Top 10 Facts about the British Virgin Islands

Top 10 Facts about the British Virgin Islands

There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a beach! I grew up on the seaside and I feel so fortunate, but, I’ll admit, my hometown in New England is nothing like this tropical paradise in the Caribbean. 

If you’re looking for a beautiful getaway, consider taking a trip to the British Virgin Islands! Before you go, it may be helpful to learn a bit more about your destination. Keep reading for the top 10 facts about the British Virgin Islands!

1. The British Virgin Islands, or the BVI, are located in the Caribbean

British Virgin Islands by neufal54 – Pixabay

The British Virgin Islands are oftentimes referred to as the BVI. They are located in the Caribbean, not too far from Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Anguilla. The islands are a part of a larger chain called the Virgin Islands. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory and so their head of state is Queen Elizabeth II! And, since 2002, citizens of the BVI are all British citizens.

2. There are four main islands and 32 smaller islands that makeup the BVI

Road Town, Tortola by Anna Mustermann – Pixabay

The four main islands of the BVI are Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Tortola is the largest island and is home to the capital, Road Town, and the main port of the BVI. Tortola is about 12 miles (20 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide.

There are several other smaller islands that make up the BVI including Great Tobago, Peter, Cooper, and Marina Cay.

3. But, only 16 of the islands are inhabited

British Virgin Islands sunset by jah9teen – Pixabay

So much of the BVI has been left for the wild! More than 20 islands in the BVI are uninhabited. The islands feature beautiful coral reefs, rolling hills, and temperatures are an average of 76° Fahrenheit (26° Celsius). The plants are tropical and there are several different species of wildlife who call the BVI home!

4. Amerindian tribes were the first to settle down on the BVI

An Arowak village by G.W.C. Voorduin – WikiCommons

The earliest settlers of the BVI were Amerindians as early as 1500 BC. But, it’s generally thought that the first settlers of the BVI were the Arawak from South America. They came to the BVI between 100 BC and 200 AD and remained on the islands until the 15th century.

Another tribe, the Caribs, pushed the Arawak out and then explorers from Europe began to visit the islands. Several different empires, including the Spanish, Dutch, English, and French battled to take control of the islands.

5. The BVI was once a colony

An abandoned and ruined sugar mill in Brewer’s Bay by Legis – WikiCommons

In 1648, the Dutch Empire took control of the BVI. Then, in 1672, the English invaded and captured Tortola, removing the Dutch. The English then annexed the islands of Anegada and Virgin Gorda. The British also installed sugar cane plantations and forcibly brought in slaves from Africa.

Slavery was abolished in 1834 and that, along with natural disasters and the introduction of sugar beets as a crop in the United States marked the end of the sugar cane plantations. The BVI gained independence in 1967 and has since turned its attention away from agriculture and towards tourism.

6. The BVI has close ties with the United Kingdom

License plate of the British Virgin Islands for the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II by Dickelbers – WikiCommons

Although the BVI is completely independent of the United Kingdom, it is a British Overseas Territory. They recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their monarch and there is a Governor of the British Islands who serves as a representative of the British government.

Oddly enough, the official currency of the BVI is the U.S. dollar. This is because, in 1917, the U.S. bought the Danish Virgin Islands, renaming them the U.S. Virgin Islands. The two islands became closely linked economically and it just made sense to have the same currency.

7. The tourism industry is very important for the BVI

The British Virgin Islands by Rhea Yaw Ching – Pixabay

As mentioned, since the BVI gained its independence, the island has shifted its focus from agriculture to tourism. As a result, the BVI is one of the wealthiest places in the Caribbean!

The BVI is a vacation hotspot, especially for Americans. Tourists are drawn by the pristine white sand beaches, the tropical climate, and the coral reefs. There are also some incredible opportunities for sailing, which attracts boat enthusiasts from across the world. 

8. The Baths National Park is a popular tourist destination on the BVI

The Baths by jah9teen – Pixabay

The Baths is an area on the beach of one of the BVI’s larger islands, Virgin Gorda. It’s located on the southern tip of the island and is one of the most popular destinations on the BVI.

The Baths feature a collection of naturally formed granite boulders that have been eroded by the ocean. Amongst the boulders are natural tidal pools, grottos, and tunnels that lead out into the water. It is a truly beautiful location!

9. The BVI hosts a major sailing event every year

Sailboats in the BVI by patteybleecker – Pixabay

I’ve already briefly touched on this but sailing enthusiasts love the BVI! The islands also host a major sailing event there each year called the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.

The three-day race covers an area around the BVI which includes the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. At the end of each race day, festival-goers enjoy nightly entertainment which includes dancing on the beach, local cuisine, and other various food vendors.

10. Many hurricanes have damaged the BVI over the years

Damage in Road Town following Hurricane Irma by Legis – WikiCommons

Although the climate and location make the BVI the ultimate tourist destination, like many islands in the Caribbean, the BVI has had to endure several hurricanes. In 2017, the BVI was hit by Hurricane Irma, which resulted in considerable damage, especially in Tortola, and the tragic death of four people.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a Caribbean vacation, I definitely encourage you to consider the British Virgin Islands! The sun, the sand, delicious local food, and picture-perfect sailing destinations are waiting for you!