Getting to know The British Virgin Islands
Just a 30 minute ferry ride from St. Thomas in the U.S.V.I., or a 30 minute plane ride from San Juan, the stunning 50-plus islands and cays that comprise the British Virgin Islands have two great assets - accessibility and virgin beauty. Known for years as a "sailor's paradise," yacht cruisers were among the first to realize this was indeed one of "Nature's Little Secrets", which is the territory's official slogan. The B.V.I. is blessed by year-round tradewinds and temperate weather that averages 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Living out doors is a way of life in these islands.
If Tortola, the largest island in the group, is considered "the head," all the islands that surround her off the Sir Frances Drake Channel including, Virgin Gorda, Cooper Island, Peter Island, Norman and Jost Van Dyke are an exquisite necklace, with Anegada the sparkling coral brooch to the northwest.
The B.V.I. is a picture of contrasts. There are protected anchorages in quiet palm-fringed coves with spiraling sheer rock faces that plunge to the ocean. One comes across dramatic volcanic formed mountains as well as a flat all-coral atoll. From island to island the vegetation can be dramatically different, due to rainfall, soil composition and sun exposure. Lush areas support palms and tropical fruit trees like banana, mango, and key lime along with flowering hibiscus and bougainvillea bushes. A hike up a hill may reveal varieties of cactus and wild tamarind - even a hardy frangipani plant making its way through a boulder.
The surrounding waters are deep shades of liquid blue, but on Anegada - the only coral atoll in the group, the water takes on an ethereal aquamarine shade. A varied and intriguing environment on land and on sea makes these islands appealing to divers, boaters, hikers and those desiring just to "chill" in a soft rope hammock overlooking a white sand beach.
Culture and history walk side by side in these islands like two school children. Although there was a known Amerindian culture at one time, the influences that can still be felt come from the Dutch and British settlers in the 1600s. One can still view the stone remnants of forts, churches dating back to the 1800s, even rum distilleries still in operation. Cultural influences can be felt through the islands' music and food - whether it be the indigenous fungi, reggae or steel pan sounds, or the taste of local savoury chicken, fish, conch and lobster dishes enhanced with exotic spices.
