DivingThe clear waters and unspoilt reefs provide ideal diving conditions, and qualified instructors are widely available. There are over 60 dive sites, many of which are within the
Underwater National Park System. Night diving can be especially spectacular. Vertical walls, underwater pinnacles, coral reefs, caverns and wrecks, notably the
RMS Rhone, which sank in 1867 off Salt Island, can all be visited. The marine life includes most Caribbean and Atlantic species of tropical fish and marine invertebrates. Humpback whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays also make occasional
appearances. Certification is necessary for equipment rental and air fills. When diving or swimming, it is important not to over-exert, especially if unused to swimming in sea conditions, if unfit, or if having consumed alcohol. There is, however, a Virgin Islands Search & Rescue (VISAR) to respond to emergencies. Coral reefs are very fragile and divers should take great care not to touch the reefs or remove anything, dead or alive, from the ecosystem. For further details on how to protect the marine environment, contact the British Virgin Islands Association of Reef Keepers (tel: 53237; e-mail:
info@arkbvi.org; website:
www.arkbvi.org).
SailingThis is extremely popular. There are numerous modern marinas, and the Yacht Club in Road Town, Tortola, organizes races and regattas and offers instruction in sailing and navigation. Yacht charter and one-day sailing trips are widely available. Day trips are also being offered on the
Gli Gli, an authentic replica of a traditional Carib Indian dugout canoe. The highlight of the sail racing season in the British Virgin Islands is the
BVI Spring Regatta, the largest regatta in the prestigious Caribbean Ocean Racing Triangle (CORT) series. The race and its shore-side activities and entertainment attract large crowds of spectators and party-goers. For entry forms and further information, contact the Royal BVI Yacht Club (tel: 43286; fax: 46117; e-mail:
rbviyc@caribsurf.com; website:
www.rbviyc.net).
FishingCharters can be arranged for offshore fishing trips. Removing fish or other marine life is illegal for non-residents without a recreational fishing permit, obtainable from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labor (tel: 43701, ext 2147; fax: 4283; e-mail:
nrl@gov.vg).
Outdoor pursuitsIn spite of the steep terrain, hiking is growing in popularity. There is a trail up
Sage Mountain on Tortola, as well as along
Ridge Road, with its dramatic views. A route runs up
Gorda Peak on Virgin Gorda, and a hiking trail has recently been established on Jost Van Dyke.
Horse riding can be arranged. On Tortola, tours to the
Sage Mountain National Park and
Cane Garden Bay begin near Meyers on the Ridge Road. Trips are also available through Virgin Gorda’s unusual landscape. Cycling and mountain biking are possible, with bicycles for hire in most of the islands’ resorts.
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