British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands were first discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. The islands were later colonized by Dutch and in 1672 annexed by the British. There are 16 inhabited islands and more than 20 still uninhabited. Even thought the islands belong to the United Kingdom, the US Dollar is the currency of use, due to the close proximity to the USVI. The BVI offer many diving spots, one of the most famous being the RMS Rhone which was the setting for the movie “The Deep” with Jacqueline Bisset and Nick Nolte. Sailing is phenomenal particularly on Francis Drake Channel due to it being surrounded and protected by most of the islands. One of the most famous spots in the BVI is “The Baths.” Located in Virgin Gorda, this is one amazing geological granite rock formation that no visitor should miss. Many secluded beaches exist throughout and it is typical that one may be the only boat anchored overnight.
For more information on the history of these islands, as well as suggestions for things to do around these islands click here.