General
With little desire for mass tourism, the BVI has remained an escape from the bustling souvenir shops and glittery nightlife associated with many Caribbean islands. The BVI has miles of serene beaches, and is considered one of the best sailing locations in the world. The crystal clear blue waters also provide a perfect setting for unparalleled diving, snorkeling, kayaking and a myriad of other adventures.
Located only 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, and right next to the US Virgin Islands St John and St Thomas,the British Virgin Islands are very accessible. Tortola is the largest island in the BVI chain and is easily reached by air from San Juan, PR or by ferry from St. Thomas, USVI.
With several flights daily these airlines will get you where you need to go; American, Seaborne, Delta, United, Cape Air, and Liat. The smaller airlines offer connecting flights with many major airlines.
US citizens are required to have a passport. Non-US citizens should check with the appropriate consulate regarding a possible visa. Everyone visiting the BVI must have a return ticket.https://www.bvitourism.com/entry-requirements
Yes, there is a $10 arrival tax for the Environment and Tourism levy. There is also a $50 departure tax which is normally included in ticket price if you leave by air. There is a $20 departure tax by ferry at $15 for residents.
With average 80 degree water temperatures, every month offers incredible diving in the BVI. The trade winds offer spectacular, consistent sailing conditions throughout the entire year.
Yes, in service industries such as restaurants, bars, diving operations and yacht charters, a 15%-20% gratuity is appreciated.
No. Products and services are not taxed in the British Virgin Islands. What you see is what you pay.
Diving
The British Virgin Islands have some of the most popular wreck diving in the Caribbean. Discover the history and hidden secrets of wrecks like the famous R.M.S. Rhone, the Beata, the Marie L., and the Pat. Crystal blue waters and spectacular corals highlight graceful creatures such as sea turtles, rays, barracuda, and even sharks, making this a perfect dive location for every skill level.
Yes we have a full line of well maintained, Aqualung scuba equipment available for rent. There is no equipment rental fee charged to divers who are diving from our dive boats or on dive packages.
The water temperature ranges from 78° in the winter months to 84° in the summer months. We recommend (and provide) a short, 2mm wetsuit if you tend to get cold during a dive.
Bring any personal equipment that you are comfortable using. Our dive boats are equipped with quality masks, fins and snorkels. We use 80 cubic ft. aluminum scuba tanks and provide weights and weight belts. We will have spare scuba equipment onboard at no additional cost. If you do not wish to bring your own equipment, please let our office know what you will need before your trip so we can have the right sizes available.
We welcome photographers and videographers. Our large dive boats are equipped with a fresh water rinse bucket and double tiered camera table that has enough room to store camera cases.
Absolutely! As a PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Dive Center & Resort we offer a full range of training and certification courses, including all professional levels. Please make arrangements before your vacation so that all of the necessary paperwork can be completed.
There is a chamber located nearby on St. Thomas, USVI and in San Juan, PR, both a short helicopter ride away. The BVI have an emergency helicopter on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Many visitors to the British Virgin Islands are here for the sailing experience. As sailors may not wish to sail back to port to meet a dive boat, we bring the dive boat to your sailing vessel. You can contact us by phone or email to make arrangements. We pick you up, take you diving and deliver you back to your boat. What could be simpler?