Explore: British Virgin Islands - General Info
Time Zone
BVI does not utilize Daylight Saving Time and is Atlantic Standard Time: UTC (-4)
Yachting Essentials
Electricity
The electricity runs at 110 volts at 60 cycles, and outlets will accept the standard two and three-pronged plugs found in the USA.
Water
The island’s drinking water is supplied by both desalination plants and by treating local supply. It’s considered potable—but ask before use.
Fuel
Fuel is available at multiple locations throughout the islands including on Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, Peter Island, and Virgin Gorda. See BVI Mariner for more info.
LPG / Gas
Propane is available at several places in Road Town, also at Parham Town, Nanny Cay, and Spanish Town.
Last updated: January 2019
Money
The official currency of the British Virgin Islands has been the United States dollar (US$) since 1959.
Communications
International dialing for the BVI: dial 1 + 284 + local phone number.
Mobile Phones:
CCT, Flow and Digicel provide the local service. SIM cards are easy to get to local shops in Road Town and at large marinas. They cost about US$20.
Internet:
Internet cafes exist and are typically located near marinas. Access generally costs US$5 per half-hour. Wi-fi is widely available, but expect slow service.
Post:
The BVI postal service is reliable but unpredictable. Mail sent to the USA takes four to 17 business days. Having mail sent to general delivery is currently not a good option due to service disruptions post Irma.
Last updated: January 2019
Transport
Air Travel
Tortola, the main island of the British Virgin Islands, is the location of the BVI’s only major airport, the Beef Island Airport (EIS)) at Tortola’s adjoining Beef Island on its East End. There are also two smaller airstrips on Virgin Gorda and Anegada. Tortola’s Beef Island Airport does not accommodate major jets, only 70-80 seat turboprops, and small jets.
Airlines flying into the BVIs include:
American Eagle: +1 (284) 495 2559
LIAT: +1 (284) 495 1187
Air Sunshine: +1 (284) 495 8900
Cape Air: +1 (284) 495 2100
Ferry Services
Between the US and British Virgin Islands:
Native Son Inc. Tel: (284) 495 4617
Smiths Ferry, Tel: (284) 495 4495
Nubian Princess, Tel: (284) 495 4999
Inter-Island Services, Tel: (284) 495 4166
Speedy’s Ferry, Tel: (284) 495 5240
Roadtown Fast Ferry, Tel: (284) 494 2323
Diplomatic Missions
Foreign Embassies in British Virgin Islands
United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for the BVI): +1 246 436 4950.
Canadian High Commission, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for the BVI): +1 246 429 3550.
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for BVI): +1 868 628 0695.
Events
Note: The traditional happenings are gradually coming back up to speed—but check ahead.
Full Moon Parties, Trellis Bay, the Bomba Shack, and Aragorn’s Studio
Monthly (adults-only) full moon parties are held at Trellis Bay on Tortola (walking distance from the Beef Island airport) and at the legendary Bomba Shack on Tortola’s West End. Aragorn’s Studio holds an artsy, family-friendly event kicking off around 8 pm with calypso music, stilt walkers and fire jugglers.
February: Sweethearts of the Caribbean and Classic Yacht Regatta
Tortola plays host to the BVI’s annual Sweethearts of the Caribbean and Classic Yacht Regatta, at the West End Yacht Club.
March: Dark and Stormy Regatta
Named after a rum drink, this regatta is hosted by the Jolly Roger on Tortola and Neptune’s Treasure on Anegada.
April: BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival
A seven-day sailing event that includes cruises, smaller races, and the three-day main-event regatta. Sponsored by the Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola.
Easter: Spanish Town Fisherman’s Jamboree/Fishing Tournament
The BVI’s top angler’s event is held in Spanish Town, capital of Virgin Gorda, and is the same time as Virgin Gorda’s Easter Festival, featuring parades, calypso music, and funji bands.
May: BVI Music Festival
The Music Festival includes reggae, calypso, funji, R&B, rock, dance, and jazz groups from across the regional and around the world. Held over a three-day weekend in May at Cane Garden Bay Beach on Tortola.
August: Emancipation Festival
Also known as the August Festival or the BVI Festival, this event marks the BVI’s emancipation from slavery in 1834. Includes the annual freedom march, emancipation service, calypso monarch competition, boat races, and parade.
October: Wreck Week
Festivities include a treasure hunt, wreck-diving certification courses, and a big party on Cooper Island.
Last updated: January 2019
Emergencies
Peebles Medical Centre
+1 284 852 7500 or
+1 284 394 3497
Police Department
Note: 911 and 311 services are currently not always functional
+1 284 468 9001 or
+1 284 468 9000
+1 284 344 1818
+1 284 344 1822
+1 284 344 1977
+1 284 545 4866
Virgin Islands Search and Rescue
VHF Channel 16
Dial 767
+1 284 499 0911 (emergency)
Fire and Rescue
+1 284 468 4267 or
+1 284 468 4268
Last updated: January 2019
Publications
EXCLUSIVE BOOK DISCOUNTS FOR NOONSITE USERS
Imray & Adlard Coles Pilot Books can be purchased with an exclusive Noonsite discount of up to 15% by visiting our Imray store if shopping from the UK or Europe.
For North America and the rest of the world visit Bluewater Books & Charts. When ordering through Bluewater be sure to enter the coupon code NOON during checkout to save 10%.
Grenada to The Virgin Islands
By Jacques Patuelli
Published by Imray (3rd Edition 2014)
DISCOUNTS available through Imray and Bluewater Books (see details and links above)
Fully illustrated with plans and photos, many of which are new for this third edition, the guide is packed with interesting and useful background information on the Caribbean; its history, tourism, geography, and details on sailing in the islands.
A Cruising Guide to the Lesser Antilles 2.0 (Volume 1: Virgin Islands) – February 2016
Available through Imray and Bluewater Books & Charts
Author: Frank Virgintino
Available free from www.freecruisingguides.com as well as a Kindle version from Amazon and other EPub bookstores.
A Thinking Mans Guide to Voyages South – the many facets of Caribbean Cruising
Available through Imray and Bluewater Books & Charts
Author: Frank Virgintino
Published: 3rd Edition January 2013
Available as a Kindle version at www.amazon.com as well as other EPub bookstores.
The latest edition of this route planner is larger than ever. For more details see this report
2011/2012 Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands
By Nancy & Simon Scott
Publisher: Cruising Guide Publications; 15th Edn.(2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0944428863
Completely revised and updated edition with full-color sketch charts, these guides have been indispensable companions for sailors and visitors to these islands since 1982. Covers both British and US Virgin Islands.
Yachtsman’s Guide to the Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico
Available through Imray and Bluewater Books & Charts
Editor – Meredith Helleberg Fields
Publisher Tropic Isle Publishers Inc
ISBN – 9780937379004
Virgin Anchorages
By Nancy and Simon Scott
Publisher – Cruising Guide Publications; Rev edition (Jun 2000)
ISBN-13: 978-0944428504
An excellent companion to the Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands, featuring stunning, color, aerial photography, it captures 46 of the most popular anchorages in the Virgin Islands. Graphic illustration overlays to aid in navigation to show you where the reefs and rocks are and where you will find safe passage.
Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands 2014/2015
By Chris Doyle
Publisher Cruising Guides Publications – 13th Edition
ISDN 13: 13: 978-0944428979
This thirteenth edition covers the islands from Anguilla to Dominica and is an essential tool for all cruisers sailing this region
Leeward Anchorages
By Chris Doyle
Publisher Cruising Guides Publications 2nd Edition 2010
ISBN: 13 978-0944428825
Depicts 43 anchorages and harbors throughout the islands of Anguilla, Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, Saint Barts, Saba, Statia, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Marie Galante, Iles des Saintes and Dominica from Road Bay, Anguilla to Roseau, Dominica. The book is to be used in conjunction with navigational charts and is a companion book of The Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands. It is an indispensable aid for the yachtsman or charterer visiting these legendary islands.
Routes and Waypoints
Available through Imray and Bluewater Books & Charts
By Captain Pieter D. Brown
Publisher Baico Publishing Consultants Inc., Ontario, Canada (2011)
ISBN: 978-1-926596-83-9
A Navigational & Piloting Guide of Suggested Routes with Waypoints from Eastern Canada to Grenada including the Canadian & USA E. Coasts, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Leeward & Windward Islands.
Read Review here
Links
BVI Marine Guide
http://www.bvimarineguide.com/index.html
The official website for the BVI Tourist Board.
www.bareboatsbvi.com/british_virgin_islands
Useful photo gallery with over 500 photos and maps of the individual islands.
Another online guide including some interesting info. on anchorages for yachts.
The Different Faces of the Virgin Islands
Association of Reef Keepers (ARK) BVI
Good information about the state of dive sites in the BVIs following the hurricane season, plus volunteer reef-check opportunities.
