British Virgin Islands
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Contents |
British Virgin Islands (UK) Cruising Guide
Background
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British overseas territory, located in the Caribbean to the east of Puerto Rico. The islands make up part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, the remaining islands constituting the U.S. Virgin Islands. Technically the name of the Territory is simply the "Virgin Islands", but in practice since 1917 they have been almost universally referred to as the "British Virgin Islands" to distinguish the islands from the American Territory. To add to the regional confusion, the Puerto Rican islands of Culebra, Vieques and surrounding islands began referring to themselves as the "Spanish Virgin Islands" as part of a tourism drive in the early 2000s.
The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Approximately fifteen of the islands are inhabited. The largest island, Tortola, is approximately 20 km (approx. 12 mi) long and 5 km (approx. 3 mi) wide. The islands have a total population of about 22,000, of whom approximately 18,000 live on Tortola. Road Town, the capital, is situated on Tortola.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Climate & Weather
Climate & general weather?
Sources for weather forecasts:
Check-in facilities
See ports on each island.
Islands in the Group
- Tortola (Port of entry)
- Jost van Dyke (Port of entry)
- Virgin Gorda (Port of entry)
- Peter Island
- Cooper Island
- Norman Island
Immigration and Customs
Immigration
On arrival the "Q" flag must be flown until clearance formalities are completed. The skipper and all crewmembers must present themselves in person to immigration. The ship's papers, passports, last port clearance certificate, an inward and/or outward manifest, and full crew list must be presented.
Customs
Full customs formalities are required for clearing out and in when sailing between the islands in the group.
Firearms and ammunition MUST be declared on arrival and MUST be surrendered to Customs for safekeeping until your departure.
PETS: All animals MUST be declared on arrival. Dogs and cats are only permitted entry (allowed ashore by Customs) after the Ministry of Agrigulture's Veterinary Division has issued an Import Permit - applied for in advance. Details for requesting a pet Import Pertmit can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Division, Tel (284)495 2532 or online
Pets MUST have a valid Health Certificate (that must have been issued at least two weeks prior to arrival), and a valid anti-rabies certificate (dogs and cats) as well as proof that the animal is free from any disease. No animals can be landed without a permit and must remain secured on board at all times. For a charge of US$5, customs will then issue a permit that will contain the pet's full details (species, sex, age, colour, country of origin, owner's name and address, means of arrival). Do not allow the pet ashore until these formalities have been successfully completed.
Visiting yachts MUST obtain a fishing permit if they wish to fish in BVI waters. Catching lobster, spearfishing and collecting live shells is prohibited. No jet-skis are allowed to be used in BVI waters.
Fees and Dues
Quote date for each entry
- Entry fee: =
- Exit fee: =
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
