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Vacation and Dive the British Virgin Islands

© Linda Gettmann

They rise up like green gemstones out of the sparkling deep blue sea, and you immediately know why the British Virgin Islands are known as the "cruising capital of the Caribbean." Coming in for a landing at Beef Island Airport, white sails and bays with anchored cruisers dot Sir Francis Drake Channel as far as the eye can see. Once on the ground, you too will want to feel the wind in your hair and taste the salt spray in the air. Luckily, many power and sailboat charters are available for day trips or sign on for a weeklong crewed charter and really spoil yourself.

Located 60 miles east of Puerto Rico and just a short sail from St. Thomas, the islands dozed, a forgotten corner of the British Empire between the pirate's heyday of the 16th and 17th centuries until the 1960s. Laurance Rockefeller and other wealthy Americans discovered the perfect weather, powdery sand beaches, and constant trade winds ideal for sailing, launching the BVI's into the tourism industry. Average high temperatures of 86 degrees and lows of 74 degrees F make the BVI's ideal for any outdoor activity. Annual rainfall of 40-45 inches keeps the islands green and lush most of the year. From the highest peaks on Virgin Gorda of 1,400 feet and Tortola at 1,700 feet you descend through dense tropical foliage and blooming hibiscus to the lowland desert covered with boulders and huge cactus.

You can arrive by air at the tiny Virgin Gorda airport or the new, larger Beef Island Airport next to Tortola, on one of the ferries from the US Virgin Islands, or by cruise ship at Road Town Harbour. Wherever you begin your adventure, be sure and spend time exploring all that these laid-back islands have to offer. Ferries between the islands are a good way to get around, and rental cars are available on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing are popular water sports here with equipment and instruction available at many resorts. Hiking, tennis, biking, or a walk along a crescent white-sand beach provides an enjoyable afternoon activity. Shopping is limited to local shops in Road Town, Tortola and Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda.

The smaller islands along the south side of Sir Francis Drake Channel provide excellent anchorages, dive sites, and that Robinson Crusoe experience. Peter Island is an idyllic hideaway with stunning views, white-sand beaches, and a luxurious vacation lifestyle. Cooper Island offers a great moderately priced getaway in West Indian style cottages. North of Tortola and Beef Island lies Marina Cay and Guana Island, each with their own resort and ambience. If you want to get away from it all, one of these outer island resorts will suit your taste and slow you to a relaxing pace.

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