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08 May 2024
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Virgin Islands British
The British Virgin Islands must immediately be distinguished from the neighboring American territory which is known as Virgin Islands of the United States. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) mainly consists of the islands of Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Anegada, and John Van Dyke. The British Islands is a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean with Puerto Rico to its east. The island of Tortola is home to the capital of the BVI, Road Town. The country is known for all the quintessential pleasures of the Caribbean such as excellent beaches, diving and snorkeling experiences, fishing, etc.
The BVI has a tropical climate and so is hot throughout the year. The more pleasant weather is from December to April (the tourist high season) and hotter period is from May to October. It is therefore best to dress as lightly as possible when in the country. The hurricane season runs from June to November but peaks in August and September and it is best to consider this before travelling to the BVI.
Culture is very central to the people of the British Virgin Islands- a culture which boasts influences from the country's historical evolution. Therefore, there are European and Caribbean cultural influences in the BVI. However, the strongest cultural influence in the country is that of the Africans who arrived the Island during the slave trade. The country is therefore 76% African/black, 5% Latino, 5% white, 5% mixed, 2% Indian.
The Islanders are well known for their industrious "fungi" folk music which is known to employ household items such as gourds and washboards in its making. The official language in the BVI is English. Christianity is by far the prevailing religion in the BVI.
As is to be expected the cuisine in the BVI is primarily made up of seafood such as lobster, shark, fish chowder, conch stew, whelks, etc. Anegada lobster is reputedly the best in the Caribbean. Some of the national foods are "fungi" (a mixture of cornmeal and okra usually served with seafood) and "pate" (a baked or grilled dish containing spiced meat, seafood, vegetables stuffed into pita bread). The islanders also eat lots of delicious fruits such as sour sop, papaya, mango, pineapple, guava, etc.
Of course, being a Caribbean nation the British Virgin Islands boasts an assortment of attractions, especially of the aquatic kind. A few of them are:
- The Baths: The baths are located in Virgin Gorda, the second most populous island in the British Virgin Islands. The baths are also probably the country's most popular attraction, receiving hundreds of visitors every year. The formations of giant rocks between the mountains and the sea here create nature pools perfect for swimming and snorkeling in. It is a most picturesque location.
- Anegada: This island is known primarily for its beautiful beaches such as Loblolly and Cow Wreck Beach which are known to be some of the most beautiful in the British Virgin Islands. However, aside the beaches, this island boasts a lovely assortment of wildlife and Anegada is one of the best diving sites in the world.
- Norman Island Caves: This site is quite popular for its tales of buried treasure hidden within but is even better appreciated for the spectacular snorkeling adventures it offers.
- Long Bay Beach: Visitors will find the perfect, isolated getaway in Long Bay beach. This beach is quite secluded and generally doesn't receive as many visitors, but is not any less beautiful or attractive than many other beaches on the BVI.
A fascinating fact about the BVI is that it used to be a favored hangout for pirates in historic times. Blackbeard is said to have marooned 15 men on one of the islands which is now called "Dead Chest". Also Norman Island reputedly inspired the classic, " Treasure Island".
There are over 200 hotels in the BVI and so suitable accommodations for your budget shouldn't present too much of a problem.
