BVI Welcome Guide December-January 2021 Issue

December / January 2021

VOL. 50, NO. 2

Iguana Revival Charming Creatures

Whales Aplenty Oceanic Giants

Saving Mangroves BVI's Bulwark

Foxy Callwood Jost's Icon

• Places to Stay • Sailing • Marinas • Shopping • Eating Out • Fishing • Real Estate • Investors’ Guide • Helpful Information

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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM PREMIER Andrew

Fahie

On behalf of the people of these beautiful British Virgin Islands, I am pleased to offer a very warm welcome to all who visit our shores. Whether you are just discovering Nature’s Little Secrets, or you have been in on the secret for years, I am sure that you will enjoy what we have to offer.

Adventure seekers can hike among the rare plants in our national parks or dive the depths of some of the world’s best wrecks and coral reefs. Those in need of a bit of pampering will find the BVI has blissfully luxurious spas and resorts. If what you crave is a break from the hustle and bustle of today’s world, we have a myriad of secluded beaches simply calling your name. And, of course, with some 60 different islands and cays to explore, the BVI is a sailor’s paradise.

While you are here, make sure to take in some of the culture that makes the BVI so special. From our unique historic sites to the musicians who play our traditional fungi music; from the mouthwatering dishes and drinks prepared by our world-class chefs to the array of folk and contemporary arts and crafts, these delightful experiences are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for choosing to spend your holiday with us. How ever you choose to spend your time in the British Virgin Islands, I am confident that the warmth of our people will have you wanting to return to see us again and again.

……………………………….

Hon. Andrew A. Fahie

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

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What's Inside

The Anegada Rock Iguana is Making a Comeback | 12 This prehistoric looking creature is unique to the British Virgin Islands

By Claudia Colli

Walking Trees | 15 Mangroves are a vital part of the BVI’s ecosystem.

By Jane Bakewell

Arundel Rum | 18

Rum has been made for centuries at the Cane Garden Bay distillery.

By Leslie Cramer

An Aura of Mystery | 20 The Humpback whale is an annual visitor to BVI waters.

By Claudia Colli

Land and Sea Adventures | 23

Every spot in the BVI is a favorite for this marine sector business owner.

By Laura Thomas

Foxy Callwood | 24 The founder of the Wooden Boat Regatta is a BVI legend.

By Leslie Cramer

Salt Fish Cakes | 54 Salt fish is a beloved Caribbean dish.

By Laura Thomas

ON THE COVER December / January 2021

VOL. 50, NO. 2

Iguana Revival Charming Creatures

Whales Aplenty Oceanic Giants

Saving Mangroves BVI's Bulwark

Foxy Callwood Jost's Icon

A young woman takes in the view at Virgin Gorda's world famous 'The Baths' in in the British Virgin Islands.

• Places to Stay • Sailing • Marinas • Shopping • Eating Out • Fishing • Real Estate • Investors’ Guide • Helpful Information

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Greetings Ron Henry Editor

In this issue we feature some of the more vivid natural wonders and attractions that visitors are sure to find appealing in the BVI. Our first take is a look at the multi-pronged conservation efforts being undertaken with the endangered Anegada rock iguana, a local variety of one of the most exotic animals found on the planet. Members of the Fort Worth Zoo collaborate with the Virgin Islands National Parks Trust to enhance preservation efforts in the Territory.

Another critical aspect of the conservation effort in the territory takes us to the mangrove varieties found in the BVI. In Jane Bakewell’s article, Dr Lianna Jarecki shares some insights with us about some of the steps that are being taken to replenish and revive some of the protective mangroves around the territory following hurricanes Irma and Maria.

We also examine another of the more critically endangered species in the world - the majestic humpback whale - which just happens to be a frequent visitor to these parts during the early part of the year. Lucky visitors may just catch a glimpse of this fabled animal if they happen to be in the right place at the right time.

While a nip of rum might not be of the endangered variety, some might be of the opinion that it is an essential element of a trip down to the Caribbean, after all what good is it to have come all this way and not have encountered some of the famous delights of the Callwood Distillery in Cane Garden Bay. We take a look at the history and some of the folklore surrounding this hotspot of excitement in the BVI. The Callwood name rings true in the BVI in so many ways and one of those is under the banner of the famous Foxy’s establishment over in Jost Van Dyke. Our profile looks at its eccentric founder Philicianno “Foxy” Callwood, his Tamarind bar and some of the more famed events he has helped introduce to the island of Jost.

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GUIDES

8 From the Editor 10 About Our Islands 26 Getting Around 31 Where to Go, What to Do 32 British Virgin Islands Map 34 What to do in a Day 35 Let’s Go Shopping 36 Where to Stay 41 Sailing and Water Sports 56 Anchorages & Dive Spots 51 Eating Out 57 Real Estate 58 Helpful Information The BVI Welcome Guide is published by Caribbean Printing Co. Island Publishing Services, Ltd. Box 133, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110.

Tel: (284) 494-2413, e-mail: info@bviwelcome.com Editor & Art Director: Ron Henry Consulting Editor: Claudia Colli Contributing Writer: Laura Thomas Copyright© 2020 by Island Publishing Services, Ltd. All rights reserved under Universal and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation and reproduction of information contained herein to ensure correctness and currency, such information is subject to change without notice.

The publishers accept no responsibility for such alterations or for typographical or other errors.

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

This spectacular beachfront estate has six ensuite bedrooms in four beautifully decorated air-conditioned pavilions, each furnished with custom-made teak furniture. A great room, office / library, dining room and fully-outfitted kitchen comprise the main pavilion. Outdoor amenities include an ocean-front infinity pool, lighted tennis court, and private decks. Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel equipment, bicycles and other beach and recreational equipment are provided. a The property is just steps away from The Baths, Virgin Gorda’s famous destination, and two unspoiled beaches, Little Trunk Bay and Valley Trunk Bay. A private movie theater, daily maid service, state-of-the art gym and a chef complete the villa’s offerings.

December / January 2021

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About Our Islands

The Early Days

O

n his second voyage to the New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus encountered a very special corner of the Caribbean. So many seemingly untouched islands dotted the landscape that he let his imagination go a bit wild and named them “Las Once Mil Vírgenes” after the legendary St. Ursula, and the 11,000 virgins.

In truth, Columbus wasn’t the first to come across the Virgin Islands. Amerindian tribes had made their way up the island chain by canoe from Venezuela several hundred years earlier, settling in small villages along the shorelines where they hunted and fished. Columbus saw no traces of these Indians when he sailed by, perhaps they had died out or had just moved on. Other Europeans, though, soon followed Columbus’ lead. The Dutch settled on the western end of Tortola in the mid-17th century, and later they were supplanted by the British who annexed the small archipelago to the Leeward Islands in 1672.

These Europeans settlers built cotton and sugar plantations and before long were exporting large quantities of rum and molasses to England. The economy though, was tenuous and shortly after 1834 when slavery was abolished in the British West Indies, the plantation way of life began to decline. By the mid-19th century, the islands’ former slaves were virtually the only inhabitants, and for the next 130 or so years the territory became a sleepy backwater of the British Empire. The inhabitants were predominately fishermen and farmers and it wasn’t until the 1970s that the islands began to burgeon as a popular yachting centre and tourist destination. Today, tourism is a mainstay of the economy along with a growing international finance industry.

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The Islands Although officially called the Virgin Islands, we are most often referred to as the British Virgin Islands to distinguish ourselves from the neighbouring USVI. A territory of Britain, the BVI is nonetheless largely autonomous. The government is comprised of an elected House of Assembly, a Cabinet comprised of ministers appointed from the majority party and a Premier. The Governor is appointed by the Queen and is her personal representative as well as the Chairman of the Cabinet.

Our compact and mountainous archipelago of 59 square miles is comprised of over 50 islands, islets and cays, many of which are uninhabited. There are four main islands in this idyllic group, the largest of which is Tortola, the centre of the territory’s commerce and government.

With a population of 24,000, Tortola has lush green mountains at its centre and velvety white beaches dotting its northern shoreline. Sage Mountain with an elevation of 1,716 feet is its highest point and features some of the dense tropical foliage that predominated when Columbus first came across these islands.

Road Town, on the island’s southern shore, is the seat of the BVI government and over the past several years has burgeoned into a bustling municipality with many shops, hotels, restaurants, museums and several marinas.

With more than 4,000 inhabitants, Virgin Gorda is the next most populated British Virgin Island. The island is known for its crystalline beaches and its many upscale resorts. Huge granite boulders dot the area known as The Valley, and the spectacular boulder formation known as The Baths on the island’s northwest shore has become its most famous attraction. North Sound attracts boaters to its sheltered waters and high end resorts.

Jost Van Dyke, located to the north west of Tortola has its own laid-back charm. The island has just a few hundred inhabitants, The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

VIRGIN GORDA

but some spectacular beaches and a number of entertaining beach bars. Great Harbour, a small community hugging a half moon beach, has several good restaurants, and beautiful White Bay to its west has become popular with boaters and day trippers. Other popular destinations are at Little Harbour and Diamond Cay. Anegada is the BVI’s only coral atoll. Located about 20 miles to the northeast of Tortola, the sparsely populated isle is ringed by white sand, making it a haven for beach lovers.

December / January 2021

Island

SALT

Island

GUANNA

ANEGADA

Much of this low-lying island is surrounded by the extensive Horseshoe Reef and is inhabited by fascinating fauna including the Anegada Rock Iguana and the Roseate Flamingo.

There are so many other islands in the BVI to explore. Some have just a hotel or beach bar and are linked to Tortola or Virgin Gorda by a ferry; others are uninhabited and can only be reached by a charter boat or private vessel. All add to the rich texture of this unique and lovely island chain.

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The Anegada Rock Iguana is Making a Comeback A joint conservation effort by the Virgin Islands National Parks Trust and the Fort Worth Zoo aims to protect this highly endangered species.

By Claudia Colli They look like a relic from the prehistoric past. Close to two-feet long with a chunky body, bowed legs, and a spiky dorsal crest which fans from the top of the male’s head like an elaborate

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headdress, the Anegada Rock Iguana may not win a beauty contest, but its charms are many.

Endemic to the BVI, and specifically to Anegada, the Rock Iguana is one of the BVI’s most well-known residents – and one of the world’s endangered species.

Vulnerable to habitat loss, and predation by cats, the iguanas have been on the decline for decades. Perhaps 90% of iguanas are victims of feline predation.

“The Cyclura pinguis is one of the oldest of the rock iguanas of the Caribbean,” explained Nancy Woodfield Pascoe, the Virgin Islands National Parks Trust Deputy Director for Science. “It is the one on the top, so all the others are descendants of it.”

There are 50 species of iguanas in the world and 16 are found in the Caribbean.

Protecting these creatures, and ensuring that they are brought back from the edge of extinction, is the mission of the Virgin Islands National Parks Trust

and a group of conservation organizations including the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) and the Fort Worth and San Diego Zoos.

These unlikely partnerships between organizations located thousands of miles apart got a significant boost in 1994 when the Fort Worth Zoo, under the stewardship of Michael Fouraker, the facility’s Executive Director, partnered with the Trust to build the Head Start facility in Anegada’s Settlement.

Michael Fouraker explained that the zoo has been involved in iguana research throughout the Caribbean. In 1993, along with biologist Rick Hudson, he attended a meeting of iguana experts in Jamaica, and a year later came to the BVI. The first Head Start facility was built shortly after – a single wooden cage built by Michael.

“That was my design and it stood through five hurricanes,” he noted.

The program’s aim is simple. Trained staff, with the help of alert residents, search for iguana nests. When the eggs hatch, a portion of the hatchlings are transferred to the Head Start facility where they are fed and nurtured until large enough to be released back into the The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

December / January 2021

Photo: Bruce Rideout Photo: Kelly Bradley/Fort Worth Zoo

Photo: Bruce Rideout

Photo: Kelly Bradley/Fort Worth Zoo

wild. The facility’s enclosures are strong and durable withstanding even Hurricane Irma in 2017. The zoo also supplies much needed equipment like food processors for chopping food; lettuce being an iguana favorite. A visitor center at the Head Start facility was funded by a grant from the European Union.

The 100-year-old Fort Worth zoo has a well-respected ectotherm program. These cold blooded animals include fish, snakes, insects and lizards including iguanas.

Their expertise has been instrumental in reversing the Rock Iguana’s decline. Kelly Bradley, a biologist at the Fort Worth Zoo is among the experts instrumental in protection efforts and ongoing research on the Anegada Rock Iguana. Commuting from Texas to Anegada several times a year, she searches for nests, helps gather the new hatchlings and transfers them to the Head Start facility. Once released she tracks their movements to determine their survivability rate.

Another organization with an interest in the Anegada Rock Iguana is Kew Gardens. Through its Darwin Project, the renowned UK based botanical garden and research facility is currently studying VI forest health and resilience in partnership with the National Parks Trust here.

“We are looking at varying interactions between plants and different species,” noted Nancy Pascoe. The Anegada Rock Iguana, for instance, is an important seed disperser.

Community education is a large component of the program to preserve and propagate Anegada’s iguana population.

“We educate the community on how important they are. They are now growing as a tourism attraction in Anegada which is helping to increase the island’s economy as well,” explained Nancy.

Another educational tool will be a film by Madeline Westwood, a student at the UK Film and Television School.

The 10-minute film is narrated by an Anegada school student, and highlights island efforts to conserve this endangered creature. The filmmaker has entered the

Above: (clockwise) A male Anegada rock iguana; Kemahl Vanterpool releases a headstarted iguana; an iguana enjoys its rocky habitat; A young boy looks at pictures of flora and fauna.

short in an international film competition which will be screened in the VI at the end of 2020 after the competition results are out.

The community outreach is working in a variety of unexpected ways. “After Hurricane Irma, Anegada residents, who evacuated to Tortola, would call us and say: ‘We are on Tortola, can we take food back for the iguanas?’” recalled Michael Fouraker.

In addition to efforts to foster the rock iguana’s survival in its native Anegada habitat, small populations of the threatened species have been transported by the owners of Guana Island and Necker

Island, where they are being bred and their populations are thriving. Experts from the San Diego Zoo, through its Institute for Conservation Research, are monitoring these efforts. They are currently looking at the population genetics of these introduced populations and are investigating options for making them more genetically robust.

Among the options being explored with the VI NPT is introducing an iguana population to a protected area on public land on another island.

At one time, the range of the Anegada Rock Iguana might have been more continued on page 14

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Photo: Kelly Bradley/Fort Worth Zoo Photo: Kelly Bradley/Fort Worth Zoo

Kelly Bradley and Micheal Young measure an iguana prior to release back to the wild.

widespread. In millennia past, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were joined in a single land mass, and it is possible that the iguanas might have been found throughout the area known as the Puerto Rican Bank. Iguana bones have been found on other islands in the BVI, but could have been transported there for food., explained Nancy Pascoe who also stated that the animals are proficient swimmers. “A few rogue iguanas have been found on other islands, including one that turned up on Cooper Island after Hurricane Irma,” she said.

Iguana Fest, which Kelley Bradley started eight years ago, is a popular event on Anegada. Held in October on St. Ursula’s Day (a public holiday in the BVI), Iguana Fest attracts dignitaries from Tortola along with much of the Anegada population for a day of games, a 5K run, snacks, and educational activities. “Getting the community involved in the iguanas' well-being and protection makes a difference,” explained Michael Fouraker.

During this period, over 200 of these matured hatchlings were released back into the wild. A proud moment for these iguana custodians. The gradual comeback of the Anegada iguana is certainly something to celebrate, but nonetheless, we cannot let our guard down yet. The population is still fragile and requires all in the BVI to take an interest in this exceptional creature.

Concluded Nancy, “everyone in the BVI should be proud of the iguana because it belongs to the British Virgin Islands.

It is truly a unique species. It is very important in terms of biodiversity. Not only is it very rare, this is the only place in the world it is found.”

Kelly Bradley of the Fort Worth Zoo on Anegada in a new field car.

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Walking Trees

– Mangroves: Our Coastal Friends

By Jane Bakewell

Nature, as we know it, is an intricate web of co-operating eco-systems, which support thriving animal and marine life. The BVI is blessed with the multifaceted mangrove plant, which protects our coasts and surrounds our numerous salt pond habitats. These locally called “walking trees,” for their spindly wooden “legs” or exposed root systems, act as our islands’ guardians and provide nurseries for juvenile fish.

Dense green and bushy, you may have seen these coastal mangroves in your drive around the islands, musing to yourself, “What a distraction to a great view!” But, “hello” our islands are deeply dependent on these mangroves, which thrive in warm, salty environments, where other greenery fears to tread. Their root systems are able to take salt water and transform it to fresh water by the removal of salt through tiny pores in their leaves.

Their seeds (propagules) germinate while December / January 2021

still attached to the plant, until they reach a certain size, then drop to the ground or sea, where they eventually take root and grow into more mangrove trees. This is how dense forests of mangroves form so closely together.

There are three main types in the BVI, that are differentiated by their ability to thrive in specific soil compositions, from wettest to driest. The most common and easily identified are those right on the water called red mangroves (Rizophora mangle). They extend their prop roots out in the water, which also provides support.

Their relatives, the black mangroves (Avecennia germinans) often thrive just behind them in the muddy soil areas.

These plants have an aerial root that acts like a snorkel for oxygen exchange. Tiny crabs love this area and burrow their holes here. Finally the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) generally prefers the area where the soil is the driest and

saltiest. This mangrove has a distinct thick and waxy leaf, which helps reduce water loss.

These mangroves play an important role in our marine eco-system. You might say they are nature’s “border patrol,” protecting the shoreline from the high waves and soil erosion as well as acting as a filter system when heavy rains bring silty runoff down the hillside to the shore. Often after heavy rain storms, the hillside areas that have been denuded of vegetation form gullies of muddied water.

As they move toward the sea, the coastal bays that do not have mangrove barriers, become pools of brackish, brown water.

This is detrimental for both coral and marine life.

Marine life in the BVI is also dependent on mangroves as aquanurseries, which protect juvenile fish. The root system forms a cage against preying birds and larger fish; so tiny fish are able 15

Photo: Lianna Jarecki

Photo: Lianna Jarecki Above: Cedar School's 8th grade biology class exploring and cleaning up the mangroves at the HLSCC Marine Centre.

Photo: Lianna Jarecki

to mature in a “safe space” until they are large enough to swim out on their own. This nursery also protects juvenile lobsters, mangrove oysters and a variety of sponges that attach to the underwater roots of the red mangrove. All this is vital to a healthy and sustainable fishery in the islands.

The BVI was host to a Mangrove Symposium launched in January of this new decade. It included international counterparts, who gathered to discuss mangrove restoration and share ideas and strategies. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources, many government agencies and non-profit organizations came together to discuss the challenges of climate change affecting the territory’s vulnerability to rising sea levels, floods and stronger tropical storms.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vincent Wheatley, emphasized how critical mangroves are in protecting our coastlines saying, “They protect our land-based assets from storm surges; they provide that critical buffer between the sea and the land.” It goes without saying that any development along coastlines or near salt ponds, must take into account the vital importance of mangroves to our eco-system.

Salt ponds, particularly the western salt ponds of Anegada, provide a coastal wetland to many types of birds including a growing flock of pink flamingos — a tourist highlight of this low-lying coral atoll just north of Tortola.

Part of the local effort in the reforestation of the mangroves, is being spearheaded by Dr. Lianna Jarecki, head of Marine and Maritime Studies at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College. The program Dr. Jarecki created is a beneficiary of a grant from Unite BVI, a foundation established in 2017 in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes to assist in community rebuilding and environmental projects. Her vision was to create an educational platform for students interested in biology research through development of a pilot mangrove nursery.

As Jarecki explained, most of the adult red mangroves were wiped out and therefore are not producing the seeds (propagules) necessary for new plant growth. With the knowledge and advice of a “mangrove cultivator expert,” a pilot nursery was first developed on Jost Van Dyke.

Working hand in hand through another eco-enthusiast and beneficiary of a grant, Susan Zaluski of the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society, the first mangrove nursery was formed on this small island. The JVD Preservation Society works closely with Dr. Jarecki at the Marine Center, even funding some of the equipment needed for research.

Learning from the trials and errors of the pilot nursery, a system to propagate the mangroves at the Marine Center on Tortola is being tested. A specially designed bucket Students observe the varieties of mangroves at the HLSCC Marine Centre. with holes midway up the sides for water flow is filled at 16

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Photo: Jane Bakewell Dr. Lianna Jarecki by the mangrove seedling water bucket.

the bottom with mud and sand adding the seawater. The mature seeds found at other sites are then planted in the soil and the bucket is inserted into a PVC flotation frame and tied by the mangrove “dock,” a long boardwalk extending through the mangroves to the sea. Once the seeds develop roots, they are then placed in a cloth planter bag and put in a shade house to grow. The whole process could take six weeks or more to get a plant sturdy enough to transplant.

As a teacher, Dr. Jarecki is excited to offer a class in research and biology through H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (Marine Center), BIO 260, that offers a field-based program, where students have a nursery on campus to monitor and record data on their findings. The larger vision involves stockpiling the seedlings for community plant programs. This involves mapping by the Environmental Unit of the Department of Natural Resources to identify where the need for mangrove reforestation is greatest.

Many organizations can be involved at this stage, which promotes community outreach and cooperation.

The 8th grade Biology class at Cedar School also got a chance to help with the restoration of the mangroves.

Students assisted Jarecki in a mangrove “Clean Up Day,” using the long, winding boardwalk through the plants as their platform to clear trash in and around the mangroves. The dead mangroves, Lianna confided with a smile, would not have to be professionally cleared, as the termites were taking care of that. Nature has it’s own built in recycling efforts.

So it appears these “walking trees” also have stories to tell aside from their role as our coastal guardians.

They have become a unifying element in the community as different partners work together to revive a plant that contributes to a world of natural beauty for residents and visitors alike.

December / January 2021

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Arundel Rum: It’s Made Here and Stays Here – for over 200 years Story and photos By Leslie Cramer

To say that rum’s birthplace is the Caribbean is pretty much a given. Conjure images of pirates, and old-time sailing ships and you begin to get the picture.

And, if you want to talk really old school, lets talk Arundel Rum, produced for over two hundred years by the Callwood family, on Cane Garden Bay’s western end.

Callwood’s Arundel Pure Cane Juice Rum is all natural; produced, I’m told, with molasses made from pure cane juice. Though I personally haven’t put this to the test, it is reputed to alleviate the headache/hangover part the next day. Callwood Rum production is truly a blast from the past. The rum is aged in oak casks. When you step inside the distillation and blending “plant”, you will 18 18

see just that: barrels (casks) lying on their sides, varying in their aging process.

Matthew Callwood, is a born-here local and 5th generation rum producer.

The rum and distillery has been in his family for well over two hundred years, and is one of the oldest continuous running distilleries of its kind in the entire Caribbean. Michael, who is the family heir to the facility, is the tour guide. Low key and possessing a wealth of knowledge, he states he was the only one of his five siblings who “stuck around’ to run things full-time – and he is doing just that with the help of a younger brother who helps out from time to time, doing tours, maintenance and the like.

He explained a bit about the pot

distillation method that is used in the production of his family’s rum. The cane is crushed, the juices retained, the fermentation and distillation process do its work, then the rum is laid down to age, from four to ten years.

All the cane used in the rum’s production is either grown right here on the grounds of the facility or is procured on island, keeping every bit of the growing, production, distilling, and bottling 100% local. There are four kinds of Arundel, which is named for the English family who first built the distillery in the 1600s.

The Callwoods kept the Arundel name on their rums, which include white, (the least aged, and is the actual colour the rum comes out); dark, which is aged at least The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

four years, and is dark and smooth; then there is the ten-year rum, darker and smoother still. The last rum is “The Panty Dropper”; this one needs no explanation, let your imagination run with it.

To sum up the basics of pot distillation: the rum is made in batches, generally in large copper pots. The pot method is considered to be the traditional or authentic method (as opposed to the more industrial “column” method). Not to get all technical about the fermentation process, this type of production (pot still), is hand-driven, and adds art and creativity – not to mention flavor – to the science behind it. On the other hand, large bulk-produced rum is more likely manufactured by the column process.

The distillery – and pretty much all of Cane Garden Bay, took a pretty hard knock from Hurricane Irma in 2017 with claims of 2530-foot waves crashing onto Cane Garden Bay. The distillery is located in a low-lying area on the opposite side of the road that runs along the beach. The waves literally tore right through the building, ripping off the roof, smashing all the windows, and wiping out the better part of the distillery’s inventory. Surprisingly enough, most of the structure’s stone walls, again, built back in the 1600s withstood the wrath of the storm. Consequently, no rum was produced for around seven or eight months while the Callwoods tried to put all the pieces back together. Now, keeping things small and simple is what works.

On display as you enter the building, the oak casks – and the aroma – greet you. On a high shelf, luckily not damaged in the storm, are the demijohn bottles, beautiful hand-blown glass, that are as old as the building itself. Back in those days, there were 28 distilleries on the island, with eight in Cane Garden Bay alone. All the distilleries stored their rums in these beautiful glass bottles. The original cane crusher (press), the one driven by animals (donkeys, mules, or horses), is now in the possession of Whim Great House, in Frederiksted, St. Croix. But the one with the machine-driven wheel is right here and can be observed just behind the distillery. All the rum stays right here on Tortola, none of it is exported.

When asked about the good times and the hard times of life in a rum distillery, Matthew clearly states with a smile, “It is always good times when rum is involved. We make it here, and we drink it here.” For those who live elsewhere, he adds, “if you want me to bring you some, buy me the airplane ticket and I’ll gladly do so.”

December / January 2021

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An Aura of

Mystery

The humpback whale is beautiful, graceful and very large – By Claudia Colli

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

ach year with the regularity of northern tourists fleeing the winter cold, the humpback whale visits the Virgin Islands. For the most part, humpbacks are quiet, unobtrusive guests barely noticed by islanders. They swim through the Territory’s calm and protected waters with a grace and beauty belying their monstrous size.

But when one does sight a humpback, it can cause quite a stir. At 40-feet, the average humpback is the length of a good-sized yacht.

A wave of their fluke, which can measure 15-feet across can be equally impressive. Yet in spite of their imposing size, they are gentle creatures, shy but not inhospitable when it comes to human contact.

There is certainly an aura of mystery about these fascinating creatures known for their melodic song and vast migratory treks that causes awe and curiosity in both laymen and scientists: just what brings the humpback to the Virgin Islands like clockwork each winter, and where do they go when they are not here?

Whales make their way to the Caribbean each winter to breed, and are generally found in the Virgin Islands from December to May.

December / January 2021

Local food is scarce and not to a humpback’s liking, so as soon as their calves are old enough to sustain the long journey, pods of three to 15 whales begin migrating northward to summer feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean. En route, they stop off for a short period of relaxation in Bermuda. They then continue their unerring northerly course, hugging the North American shoreline up past Newfoundland, Iceland, Norway and finally to the Arctic.

Humpbacks are part of the Mystacoceti or baleen group of whales. Baleens do not have teeth; instead their mouths contain a plate of whalebone (baleen) whose fringed edge acts as a sieve. Through its baleen, the whale strains a vast quantity of water to remove small plankton-like creatures known as krill – as well as herring and mackerel.

The Latin term for humpback is Megaptera novaengliae, which means bi-winged New Englander. Bi-winged is a reference to their huge flippers (almost one-third of their length), but the term New Englander is a less accurate description, since branches of this great whale family are also found in the in the Southern Hemisphere and in the Pacific Ocean where they migrate from the Arctic

21

to summer breeding grounds in Hawaii. The paths of these humpbacks never cross and populations never intermix.

Humpbacks are perhaps the most playful of the world’s whales. While in the Virgin Islands they are often seen floating on the surface, their giant arched backs looking from the distance like over-inflated rubber dinghies.

But when the whim strikes them, they perform spirited leaps clear out of the water.

Then as suddenly as they started, they stop, leaving only a frothy trail of spray and a huge wake as a reminder of their acrobatics.

According to some scientists such leaps – called breaching – are as practical as they are playful, since they may ease itching caused by up to half a ton of barnacles that cling to their backs in cold waters. When whales sound – or dive deep beneath the surface – they can reach a depth of 325 feet and remain under for about 10 to 15 minutes before resurfacing with a whoosh of water from their spout.

Humpbacks are both friendly and fascinating creatures. Scientific studies are being conducted into their migratory

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patterns, how they so unerringly plot their way through the ocean, as well as their complex methods of communications.

The singing of the humpback has so far provided man’s best insight into their intelligence. Unlike the mechanical and repetitious singing of a bird, the eerie and mysterious underwater songs of the whale evolve, seemingly composed as they go along. The songs of two consecutive years are more alike than two songs separated by several years. But regardless of how complex the changes are, each whale apparently keeps pace with the others and every year the new song is the only one the listener hears. Even more impressive, is the fact that humpbacks seem to remember their songs from year to year. As each tropical season begins, the whale sings the previous year’s song with changes occurring only as the winter progresses.

Man’s relationship with humpbacks hasn’t always been as benevolent as it is today. As a matter of fact, overhunting the humpback in the early 20th century brought them to the verge of extinction. Both their slow, regular migratory pattern which takes

them close to shorelines and their rather naïve attitude towards man made them easy prey for whale hunters.

At the beginning of the 20th century there were perhaps 100,000 humpback whales throughout the world. By 1966 this number had been reduced to around 5,000, prompting a ban on commercial humpback whaling by the International Whaling Commission that year.

That’s the bad news. But there is good news as well. Although it is difficult to count whales, it is estimated that there are now 80,000 humpback whales worldwide – a great comeback.

Here in the British Virgin Islands, the Department of Conservation and Fisheries monitors the whales on their annual visit to determine how local populations are faring.

As boating activity in the Territory increases in the BVI humpbacks face a different type of danger – injury by boat propellers. Boaters are therefore urged to keep a watchful eye out for these behemoths and steer clear of them when spotted. But even from afar, there is nothing more thrilling than viewing theses gentle giants of the sea.

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Land & Sea Adventures - By Laura Thomas

Teshawn, or “Cam” as he is popularly known around the industry, grew up spending time with his late uncle Terry “Shepard” Evans, sailing the turquoise waters of the beautiful British Virgin Islands and United States Virgin Islands. This sparked Cam’s interest in becoming a licensed mariner. He also had a fascination for fixing broken things like engines and bicycles which led him to becoming a certified Cummins Technician.

As a father of four, Cam enjoys spending quality time with his children and also teaching them life lessons.

He dedicates any downtime to them primarily and spending time with other family members and friends.

Cam told the Welcome that a typical day on the sea “...in [his] BVI is magical.

I am very passionate about home and love sharing it with our clients (visitors and residents). Meeting new people and seeing them year after year is also a highlight for me. They become more like friends than clients. Every spot in the BVI is my favorite spot because each one has a uniqueness that I enjoy”.

Since opening for business in 2012, Cam's company, Land and Sea Power December / January 2021

Services has provided two distinct services.

In the marine sector, they have been known for endeavours in the charter, water sports and tours arenas. Apart from this though, they also repair, install and service marine engines and systems in addition to commercial and residential standby generators. The company also offers 24/7 services for mechanical issues.

If you're looking to head out on the water, you can book a charter or sail to your favourite snorkel spot by being your own captain aboard a Boston Whaler 110 Sport. Currently Land and Sea offers kayaking, snorkeling, tubing, subwings and sea scooters.

Explaining some of his company's offerings, Cam said Land and Sea Power's Boston Whaler tours are guided and take customers to some of the most famous sites around the BVI. He added that the adventurous minded among us can also rent a seascooter – the reliable Yamaha RDS300 – which is lightweight and powerful. It is designed to cruise at speeds of up to 3 mph.

The Seawing features a two-speed interchangeable gear and is run via a

powerful dual thruster motor. Its builtin camera allows users to take videos of their experience.

The Seal seascooter, another of the company's offerings, was made for family pool fun and packs a thrust speed up to 2mph. The safety features include auto shutoff, dual-trigger control, caged propeller casing and positive buoyancy.

On the future of his company, Cam had this to say “We are always seeking ways to be innovative and provide quality services to our customers. I attend a boat show in the USA to ensure any new and exciting products for sea excursions are introduced to the BVI”.

Bookings are individual or in groups and are perfect for novices and professionals alike. The type of water sports depends on the preference of the costumers. The sea scooters allow you to cover more ground while snorkeling and diving while the sub wings allow you to glide through the water like a dolphin.

You can follow them on Facebook at Land and Sea Power Services Limited or visit their website at www. landandseapowerservices bvi.com for more information on the company.

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: d o o w l l a C y x Fo

Foxy Callwood, born and bred on the small British Virgin island of Jost Van Dyke, is a BVI icon. His Tamarind Bar, started over 50 years ago on a virgin strip of sand in Great Harbour, is a center of BVI yachting life. Mention the British Virgin Islands to a sailor, and they will inevitably have a story about Foxy, his calypso song renditions and his bold stories of local politicians and international events. A staunch conservationist, Foxy, along with his wife, Tessa, has been an advocate for the preservation of Jost Van Dyke culture, and through the Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society – its unique eco-system. Keeping Jost Van Dyke as a special slice of BVI life has been a life-long goal.

But for many, what stands out is a slate of famed racing events and parties. New Year’s Eve at Foxy’s is considered among the world’s top celebrations, along with New York’s Time’s Square and London’s Trafalgar Square. Yachts too numerous to count anchor in Great Harbour and thousands of revelers fill the bay each New Year’s for an endless beachside buffet, an Upper Crust dining event and world class reggae acts. At Halloween, Foxy’s Cat Fight, along with the Pirate’s Ball, has become one of the area’s most popular races, attracting catamarans and party-goers from throughout the area.

- By Leslie Cramer Among diehard yachtsmen, Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta is an event as legendary as Foxy himself. For over four decades this Regatta has been a staple of the Caribbean racing scene. It has survived the changes that time, wind, and weather have thrown at it. Multiple category 5 (and 5+) hurricanes have smashed our part of the Caribbean, and thus changed the course the regatta itself has followed.

Foxy, and a few other locals, came up with the idea that wooden boats needed their own Regatta. This was back in the 70s. Noticing that traditional wooden boats were slowly becoming a vanishing breed, it was a way to keep a bit of the past alive.

The traditional wooden sloops which the VI is known for, are true classics in their own right. Both the BVI and St. John, especially the Coral Bay area, had a decent fleet of these beauties back in the day.

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Photo: Julian Putley

eller t y r o t S , r e g in S o s p Caly and Preservationist

Jost Van Dyke icon Foxy in front of his beach bar on Great Harbour

Anyone around long enough may still remember the Cowhorns, the double enders so unique to this part of the Caribbean. And the sailors who sailed them may have been fairly assessed as modernday pirates, if not just hard-core partiers. Really hard-core.

The first year of racing, a meager seven boats competed. But as the word got out there, the fleet steadily increased, I’m told, to upwards of ninety boats at its highest number (rivaling other major regattas in the East Caribbean). Foxy himself still races on Endeavour, the Tortola sloop, built right there in Foxy’s backyard on Jost Van Dyke.

As the wooden boat fleet was slowly diminishing, the trend became more towards fiberglass. Back then, Foxy and the West End Yacht Club race committee which paired up with Foxy’s crew to help run the races, decided to increase the numbers of boats and allow “classics” to race – that being boats over thirty years old.

Back to back hurricanes Luis and Marilyn in 1995 whacked a serious number on the wooden boats; many sunk or damaged beyond any hope of repair. Consequently, a year was taken off and the Regatta was moved from the US holidays of Labour Day at the beginning of September to Memorial Day at the end of May. Around ten years ago – with time marching on, and with severe storms making their mark, race numbers again began to decline.

Photo: Daniel Mejia Former Commodore of the West End Yacht Club, Martin Van The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

and are making a slow come-back, with the efforts of Geoff Brooks and the Virgin Islands Sloop Foundation. Foxy himself has stated, as long as there are two wooden boat able to race against each other, he will keep the Regatta alive.

Besides on-the-water racing, shoreside events at Foxy’s never disappoints. There is always a good vibe on Jost van Dyke in general, and Foxy’s in particular. The beach barbecue is like no other, loaded with Caribbean delights you’ll seldom find elsewhere. The beers are cold, the Painkillers, frosty.

The racing has attracted notable sailors from the region, from Puerto Rico, as well as all the Virgin Islands, both BVI and USVI.

Prominent participants have included Dr. Robin Tattersall (who has raced this regatta for countless years), Peter Holmberg (of America’s Cup fame), Pat Bailey (an international judge for sailing events), and various BVI Governors from over the years.

Whether there is an event on, or a race pending, Foxy himself can inevitably be found in the bar most days of week, strumming his guitar and entertaining guests with jokes and stories. Even the nonsailors among us would enjoy time spent on the Pirate Island, for which Jost van Dyke was named – or just lime beachside in a hammock. Either way, it will be time well spent. As Foxy likes to put it, every day at Foxy’s is a party.

Photo: Julian Putley

Houten, along with Foxy and committee members decided to make some necessary changes, in order to keep the racing alive.

No longer was it just wooden boats and any boats over thirty years old able to compete, now the race was open to any and all makes, models, sizes, and classes, including those made of wood and fiberglass.

Foxy’s Wooden Boat Regatta has held its own ground, among Caribbean racing circuits, despite so many knocks it could have easily vanished, along with the beloved yachts. Appreciation of the old, traditional sloops and classic yachts has continued.

These old Tortola sloops that were so severely damaged in hurricanes Irma and Maria are now on display at Nanny Cay

Great Harbour of yesteryear: A view overlooking the world-famous Great Harbour of Jost Van Dyke.

December / January 2021

25

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ETTING ROUND WATER TRANSPORT BETWEEN THE USVI & BVI Between Road Town, Tortola (BVI) and St. Thomas (USVI)

Ferry companies providing service between the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands and their phone numbers are listed here.

NATIVE SON FERRY

ROAD TOWN FAST FERRY

BVI: (284) 495-4617 USVI: (340) 775-8685 •Road Town, Tortola to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and return •Road Town, Tortola to Red Hook, St.Thomas and return (limited service) www.nativesonferry.com

BVI: (284) 494-2323 USVI: (340) 777-2800 • Road Town, Tortola to Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas and return www.roadtownfastferry.com

Between the St Thomas airport (STT) and any BVI destination DOLPHIN WATER TAXI

Ferries to the USVI leave from the Road Town Jetty.

Be sure to arrive at least a half-hour before your scheduled departure. Ports officials cut off ticket sales 10 minutes prior to departure time.

Please be advised that schedules are subject to change without notice.

Private on-demand transportation throughout the USVI and BVI. Offering morning departures directly from The Moorings and Nanny Cay to the STT airport.

340-774-2628 call or text for info Red Hook, St Thomas. Road Town, Tortola. www.dolphinshuttle.com

Between Virgin Gorda (BVI) and St.Thomas (USVI) SPEEDY’S FERRY Virgin Gorda (284) 495-5240 Tortola (284) 494-6154 • Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and return www.bviferries.com

This information is always available at: www.bviwelcome.com/ferries

The BVI’s first landing strip was built on Beef Island in the early 1950s; in 1968 the Royal Engineers lengthened the runway to approximately 3,600 feet allowing larger planes to land. The airport was comprised of several wooden shacks and goats often had to be cleared from the runway.

To reach the airport travelers crossed the narrow channel separating Beef Island from Tortola using a rope towed barge.

The first bridge linking the two islands was built in 1965; it was a narrow onelane drawbridge and it was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth on a visit to the Territory.

She also dedicated the newly constructed ferry dock at West End.

Beef Island Bridge Original watercolor by Isabelle Smith

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Circa 1980

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands 26

FERRY COMPANIES WITHIN THE BVI

Between Tortola and Virgin Gorda

Anegada

SPEEDY’S (284) 495-5240 •Road Town, Tortola to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda and return •Trellis Bay, Beef Island to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda and return

ANEGADA EXPRESS (284) 340-4455 •Trellis Bay, Beef Island to Anegada and return •Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor to Anegada and return

SMITH’S FERRY (284) 494-4454

ROAD TOWN FAST FERRY (284) 494-2323

•Road Town, Tortola to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda and return

•Service on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, alternate service bi-weekly.

SMITH’S FERRY (284) 494-4454 •Service on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, alternate service bi-weekly.

Jost Van Dyke

Other Islands SCRUB ISLAND (284) 394-3440

&

(284) 541-8427 •Trellis Bay, Beef Island to Scrub Island with a stop at Marina Cay •Scrub Island to Trellis Bay, Beef Island with a stop at Marina Cay

MARINA CAY

NORMAN ISLAND

NEW HORIZON FERRY

(284) 541-8427 •Hannah Bay, Tortola to Norman Island and return

(284) 495 -9278 •West End, Tortola to Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke and return

B B est

E

njoying the BVI’s many fine beaches is one of the reasons that visitors come to the British Virgin Islands.

Here are just a few of our best:

eaches

NORTH SHORE, TORTOLA

which can be reached from East End by private road. In

SMUGGLERS COVE, a small sandy beach at the

here and at Josiah’s can be very strong.

LONG BAY, BEEF ISLAND has a secluded

VIRGIN GORDA

beach with sheltered waters. In order not to disturb

western tip of Tortola, offers good snorkeling. The road is unpaved but passable.

LONG BAY is a lovely mile-long stretch of white

winter, when there is a north shore swell, the undertow

sand beach. A hotel and several guest houses line its eastern portion. The western end offers greater solitude and good swimming.

THE BATHS features giant boulders which form a

APPLE BAY, “the surfing beach,” is home of

snorkeling is excellent.

the surfer’s bar – Bomba’s Shack, as well as a small

SPRING BAY, neighboring the Baths, has white sand,

community and hotel.

CANE GARDEN BAY has a gently curving beach

series of spectacular pools and grottoes that flood with sea water, creating an unforgettable setting. Nearby

clear water and good snorkeling.

TRUNK BAY is a wide sand beach reachable by boat

and is a popular anchorage. There are watersports, restaurants, bars and guest houses.

or along a rough path from Spring Bay.

BREWER’S BAY, a lush tropical bay on the north

SAVANNAH BAY is a sandy beach north of the

shore has two beach bars, a campground and snorkeling.

Yacht Harbour.

JOSIAH’S BAY BEACH on the north shore near East End has a dramatic beach and is a favorite surf spot in winter.

MAHOE BAY, at the Mango Bay Resort has a

LAMBERT BEACH is a wide, palm fringed beach, December / January 2021

gently curving beach with vivid blue water.

OTHER ISLANDS

nesting terns, do not cross the salt pond.

LOBLOLLY BAY is a popular snorkeling and sunning spot as is the beach at Cow Wreck Bay. With its many miles of untouched beaches, Anegada is sometimes called “The Beach Lover’s Island”.

WHITE BAY on Jost Van Dyke is most easily reached by boat and has a beautiful sand beach and a small hotel, beach bars and campground.

SANDY CAY, an uninhabited islet off Jost, has a lovely white sand beach . . . and little else.

DEADMAN’S BAY is the palm fringed beach at Peter Island Resort. It can be reached by boat or ferry from Road Town.

VIXEN POINT, on Prickly Pear in North Sound, is a long stretch of white sand with a beach bar.

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

GA

ETTING ROUND

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Airline Services

======================================

TO PUERTO RICO:

________________________________________________ • To San Juan from Beef Island/Tortola – daily on: Air Sunshine Tel: (284) 495-8900, and Cape Air Tel: (284) 495-2100 Seaborne Airlines Tel: (866) 359-8784 LIAT Tel: (284) 495-1187 interCaribbean Airways Tel: (877) 887-9233 • To San Juan from Virgin Gorda – daily on: Air Sunshine Tel: (284) 495-8900

TO U.S.V.I.:

________________________________________________ • To St. Thomas from Beef Island – daily on: Air Sunshine, Cape Air and LIAT. • To St. Thomas from Virgin Gorda – daily on: Air Sunshine

ELSEWHERE IN THE CARIBBEAN: ________________________________________________ • To Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, Guadaloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia, St. Vincent, Barbados, Grenada, Tobago, Trinidad and Guyana from Beef Island (via Antigua) daily: on LIAT. (Tel: 284-495-1187); to Santo Domingo (via

Antigua) Tues, Wed, Thurs, and Sun on LIAT • To Antigua from Beef Island: Fri and Sat on VI Airlink Tel: (284) 495-2271 • To Antigua, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean destinations on interCaribbean Airlines.

Tel: (877) 887-9233 • To St. Maarten & Dominica BVI Airways. (Tel: 284-494-2347) • To Vieques, Nevis, St. Maarten & Dominica on Air Sunshine.

(495-8900) • To St. Maarten on WINAIR. (Tel: 866-466-0410)

AERIAL SIGHTSEEING

________________________________________________ Fly BVI, Ltd., Beef Island Airport. Tel: (284) 495-1747.

VI Airlink, Beef Island Airport. Tel: (284) 499-2928.

CHARTER FLIGHTS:

________________________________________________ Air Sunshine Tel: (284) 495-8900 Fly BVI Tel: (284) 495-1747 VI Airlink Tel: (284) 495-2271 Island Birds Tel: (284) 495-2002

Sightseeing & Taxi Services =========================================

Andy’s Taxi & Jeep Rental, Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 495-5511.

Beef Island Taxi Assoc., Beef Island. Tel: (284) 495-1982.

BVI 360 Tours, Tortola. Tel: (284) 541-1281 BVI Taxi Assoc., Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-3942 / 494-2322.

Claude’s Safari Service, Jost Van Dyke. Tel: (284) 495-9286.

L&S Jeep Rental & Taxi Serv., Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 495-5297 Mahogany Taxi, Valley, Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 495-5469.

McLean’s Tours, Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-5397 Smithy's Taxi, Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola. Tel: (284) 442-7092 Nanny Cay Taxi Assoc., Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-0539 / 494-0550.

Quality Taxi Assoc., Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-8397.

Scato’s Bus & Taxi Serv., Tortola. Tel: (284) 541-7541 / 342-3040.

Style’s Tour Operator, Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-3341.

Speedy's, Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 495-5240 Travel Plan Tours, Waterfront Dr., Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-2872.

Waterfront Taxi Stand, Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-6362/494 4959.

West End Taxi Association, Tortola. (284) 495-4934/495-4881.

Tolls for the Beef Island bridge were collected by a toll keeper sitting in a wooden shed.

The 25-cent fee was dropped into a hollowed coconut husk attached to a stick.

The toll was later increased to 50 cents.

The present terminal at the Terrence B. Lettsome Airport was built in 2001 and a runway extension was completed in 2003.

A new two-lane bridge was also built that year to accommodate increased traffic to Beef Island.

December / January 2021

29 29

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ETTING ROUND Note: Visitors staying less than one month can drive in the BVI with a valid overseas license. Otherwise a temporary license is required and can be obtained from a rental car agency or the Traffic Department.

DRIVING IS ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD

INTERNATIONAL CAR RENTALS

SPEEDY’S____________________________

carrentals@imlbvi.com

www.speedysbvi.com

FISH BAY, TORTOLA. Tel: (284) 494-2516.

Rates: Competitive rates. Discounts for weekly & monthly rates.

Compact cars, compact & large SUVs.

CAR RENTALS

ITGO CAR RENTAL

ALAMO CAR RENTAL___________________

www.itgobvi.com

Maria's by the sea, Road town. Tel: (284) 342-5266 | 442-5266; AIRPORT, BEEF ISLAND Tel: (284) 495-2626 | (284) 345-2626 Rates: On request. Open daily 8am-5pm 4wd SUVs 8 pass, sedans, mini vans, free p/up www.alamo.com

alamobvi@gmail.com

ANEGADA REEF HOTEL SETTING POINT, ANEGADA. Tel: (284) 495-8002.

Rates: $75/day Day rentals only. www.anegadareef.com

Maria's by the sea, Road town. Tel: (284) 342-5266 | 442-5266; AIRPORT, BEEF ISLAND Tel: (284) 495-2626 | (284) 345-2626 Rates: On request. Open daily 8am-5pm enterprise@gmail.com

30

info@speedysbvi.com

MILL MALL, ROAD TOWN, Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-5150.

Rates: on Request, CC. Equip.: Sedans std & auto, A/C, Mini Van std A/C. Hotel p/up. Open Sun til noon. info@itgobvi.com

JERRY’S CAR RENTAL

West End, Tortola. Tel: (284) 495-4111, Fax: (284) 495-4114.

Rates: on Request. Equip.: Suzuki XL & Vitara; Jeep Wrangler & Liberty; Montero & Kia; 4WD; 4-7 passengers. www.jerryscarrentalbvi.com jerryhamm963@gmail.com

L & S JEEP RENTAL____________________ THE VALLEY, VIRGIN GORDA. Tel: (284) 495-5297, Fax: (284) 495-5342.

Rates: $55‑$95/day. Equip.: 4 - 8 pass. Jeeps. Mini Safaris 8-12 pass.

Island tours. CC. www.landsjeeprental.com

ENTERPRISE

THE VALLEY & LEVERICK BAY, VIRGIN GORDA. Tel: (284) 495-5240, Fax: 495-5755. Rates: 55-91/day; CC. Equip.: 4WD jeeps and Mini Safaris.

lscarrentals@surfbvi.com

NATIONAL CAR RENTAL________________ Maria's by the sea, Road town. Tel: (284) 342-5266 | 442-5266; AIRPORT, BEEF ISLAND Tel: (284) 345-2626 Rates: On request. Open daily 8am-5pm www.nationalcartortola.com

national@surfbvi.com

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

WW

he here re to go hat to do

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Sites of natural beauty and historic significa­nce can be found throughout the BVI and exploring the islands can be both fun and educational.

Sites are labeled by number on the map in the center pages.

TORTOLA 1. J.R. O’NEAL BOTANIC GARDENS are a cool and peaceful refuge located in the centre of Road Town. The beautiful 4-acre garden includes a lush array of indigenous and exotic tropical plants.

2. MAIN STREET is Road Town’s primary shopping street. The narrow road, which runs through the centre of town, retains a great deal of West Indian charm with its colourful traditional wooden and stone buildings. Sights include the Sir Olva George’s Plaza and the 19th century Post Office. The VI Folk Museum houses a collection of Amerindian, Plantation era and Rhone artifacts.

3. QUEEN ELIZABETH II PARK is a park bordering the western side of Road Harbour which features a children’s playground & walking/jogging track.

4. OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE Museum Once the Governor’s residence, this stately colonial building, constructed in 1924, is perched on a knoll above Road Harbour. Open for tours it also houses a small museum and a BVI stamp collection.

5. LOWER ESTATE SUGAR WORKS MUSEUM. This 1780 sugar refinery on Station Road in Road Town was later used to process locally grown cotton for export. It contains photo exhibits on BVI Culture, history and nature, plus artifacts from the BVI’s early and recent history.

6. SAGE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. At 1,716 feet, Sage Mountain is the BVI’s highest point. The park is laid out with gravelled paths, and although it is not a true rain forest (it receives less than 100 inches of rain a year), the lush area possesses many of the characteristics of one.

7. THE NORTH SHORE SHELL MUSEUM in Carrot Bay displays shells, shell craft, traditional wood boats and other examples of local culture.

8. FORT BURT once guarded Road Harbour. It was constructed by the Dutch and later rebuilt by the English, who annexed the islands in 1672.

Now the site of a hotel, only the foundations and the magazine remain.

9. FORT RECOVERY, at the West End is the BVI’s oldest intact structure. A turreted gun emplacement with three foot thick walls, it was built by the Dutch in 1660.

10. THE WILLIAM THORNTON ESTATE RUIN, located in Pleasant Valley, was once the home of the designer of the U.S. Capitol Building.

11. THE DUNGEON is a fort located halfway between Road Town and West End and was built in 1794 by the Royal Engineers. It was dubbed the Dungeon because of its underground cell.

12. THE CHURCH AT KINGSTOWN, just east of Road Town, is all that remains of a community of free black apprentices established in 1833.

13. JOSIAH’S BAY PLANTATION. This building was a former rum distillery.

14. MOUNT HEALTHY NATIONAL PARK, above Brewer’s Bay, features the intact remains of a thickly walled stone windmill, once part of an 18th century sugar plantation.

December / January 2021

15. THE CALLWOOD RUM DISTILLERY at Cane Garden Bay is housed in a stone plantation era building. The rum distillery still produces rum in much the same fashion that it did over two centuries ago.

16. SHARK BAY NATIONAL PARK above Brewer’s Bay has a short nature walk and look out.

17. SOPER’S HOLE on the West End of Tortola is a major anchorage. The main ferry terminal is here, as are several restaurants and the Caribbeanstyle Soper’s Hole Marina and shopping wharf.

VIRGIN GORDA 18. At THE BATHS, giant boulders form a series of sea pools and grottoes.

This spectacular geological wonder is one of the BVI’s most popular attractions. Together with the beautiful beaches of Spring Bay and Devil’s Bay, which are located on either side, it is a national park.

19. LITTLE FORT NATIONAL PARK south of the Yacht Harbour was the site of a Spanish fort and some stone walls remain. The 36-acre area is also a wildlife sanctuary.

20. NAIL BAY contains ruins of a 19th century sugar plantation.

21. THE COPPERMINE was mined by Cornish miners from 1838 – 1842, and 1859 – 1862 and perhaps earlier by the Spanish. Today, the remains of the chimney, boiler house, cistern and mine shafts can be seen.

22. GORDA PEAK NATIONAL PARK contains a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants and has been reforested with mahogany trees. At 1,500 feet, it’s the island’s highest point.

23. GREEN VI GLASS STUDIO at Bitter End Yacht Club. Watch glass blowing artisans create hand-crafted pieces from local recycled glass.

OTHER ISLANDS 24. THE RMS RHONE was a 310’ Royal Mail Ship that was dashed against the rocks off Salt Island’s southwest coast during an 1867 hurricane. Now a National Park, its remains have become a fascinating underwater habitat for marine life.

25. CAM BAY National Park is a nature preserve located on Great Camanoe.

26. PRICKLY PEAR ISLAND. This National Park in North Sound has a nature preserve.

27. SANDY CAY This pristine island off Jost Van Dyke is a National Park.

ANEGADA is a coral atoll known for its miles of uninterrupted beaches surrounded by a reef.

GREAT HARBOUR, JOST VAN DYKE. This village of picturesque wooden houses on a sandy beach is a page from a by-gone era.

NORMAN ISLAND is the reputed setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The caves at the Bight are popular for snorkeling.

SALT ISLAND has three salt ponds and was once a source of the seasoning for islanders and passing ships.

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Where to Go, What to Do Major Sights of The B.V.I. Tortola 1 Botanic Gardens 2 Main Street 3 Queen Elizabeth II Park 4 Old Government House Museum 5 Lower Estate Sugar Works 6 Sage Mountain 7 North Shore Shell Museum 8 Fort Burt 9 Fort Recovery 10 William Thornton's Estate Ruins 11 The Dungeon 12 Church at Kingstown 13 Josiah's Bay Plantation 14 The Windmill at Mount Healthy 15 Callwood Rum Distillery 16 Green VI Glass Studio 17 Shark Bay National Park 18 Soper‘s Hole Virgin Gorda

19 Spring Bay & The Baths

20 Fort Point & Little Fort Nat'l. Park

21 Nail Bay Sugar Mill Ruins

22 The Coppermine

23 Gorda Peak

Other Islands The RMS Rhone Cam Bay National Park Prickly Pear Island Sandy Cay

24 25 26 27

27

17

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Legend: Legend:

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26

23 23

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Map Map of the of the British British Virgin Virgin Islands Islands

©© Copyright Copyright 2020 2020 Island Island Publishing Publishing Services Services – BVI – BVI This This map map may may not not bebe reproduced reproduced in print in print or electronically. or electronically.

October / November 2015

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What to do in a day SAIL: Take a day sail aboard

a sailing yacht and explore the BVI’s beautiful coves and snorkel its colourful reefs.

WATERSPORTS: Kitesurfing,

paddleboarding and kayaking are just a few adventure sports that are enjoyed here.

Several local watersports centers can get you windsurfing or paddling in no time at all.

DIVE: You can dive on one of

our incomparable coral reefs.

The BVI has several dive outfits that will be happy to take you out on one of their comfortable dive boats. Discover colourful fish, sea anemones, starfish and fabulous coral villages up close.

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SNORKEL: You don’t dive?

With a snorkel and mask you can skim across the water and view many of our fascinating coral reefs. Many of our beaches have fish life and reefs just a short swim from shore.

WALK: A walk through Sage

Mountain, Tortola’s highest peak, which features paths through lush tropical forest, or the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens in Road Town, are two splendid ways to enjoy Tortola’s rich and bountiful plant-life.

RENT A CAR: Feeling adventurous? You can rent a car or scooter and explore the island on your own. Pick up an area road map, stay on the left side of the road and discover historic sites, mountainous countryside and fabulous beaches.

SURF: Finding the perfect wave has never been easier.

Tortola's Josiah's Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Apple Bay and Brewer's Bay are amongst the more renowned spots for facing the waves in the BVI.

VISIT ANOTHER ISLAND: TAKE A TAXI TOUR: A fleet of open-air safari buses will whisk you around the island. This is an ideal way to familiarize yourself with the most popular areas.

Ferry tours will take cruise ship passengers to Virgin Gorda where you can visit The Baths and other popular sites.

You can catch a ferry from the Road Town ferry dock. At West End there is a ferry to picturesque Jost Van Dyke.

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

LS

et's go hopping

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Road Town

____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

E.A. Creque - 261 Main Street (284) 494-3368 E. A. Creque's carries fashionable shoes and handbags. Featured lines include Milano leather shoes, bags and accessories; Aerosole shoes; luggage, travel bags and totes and fashion jewelry. Plus textiles and sewing notions.

Pusser’s Company Store - Main Street (284) 494-2467 The gift shop adjacent to the Main Street pub specializes in nautical gifts, souvenirs, and keepsakes. Carries jewelry, clothing, hats, accessories and Pusser’s Rum, plus the tastiest rum cake around.

House - Wickham's Cay 2 (284) 494-1920 The premier "go to" retail store in the BVI for household, gift, furniture and clothing items. Inventory is always changing with new itemsarriving constantly to keep it fresh and interesting.

Mi Amor Jewellers - Main Street (284) 494-7477 Exclusive pearl and diamond collection, pre-owned Rolex and Cartier timepieces; Michael Kors; Anegada silver themed jewelry; Caribbean gemstone larimar, trendsetting brands.

Personal jewelers/designers.

Little Denmark - Main Street (284) 494-2455 This Main Street store carries a broad array of souvenirs; as well as a selection of gold jewelry including chains and earrings. Plus: totes, beach items, fishing equipment, postcards and Cuban cigars.

KennyTees - Road Town (284) 494-6527 Pirate tees, flags, souvenirs, as well as tropical clothing, beachwear, bags, hats, jewelry, perfumes, books, maps, cigars, liquor, coffee, teas. Locations at Mill Mall, Waterfront Drive, Wickhams Cay II. Locally Yours - Tortola Pier Park | Crafts Alive Village (284) 494-2178 Organic, local, natural. Specializes in locally made products. Homemade fruit juices, liqueurs, popsicles, herbal limeades, infused teas, Caribbean coffees, teas, sea salt, local spices, condiments, rum cakes, cold beers.

Odd Box - Main Street (284) 543-2448 Visit this historic building to stock up on paints, pencils, canvases and other art supplies, or for a wide selection of charming handmade gifts. Here for a spell? Ask about custom and personalized projects.

December / January 2021

Beyond Road Town

____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________

Aragorn's Studio - Trellis Bay (284) 495-1849 The studio features stunning works by sculptor Aragorn Dick-Read's including copper sun and sunflower sculptures and intricate fireballs. Also locally made pottery, Caribbean crafts, silkscreened tee-shirts and Italian fashions.

Olivia's Corner - Cane Garden Bay (284) 495-9649 At Myett’s at Cane Garden Bay. Features the perfect fashions and accessories for the BVI's tropical lifestyle.

You will also find fashion jewelry, tee shirts, gift items, sunscreens, books and a variety of accessories.

Foxy's - Jost Van Dyke (284) 495-9258 The boutique on Jost Van Dyke, at Foxy's Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour features cool and trendy tropical fashions and accessories for men and women.

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HERE TO TAY

TORTOLA HOTELS & RESORTS FORT BURT HOTEL

Road Town. Box 3380, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-2587; Fax: (284) 494-2002.

Rates: SR $99 to $310. WR: $115-$385.

Facil.: 10 Rooms, 8 Suites, AC, K, M, MS, R, SP, TV, Tel, Conf.

Room www.fortburt.com

fortburt@surfbvi.com

FORT RECOVERY BEACHFRONT VILLAS & SUITES West End. Tel: (855) 394-3355, (284) 494-4354.

Rates: On request. Facil.: 1-8 BR villas, AC, B, CC, CP, KF, MS, R, RS, SP, TV, WS, Deep tissue massage www.fortrecoverytortola.com

ftrhotel@gmail.com

HOTEL CASTLE MARIA Road Town. Tel: (284) 494-2515/2553; Fax: (284) 494-2111.

Rates: From $110 to $160. Weekly rates available. Facil.: 34 Rooms, AC, CC, EP, INT, MS, SP, Stand-by Generator, TV, Free Wi-Fi hotelcastlemaria@surfbvi.com MARIA’S HOTEL BY THE SEA

Road Town. Box 2364, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-2595; Fax: (284) 494-2420. Rates: SR: $130-250/ day; WR: $170-290/day, $25 hotel fee, EP, SC, TC, CC. Facil.: 76 Rooms, AC, Bar, R, SP, TV, Tel, Conf. Room. www.mariasbythesea.com info@mariasbythesea.com MOORINGS-MARINER INN

Road Town. Box 216, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-2333; Fax: (284) 494-1638.

Rates: SR: $160-320/wk; WR: $220-395/wk; SPR/F: $195-370.

EP. CC. Facil.: 40 Rooms, Bar, Dive Shop, K, M, R, SP, T, Yacht Charters.

KEY: A Anchorage AC Air Conditioned AP All meals included B Beach BB Beach Bar BK Breakfast Included BR Bedrooms BS Babysitting C Commissary

CA Cook Available CC Credit Cards CP Continental breakfast incl.

EP No meals included in rate F Fall FAP Full American Plan INT Internet K Kitchenette KF Fully Equipped Kitchen

$100-130/day. Facil.: 16 1-BR units. KF, MS, PC, near R and B, TC, TV.

Rates: $165-185. Facil.: 4 rooms. AC, Bar, BK, Fridge, INT, MW, MS, SP, TV. www.hummingbirdbvi.com hummingbirdbvi@hotmail.com

CHATEAU RELAXEAU CARIBE

JASMINE VILLA

www.crcbvi.com

VILLAGE CAY HOTEL & MARINA Road Town. Tel: (284) 494-2771; Fax: (284) 494-2773.

Rates: SR: $115-225; WR: $135-280. SPR/F: On Req. EP. Facil.: 19 Rooms, 2 BR condos, AC, TV, R, Bar, RT, SP, Dive Shop, Day Sail, M. www.villagecayhotelandmarina.com

GUEST HOUSES, VILLAS & APTS. AGAPÉ COTTAGES

Cane Garden Bay. Tel: (284) 495-4825.

Rates: SR: from $931/wk; WR: from $1246/wk. TC, CC. No SC. Facil.: 7 - 1 & 2 BR apts. A, AC, KF, MS, MW. Near R’s, WS. 1st Breakfast Included. www.agapecottages.com reservations@agapecottages.com

Pasea Estate, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-0039; Cell: (284) 499-4326

www.stanleycomfort.com carriesislandcomfort@hotmail.com

SEBASTIAN’S ON THE BEACH

sebhotel@surfbvi.com

SC Service Charge SP Swimming Pool SPR Spring SR Summer T Tennis TC Traveller’s Checks WD Washer Dryer WR Winter WS Watersports

HUMMINGBIRD HOUSE B&B (Bed & Breakfast)

www.marinerinnbvi.com

www.sebastiansbvi.com

M Marina facility MAP Breakfast and dinner incl.

MS Maid Service MW Microwave PC Personal Checks R Restaurant RS Room Service RT Telephone in Room SAT Satellite TV

CARRIE’S ISLAND COMFORT INN Cane Garden Bay. Tel: (284) 495-9220, 542-1092; Fax: (284) 495-9316. Rates: SR: $65/day; SPR/F: $75/day; WR:

Little Apple Bay. 1935 Hyde Burndale Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Tel/Fax: (707) 938-3835, (284) 495-4068. Rates: SR: $9001,100/wk; WR: $1,100-1500/wk. Facil.: B, HC, K, RT, near R.

Apple Bay. Box 441, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 495-4212, (800) 336-4870.

Rates: SR: $100-165; WR: $150-295. SPR/F: $125-205 EP. MAP: $50/day. Facil.: 26 Rooms. AC, B, BB, R, C, HW, MS, fridge, internet, WS, some RT

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The following pages list accommodations. All rates are subject to change and should be verified with the hotel or guest house. Listed rates reflect range of rates from lowest to highest. There is a government tax on all accommodations.

crc@vom.com

www.bvivillarental.com

EWING HOUSE

Long Bay. 333 Shore Rd, Greenwich CT 06830.

Tel: (646) 526-7111, (284) 495-4315.

Rates: SR: $2,700-2,900; SPR/F: $3,100-3,400; WR: $3,9004,200.

Facil.: 2 BR-3BR. AC, B, Cable TV, INT, KF, K, MS, MW, Tel. www.ewinghouse.com ewinghouse@gmail.com GRAPE TREE VACATION RENTALS

Long Bay. Box 3328, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 495-4229; Cell: (284) 540-5353.

Rates: SR: $750-1,600; SPR/F: $850-2,000; WR: $1,050-2,400.

Facil.: 1 & 2 BR Apts. B, Cable TV, KF, MW, Tel. (MS, BS on req.). melo@surfbvi.com THE HERITAGE INN

Windy Hill. Box 2019, Carrot Bay, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-5842; Fax: (284) 495-4100. Rates: SR: (1BR) $135 - (2BR) $200/nt; WR: (1BR) $225- (2BR) $360/nt. CC.Taxes and sur incl. 180° Sunset views. Bar, KF, MS, R, SP. www.heritageinnbvi.com

Long Bay Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $3,500-$4,200/wk; WR: $4,550-$5,250/wk.

Facilities: Lux, 2 BR, 2.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, DVD & CD Player, IPod Dock, Digital Safe, Beach Gear, Bch Access, Guest Services info@bvivillarental.com

LIGHTHOUSE VILLAS

Cane Garden Bay. Rush It, Box 993, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-5482; Fax: (284) 495-9101. Rates: SR: $105-305/ day; WR: $175-405/day. Facil.: 1 & 2 BR units. Cable TV, AC, KF, MS, MW, near B & R. www.travel-watch.com/lighthouse bvilighthouse@surfbvi.com OUTER BANKS

Brewers Bay Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $5,250-$6,825/wk; WR: $7,000-$8,575/ wk. Facilities: Lux, 5 BR, 5.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, DVD, CD, IPod Dock, Generator, Paddle Bds, Bch Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

info@heritageinnbvi.com

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

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HERE TO TAY

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

SEBASTIAN’S SEASIDE VILLA

VILLA ARIANA

Little Apple Bay. Box 441, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 495-4003; Fax: (284) 495-4466. Rates: SR: $150-200/ day; WR: $250-300/day - 7th night free. Facil.: Junior Suites. AC, B, C, CC, K, R, RT, TV, TC, SC, WS.

Smugglers Cove Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $3,850-$5,600/wk; WR: $4,725$6,475/wk. Facilities: Lux, 4 BR, 4.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, DVD, IPod Dock, Safe, Beach Gear, Beach Access, Guest Services

www.sebastiansvillas.com sebhotel@surfbvi.com SERENDIPITY HOUSE

Josiah’s Bay. Box 2827, East End, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 541-6991. Rates: $95-$225/nt. Facil.: 1 to 5 ensuites BR. KF, CA, CC, MW, MS,PC, R, SP, TV, TC, VCR, near B, RT. www.serendipityhousebvi.com serendipitybvi@gmail.com SUNSET HOUSE Long Bay, Tortola. Tel: (284) 495-3367. Rates: SR: $4,994-

$8,000/wk; WR: $6,367-$10,200/wk. Facil: Luxury 5 BR, 5.5 Bath House, AC, CA, Cable TV, CD, DVD, free INT, iPod docks, Jacuzzi, MS, SP, Tel, WD. www.sunsethousebvi.com carmen@sunsethousebvi.com ST. BERNARD’S HILL HOUSE Belmont, Tel: (284) 346-7682. Rates: SR: $3,643/night; WR:

$4,214/night. Facil: Luxury villa, 5 BR, AC, AP, BK, BS, CA, CC, CP, INT, K, KF, MAP, MS, MW, RS, ST, SC, SP, WS. www.stbernardshillhouse.com sbhhouse@live.com TORTOLA HOUSE

Little Apple Bay. PO 6851, Delray Beach, FL 33482.

1-800-TORTOLA Tel: (561) 265-0662, (284) 494-5864; Fax: (561) 276-7564, Rates: SR: $980; WR: $1785; SPR/F: $1400/wk. *Efficiency Rates: $385-525/wk. Facil.: 2 BR, 2 bath house. KF, AC, CC, MW, TV, DVD. www.tortolahousebvi.com VILLA AJA

Trunk Bay. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, Rates: SR: $6,900-$9,500/wk; WR: $11,000-$15,000/wk. Facilities: Lux, 5 BR, 5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, FK, WD, INT, SAT, DVD, CD Player, IPod Dock, Generator, Bch gear, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com info@bvivillarental.com

www.bvivillarental.com VILLA LUNE

Trunk Bay Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $3,325-$4,550/wk; WR: $4,375-$5,845/wk.

Facilities: Lux, 3 BR, 3.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, IPod Dock, Beach Gear, Beach Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

VILLA MAYA

Smugglers Cove Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $4,550-$6,125/wk; WR: $6,895$8,470/wk. Facilities: Lux, 4 BR, 4.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, IPod Dock, Digital Safes, Kayaks, Bch Gear, Bch Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

VILLA SADE

Smugglers Cove Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $4,200-$6,650/wk; WR: $5,600$7,700/wk. Facilities: Lux, 5 BR, 5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, Cable TV, CD, Safe, Books & Games, Music, Beach Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

VILLA SOLEIL

Trunk Bay Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $3,920-$5,320/wk; WR: $4,900-$6,895/ wk. Facilities: Lux, 3 BR, 2.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, DVD, IPod Dock, Xbox, Generator, Bch Gear, Bch Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

VILLA VENTANA

Trunk Bay Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: $3,850-$4,550/wk; WR: $5,250-$5,950/wk..

Facilities: Lux, 3 BR, 3.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, WD, INT, SAT, IPod Dock, Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Coolers, Beach Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

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info@bvivillarental.com

VIRGIN GORDA HOTELS & RESORTS FISCHER’S COVE BEACH HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Spanish Town. Box 60, The Valley, Virgin Gorda, BVI Tel: (284) 495-5253; Rates: SR: $145-$300 day, $575-$1,400 wkly, WR: $165-$450 day, $770-$2,450 wkly. Facil.: AC, B, CC, EP, HC, K, MS, MW, R, INT, SC, TC. www.fischerscove.com relax@fischerscove.com GUAVABERRY SPRING BAY VACATION HOMES Box 20, Virgin Gorda, BVI Tel: (284) 495-5227; Fax: (284)

495-5283. Rates: SR: $185-365; WR: $288-525. Facil.: 1, 2 and 3 BR houses. KF, MS, views, C, B, SN. Deluxe 1-5 BR villas also available www.guavaberryspringbay.com info@guavaberryspringbay.com LEVERICK BAY HOTEL & VACATION VILLAS Box 63 Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 495-7421, (800) 848-7081.

Rates: SR: $119/nt; WR: $149/nt; Villa rates on request; EP. CC. Facil.: 18 rooms, AC, B, Diving, Laundry, M, MS, R, Shops, SP, T. www.virgingordabvi.com leverick@surfbvi.com OIL NUT BAY Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 346-0011 or (800) 761-0377

Rates: $750 - $8,750 per night; 1 to 6 bedroom villas and suites Facil.: Full Resort, Pools, Restaurant, Fitness Centre, Kid’s Club.

AC, B, BS, Bar, INT, EP, M, MS, RS, SP, T, WS www.oilnutbay.com

reservations@oilnutbay.com

VIRGIN GORDA VILLAGE DBA OLDE YARD VILLAGE Tel: (284) 495-5544; Fax: (284) 495-5986.

Rates: SR: $180-$320; WR: $250-$485. Facil.: 30 Studios, 1, 2, 3 bedrooms. AC, CC, Fitness Center, INT, KF, MS, R SP, T. www.virgingordavillage.com info@virgingordavillage.com

info@bvivillarental.com

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

GUEST HOUSES, VILLAS & APTS. A DREAM COME TRUE ESTATE Savannah Bay. Tel/Fax: (978) 283-0669.

Rates SR: $5,500-11,500 WR: $7,500-13,500 (2-14 pers) SC, EP Facil: Beautifully renovated 5BR lux. private oceanfront estate, B, Horizon SP, WS, kayaks, AC (BR), MS, BS, CA, KF, RT, SAT, Int T (fee) www.bvidreamvilla.com

adct@mac.com

BARAKA POINT ESTATE Nail Bay. Tel: (800) 969-9713. Rates/wk: WR: $24,000-28,000;

Mid Season: $15,000-19,000; SR: $12,000-16,000; Facil.: 5 Suites, AC, B, Chef, INT, SAT, SP, T, WS. Sleeps 14.

ISLAND BREEZE

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $1,750/wk; WR: $2,240/wk.

Facilities: 1 BR, 1 Bath, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com info@bvivillarental.com

www.barakapoint.com info@barakapoint.com ISLAND OASIS BELLAMARE Mahoe Bay. Tel: (703) 628-0728. Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals.

Rates: SR: $4,600; WR: $5,900/wk.. Facil.: 4 BR, 4.5 bath. Lux. villa on bay, gourmet K, TV-VCR/DVD/stereo, SP, T, MS, TV, INT. www.bellamare.com info@bellamare.com BLUE MOON

Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $1,925-$2,625/wk; WR: $2,625-$3,325/wk.

Facilities: 3 BR, 3 Bath, SP, AC, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com info@bvivillarental.com

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $1,575/wk; WR: $2,065/wk.

Facilities: 1 BR, 1 Bath, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com MOON SHADOW

ISLAND SPICE

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $2,415/wk; WR: $3,150/wk.

Facilities: 2 BR, 2 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

ISLAND TIME

CASA DE VIENTO

Windy Hill, The Valley. Tel: (708) 227-2676; Fax: (708) 524-1143 325 S. Home Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 Rates: SR $1500/wk; WR $2150/wk.

Equip: 2 BR, 1 bath, CA, EP, INT, KF, CD Player VRBO.com Listing #501156

departie@aol.com

Little Trunk Bay. Tel: (284) 495-5227.

Rates: SR: $3,600-$3,800/wk; WR: $4,700-$9,150/wk. Facil.: 5 sep. BR & bath. KF, T, SP, TV/DVD, MS, B, BS, RT, WiFi, Rec room. www.IslandTimeVilla.com info@guavaberryspringbay.com M & M APARTMENT SUITES

COCONUT GROVE

Leverick Bay. Box 1110, Virgin Gorda. Tel: (284) 495-7313; Cell: (284) 541-7313. Rates: SR: $3,570-6,664/wk; WR: $5,5939,520/wk. TC. Facil.: 5 BR, 5.5 bath villa. AC, CA, CC, EP, INT, KF, MS, MW, RT, SP, WS. R, C, A, Cable TV, VCR, DVD, CD, Pool Table, WiFi, INT, Hot Tub.

Spanish Town, Tel: (284) 495-5054; (284) 495-5647 Rates: WR: $125-$175/day (+ 12% gov’t tax); SR: 125-175 (Incl.

12% tax). Facilities: 8 one & two ac bedroom suites. Ceiling fans, Wifi, sat tv, KF, MS.

https://www.vrbo.com/126241 tiina@surfbvi.com

belmarsholdings@gmail.com www.mandmapartmentsuites.com

DRAKE’S VIEW

MIRABELLA

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000; Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $1,575-$3,185/wk; WR: $1,820-$4,165/wk. Facilities: 3 BR, 3 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

December / January 2021

info@bvivillarental.com

Windy Hill, The Valley. 203 S. Potomac St., Waynesboro, PA 17268.

Tel: (717) 762-3820. Rates: SR: $1,918/wk; WR: $2,639/wk. Facil.: 2 BR, 2 bath, large deck, views, KF, MW, clothes washer, tel, TV, PC, MS avail, WiFi & CC. www.mirabellavg.com mirabellavg@hotmail.com

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 4953000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $1,575/wk; WR: $2,065/wk.

Facilities: 1 BR, 1 Bath, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com info@bvivillarental.com NYUMBANI

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110. Rates: SR: $2,415-$3,185/wk; WR: $3,150-$4,165/wk. Facilities: 2 BR, 2 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

ON THE ROCKS

Little Trunk Bay. Box 135, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 542-2118. Rates: SR: $7,900/wk (add’l day $1,129).

WR: $10,200/wk (add’l day $1,457). Facil: 4BR Lux Villa, Gourmet K, Welcome Bskt, AC, B, SP, CA, BS, MS, MW, INT. www.ontherocksvilla.com bernadette@smithsgore.com SEA FANS BEACHFRONT VILLA

Mahoe Bay. Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals, Box 63, Valley, Virgin Gorda, BVI Tel: (850) 865-1677, (284) 495-7421. Rates: 1-8 pers SR: $7,300/wk; WR: $9,800/wk; X-mas: $16,440 (10 days).

Facil: 4 BR, 4.5 baths. B, Sat. TV, AC, INT, T, large SP w/ outdoor kitchen, privacy, gardens. www.seafans.com seafans.reservations@gmail.com

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

SEAGLASS

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 4953000. Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110. Rates: SR: $1,925-$4,550/wk; WR: 2,415-$5,915/wk Facilities: Lux, SP, AC, MS, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com info@bvivillarental.com

SANDY GROUND ESTATES

ANEGADA HOTELS & RESORTS

Baker’s Bay. Box 594, West End, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-3391; Fax: (284) 495-9379.

Rates: SR: $1,400/wk/2 pers; WR: $1,950/wk/2 pers. CC, TC. Facil.: 7 Villas, 2 & 3 BR. B, KF, private, terraces, snorkel, hiking.

ANEGADA REEF HOTEL Setting Point, Anegada. Tel: (284) 495-8002. Fax: (284) 495-

SEA CREST INN

www.sandyground.com sandygroundjvd@surfbvi.com

SOL Y SOMBRA Valley Trunk. Tel: (284) 442-2118; Fax: (284) 494-2141.

9362. Rates: On req. 15 SC. Visa/MC. Facil.: 20 Rooms, AC, B, Bar, Fishing, R, Snorkel.

Rates: SR: $12,500/wk, additional day: $1,800. WR: $19,000/ wk, additional day: $2,750. Facil: 5 BR on B, lux Villa. SP, T, AC, CA, BS, KF, MS, MW, INT, SAT, WS, GYM; Comp arrival dinner; Comp. P/U B.I.

www.anegadareef.com

www.solysombrabvi.com

bernadette@smithsgore.com

GUEST HOUSES, VILLAS & APTS. SEA GRAPE VILLAS

TURTLE BAY HOUSE

Nail Bay, Virgin Gorda Coldwell Banker BVI. Tel: (855) MY BVI VILLA, (284) 495-3000, Rates: SR: $4,450-$5,600/wk; WR: $6,650-$7,700/wk Facilities: Lux, 4 BR, 4.5 Bath, SP, AC, MS, KF, INT, SAT, CD Player, Music Library, Beach Access, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

aneghtl@surfbvi.com

info@bvivillarental.com

Anegada, The Settlement. Tel: (284) 545-8960, 495-8189.

Rates: $450-550/nt; $2,800-3,500/wk. Facil.: 6 Cottages 2 BR, 2 Bath; Cable TV, KF, WiFi, MW, MS. seagrapevillas@surfbvi.

JOST VAN DYKE

VILLA MIKAYA

Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda. Tel: 1(855) MY BVI VILLA, Tel: (284) 495-3000 Coldwell Banker BVI, PO Box 4734, Road Town, Tortola VG1110 Rates: SR: $2,100-$2,800/wk; WR: $2,800-$3,500/wk Facilities: 3 BR, 3 Bath, SP, AC, KF, INT, Guest Services www.bvivillarental.com

info@bvivillarental.com

VIRGIN GORDA VILLA RENTALS, LTD

Box 63, Valley, Virgin Gorda, BVI Tel: (800) 848-7081, (284) 495-7421.

Rates: On request. EP. CC. Facil.: 1-6 BR villas. AC, B, BB, BS, KF, M, MS, R, SP, T, TV, WS. www.virgingordabvi.com

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GUEST HOUSES, VILLAS & APTS. EVENING STAR VILLAS Old Hill, Little Harbour; Tel: (800) 524-2063.

Rates: SR: From $125/day; $875/wk. WR: From $150/day; $1,050/wk Facil: Small modern guesthouse, all units with water vistas. AC, Generator, INT, KF, MS, MW, RT, WS, EP, SPR, Sat & Honor Bar. www.eveningstarvilla.com eveningstarvilla@gmail.com

Great Harbour. Jost Van Dyke, BVI Tel: (284) 495-9024, Rates: SR: $135/night, $945/wk; WR: $157/ night, $1,099/wk. Facil.: 5 beachfront 1 BR apts; K, TV, AC, near B and R’s, INT, Breakfast Available. seacrestinn@hotmail.com WHITE BAY VILLAS

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, BVI Tel: (410) 349-1851, (800) 778-8066; Fax: (410) 349-1857. Rates: SR: $135/day, $4,690/wk. WR: $185/day, $6,115/wk. Facil.: 10 sep & priv beachfront villas. 1, 2 & 3/4 BR. Fully equipped. All units have AC. www.jostvandyke.com

bonnie@jostvandyke.com

OTHER ISLANDS HOTELS & RESORTS COOPER ISLAND BEACH CLUB Tel: (800) 542-4624, Toll-free US/CAN, (284) 495-9084, VHF 16.

Rates: SR: $170; WR: $215. EP. Facil.: 9 Beachfront rooms, BB, Boutique, Dive Shop, K, MS, R, SC, Snorkel, Moorings, TC, WS. CC. www.cooperislandbeachclub.com info@cooperislandbeachclub.com

leverick@surfbvi.com

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

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AILING & ATER SPORTS

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

DOHM'S WATER TAXI

Tel: (340) 775-6501.100 Estate Nazareth, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00802. Rates: On req. Equip.: Water taxi between or within BVI and US VI. Custom charters for groups up to 30. Visit us on Facebook/Twitter www.virginislandswatertaxi.com

Road Reef Marina. Box 3042, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (800) 633-0155, (284) 394-2751.

Rates: SR: $2,400-9,850/Wk; WR: $3,500-12,650/Wk. Equip.: monohulls 40'-50', cats 36'-50', powerboats 36'-47', AC, BBT, M, PR, SA. www.sailtmm.com charter@sailtmm.com

ENDEAVOUR II DAY SAIL CHARTERS

TRIMARINE CUAN LAW

Jost Van Dyke or Tortola. Tel: (284) 546-1743/540-0861. Rates: DS from $l00pp; On Req: private sails for groups up to 10.

Snorkel, Nature Tours, Drinks to/from Jost Van Dyke, Norman, Tortola, Sandy Cay www.jvdps.com susanjvdps@gmail.com

DAY SAIL & CHARTER BOAT COMPANIES TORTOLA ADVENTURE CHARTERS

Village Cay, Road Town, Tel: (284) 346-7245 (SAIL).

Rates: Visit our website. Equip.: Catamaran, Snorkellling, Lunch, Open Bar, SUP's, 00, SN, DS, Continental Breakfast. www.adventurechartersbvi.com info@adventurechartersbvi.com ARISTOCAT CHARTERS (ARISTOCAT & LIONHEARD

Road Town and Sopers Hole. Tel: (284) 499-1249. (See Aristocat BVI on tripadvisor.com) Rates: DS: 9:30am-5pm $120. Kids under 10 -l/2 price. Equip.: Aristocat & Lionheart catamarans, lunch, drinks, DS, 00, SN, Kayak. www.aristocatcharters.com aristocat@surfbvi.com BARECAT CHARTERS

Manuel Reef Marina, Sea Cow's Bay. Tel (284) 495-2202, (800) 296-5287. Rates: SR: $3,000-6,050/wk; WR: $4,500-8,500/wk.

Equip: 38-47 ft cats. Fully equip, BBT, 00, M, R, PR. Captains available. Five-day minimum. www.barecat.com barecats@surfbvi.com BVI YACHT CHARTERS

Joma Marina, Port Purcell, Road Town.

Tel: (284) 494-4289, US: + l (888) 615-4006. Rates: SR: From $1,500-$13,500; WR: From $2450-$16,000. Equip.: 31'-55' Monohulls & Catamarans. AC, BBT, CCH, DS, M, 00, PR, SA, SN, WS, WiFi. www.bviyachtcharters.com charters@bviyc.com CATAMARAN CHARTERS

Hodge's Creek Marina. Tel: (284) 494-6661, (800) 262-0308 Rates: SR: $2,800-35,000; WR: $3,000-$35,000.

Equip.: Serving The Catamaran Company and Festiva. 37'-65' BBT, CCH. Sail sch., Cabins avail., WS, PR, WSF, AC, M, R, SA. www.catamarans.com charter@catamarans.com CONCH CHARTERS L TO.

Fort Burt Marina. Box 920, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-4868, (800) 521-8939 U.S. Rates: SR: $1,6997,999/wk; WR: $2,699-9,999/wk. Equip.: Monos 32'- 53', Cats 38'- 46', Powercats 47'. Fully equip. BBT, M, 00, PR, R, SA. www.conchcharters.com sailing@conchcharters.com DAYSAIL KURALU & DAYDREAM

Road Town & Soper's Hole, West End Tel: (284) 495-4381; Cell: 499-1313. Rates: DS: $120/day, $65/half day. Children $60.

Equip.: Large comfortable catamarans. SN, lunch, drinks. 00. www.kuralu.com kuralu@gmail.com

December / January 2021

TMM YACHT CHARTERS

FESTIVA SAILING VACATIONS

Hodges Creek Marina, Tel: (866) 575-3951.

Rates: See our website. Equip.: Lagoon Catamarans, Crewed Stateroom Charters, all inclusive. www.festivasailingvacations.com info@festivasailingvacations.com HORIZON YACHT CHARTERS

Nanny Cay. Tel: (284) 494-8787; Fax: (284) 494-8989.

Rates: SR: from $1,695; WR: from $2,295.

Equip.: 31'-57' yachts. AC, BBT, CCH, DS, M, 00, PR, R, SA, SN, WS. www.horizonyachtcharters.com info@horizonyachtcharters.com ISLAND TIME POWERBOAT RENTALS LTD

Nanny Cay Marina. Box 2361, Road Town, Tortola, VGlllO Tel: (284) 495-9993. Rates: $175-360/day. Equip.: 24' Contenders and 15'-17' Rigid Inflatables. Captain on request. www.islandtimeltd.com info@islandtimeltd.com MARINEMAX VACATIONS

Box 2338, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-2490. Please see website for rates for individuals, groups and children. 105' Sail/ dive Trimaran. Full equip, lux, all inc. AC, AP, CC, CCH, WS. www.bvisailing.com kimcuan@surfbvi.com VOYAGE CHARTERS

Soper's Hole Marina, Frenchman's Cay, West End Tel: (284) 494-0740; Fax (284) 494-0741; Reservations l (888) 869-2436. Rates: on request. Equipment: Catamarans: 44' - 60' AC, BBT, CCH, DS, M 00, P, R, SA, SN, WS, WSF. www.voyagecharters.com info@voyagecharters.com

VIRGIN GORDA DOUBLE D CHARTERS

Yacht Harboul Cell: (284) 499-2479. Rates: DS $ll0p/p full day; $75 p/p half day; incl drinks, SN. Priv day and l/2 day charters avail. Equip: 40' fly bridge motor yacht & 50' catamaran; 30' Grady White sport boat, twin 250 hp engines www.doubledbvi.com doubledcharters@gmail.com

DIVING & SNORKELING BLUE WATER DIVERS

Hodges Creek Marina. Tel: (813) 644-8071 or (284) 495-2400 Rates: On Request. Equip: Sailboats 43'- 56' cats and monohulls.

38'-48' power cats. Crewed and Bareboat. Facil.: AC, BBT, CCH, M, PR, R, SA, WS www.marinemaxvacations.com vacations@marinemax.com

Nanny Cay & Sopers Hole. Tel: (284) 494-2847; Fax: (284) 4940198. Rates: $90/l tank; $12012 tank; $130/Resort Course; CC. Equip.: Dive boats: 36' & 32' Catamarans, 34' Delta, 32' Island Hopper Equipment sales & rentals, compressor facility, rendezvous w/chartel www.bluewaterdiversbvi.com bwdbvi@surfbvi.com

SEA LEGS BVI BOAT RENTALS

DIVE BVI L TO.

Manuel Reef Marina, Tel: (284) 346-5347; (844) 732-5347 Rates: On request. Equip: 21'-33' Power Boats; 15'-16' RIBS; 21' Bow Riders. Captained or Bareboat. www.sealegsbviboatrental.com sealegsboatrental@gmail.com

VG Yacht Harbour, Leverick Bay, Scrub Island.

Tel: (284) 495-5513; Fax: (284) 495-5347. PAD! Resort, 2 & l tank dives, snorkel, Anegada trips, 5 boats, (Nitrox), DPV diving, air fills, Rendezvous, Scubapro sales/rentals, CC www.divebvi.com info@divebvi.com

VIRGIN MOTOR YACHTS

SAIL CARIBBEAN DIVERS

Nanny Cay. Tel: (284) 495-2526 or (888) 684-6486 Rates: On request. Equip: Offering bareboats, luxury crewed charters and day charters on motor yachts. www.virginmotoryachts.com reservations@virgintraders.com SUNSHINE POWER BOATS

"C" Dock, Village Cay Marina. Tel: (284) 499-7172.

Rates on request. Equip.: 21', 23' & 25' bare boats; 35', 38' & 42' boats with captain. Snorkeling & Fishing trips available for full or half days with all gear, fuel & soft drinks included. BBT, DS, 00, SA, SN. www.sunshinepowerboatsvi.com sunshinepowerboats@hotmail.com THE MOORINGS, LTD.

Moorings-Mariner Inn, Tortola. Tel: (284) 393-2331.

Wickhams Cay II, Road Town, Tortola, VG lllO Rates: on request. Equip.: 32'-52' yachts. Sailing charters. M, PR. Hotl, SP,T. CC. BBT, CCH, SA, SN. www.moorings.com gosailing@moorings.com

Hodge's Creek, Mariner Inn, Cooper lsi., Norman lsi.

Tel: (284) 495-1675, Fax: (284) 495-3244. Rates: $90-120/l-2 tank; $130 Resort; $95 Night. Equip.: Custom dive boats. PAD! 5 Star IOC Resort beginner to pro, rentals, air fills. CC. www.sailcaribbeandivers.com info@sailcaribbeandivers.com SUNCHASER SCUBA

Bitter End, North Sound, Virgin Gorda.

Tel: (284) 495-9638; Fax: (284) 495-7549.

Rates: $90/ltank; $14012 tank; $140 Resort Course. CC. Equip.: Rentals, Airfills, Night Dives, Rendezvous and Private Charters. www.sunchaserscuba.com info@sunchaserscuba.com TRIMARINE CUAN LAW

Box 2338, RoadTown,Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-2490.

Rates: Please see website for rates for individuals, groups and children. lOS' Sail/Dive Trimaran. Full equip, lux, all inc. AC, AP, CC, CCH, WS. cuanlaw@surfbvi.com www.bvisailing.com www.bvidiving.com

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MARINAS, BOAT YARDS & BROKERS TORTOLA FORT BURT MARINA

Road Town. Box 243, RoadTown,Tortola, BV!Tel: (284) 494-4200.

Facil.: Overnight or Permanent, Controlling water depth, 6' 8, fuel, power, ice, hotel, water, showers, R, bar, SP, shore facilities, chandlery, boat rentals.

MOORINGS MARINER INN

Road Harbour Tel: (284) 393-2331; Fax: (284) 494-2226.

Facil.: Dockage 130 boats, up to 180', 8' draft. Water, ice, ATM, power, provisions, showers, R, SP, hotel, dive shop, boat yard. www.moorings.com gosailing@moorings.com SOPER'S HOLE MARINA

West End. Tel: (284) 494-0740; Fax: (284) 494-0741. Box 1520, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Facilities: Free !NT on dock. Dockage: 180', 36' draft.l8 slips, 18 moorings, 4 A/C rooms. Diesel, gas, ice, water, showers, garbage, R, bar, PR, shopping, taxis. www.multihullmarina.com bvi@voyagecharters.com VILLAGE CAY RESORT MARINA

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Dockage: 106 boats up to 200' long. 1101220 power, ice, fuel, laundry, water, phones, TV. Hotel, provisions, dive shop, shore facilities, SP, R. www.vcmarina.biz marina@vcmaina.biz

VIRGIN GORDA LEVERICK BAY MARINA

North Sound, Virgin Gorda.

Tel: (284) 495-7275,495-7421 attn. Nick; Fax: (284) 495-7367.

Facilities: $1.00/ft/night (slip). Shore powel Free water, ice, pool, showers. Hotel, R, !NT, spa, clothing shops, groceries, dive shop, WS. www.leverickbay.com nick@surfbvi.com VIRGIN GORDA YACHT HARBOUR

The Valley. Tel: (284) 495-5500; Fax: (284) 495-5706.

Facil.: Dockage: lll yachts, up to 160'. Power, fuel, ice, water, provisions, showers, shore facilities., boat yard, chandlery. www.vgmarina.biz marina@vgmarina.biz YACHT CLUB COSTA SMERALDA & MARINA

North Sound, Virgin Gorda Tel: (284) 393-2000 38 berths alongside & stern to. Max length 288ft, max draught 30ft. Electricity, wifi, provisioning, concierge services, Water, garbage removal, showers, pool, restaurant. www.yccs.com info@yccs.vg

Box 145, Road Town, Tortola, BV!Tel: (284) 494-2771. Facil.:

OTHER ISLANDS PUSSER'S MARINA CAY

Marina Cay (near Beef Island). Box 626, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 494-2174. Facil.: Dockage up to 75', 13' draft, 30 moorings.

Fuel, water, ice, soowers, R, BB, boutique. CC. www.pussers.com

ON THE WATER EMERGENCIES

DIAL 767 (SOS on phone keypad)

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

No matter what!

VISAR is a non-profit, fully trained volunteer operated, organization that does not charge for thier services.

Based in Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

Donate at:

www.visar.org

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Learn to Sail, Race or Charter

DAILY DIVE TRIPS PADI DIVE COURSES AIR FILLS AND SO MUCH MORE...

Official Sailing School of The Moorings!

TORTOLA & SCRUB ISLAND

OffshoreSailing.com 888-385-6851 Sail@OffshoreSailing.com

VHF CHANNEL 16 PHONE: + 1 284 344 2766 INFO@SUNCHASERSCUBA.COM info@sunchaserscuba.com WWW.SUNCHASERSCUBA.COM

(284) 499 1313 OR (284) 495 4381 December / January 2021

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AILING & ATER SPORTS SAILING SCHOOLS

OFFSHORE SAILING SCHOOL

The Moorings Village, Road Town. Tel: (800) 221-4326; (239) 454-1700 Rates: On request. CC. Equip.: Colgate 26, Moorings 43’-51’.

US Sailing certification. www.offshoresailing.com

sail@offshoresailing.com

SUNSAIL SAILING SCHOOL

Wickhams Cay II, Road Town Tel: (284) 393-2331 Rates on Request. RYA, ASA certifications; Live aboard courses www.sunsail.com

WATER SPORTS & ACTIVITIES ISLAND SURF & SAIL WATERSPORTS & DAY TRIPS Soper’s Hole Marina, West End. Tel: (284) 494-0123

Watersport Rentals & Private power boat tours.

SUP, Surf, Snorkel, Kayak, Fish and much more... www.daytripsbvi.com www.bviwatertoys.com

info@bviwatertoys.com

LAST STOP SPORTS

Port Purcell, Road Town. Box 4419, Road Town, Tortola, BVI Tel: (284) 343-0214 / (284) 494-1120. Rates: see website; Offering scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing & fishing. www.laststopsports.com

info@laststopsports.com

SURF SCHOOL BVI (part of GroundSea Adventures) Josiah's Bay. Tel: (284) 343-0002/Alex Dick-Read owner (284) 499-1620

Rates: $60/1 hr lesson, Group rates avail, Board rental $10/hr $40/day Equipment: 1-1 surfing instruction; surfboard/Kayak rentals, mangrove & mountain eco tours, exclusive hiking tours, Beach and Bush Camp. www.surfschoolbvi.com surfschoolbvi@gmail.com

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NCHORAGE & IVE SPOTS

What is most wonderful about snorkelling is that it’s easy. There’s no heavy gear; no need for special lessons and it’s suitable for all ages – from school kids to grandparents.

SNORKELING On Tortola, one of the most popular snorkel spots, especially for the novice, is Smuggler’s Cove. This beautiful u-shaped cove has a lovely white sand beach and a reef that touches the edge of its shore and extends outward several hundred yards. Floating peacefully over this garden of sea fans, sponges, parrot fish, wrasse, elkhorn and brain corals is a delightful introduction to the B.V.I.’s underwater community. The reefs at Cane Garden and Brewer’s Bays can also be reached from the beach, although getting to the more dramatic outer perimeters is a bit of a swim.

On Jost Van Dyke, the reef at White Bay offers some good snorkelling. Try out a bit further along the reef’s outer edges or along the rocks at the western end.

Green Cay and Sandy Spit near Little Jost Van Dyke have a reef which is another popular snorkelling spot, especially for cruising yachtsmen.

Virgin Gorda has many snorkelling areas; the best known of which is The Baths. A myriad of tropical fish live amongst the tunnels and crevices formed by these enormous granite boulders as they meet the sea. Next door, Devil’s Bay also offers good snorkelling along its rocky perimeter. For a special treat, the ambitious can snorkel along the rocks all the way to The Baths.

The Norman Island Caves, famed for its tales of buried treasure, offer a different type of booty for snorkellers – schools of friendly yellow tails and sergeant majors.

A vast section of coral and rocks off the rocky shore also makes good snorkelling, but the highlight of the

December / January 2021

experience is the Caves, which shimmer with a pastel coating of orange cup coral and red covering sponge.

Benures Bay is a gently curving cove on Norman Island’s north eastern shore. As you snorkel the shallow reef that hugs the coast, you will see parrot fish, sergeant majors, yellow tail as well as an occasional barracuda and small octopus. Because of the shallow conditions, though, be careful not to kick up any sand which will cover and damage the delicate reef.

Sandy’s Edge, a long u-shaped reef with a series of shelves down to the sea floor is located just west of the Norman Island Caves. Schools of squid, garden eels and trunk fish, among others, call the reef home.

Spectacular snorkelling can also be found beneath the Indians, a series of tall, jagged rocks off Norman Island, as well as at the extensive reef areas surrounding the Dogs which lie to the west of Virgin Gorda.

A less frequented snorkeling spot is Mountain Point, just north of The Baths. This lovely reef which edges the rugged coastline, can be rough on a gusty day, but if the weather is right, you will see large schools of blue tang and several varieties of parrot fish.

The long, shallow reef at White Bay on Peter Island also offers good snorkelling. There are small mouthed grunts, an occasional octopus (a small variety) and occasionally a tarpon.

When snorkelling through these and any other areas,

though, it is important to keep in mind that the coral reef is a delicate living organism, and one that is easily damaged by careless snorkellers and divers.

PRISTINE ANCHORAGES To visit every anchorage in the infinitely varied British Virgin Islands, would entail a year-long holiday. For those with less time at their disposal, The Welcome has compiled an introductory list of some of the area’s most popular ports-o-call.

DEADMAN’S BAY, on the eastern tip of Peter Island is a short sail out of Road Harbour that takes no more than an hour or two. Once there, yachtsmen will find a long white sand beach at Peter Island Yacht Club. Yachtsmen are requested to anchor in the Bay’s extreme southeastern corner and should be aware that the area is prone to a swell, especially in the winter months.

SALT ISLAND. Heading upwind from Deadman’s Bay is Salt Island, once a regular stopping off point for ships requiring salt for food preservation on the trade routes. This is also the location of the B.V.I.’s famed Wreck of the Rhone which sank off the island during a hurricane in 1867. At Lee Bay, just north of the Rhone, moorings have been provided for those diving the wreck in order to minimize anchor damage. Both Lee Bay and Salt Pond Bay off the settlement, can be rough anchorages and are recommended for day use only.

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COOPER ISLAND ’s Manchioneel Bay, located on the island’s northwest shore is a good lunch stop for those sailing upwind to Virgin Gorda. There is a dock for dinghies, a beach for swimming and a restaurant that serves lunch, dinner and drinks.

The

VIRGIN GORDA BATHS,

one of the B.V.I.’s most famous landmarks, lies on the southwestern shore of Virgin Gorda. The Baths’ randomly placed large granite boulders form small grottoes and pools on the beach’s edge, making delightful exploring and snorkelling. As with all these north shore anchorages, a swell can prevent overnight anchoring.

NORTH SOUND,

Virgin Gorda offers the yachtsman a wide array of overnight anchorages, and a variety of good dining spots. The Sound itself is found along the eastern tip of the island and is well protected by surrounding islands, including Mosquito, Prickly Pear and Eustatia. Boats over five feet in draft should use the Sound’s northern entrance at Calquhoun Reef; shallow drafts can use the Anguilla Point entrance in calm weather only.

THE DOGS make a good stopping off point for sailors on their way from North Sound to Jost Van Dyke; they are also a popular diving venue. On calm days, the best anchorages are the bay to the west of Kitchen Point on George Dog; as well as on the south side of Great Dog. TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island is a well-protected anchorage fringed by a semicircular beach. It serves as the location for a watersports centre, cybercafé, several restaurants, as well as arts and crafts studios.

MARINA CAY lies north of Trellis Bay and offers a restaurant, bar, small beach and moorings. It is fringed by coral and one should enter from the north.

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

SANDY CAY is all that one imagines of a desert

ROAD HARBOUR is Tortola’s largest harbour.

island. Located to the east of Little Jost Van Dyke, the

Road Town, which borders the harbour, is the capital of the B.V.I. Here one will find customs and immigration facilities, a selection of good supermarkets and shops; marinas, restaurants and a boat yard – all within walking distance of the harbour. Brandywine Bay and Maya Cove, which also offer restaurants, are two more anchorages just beyond Road Harbour.

Cay is uninhabited, and offers a long stretch of white sandy beach. The water is deep almost until the shore; the area is prone to swells and is not a good anchorage year-round.

LITTLE HARBOUR, JOST VAN DYKE is a quiet, easy to enter lagoon. The Harbour’s three restaurants, all provide local food and atmosphere at the shore’s edge.

GREAT HARBOUR, JOST VAN DYKE is the venue of good West Indian restaurants and beach bars. The picturesque harbour is fringed by a small settlement bordering a white sand beach. The anchorage is well protected, and the holding good.

WHITE BAY, JOST VAN DYKE lies west of Great Harbour and features a white sand beach and a small hotel and restaurant. A channel through the center of the reef allows entrance to the anchorage, which is subject to winter swells.

NORMAN ISLAND is the reputed locale of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The uninhabited island’s main anchorage is The Bight.

From here one can go ashore and take a rough cattle track to the top of the island. The fames caves at Treasure Point can be reached by dinghy.

PELICAN ISLAND

and the Indians are near to the Bight and offer both good snorkelling and excellent SCUBA diving.

SOPER’S HOLE lies at the very west end of Tortola and is one of the islands’ three main ports of entry. The anchorage is both deep and sheltered.

Ferries to St. Thomas and St. John leave from here daily and there are several nearby restaurants and marinas.

PRIME DIVE SITES The B.V.I.’s underwater vistas are among the world’s most breathtaking.

WRECK OF THE RMS RHONE. Before she was sunk here during a hurricane, the Rhone had been the pride of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company and carried 313 passengers. During the storm she hit Salt Island, was broken in two and promptly sank.

Today her two halves are well preserved on a sandy bottom and her steel wreckage has become home to myriad species of fish and encrusting corals. The Rhone is now a marine park that is part of the B.V.I. National Parks Trust, and is perfect for a two-tank dive. The bow section, which lies in about 80 feet of water, reveals the coral encrusted cargo hold and other interior chambers. Outside, a careful survey of the wreckage reveals the ship’s fore mast complete with crow’s nest, and its bowsprit lying in the sand.

The stern section contains the ship’s once-powerful engine, her prop shaft and enormous propeller.

BLONDE ROCK

is another favourite. It is a pinnacle between Dead Chest and Salt Island which rises from a depth of 60 feet to a mere 15 feet below the surface. Its rock ledges, tunnels, caves and overhangs are home to crabs, lobsters, beautiful fan corals and hordes of reef fish.

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

VISAR's

By Leslie Cramer hen Julie Schneider and her group decided to brainstorm a new fundraising idea, few might have imagined the BVI getting its first iceskating rink as the end result. It may be a bit hard to wrap your mind around the fact that ice skating in the BVI is now a reality, but the team over at VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue), has brought just that, right here in the British Virgin Islands.

"For a fundraising event, we, along with the team, needed to think outside the box, to create a steady stream of revenue, that we could hopefully count on yearly," Julie explained.

According to Julie, the idea, which

has been two years in the making, needed to be community-minded, and this one ticked all the boxes.

What better for family entertainment (and singles and couples, the old and the young) for the upcoming holidays than having a spin around on an ice-skating rink! Growing up, as a child in north Jersey in the US, my brothers and I truly lived for this time; winters with sleds, skis and ice skates, all low cost or free for snowy and icy good times.

As you can imagine, it is not 'real' ice, but a synthetic blend of materials that simulate actual ice. It is a Swiss company's product, called 'Glice'. This creation is ecologically sound; that - hard

to believe - requires no electricity. You will actually be gliding around, with ice skating boots, with an actual blade. The rink is 'rated for ice hockey', so expect it to be of a professional grade. And for the little kids, there will be 'skating aids' to help them become comfortable on the ice.

VISAR'S ‘Winter Wonderland’ has much going on, with the ice skating being the big draw. For the young ones especially, there will be storytelling and crafts, some with special focus on Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as well as Christian-related.

There will be three 'houses' to browse, continued on page 49

A Coral Wonderland When out on the water exploring the BVI’s underwater world is a must

T

he British Virgin Islands beckons you to a world beyond the imagination.

A world of beauty, mystery and intrigue; of the unusual, the colorful and the unexpected. It is a world that to the land-bound seems so far, but is actually as near as a set of mask and flippers. It is the world of the coral reef, – one that any diver or snorkeler, whether experienced or a novice, can enter.

Unparalleled anywhere on earth, the coral reef is a virtual fairyland of colors, shapes and textures rivaling the imagination of a Walt Disney animator.

Such reefs lie off the BVI’s shores like underwater botanical gardens. Or, to be more accurate, like a zoological park, for the delicately shaped tree-like corals are not plants but animals. The coral reef is indeed a world of its own, one that houses a city-full of submarine creatures from slinky moray eels and rainbow colored parrot fish to pastel hued sponges and vermilion starfish.

The major architect of this coral community is an unlikely little animal called the polyp. The tiny creature, closely related to the sea anemone, is an opportunist, happy to anchor onto something solid like a rock and sit there waiting for food to drift within reach of its tentacles.

If it is a hard coral, it secretes an outer skeleton of calcium carbonate shaped like a limestone cup. For the most part, corals develop by the individual polyp growing in size and complexity. Branching and multiplying into flower like structures, the coral grows upwards towards the sun.

With the help of other marine organisms, such as stony algae, or tubeworms, the coral formations are bound together more firmly, and as time

48 48

goes on physical and chemical reactions consolidate these elements into solid coralline limestone.

In other cases, as with brain coral, the polyps remain close together until they become united into a compact unit and eventually form large heavy masses of rock. An elkhorn coral may only lengthen three or four inches a year, but over the course of 1,000 years they can build up considerable area.

These are characteristics of the hard corals, but not all corals are hard to the touch. Gorgonians, such as sea whips, sea plumes and sea fans have flexible horny skeletons and only small amounts of carbonate. These graceful corals can dance to the movements of the sea and its currents.

It is not just their graceful shapes and awesome mass which enchants the snorkeler or diver, but also the colors – rainbow hues from mauve to soft gold.

Found within the Virgin Islands are some of the main types of coral reefs. Fringe reefs are the ones you see adjacent to the shore. Patch reefs are more isolated and found further offshore, while barrier reefs, like the one off Anegada’s north side, are separated from the nearby shore by a lagoon.

Some of the most common coral found in these reefs include the brain coral, decorated with maze-like ridges; the staghorn coral, which is found on shallow reefs and is made up of a tangle of loosely twined thickets; and elkhorn coral, recognized by its flat elk-like antlers that reach upwards towards the sunlight.

Any veteran snorkeler exploring Caribbean reefs knows of one unfriendly member of this mostly benign community – fire coral. When brushed, this tawny

colored organism will burn. Its smooth hard surface is broken by thousands of tiny pores through which miniscule tentacles containing stinging cells project.

These corals are only one part of the reef community. In effect, they are the city which houses a myriad of marine life from the simplest of algae and anemones to decorative little reef fish outfitted in dazzling colors and patterns.

Living side by side in this interrelated community can be the exotic two-inch royal gamma and the homely six-foot long giant grouper. Generally reef fish are more compact in size with broader tails and stubbier fins for short turns and quick stops among their crowded and jagged environment than open ocean dwellers.

Where as in much of nature, animals have evolved to blend in with their surroundings, in the coral reefs it seems as if most of the inhabitants are trying to outdo each other in a display of festive finery. Some common reef dwellers include the pancake-shaped queen angel fish decked out in a flowing robe of dark blue, mauve and scarlet.

The aquamarine hued parrotfish with its mauve, blue and yellow highlights and snub nose is one of the reef’s prettiest and most common sights.The coral community is a delicate one and when snorkeling or diving it is important to take care not to harm these organisms by inadvertently touching fragile formations with fins. Yachtsmen when anchoring need to use mooring buoys rather than putting an anchor down on a reef. If you want a memento of the reef for back home then capture it with a camera.

This way the special world of the coral reef will remain for the next generation of snorkelers and divers to enjoy.

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

with refreshments for sale (popcorn and cotton candy, other snack stuff may be purchased at the Pier Park, and brought into the rink). VISAR merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Also, for the little ones, a handconstructed and painted 'Santa's mailbox' where the kids may drop off their wish lists. And to top that, again for the wee ones, a visit from you-know-who, hailing from the North Pole! Along with nightly snowfall, and a holiday village; all this will come together, from November and run through early January, The Cyril B. Romney Pier park is the venue location.

The aim here is to create affordable, fun, family friendly events, with memories that will last a lifetime. That said, there will be liability releases to be signed and restrictions for age breakdowns, as well as a signed 'skater's code of conduct.'

And as always, COVID protocols will be in place; mask, though not face shield will be required and the number of skaters on the ice will be limited to twenty people, with two staff. Socks must be worn, and are available for purchase, if needed.

Skating times may be reserved, by calling ahead at 499-0913. The rink may be rented for use as a private holiday party for businesses or family gatherings, just do so by calling 345-4357 in advance. The VISAR team will meet all your needs, from menu

December / January 2021

planning and refreshments, to staffing for the function. Marketing and advertising packages are also available, again, by calling Julie at 345-4357.

So, join the VISAR folks (and a host of volunteers) for history making this holiday season. Keep in mind, the experience will

be an annual fundraiser for VISAR, in order for these dedicated folks to keep their doors open. Their catch phrase 'Saving Lives at Sea' has been temporarily modified to 'Skating to Save Lives at Sea,' most fitting for the occasion.

Skating sessions will be for thirty minutes. Cost for all ages is $10. for that time frame. Opening hours are Sunday Thursday, 2:00 pm to (last session on the ice) 6:15 pm. The weekends will go a bit later, 2:00pm - 10:00pm. Opening times overall may vary, depending on potential cruise ship schedules. In the colourful houses on site, VISAR merchandise will be on sale, including hats, shirts, rash guards, the like, and Santa stuff, too.

The best way to get updates on all the fun above is to go straight to VISAR'S website, visar.org. (the winter wonderland page).

So, come alone, bring the family, bring workmates, whatever works for you. Expect the unexpected, and have a blast while doing so.

From the Pristine to the Untamed

A

s island nations go, the British Virgin Islands are more fortunate than most. They are blessed with the obvious attributes: yearround sunshine, clear warm waters and sparkling white beaches. But what sets them apart from so many Caribbean islands is the diversity of their national parks.

In 1964, Laurance Rockefeller donated 92 acres on the top of Sage Mountain for the territory’s first national park, the BVI set a course that has made it one of the Caribbean’s most environmentally conscious countries. Today, the BVI has 21 national parks which range from the marine park, the Wreck of the RMS Rhone, to the 18th century Mount Healthy Windmill on Tortola, a remnant of the islands’ plantation era when sugar and rum production dominated. There are the Botanic Gardens in Road Town, the spectacular Virgin Gorda Baths and entire islands like Prickly Pear, as well as The Dogs and Little Tobago, both bird sanctuaries. Ranging from the untamed to the pristine, each of the parks has a distinct personality and its own special beauty.

Among these island treasures is lush and beautiful Sage Mountain.

Abundant with hanging vines, gargantuan elephant ears and luxuriant ferns, it’s not exactly the Amazon Rain Forest, but it’s fun to pretend.

Although Sage Mountain doesn’t receive enough precipitation to qualify officially as a rain forest, it nonetheless exhibits many of the characteristics of one. At the highest point in the BVI (1,716 feet), the mountain’s cooler temperatures allow for greater rainfall than the rest of these semi-arid islands, and this in turn, is responsible for its dense growth.

50 50

The BVI’s most accessible national park is the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens in Road Town. This four-acre park recently re-opened, and teems with indigenous Virgin Islands flora, as well as many exotic species. The park, which is on the grounds of Road Town’s original Agricultural Station, includes large mangoes and other fruit trees from that era.

The BVI’s most famous national park is also among the most breathtaking geological sites in the world: The Baths on Virgn Gorda.

Located on the edge of the sea, this jumble of large boulders form a labyrinth of water-filled grottoes that are made for exploring. The National Parks Trust has conveniently installed ropes and a few rough wooden steps and ladders to help the less nimble over the rocks and one of the most popular routes through the boulders leads to Devil’s Bay, another spectacular beach and national park just south of The Baths. Other popular national parks on Virgin Gorda include, The Coppermine, the dramatic ruins of a mid-18th century copper mine located on a windswept bluff, and Gorda Peak, the island’s highest peak which offers spectacular views of the sea and A walk through Sage Mountain surrounding isles.

National Park The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Photo: Chrystall Kanyuck-Abel

The BVI’s National Parks

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East End RED ROCK International. Tel: 442-1646.

Gourmet dining on the water in East End. Serving pizza and other bites from from 3-10pm Tues-Sun with dinner from 5-9:30pm. Incredible Sunday brunch with live music.

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TRELLIS BAY BAR & GRILL West Indian. Tel: 495-1421 Funky dockside hangout with frigid beers and mixed drinks..

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner plus BBQ every Fri. and Sat. from 4:30-l0pm.

North Shore

TORTOLA PUSSER'S PUB

Road Town BRANDYWINE ROOFTOP International.

Tel: 440-2301. Located atop the Cutlass Tower in Road Town. Open for lunch and dinner from 11am11pm Mon-Fri and evenings on Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

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GENE’S BAR & GRILL International.

Tel: 545-7765. Rotating menu of delicious, freshly prepared meals on a covered patio overlooking Manuel Reef Marina. Try customer favorites roti, ribs and pizza.

Open 11:30am-9pm, closed Tuesdays.

International. Tel: 494-3897.

Located on the Waterfront Road, The English-style Pub has A/C and a harbor view. Lunch and dinner include half-pound burgers, meat pies, pizza, deli sandwiches and Pusser's rum drinks. Open 11am10pm daily.

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VIRGIN QUEEN

International. Tel 494-2310.

Serves West Indian & European food as well as homemade pizza, stuffed chicken breast, shepherd's pie and garlic shrimp. Open 11am-10pm Mon-Fri; 6pm until l0pm on Sat. -----------------------------------------------------

West End

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CHILL ZONE

International. Tel: 441-9649.

A happening bar at the Tortola Pier Park. Serving bar bites and specialty drinks. Open daily.

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MARIA'S BY THE SEA

West Indian.

Tel: 494-2595.

Maria's has a Road Harbour view and specializes in lobster, conch, fish & steak. Dine in the elegant, air conditioned dining room or on the breezy covered terrace. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7am 'til late. Dinner res.

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OMAR'S FUSION

BANANAKEET CAFE International. Tel: 499-1300.

Poolside at The Heritage Inn on Windy Hill with spectacular views.

Sunday brunch l0-2pm, dinner 5:30- 9:30pm.

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D' COAL POT International, Tel 495-4998.

Located on the water at Carrot Bay. Serving West Indian and Continental fare in a garden setting for lunch and dinner, 11am-10pm. Open daily.

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PUSSER'S AT MYETT'S International. Tel: 495-9649.

Serving light eats and sumptuous drinks on the beach in Cane Garden Bay. Open daily with different specials every day of the week.

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Breakfast. Tel. 545-8015.

Serving delicious breakfast on the water at Soper’s Hole.

Open 7am until 2pm daily.

Coffee and tea all day.

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PARADISE CLUB

PUSSER'S LANDING

SEBASTIAN'S ON THE BEACH

International, Tel 495-4554.

This waterside restaurant at Soper's Hole serves lunch (11am-3pm) and dinner (6-10pm); snacks & pizza all day. Dinner: lobster; seafood and steaks. Happy Hour 5-6:30pm.

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International. Tel: 495-9649.

Serving up drinks, dinner and killer sunsets on the beach in Cane Garden Bay. Open daily until late for the night owls.

---------------------------------------------------International. Tel: 495-4212.

Beachfront dining in the newly rebuild located at Little Apple Bay. Dinner specialties include lobster; seafood & West Indian cuisine.

Reservations recommended.

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JOST VAN DYKE & OUTER ISLANDS CORSAIRS International. Tel: 440-3107 VHF Ch 16. At Great Harbour, the colourful beachside restaurant serves Old World and Mediterranean cuisine for dinner.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8:30am-late -----------------------------------------------------

FOXY'S International. Tel: 495-9258. In Great Harbour. Foxy's is famed with yachtsmen. Lunch served daily, includes rotis & burgers.

Dinner daily features lobster & fish fresh off the boat.

Reservations by 5pm.

HENDO'S HIDEOUT International. Tel: 340-0074.

Eat, drink and lime at this beachfront restaurant and bar on White Bay. Open daily from 10 am until 6pm or later.

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SOGGY DOLLAR International. Tel : 495-9888, VHF Ch 16. The Soggy Dollar Bar (birthplace of the Painkiller), offers breakfast, lunch and gourmet candlelit dinner in a beachfront restaurant on beautiful White Bay. Reservations for dinner by 4pm (seating at 7pm).

51

EST. 1976

Home of “Lowell’s World Famous Grilled Lobster”; leave your jackets and ties behind for a relaxed and special dining experience

- Intimate, spacious 20 room hotel located right on the beach

Full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

- All modern amenities; Tel: 495-8002 airconditioned, www.anegadareef.com waterfront and garden views VHF Channel 16 52 52

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

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COOPER ISLAND BEACH CLUB

International.

Tel: (284) 495-9084. VHF Ch 16.

Casual, friendly beachfront bar & restaurant in Manchioneel Bay. Bar open from 11am. Happy Hour 5-6pm. Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner from 6:30pm. Reservations.

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PIRATE'S BIGHT International. Tel 496-7827.

VHF Ch 16. On the beach at the Norman Island Bight, Pirate's serves local & int'l cuisine including lobster, fish, chicken and steaks.

Lunch 11:30- 4; dinner from 6:30pm; happy hour 4- 6pm.

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THE WILLY-T

Pub fare. Tel. (284)340-8603.

VHF Ch 16/74. This floating bar and restaurant is anchored at Peter Island’s Great Harbor. Swim, sail or dinghy ride over to this legendary party boat – with two levels to enjoy

December / January 2021

VIRGIN GORDA the food, drinks and a killer view.

BATH & TURTLE International.

Tel: 545-1861. A pleasant patio tavern in Spanish Town. Breakfast, lunch and dinner 7:30am-10pm.

Caribbean dishes, pasta, pizza and burgers. Credit cards.

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TREE HOUSE International.

Tel: 495-5482. In the Valley. Set on top of centuries old banyan trees and the famous Virgin Gorda boulders. Open for dinner from 5:30pm-11pm -----------------------------------------------------

THE RESTAURANT AT LEVERICK BAY

International, Tel: 495-5252.

Located beachfront in the heart of Spanish Town. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7:30am-l0pm daily.

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International. Tel: 340-3005.

Open daily 8am-12am. Lunch at the beach bar and dinner served on the upstairs terrace.

Menu includes steak, seafood and rack of lamb. Friday night beach BBQ. Happy Hour, 3-5pm.

Reservations. CC. -----------------------------------------------------

TOP OF THE BATHS

VILLAGE CAFE

REEF RESTAURANT AT FISCHER'S COVE

International. Tel: 495-5497.

Situated above the world famous Baths and serving breakfast and lunch 8am-6pm daily; dinner 6pm-10pm; happy hour 4:30-6:30 pm.

International. Tel: 343-8092.

At Virgin Gorda Village in The Valley. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. Tues. to Sun. 11am-l0pm.

Salads, Wraps, Jerk Pork, Seafood Dinners, Surf & Turf, kids' menu. Credit Cards.

ANEGADA ANEGADA BEACH CLUB BAR & GRILL International. Tel: 852-4507.

Keel Point. Open Daily 8am 8pm, 7 days ----------------------------------------------------ANEGADA REEF HOTEL International. Tel: 495-8002.

VHF 16. Beachside, Setting Point.

Breakfast 8:30-10am, lunch 12:302pm & dinner (7:30pm). Lobster a specialty. Reservations by 4pm.

----------------------------------------------------LOBSTER TRAP International. Tel: 495-9466.

VHF Ch.16. Main anchorage.

Lunch ll-2pm, dinner 7:30pm daily (reserve by 4pm).

53

Salt Fish Cakes

By Laura Thomas & Meuriel Georges-Adams

hroughout the Caribbean, salt fish is a well-loved dish prepared in several ways. In the British Virgin Islands, growing up in my family (like many other families), salt fish was always the meal on Good Friday and one of the dishes prepared for Christmas morning breakfast.

When visiting the British Virgin Islands one of the most sought after native cuisines is saltfish, which has been a staple meal in Caribbean households for generations. Once considered a poor 54 54

man’s food, saltfish has grown into a local delicacy.

The most common fish used to create saltfish is cod. This popular fish has a long and rich history, and has been an important economic commodity since the Viking period. The Norwegians used dried cod during their travels which became the genesis for a dried cod market in southern Europe. This market has lasted for more than 1,000 years, and still is an important part of the Norwegian fish trade.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, cod

became a major commodity, in the New World, especially in Massachusetts and Newfoundland, forming triangular trade networks and cross-cultural exchanges. The triangular trade was developed between New England, Africa and the West Indies.

The salted dried cod was shipped to Africa where it was used to purchase slaves, who were then transported to the West Indies where they were sold for commodities such as wine, sugar, rum, molasses and tobacco. These commodities were then shipped back to New England, forming the

Ingredients 1 cup chopped onions 1 cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 egg lightly beaten ½ lb salted fish, cooked and flaked 1 large fresh green and red pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper 2 cups of water

Instructions Finely chop onion and peppers.

Combine wet ingredients in a bowl.

Combine dry ingredients in bowl.

Combine both mixtures in a bowl and stir well Drop by spoon full into hot oil, 2-3 at a time.

Brown and serve.

December / January 2021

last leg of the triangle.

Usually found in the Atlantic Ocean, cod is not the most attractive fish, however, it is one of the world’s most popular and nutritious fish. It has a mild flavor, low fat content and a dense white flesh that flakes easily. Cod livers are processed to make cod-liver oil, an important source of Vitamin A, Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. When caught cod are salted and dried as a way of preserving it, stemming from the days before refrigeration. Saltfish, which was brought to the Caribbean by the European colonizers, is called bacalao on the Spanishspeaking islands and Morue on the French-speaking islands.

The different variety of saltfish dishes coupled with traditional African food were created by the slaves. During this period, the slave owners were mandated to provide them with salted meats and fish, hence saltfish. The slaves supplemented their food with ground provisions which they grew. These provisions are ground crops such as, sweet potato, dasheen, tania and yams that are grown in many a garden around Tortola. While many of these provisions are imported today, you can still find local families growing them in their gardens or small plots of farmland. Saltfish Gundy, stew salftish, saltfish in Creole sauce, saltfish in butter sauce, saltfish and rice, saltfish cake and pickup saltfish are the different ways that this versatile dish is prepared. Dumplings, fungi, eggplant and sweet potatoes are just some of the starches and ground provisions that are served with saltfish.Pickup saltfish is probably the more interesting recipe because of its name and the fact that it is prepared raw. Just like the other recipes for saltfish it must be presoaked to remove the salt that was used to preserve it. The cod is then separated by using a fork or by picking it apart with your fingers. A little cooking oil, various herbs and spices and local hot pepper are added to make this delicious dish. Pickup saltfish is usually served as an appetizer.

Ask any Virgin Islander who prepares the best saltfish and you will get a variety of answers. As with politics and sports there are debates over who prepares the best saltfish in the B.V.I. Well-known cooks through out the islands are sought out to prepare this delicacy for a variety of events. While many of these cooks may not reveal their secret ingredients they are willing to offer advice to the novice on how to spice up the dish.

Some may even share their recipe with those who are willing to learn. No family outing, beach picnic, party or other social gathering menu here in the Virgin Islands would be complete without some variation of saltfish.

Today, most restaurants and food delis serve salt fish on their breakfast menu or at least twice out of the week on their lunch menu.

One of the best ways to have salt fish done is as a salt fish cake.

55

NCHORAGE & AD IVE SPOTS

PAINTED WALLS is a shallow dive off the southern point of Dead Chest. Here divers delight at the kaleidoscope of colours created by encrusting corals and sponges on the walls of four long gullies. The depth ranges from 20-30 feet.

SANTA MONICA ROCK lies about a mile south of Norman Island and is a pinnacle that reaches from about 10 to 100 feet. Because it is on the outer edge of the island chain, it is a good place to see larger open ocean (pelagic) fish like spotted eagle rays, and possibly a nurse shark or two.

THE INDIANS.

Not far from Peter and Norman Islands, four large, jagged pinnacles protrude from the surface after rising 50 feet from the ocean floor near Pelican Rock. These tooth-like formations yield a series of canyons and grottoes which feature both soft and hard corals.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

Experienced divers looking for a deep dive, will enjoy this one at South Bay on Ginger Island. The wall here slopes gently downward

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Please Note: In order to

from 15 to 100 feet. Huge mushroom-shaped corals give the site its name.

BREWERS BAY PINNACLE

offers spectacular diving when conditions are right. Lying about 200 yards off the west point of the bay, this towering rock rises for 90 to 20 feet and abounds with fish life.

GREAT DOG is another good spot for beginners. The southern side is a pretty site indeed, divers swim along the parallel reef from 10 feet down to 60 feet.

The Chimneys is in the same area. Within this series of arches and canyons, you’ll be dazzled by the colourful soft corals and charmed by the variety of fish.

THE CHIKUZEN is one of the B.V.I.’s truly great dive sites. Lying at a depth of 75 feet, six miles north of Beef Island, the ship was sunk in 1981. The full 246-foot length of this once-refrigerated vessel is teeming with fish of every description. You may see big rays, horse-eye jacks, barracudas and more.

protect the BVI’s fragile coral reefs, boats are required to use National Parks Trust (NPT) mooring buoys when visiting the following areas: the Baths, the Caves, the Indians, Pelican Island, Carrot Shoal; also dive or snorkelling sites at Peter, Norman, Ginger and Cooper Islands, the wreck of the Fearless, Dead Chest, Blonde Rock, the Dogs, Guana Island, the wreck of the Rhone and the Rhone’s anchor. All users of the moorings must have a valid NPT moorings permit which can be obtained at their office in Road Town, or at B.V.I. Customs Offices, local charter boat companies and brokerages.

56 56 The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

RE

EAL STATE

F

or many BVI visitors, buying property is just a dream. A nice thing to consider while sipping a pina colada at the beach ­- but that's all. Still, with BVI property a good value compared to other parts of the Caribbean, a growing number of visitors are hoping to turn their dream into a reality. As a collection of small (59 square miles in all) and mostly very steep islands, the BVI offers breathtaking homesites, most with panoramic views of the sea and other islands.

Raw land, stunning villas and a limited amount of commercial property are available for purchase by outsiders, often referred to here as "Non-Belongers." (Belongers are persons who by virtue of birth or citizenship, marriage or special designation belong to the BVI. Belongers and naturalized citizens do not need a permit.)

The procedure for purchasing property for outsiders includes putting down an "Earnest Deposit" (normally 10%) with a letter of intent; the signing of a Purchase and Sale Agreement, and applying for a Non-Belongers Land Holding Licence. Non-Belonger applicants must provide financial and personal references as well as a police

certificate among other documents. Once the license is approved and signed by the Governor, closing occurs, and payment of the balance of the purchase price is due. On transfer of title, a property Stamp Duty at the rate of 12% of the appraised value, or purchase price (whichever is higher), is payable by the purchaser.

Generally the process takes about a year from application to closing. If you are purchasing raw land, you will be required to develop it within a specified period. Your lawyer, or real estate agent can provide additional information on property purchase requirements.

Application fees are $200/person, $500/company; licence fees are $600- $1,000 (complete fees can be provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources.)

Whether relocating here, or building a second home, a relaxed lifestyle, balmy weather and one of the planet's most beautiful locales are just a few of the reasons that people purchase property in the British Virgin Islands.

57 December / January 2021

HI

ELPFUL NFORMATION

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

of land or part thereof; $50 on all remaining acres or part thereof and $50 on parcels of land totalling one half (1/2) of an acre or less. British Virgin Islanders pay $10 per year on the first acre or part thereof and $3 per acre on all remaining acres or part thereof.

House Tax: House tax is levied on buildings at the rate of 1 and 1/2% of assessed rental value.

TAX CONCESSIONS The following information is intended as a guide only and is subject to change. Please check with the appropriate department or organization for current information.

FOR INVESTORS CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS

The currency of the BVI. is the U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many – but not all – establishments.

There is a 10 cent stamp duty on all cheques and travellers cheques. An American Express office is located at Romney Associates in Road Town.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Telephone and Internet: LIME provides national and international telecommunications services, international direct dialing, fax and data services, private leased circuits, Internet and cell phone service. CCT Global Communications offers cell phone services, wireless Internet and other telecommunications services. Digicel offers local and international cell phone service.

Marine Services: Marine communications are offered by Tortola Marine Radio (call on VHF channel 16, talk on 27 or 84).

BANKING SERVICES

The following full-service banks have offices on Wickhams Cay I, Road Town: Banco Popular and Scotia Bank; First Bank VI and First Caribbean have Road Town and Virgin Gorda offices. National Bank of The Virgin Islands (Road Town) has limited retail services. Private banks include VP Bank.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The BVI is world renown as the jurisdiction of choice for financial services due to the establishment and popularity of our Business Companies. There are approximately 500,000 international business companies active on the register. Principal activities include: corporate and fiduciary, trust and estate planning, mutual funds administration and management, captive insurance registration, ship registration and mortgages and litigation.

As tax laws vary from country to country, before starting a BVIBC, it is advisable for a prospective investor to consult with a tax lawyer in his country of origin to determine the suitability of forming a company in the BVI. The BVI is celebrating 30 years of our Business Companies Act this year.

For further information contact: BVI International Finance Centre. Tel: (284) 468-4335; Fax: (284) 468 1002; Email:

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info@bviifc.gov.vg.

The BVI International Finance Centre (BVIIVC) is the voice of the financial services industry dedicated to enhancing and promoting the BVI as a premier international finance centre and providing assistance and advice to those seeking to utilize the territory's financial services facilities.

For more information on the BVIIFC telephone (284) 4684335; Fax (284) 494-1002.

SHIPPING & POSTAL SERVICES The Government of the BVI. operates a domestic and international postal service. In addition there are several overnight courier firms operating between the territory and most other nations. A number of air and sea freight services offer regular shipping services between the BVI and the U.S., Britain and Europe.

UTILITY SERVICES Electricity: The BVI. Electricity Corporation provides 110 volt and 208 volt supply to Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Camanoe.

Water and Sewerage: Water supply is available in Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and parts of Anegada. Other areas use cisterns. A sewerage system exists in Road Town and environs, Cane Garden Bay and some parts of East End. In other areas private treatment plants or septic tanks are used.

For more info. contact the Water and Sewerage Dept. at (284) 494-3416/3417.

TAXATION Payroll & other Taxes: There is no company or personal income tax, although companies and employees are subject to a Payroll Tax. Property, building and homeowners are subject to Property Tax. There is no inheritance tax, death duty, capital gains, capital transfer or estate tax. For additional taxation information please call the Department of Inland Revenue, Government of the BVI at (284) 468-3701, ext 2155.

BVI Business Companies Act: Corporations registered under the BVI Business Companies Act are exempted from BVI income tax. There is no inheritance tax, death duty, capital gains, capital transfer or estate tax.

Land Tax: Expatriates pay $150 per year on the first acre

Pioneer Services and Enterprise Ordinance: Persons who invest in enterprises for which there is a special need in the Territory may obtain a ten year tax holiday as well as import duty exemption on capital equipment necessary for the business.

Hotel Aid Ordinance: Under this ordinance building materials and equipment for the construction or expansion of a hotel are permitted duty free entry in the BVI. for a period of 10 years. International Business Companies Ordinance: Under this ordinance, offshore companies are exempted from: BVI. income tax; filing shareholders or directors information; filing audited financial statement with the Registrar of Companies. They can also have a sole shareholder or issue bearer shares.

Registration of Profits: Earnings and capital may be repatriated freely in U.S. Dollars and other convertible currencies.

BUSINESS INFO & TRADE LICENSES

The BVI. Government encourages outside investment in a variety of sectors. To do business in the BVI., one must first obtain and complete a trade licence application form from the Trade and Investment Promotion Department.

The form should be submitted to the same department together with a financial statement, police record, two business references of the person or company submitting the application and a comprehensive summary of the investment proposal.

For further information regarding Trade Licence regulations and fees, as well as additional investment opportunities, contact: Trade and Investment Promotion Department, Chief Minister’s Office, Road Town, Tortola, (284) 494-5007 Fax: (284) 494-5657.

Additional contact: The BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Assoc.

Box 376, Road Town, Tortola, BVI. Tel: (284) 494-3514.

The BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association is a private non-profit organization. The Association offers assistance to interested persons desiring information on matters relating to trade and industry and on investment opportunities.

WORK PERMITS

In order to work in the BVI., everyone except Belongers, naturalized citizens and holders of a certificate of residency are required to have a work permit. These are issued to non-islanders only in cases where the position cannot be filled by British Virgin Islanders; the training of local people to fill key positions is encouraged.

For information on Work Permits contact the BVI Dept of Labour, (284) 494-3451.

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ELPFUL NFORMATION

British Virgin Islands: BVI. Tourist Board, Ferry Terminal, Road Town.

P.O. Box 134, Road Town, Tortola, BVI. Tel: (284) 494-3134, Fax: (284) 494-3866.

Email: info@bvitourism.com

FOR VISITORS IMMIGRATION The following measures are to be adhered to in respect of all non-British Virgin Islanders entering the Territory: Visitors may be granted entry for up to one month at the ports of entry, provided that they possess return (or ongoing) tickets, evidence of adequate means of support and pre-arranged accommodations during their stay.

Visitors wishing to stay longer will need to apply for an extension from the Immigration Department in Road Town, Tortola or at the Government Administration Building in Virgin Gorda.

A valid passport is required for entry into the BVI. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or the Immigration Dept., BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 2538.

BVI TOURIST BOARD OFFICES New York: BVI. Tourist Board, 1270 Broadway, Suite 705, New York, N.Y. 10001.

Tel: (212) 696-0400, Fax: (212) 563-2263, E-mail: info@bvitourism.com Los Angeles: BVI. Tourist Board, 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1202, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: (213) 736-8931, Fax: (213) 736-8935. E-mail: info@bvitourism.com United Kingdom: BVI. Tourist Board, 15 Upper Grosvenor St. London, W1K 7PJ Tel: 011-44-207-355-9585, Fax: 011-44-207-355-9587, E-mail: infouk@bvi.org.uk Germany: BVI. Tourist Board, Schwarzbachstr. 32, D-40822 Mettmann bei Duesseldorf, Germany.

Tel: 011-49-2104-286671, Fax: 011-49-2104-912673, E-mail: g.romberg@travelmarketing.de Italy: BVI. Tourist Board, AIGO Comunicazione, Pizza Caiazzo 3 Milano, Italy. Tel: 011-39-02-667-14374, Fax: 011-39-02-669-2648, E-mail: staff@aigo.it

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Virgin Gorda and Elsewhere Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour. Tel: (284) 495-5181 The BVI Tourist Board also maintains visitor information centres at the T.B. Lettsome Airport and the Ferry Dock in Road Town. For additional info on the BVI and other USbased Tourist Board offices go to www.bvitourism.com; Toll Free US: (800) 835-8530

FISHING PERMITS The removal of any marine organism from British Virgin Islands waters is illegal for non-BVIslanders without a recreational fishing permit. Contact The Department of Conservation & Fisheries, Tel: (284) 468-2700 for information.

CRUISING PERMITS A cruising permit is required.

The Cruising Permit (Amendment) Act 2017 amends the Cruising Permit Act. Previously, charter boats had to pay different levels of cruising permit fee depending on the time of year and whether or not the boat was “based in the Territory”. The Amendment Act alters this classification by instead classifying boats as either “home based charter boats” or “foreign based charter boats”. Home based charter boats must now pay a cruising permit fee of $6 per person per day, whereas foreign based charter boats must now pay a fee of $16 per person per day. Previously, cruising fees ranged from $0.75 and $4 per person per day.

“Home based charter boats” are defined as charter boats that, for a period of five months in “any” (ie rolling) 12 month period, must be: • • •

operating in the BVI; generally maintained in the BVI; and managed by a company or any other legal entity incorporated, registered or licensed in the BVI

NATIONAL PARKS ENTRY FEES There are entry fees to some BVI National Parks including The Baths, Virgin Gorda; Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola; and the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens, Tortola.

Single admission to land parks: BVI. Residents $1; Visitor (child) $2; Visitor (adult) $3. Marine Parks: BVI. Boats, $3 p/p/day; Foreign boats, $6 p/p/day.

For rates for multiple uses, groups and commercial usage, contact the BVI National Parks Trust at (284) 494-3904.

MOORING BUOYS Boats are required to use National Parks Trust mooring buoys at designated reef areas and must purchase a Marine Conservation Permit for their use. Buoys are colour coded: Yellow, commercial dive boats; White, boat with divers; Orange, snorkel and day use; Blue, dinghy docks. Call the National Parks Trust at 494-3904 for more information. Private buoys on a fee per night basis are provided by Moor Seacure Ltd. at locations throughout the BVI.

DEPARTURE AND OTHER TAXES

BY AIR: Departure Tax $20.00 per person; Security Tax $5.00 p/p. BY SEA: Departure Tax $15.00 (visitors) $10.00 (residents); $7.00 for cruise ship passengers.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX: A 7% Hotel Accommodation Tax is payable by guests who stay for six months or less in hotels and holiday rental accommodations.

SALES TAX: There is no Sales Tax.

CUSTOMS DUTIES All imports are subject to varying rates of duty from 5% to 20%. Imports entering the BVI. on a temporary basis, will not be subject to duty. Liquor prices in the BVI. are so low that – even with duty added – savings can be made by purchasing here.

There is no customs duty on the importation of computers.

EMERGENCY For Police, Fire or Ambulance: Dial 999 or 911.Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is a voluntary organization providing a 24-hour marine search and rescue service in BVI. waters. In an emergency call on VHF marine radio Channel 16 or dial 767 from any telephone. From outside the BVI. call (284) 499-0911.

Office: (284) 494-4357.

MARRIAGE LICENSE & REGULATIONS Arranging to get married in the BVI. is fairly easy, with minimal residency requirements. With prior arrangements, the Registrar will often marry couples in the venue of their choice, including a beach or boat. For information regarding requirements on getting married in the Territory, contact: Civil Registry, PO Box 3199, Road Town, Tortola, BVI; or phone at (284) 468-3442.

CHURCHES The primary Churches are: Anglican (Episcopal), Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Church of God, Jehovah’s Witness, Pentecostal, Church of Christ. Other faiths also represented include: Muslim, Hindu and Bahai.

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

NEWS MEDIA, RADIO AND TV There are two weekly newspapers: The BVI Beacon and The Island Sun. The Limin’ Times is a weekly entertainment and TV guide. There are also several online news sites: bvinews.com, bviplatinum.com, virginislandsnewsonline.com. There is one AM (ZBVI at 780 AM) and six FM radio stations: ZCBN 92.3, ZKING 101.7 Christian, ZROD 103.7, ZCCR 94.1, and ZVCR 106.9 Caribbean.

BEACH SAFETY FLAGS: Red & Yellow: Lifeguard patrolled

Black & White: Non-swimming area

LIBRARIES The BVI’’s main library is located in Road Town – open M-F 8:30am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm. Branches are located in East End, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada and are open M-F 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm.

Red: Danger, No Swimming

HAZARDS FAUNA & FLORA: There are no dangerous animals or insects in the BVI. Beware of the caustic fruit, sap and leaves of the Manchioneel tree (or Poison Apple tree) which are severely irritant, and poisonous if ingested. It is found near beaches.

Yellow: Take Caution (weak swimmers discouraged)

MEDICAL An Int'l Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory. Peebles Hospital has surgical, x-ray and lab facilities. Private x-ray and lab facilities are offered by B&F Medical Complex, Eureka Medical Clinic and Medical Diagnostic Lab. The Bougainvillea Clinic is a small private surgical clinic. For info. on health services, call the Dept. of Health at (284) 468-3701.

Purple: Marine Life such as jelly fish present

SERVICE CLUBS Meetings for the following clubs are as follows: The Rotary Club of Tortola, Thurs. 12 pm, The Moorings; Rotary Club of Road Town, Tues. 12:30 pm, The Moorings; Lions Clubs of Tortola, Lions Den, Johnson’s Ghut; Lions Clubs of Virgin Gorda, Community Centre; Toastmasters, 1st and 3rd Tues., Fort Burt; and Tortola Ladies Club (TLC), 3rd Weds. 12 pm, Spaghetti Junction.

PETS Pets are allowed entry into the Territory with an import permit issued by the Dept. of Agriculture. For regulations on animal importation, contact in adVance: Dept. of Agriculture, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Tel: (284) 495-2532; Fax: 495-1269.

DRESS We are more than just a beach and beach attire worn elsewhere tends to offend residents.

Therefore, please wear proper attire (no bare chests or midriffs) in residential and commercial areas.

TOBACCO & DRUG REGULATIONS Tobacco: Smoking is prohibited in all public indoor and outdoor spaces (and within 50’ of these spaces). This also applies to most beaches. For more information contact the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Tel: (284) 468-3701 ext 2174 Illegal Drugs: The possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law and conviction on drug charges can lead to stiff fines and jail sentences.

COMMUNITY AGENCY ON DRUGS & ADDICTION (CADA) For referrals and meeting schedules for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Group, and drug education programmes, call (284) 494-2324.

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For more information call us at (284) 494-2413 or email: info@caribbeanprinting.com Limin’Times Entertainment Gude

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The Welcome Guide to the British Virgin Islands

Real estate consultants

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VIRGIN GORDA

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour