villas and beach bars all muscling in on the beachfront. Excellent hangout. The Cane Garden Bay Music Festival features renowned international musicians and attracts thousands during the 3 days of US Memorial Day weekend.
Brewer's Bay
Accessed by an extremely steep drive, but a lovely stretch of sand backed by sea almond and palms. Excellent swimming, with snorkelling on reefs that almost reach the shoreline, and a beach bar to retreat to, with sports television, beach chair and snorkelling equipment rental. Brewer’s Bay also sees occasional outdoor music concerts at a newly-built recreation area on the east end. During north or northwest swells, it can develop an undertow. Ask before swimming.
Josiah's Bay
On the north shore near East End, another favorite of surfers and site of some competitions. A particularly pretty beach with dramatic wave breaks. The undertow can be strong at times.
Lambert Bay or Elizabeth Beach
A wide, palm fringed beach, which can be reached from East End by private road. Home to Lambert Bay Resort, where there is a restaurant, bar and pool. In winter, when there is a north shore swell, the undertow here can be very strong.
Little Bay
A small but wide beach, very private, and which is reached by a very rough road from East End. A north shore swell may produce an undertow here.
(the other) Long Bay, Beef Island
Immediately west of the airport, offers calm water, good white sand and quiet seclusion under shade trees, if you aren’t put off by the sound of planes taking off and landing, that is. It is easily accessed via a marked turn-off near the end of the runway, this beach is a good option but not so well known among tourists. It is a popular location for local get-togethers and days out on the beach.
Well Bay, Beef Island
Well protected, calm water with shallow entry to the water suitable for children. Hidden from the average visitor down a lane off the airport access road, a favourite of locals, particularly families with small children.
Trellis Bay, Beef Island
Two bays off the east end of Beef Island, with shallow, protected waters. The main semi-circular bay is a popular anchorage beach consists of several boat docks on the west side, serviced by cafes/bars, gift shop, and store. It is also popular with windsurfers. On the east side, reached by sand road, you will find complete seclusion, very fine sand. The sea bed has turtle grass in places, which makes water entry uncomfortable without shoes.
Guana Island, just offshore at Tortola’s eastern end
White Bay is a stunning stretch of white sand that is the focus of day-time activities for many of Guana Island’s guests. While the beach is available for public use as far as the high tide mark, it is fairly well ‘protected’ by Guana Island staff, to ensure that guests of the hotel on the island are not ‘bothered’. There is one other small and reef protected beach at the south-eastern corner of the island.
The two new beaches on the southern shore of Tortola are:
Nanny Cay, between Road Town and the West End
Nanny Cay Resort has added a beach, with its restaurant, restrooms, pool, windsurfing and volleyball nearby. Sea swimming good, or snorkelling over the coral just off the beach.
Brandywine Bay, between Road Town and east End
Fine white sand dredged for the runway extension at Beef Island Airport. No services, but good protected swimming.
VIRGIN GORDA BEACHES
Virgin Gorda’s signature beach is the Baths, with its massive jumble of boulders, and it is truly spectacular. These rocks front the coast right down to the southern tip of the island and there are several beaches there. Head north of Spanish Town and the style of the beach changes completely, into classic stretches of sand and coves with shallow, reef protected waters. All the beaches are on the north shore of the island and they are all public up to the high water mark.
The Baths and Devil's Bay
Recesses of perfect, crystalline blond sand between jumbles of huge boulders, which form a series of spectacular pools and grottoes which flood with sea water, creating an unforgettable setting. Nearby snorkelling is excellent on a calm day. You should take care when swimming off the Baths and Devil's Bay if there is a northern swell, when the waves can be rough and there is a very strong undertow. Some beach facilities, vendors with snorkelling equipment, drinks and t-shirts.
Oilnut Bay
At the far northern tip of Virgin Gorda, a perfect crescent sweep of coral sand and shallow calm water inside the reef. Popular with boaters and residents for beach barbecues.
Spring Bay
Neighbouring the Baths, has white sand, clear water and good snorkelling.
Trunk Bay
This is a wide sand beach reachable by boat or along a rough path from Spring Bay, another lovely cove backed by huge boulders.
Savannah Bay
North of Spanish Town, off the road to the north of the island, a pretty stretch of white sand with a reef offshore, containing protected water with good snorkeling around the coral heads. Usually you will have the beach to yourself. Head to the eastern end for secluded privacy or snorkeling.
Mahoe Bay
Mahoe Bay beach, another inlet on the western shoreline, a gently curving beach with vivid blue water.
Vixen Point, Prickly Pear, North Sound
A huge stretch of white sand giving onto gin clear shallows, with beach bar, on the south side facing into the North Sound. On the north side, facing the island of Eustacia, is a favorite spot for local boater’s beach cookouts.
JOST VAN DYKE
Great Harbour
Main settlement, with the ferry landing, Customs, services, food, and the famous Foxy’s, one of a string of beach bars, Great Harbour is the heart of life on Jost Van Dyke. A thin strip of sand, but due to the boat traffic it is not ideal for swimming, instead a quick dip and a snooze under a shade tree.
White Bay
A Caribbean classic, truly fantastic stretch of sand shelving into superb sea in a score of shades of blue, with a very small hotel and a couple of beach bars. Reached by boat or overland from Great Harbour. White Bay is occasionally invaded by cruise ship passengers and has t-shirts and beach chair vendors on cruise ship days. Check beforehand.
Little Harbour
Small beach on a lagoon-like bay, reached by boat or by taxi from Great Harbour. Has waterside bars for food, drink, and entertainment.
Sandy Cay
A tiny islet off Jost Van Dyke with stunning white sand beach, the archetypal desert island, reachable only by private boat. Sandy Cay may look familiar, as it has been the location of many ‘perfect tropical desert island’ advertising photo and film shoots. Fair snorkelling, no public facilities, some big waves on the northern side.
Green Cay
An improbable circlet of sand with a small stand of palm trees and sea grapes, which can be walked around in less than five minutes. Accessible only by boat, it is well worth a visit, excellent snorkelling slightly offshore on the southwestern side.
Diamond Cay
Tucked away on Jost van Dyke’s eastern tip, a wide white sand beach with little shade. Excellent snorkelling among the mangroves if you are prepared to swim along the shore line to the west.
PETER ISLAND
Deadman's Bay
The heart of Peter Island Resort, a long curve of fine white sand broken by a small outcrop of rocks. The island is private and reserved for the resort, but you can go across by boat or ferry from Baugher’s Bay and spend the day. Beach bar and grill (no picnics). Also snorkelling, watersports.
Buttonwood Bay
A section of white sand in Great Harbour, remote from the Peter Island Resort itself, currently the location of Prospect Reef’s Beach Club, The Lazy Iguana and accessible by daysailer or twice-daily shuttle. Excellent snorkelling nearby, hammocks, watersports, and a restaurant serving lunch.
White Bay
On the south, or ‘back’ side of Peter Island, a calm and usually deserted crescent of white sand reached by private boat or a hike over the hill from the resort, from where guests come to get away too. Good snorkelling.
Money Bay, Norman Island
Only accessible by boat in calm weather, Money Bay is one of the BVI’s best get-away from it all beaches. There is absolutely nothing there apart from a nice stretch of sand and some enjoyable snorkelling on the coral heads.
COOPER ISLAND
Manchioneel Bay is the heart of Cooper Island and the location of the Cooper Island Beach Club, the only settlement on the island, which hides brightly coloured among the palm trees behind a strip of light brown sand and calm water. Beachfront restaurant/bar and gift shop. It is a popular stop off for day sailors. The snorkelling is excellent at both ends of the bay and by the rocky outcrop known as Cistern Point you may see rays and turtles. Luckily there are no manchioneel trees left. Only accessible by boat.
ANEGADA
Anegada’s north shore is nearly all beach, and given the lack of development you can expect to roam for miles and hardly see a soul. There are a couple of beach bars, at Loblolly Bay, where there are sun shelters, and at Cow Wreck Bay. Though mostly protected by reef, these beaches can develop a strong current during the winter.
Cow Wreck, north shore, western end
A superb stretch of sumptuous sand that goes on forever in either direction. Given the name, there must have been a ship wrecked with a cargo of cattle off this beach in times past, but not even a legend remains of it today. Instead there is an uninterrupted view to the horizon out across the Atlantic. Set well back from the shore is the Cow Wreck Beach Bar.
Bones Bight
A very slight indentation into the long straight coastline, a wild and deserted stretch of white sand, so far unspoiled by the intrusion of construction, with a name to reflect the piracy that once no doubt took place here. Good snorkelling, no facilities.
Loblolly Bay
The most popular of Anegada’s beaches, Loblolly is served by a regular taxi service from Anegada Airport and Anegada Reef Hotel. Unusually for Anegada’s beaches there is shade, provided by sea grape trees and some man-made beach umbrellas. There are limited public facilities in the beach bars.
Pomato Point, southern shore, western end
In the southwest, a very broad beach that lets onto a calm and protected snorkel area of what is known as “patch reefs”. There is a small bar/restaurant that has a room given over to artefacts collected from the many shipwrecks that have occurred around the island. |
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Calendar of Events
2009
JANUARY
10 Jan, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 03 Jan, Latitude 18 Halyard Challenge, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 17 Jan, Governor's Cup, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 30 Jan, HLSCC Performing Arts Series - ‘Jazz Showcase’ featuring Charlie Sepúlveda & The Turnaround (Latin Jazz – piano, bass, conga, drums, saxophone, vibes) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola.
FEBRUARY
13 Feb, HLSCC Performing Arts Series - ‘Classics’ Concert featuring pianist Richard Ormrod at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola. 14-16 Feb, 31st Sweethearts of the Caribbean & 27th Classic Yacht Regatta, West End Yacht Club, Tortola. 09 Feb, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola.
MARCH
06-11 March, The Caribbean Arts & Crafts Festival, Trellis Bay, Tortola and Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda - 10 Mar, stalls in Spanish Town for the day and return to Trellis Bay that evening for the Fireball Full Moon Party. 11 Mar, stalls in Road Town. 06-09 Mar, 12th Annual Dark & Stormy Regatta, West End Yacht Club, Tortola. 06 Mar, HLSCC Performing Arts Series - ‘Jazz Showcase’ featuring Elio Villafranca Trio (Latin Jazz – piano, bass, drums) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola. tba Mar, Foxy’s Music Festival, annual showcase of Caribbean music starting Friday afternoon to Sunday evening at Foxy’s Bar, Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. 10 Mar, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 20 Mar, HLSCC Performing Arts Series - ‘Classics Showcase’ featuring Joy Cline Phinney (piano), Amadi Hummings (viola) and Vanessa Holroyd (flute) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola. 30 Mar-05 Apr, 38th BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. Annual event attracting over 100 yachts.
APRIL
01-05 Apr, 38th BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival continues. 09 Apr, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 09-12 Apr, Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, carnival style celebrations with a Calypso monarch competition, queen shows, nightly entertainment and a street parade in Spanish Town. 11-12 Apr, Spanish Town Fisherman’s Jamboree & 13th Wahoo Fishing Tournament, with music, food and beach fun at Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. 13 Apr, Foxy’s 35th Wooden Boat Regatta, live entertainment, BBQ and lots of drinking for the onlookers both during and after the event, at Foxy’s Bar, Jost Van Dyke. 25 Apr, Virgin Queen Pizza Pursuit Race, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola.
MAY
02-03 May, BVI Dinghy Championships, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 09 May, HLSCC Performing Arts Series - ‘Classics - Mother’s Day Concert’, Camerata Filarmónica featuring members of the Puerto Rico Symphony and Conservatory (guitar, flute, cello, viola) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola. 09 May, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 10-17 May, Sailing Masterclass with Peter Holmberg and Horizon Yacht Charters (BVI) four days of seminars and practical advice from the America’s Cup Helmsman and Olympic Silver medallist, four days of races with Racing in Paradise. 22-24 May, 9th BVI Music Festival, featuring international, regional and local artists, plus sand sculpting competition, fashion show, beach BBQ and swim suit competition – on the beach at Cane Garden Bay, Tortola. 30 May, HLSCC Performing Arts Series - ‘Summer Music Fest’ featuring HLSCC Chorale, Flute Choir and Brass, Jazz and Woodwind Ensembles at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Tortola.
JUNE
01 Jun, Quantum Sails IC24 International Regatta, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 20 Jun, Lowell Wheatley Anegada Pursuit Race, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 07 Jun, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 28 Jun-05 Jul, 25th Highland Spring HiHo Windsurfing Championships, week long international windsurfing competition where windsurfers race from island to island (cover around 150 miles), using a captained catamaran’s as their home base.
JULY
01-05 Jul, 25th Highland Spring HiHo Windsurfing Championships continues. 03-04 Jul, 18th Annual Firecracker 500 Regatta & Chili Cook-Off, charity event in support of KATS (Kids and the Sea) programme, West End Yacht Club, Tortola. Mid Jul-05 Aug, 55th BVI Emancipation Festival/August Festival, three week cultural event with music, food, arts ,crafts, calypso show, beauty pageants, boat races and parades main days are the carnival parades on 3, 4 & 5 Aug in Road Town, Tortola. 07 Jul, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 08-11 Jul, AH Riise BVI Billfish Tournament, all-release Blue Marlin tournament, Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound, Virgin Gorda.
AUGUST
03-05 Aug, 55th BVI Emancipation Festival/August Festival continues with carnival parades, Road Town, Tortola. 05 Aug, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola.
SEPTEMBER
04 Sep, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 05-06 Sep, Back to Schools Regatta, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola
OCTOBER
03-04 Oct, Pete Sheals Match Racing, Royal BVI Yacht Club Tortola. 10 Oct, Willy T Virgins Cup, female skippers only, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 04 Oct, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. tba Oct, 12th Foxy’s Annual Halloween Cat Fight, multi-hull regatta and masquerade ball, Foxy’s Bar, Jost Van Dyke. 24-25 Nov, North Sound and Back Race, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 31 Oct, BVI Schools Regatta, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola
NOVEMBER
01 Nov, BVI Schools Regatta, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 02 Nov, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 14-15 Nov, Nanny Cay IC24 Nations Cup, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. Tba, Foxy’s Thanksgiving Feast, turkey with all the trimmings at Foxy’s Bar, Jost Van Dyke. 21 Nov, Peg Legs Round Tortola Race, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola.
DECEMBER
04 Dec, Christmas on Main Street, lighting of Christmas tree in Road Town, with live entertainment and stalls selling local produce and handicraft. 06-07 Dec, Gustav Wilmerding 19th Annual Memorial Challenge Regatta, pirate themed race, West End Yacht Club, Tortola. 02 & 31 Dec, Bomba’s Full Moon Party, Bomba Shack, Apple Bay, Tortola. 19 Dec, Island Shipping Commodore’s Cup and Prize Giving, Royal BVI Yacht Club, Tortola. 31 Dec, Old Year’s Night, Jost Van Dyke is a favoured spot for celebrating Old Year’s Night, especially Foxy’s Bar (30-31 Dec), with Great Harbour attracting a host of yachts.
British Virgin Islands public holidays 2009: 01 January, 02 & 09 March, 10 & 13 April, 01 & 13 June, 03 July, 03, 04, 05 August, 29 October, 25 & 28 December.
Please note that the above events and dates may be subject to change/cancellation. Please check locally for confirmation of details. |
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Car Hire
There are places worth visiting scattered around the islands – beaches, restaurants, beach bars, the supermarket for your shopping if you are staying in a villa, so if you do not want to depend on taxis the best idea is to hire a car.
Some of the roads in the BVI are extremely steep and you may also find yourself on unmade tracks to get to remote beaches, so it is important to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. You may want to check the tyres and brakes. Be aware that over Christmas and sometimes the carnival season there can be a shortage of cars on the islands and so you are advised to book well in advance, otherwise it may be impossible to get hold of one. You need to be at least 25 years old to drive a hire car in the BVI, and all drivers will need a local driving permit. These cost US$10 and can be obtained from the car hire company when you hire the car. Please see our general notes on Caribbean driving.
At DefinitiveCaribbean we recommend two car hire companies on Tortola, Hertz, t 495 4405 and D & D Car Rental, t 495 7676.
On Virgin Gorda we recommend L & S Jeep Rental and Taxi Service, t 495 5297. |
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