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Articles Heaven On Earth: The British Virgin Islands
Articles Heaven On Earth: The British Virgin Islands | Heaven On Earth: The British Virgin Islands |
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| Written by Barry Monteiro | |
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Occupying a tiny amount of the world's dry land, the British Virgin Islands are giants in the world sailing community. Known as the sailing capitol of the Caribbean, the BVI are a remarkable destination for sailors and those who would be sailors alike.
Occupying a tiny amount of the world's dry land, the British Virgin Islands are giants in the world sailing community. Known as the sailing capitol of the Caribbean, the BVI are a remarkable destination for sailors and those who would be sailors alike. There are very good reasons the British Virgin Islands are so perfect for sailing. First, the weather is warm year-round, with excellent trade winds blowing nearly constantly up to 25 knots, and a little stronger in winter - perfect for catching in sails. The islands are pocked with little bays and small anchorage points ideal for anchoring and snorkeling, swimming, or just enjoying the views of the closely-placed islands. Because the archipelago is so dense with islands, the waters stay exceptionally smooth, even where the channels run deep - this is great not just for sailing, but also for protecting the many beautiful reefs scattered throughout. Your explorations will take you to perfect white sand beaches lit with a tropical sun and surrounded by perfect coral reefs. Offshore, you can snorkel or surf; every imaginable water sport can be practiced here. Or you can charter your own yacht from one of the dozens of charter companies located here. Despite its small size, the BVI is the home port of the largest charter yacht fleet in the world. Looking to get here The BVI are located at the mouth of the Caribbean Sea, south of the Bahamas and only sixty miles east of Puerto Rico. There are 50 islands and cays making up the group, and each is a little different, some covered with mountains and jungle-filled valleys, others bare white sand beaches, and several with dozens of coves pocketing the coast, each with a unique beach. There are two primary island groupings here, the Windward and Leeward (leeward meaning the region that does not catch the wind). In fact, the BVI vacation experience won't feel like a vacation at all. You won't see the typical tourist casinos or tall hotels; instead, you'll find friendly people, light or nonexistent traffic, beautiful isolated villas, and more peace and tranquility than you have ever known in your life. Tropical rainforests butt up against swimming pools and sophisticated restaurants, or you can spend time sailing between island exploring the deep coral canyons below the waters. This unspoiled quality is no accident. The government of the British Virgin Islands has toiled for years, studying the islands and the underwater ecosystems nearby, seeking ways to protect and preserve the region while still allowing humans to enjoy it. The National Parks Trust is the primary agency administering the unspoiled sections of the BVI, and they administer underwater parks throughout the islands and cays. With many of the smaller cays inaccessible except by water, there really is no better way to explore the region than a bareboat yacht charter, allowing you to skip from island to island at your leisure. With your own chartered yacht, you can feel like a millionaire while observing one of the most beautiful regions on earth. About the Author: Barry Monteiro has spent over 35 traveling in the Caribbean. Tortola and other British Virgin Islands are his favorite places to go. He enjoys writing about his favorite subjects Tortola Beaches and Tortola Yacht Charters |
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