British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands in The Caribbean (BVI), officially the Virgin Islands, is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean. They are east of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands and northwest of Anguilla. The islands are geographically part of the Virgin Islands archipelago. They are located in the so-called Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles and are part of the West Indies. 

The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. There are also around 50 other smaller islands and bays. In total, approximately 16 of the islands are inhabited. The capital, Road Town, is located on the island of Tortola. It is also the largest island and is about 20 km long and 5 km wide. The islands have an estimated population of 36000 inhabitants.

The islands belong to the British Overseas Territories. Since 2002 they are also British citizens. Most of the islands are of volcanic origin and have a hilly and uneven terrain. The highest point is Mount Sage on the island of Tortola and is at 521 meters. The island of Anegada is geologically different from the rest of the group. It is a flat island made up of limestone and coral.

Weather and climate

The British Virgin Islands have a tropical rainforest climate but is moderated by trade winds. Temperatures usually vary very little during the year. In the capital, Road Town, it varies between around 26-32°C in summer and 23-29°C in winter. Precipitation averages around 1 mm per year. The mountains here normally have more precipitation and there is less rain on the coast. The wettest months are normally September to November. The driest months are normally February and March. High season is from December to May.

Most diving operators in the British Virgin Islands are located on the island of Tortola. However, there are also dive operators on the other islands of Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. Diving around the British Virgin Islands is varied and offers diving on exciting wrecks, wall diving and reefs. But here you also have coral gardens and sandy bottoms. You have the opportunity to see large shoals of fish and different species of shark. You get the best and most varied diving with one live board. For those of you who like to photograph below the surface on your diving trip, this is a really good destination. There is usually good visibility and clear water here.