British Virgin Islands

Geos

Many Islands, Many Options: Exploring the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands: A Pirate Haven Turned Diver’s Playground


Dive Service Providers

BVI SCUBA ORGANIZATION MEMBERS
Aquaventure Scuba (Tortola)
aquaventurebvi.com

Blue Water Divers (Tortola)
bluewaterdiversbvi.com

Dive BVI (Virgin Gorda)
divebvi.com

Jost Van Dyke Scuba & BVI Eco-Tours (Jost Van Dyke)
jostvandykescuba.com

Paradise Watersports (Peter Island)
bviwatersports.com

Sail Caribbean Divers (Tortola, Cooper Island, Norman Island)
sailcaribbeandivers.com/dive

UBS Dive Center (Tortola)
scubabvi.com

We B Divin’ (Tortola)
bviscubadive.com

LIVE-ABOARDS
Cuan Law
allstarliveaboards.com/british-virgin-islands-liveaboard-diving/

SV Promenade
yachtpromenade.com


Facts and Figures

  • Entry Requirements: A passport and onward/return ticket is required for stays up to 30 days.
  • Location: About 60 miles (96 km) east of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • Size: 50-plus islands.
  • Population: About 28,000.
  • Capital City: Road Town, Tortola.
  • Getting There: Major air carriers and local commuter airlines offer regular service. Direct flights from the U.S. mainland and Canada into the BVI are not offered, but connecting flights through San Juan and the U.S. Virgin Islands are available. Ferry service is available from the USVI.
  • Departure Tax: $20 USD per person.
  • Cruising Permits: Cruising permits are required for private boaters; check the current rates, which change by boat and season.
  • Driving: Driving is on the left. There is no public bus system, but taxis are available on the larger islands. Rental cars are available. A BVI driver’s license is not required for licensed drivers staying in the BVI for fewer than 30 days.
  • Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles: U.S.-style plugs.
  • Language: English.
  • Currency: U.S. dollar.
  • Time: Eastern Standard (EST in summer, EST plus one hour in winter).
  • Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as most beaches.
    Hyperbaric Chambers: Emergencies requiring a hyperbaric chamber are sent either to St. Thomas, USVI, or San Juan.
  • For More Information: BVI Tourist Board, bvitourism.com