British Virgin Islands
Consists of 4 mains islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke
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Location: In the Caribbean only a few miles east of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Government: British overseas territory-official language is English, U.S. Dollar Currency
Average High Temperature: Summer 90 degrees F, Winter 84 degrees F
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Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (Does not recognize Daylight Savings Time)
Driving on the road: Stay on the left!
The BVI's first settlers were the Arawak Indians in approximately 100 BC. In 1493, Christopher Columbus named Virgin Gorda
(The Fat Virgin).
(From the distance the island reminded him of a pregnant reclining woman).
Sir Francis Drake Channel separates Tortola from its southern islands, which was named after explorer Francis Drake who visited the islands in the
1500's. The territory was taken over by England in 1666.
Please note:
When visiting the British Virgin Islands, you must clear BVI Customs and Immigration each time you arrive and
U.S. Customs as you depart, even if you are traveling by boat and just passing through.
Boaters should also be aware that if you cross borders several times in a single day, you must repeat the clearance process of both countries each time, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
