Further information
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are located in the Caribbean Sea, Latitude 18.25 degrees North and Longitude 64.36 degrees West - approximately 90 miles east of Puerto Rico. Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, is known as the yachting capital of the Caribbean. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is bordered, mainly in the north, by uncrowded, white-sand beaches where excellent swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed.
Road Town, the capital, is the centre of administration. Here you will find the Botanical Gardens, along with shops, banks, post office and a wide selection of restaurants and bars. Tortola is where most visitors arrive, either by plane at Beef Island or by ferry at Road Town or West End.
Weather
The British Virgin Islands are situated just 18 degrees north of the equator and are considered subtropical. Temperatures fluctuate slightly between winter and summer months where the average day temperature in the winter ranges between 22-28°C (72-82°F) dropping a few degrees at night; it does get slightly warmer in the summer months with August and September being the hottest - average temperatures range between 26-31°C (79-88°F).
Brief, intense showers followed by beautiful sunshine can occur at any time of the year but the rainfall is higher in the autumn. The average annual rainfall is 45 inches. The hurricane season is officially between June and November with the majority of storm activity taking place in September.
Gentle trade winds (8-15 knots) waft through the islands year-round reducing the humidity in the hottest months. On land the temperature drops by a few degrees if you seek higher altitudes.
What to bring
Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.
If you are a diver and you suffer from the cold we recommend that you bring a wetsuit between November and March. We have many guests who don't need one all year around, but you may find it more comfortable to wear one throughout that period.
It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.
What shoes shall I bring?
You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard.
Fishing
All of our yachts have limited fishing gear onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch!
Travel insurance
We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, theft, changes to flights or even cruise cancellation within TradeWinds 90 day period.
Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.
Currency
The currency in Tortola is not the E.C. (Eastern Caribbean) dollar like many would assume. In fact Tortola and all of the BVI islands use the U.S. Dollar as their only form of currency.
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and boutiques, but smaller businesses may ask for US$ cash.
All imports are subject to varying rates of duty. Imports entering the BVI temporarily are not subject to duty.
Dress code
Dress code on the islands is casual (shorts and t-shirts) and only the most exclusive restaurants require elegant clothing. The wearing of swimsuits is considered offensive if worn around town or in residential areas. Please cover up.
Dry bags
You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.
Driving
A valid driving license is required by all those seeking to drive in the British Virgin Islands. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road throughout the islands. Minimum age for hiring a rental car is 25 years.
Electricity
The electrical current is 110 volt, 60 cycles.
Banking
It is advisable to inform your credit card company (if you plan to use it on island) that you will be staying in the British Virgin Islands. Some credit card companies will decline a card, especially for larger amounts, assuming it to be a fraudulent transaction.
Visas and restrictions
A valid passport is required to enter the British Virgin Islands with proof of a return or onward ticket. Visitors from some countries may require a visa - If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
From the Caribbean: Please note that citizens from some islands may need to obtain a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or contact the Chief Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.
Member all-inclusive fees
For payment of your all-inclusive fee travellers cheques are accepted without fees. "Travel Money" cards, or similar, will incur the normal credit card fees that are passed to us from the bank.
Useful links
Please note that all pricing was correct at the time of publication.
