Arrive: By air or sea. Fly to St Thomas (STT) and take a ferry over or fly to San Juan (SJU) then onto Tortola’s Beef Island airport (EIS).

Beaches: Lovely soft white sand, palm lined, and sun drenched with crystal clear blue water. SummerSalt is located just above one of the most scenic and serene, Smuggler’s Cove, near Tortola’s northwestern tip. The location of the film The Old Man and the Sea, it is the quintessential Caribbean beach. Tortola’s North coast is lined with several very beautiful beaches and a great day can be spent beach hopping….. Start at Smuggler’s, travel east to Long Bay Beach, Cane Garden, Brewer’s Bay, Josiah’s, Elizabeth Beach, Brandywine, Long Bay Beef Island, and enjoy the sunset at Trellis Bay. Each of other islands has some really beautiful beaches too, each unique. In the BVI, all beaches are open to the public up to the high water mark. If you decide to explore and venture onto one of the private islands, please respect the owner’s privacy by remaining on the beach.

Bring: Only what you need & leave the rest, including the good stuff, at home. A simple camera, a couple of bathing suits, hat, tee/golf shirts, shorts, casual slacks, beach cover up, sun dresses, sandals, maybe a wind shirt/rash guard or sweater, and personal care items are all you need. Really. Leave you baubles, bling, expensive watches, and, big stuff at home. That way, you won’t have to pay to check extra luggage or think about the “stuff” as you pass through airport screening, float in the water, or sail the ocean blue. Do what we do (really)… pack your suitcases then take half of it out and never miss a “ting”. Flying with just carry-ons? No problem… stores have quite a selection of personal care products, sunscreens, and just about everything and anything you will need or want. Good snorkeling equipment and other water toys can be rented nearby.

Cash & Travelers Checks (TC): Accepted (5¢ fee per TC) everywhere; Visa & MasterCard accepted in most large businesses; Amex accepted in some; Many smaller businesses do not accept credit cards. Just a “heads up”, some but not all US bank cards charge a “Foreign Transaction Fee” on transaction made outside the US. Check with your bank for their policy. Not a bad idea to let them know you’ll be out of the country using the card so they can note the files.

Churches: Spirituality is part of island culture, community, and life. Many denominations are represented and their congregations welcome visitors to their services. In fact, it is not unusual for visitors to be honored with special recognition and prayers.

Climate: Tropical moderated by lovely trade winds with little variation in temperature throughout the year….70 to 90 degrees F (21 -32 C). Summer months tend to be the warmest and Fall the wettest. Coastal regions have an annual average rainfall of about 40 inches (102cm) with the interior mountainous forest areas receiving as much as 70 inches (178 cm).

Currency: US Dollar. We tend to take some cash, more in traveler’s checks, & mostly use a credit card. ATMs are located around the islands but sometimes run out of cash on weekends.

Customs & Immigration: At your initial point of entry into the British Virgin Island (BVI), you will clear through BVI Customs & Immigration (C &I) and then not be expected to clear C &I again, even if you go to another island in the BVI, unless you leave and reenter the territory. A valid passport is required with proof of a return ticket. A visa may be required for visitors from some countries. At departure, a BVI Departure Tax (currently $20 cash pp when departing by air & $5 cash pp when departing by water) is due before proceeding through the BVI’s equivalent of travel screening. When you arrive in your destination country, you will be subject to that countries C& I laws and procedures. If you are taking the ferry to St Thomas to catch a flight, you will go through US C & I at the St John or St Thomas ferry dock (depends on the ferry schedule) and at the airport. May sound confusing and unnecessary but isn’t really…. Before heading home, some spend a couple of days in the USVI shopping & enjoying its beautiful parks and beaches. Just go with it….. Great people watching and you’ll be amazed who you just may see.

Day Sails & Charters: So many beaches, protected coves, and islands to see. The solution… Experience the beauty of the BVIs from the land and the sea by taking a day sail or chartering a yacht. The BVIs are a renowned safe blue water sailing destination with many protected anchorages. The waters are calm, winds fair, & sun brilliant. A wide variety of day sail and charter yachts call the BVIs home port and crews delight in sharing their secret spots.

Drive: On the left side in the BVI!! Not to worry, it will feel perfectly natural in about 5 minutes then you will have to remind yourself to drive on the right when you get home. Roads run along the coast and through the hills, are mostly paved, and can be steep….. 4 wheel drive automatics are readily available and take the worry out of driving in unfamiliar territory. A temporary BVI driver’s license is no longer needed. A valid driving license from your home locations is. Be alert….. Cars may stop suddenly and often without benefit of a turn signal….. Not all islanders have cars and there is little in the way of public transportation so those who have vehicles stop to give a lift to those who need one. Be patient, it just takes a minute. Also, as you tour the islands, you will hear honking… BVIlanders use their car horns, usually short beeps, as a friendly “heads up” alerting they will be passing, that people, animals, or some hazard is around the next bend, or just to signal hello to friends they see. They are not being rude or aggressive. The roads twist and turn and they may be honking as a courtesy to you. In fact, rental cars have green license plates and most islanders go out of their way to be alert and courteous, knowing occupants are usually unfamiliar with the roads. Go with the flow…. Smile and wave as they pass.

Dress: Casual for the most part but do cover up….. Being improperly dressed is considered offensive, embarrasses BVIlanders, and you run the risk of being ignored. Bathing suits are fine at the beach & pool but considered impolite in public places such as parks, restaurants, stores & businesses. A few restaurants request “Elegant Casual” for dinner: for ladies…… elegant casual clothing (sun dresses or nice slacks & blouses and for men….. collared shirts and slacks. Jeans, tennis shoes, and open toed shoes are not appropriate for men's evening wear. Ask when making reservations.

Drugs: In a word-DON’T!! Don’t import, buy, possess, use, sell or distribute. They are all illegal activities subject to fines & jail time…… Wearing stripes & being a guest of the Queen is not the way to spend your Caribbean vacation.

Electricity: Same as the US… 110 volt/60 cycles. Generated using fossil fuels so do our earth a favor, be green… turn off everything when not needed.

Emergencies: Dial 999 for Police, Fire, or VISAR (Virgin Islands Search & Rescue). At sea, VISAR can be contacted by dialing 999 and on channel 16.

Ferries: Fly into St Thomas and catch one of the ferries to West End, Tortola. The St Thomas ferry dock is a 10 minute cab ride from the airport, the ferry s a lovely way to shake off all stresses & begin ilon life. The ride takes less than an hour, and SummerSalt is just 10 minutes up and over from the West End ferry dock. It’s a breeze. There are also scheduled ferries within the BVI’s…. a great way to see other islands.

Getting to the BVI: Two routes to choose from. Time it right and you can be unpacked and in the pool or down at Smuggler’s for an afternoon swim. There are:
1. Many direct flights into St Thomas (STT) then it’s a quick 10 minute cab to the Charlotte Amalie ferry dock and a 50 or so minute ferry to West End, Tortola.
2. Lots of direct flights into San Juan (SJU) then onto Tortola’s Beef Island (EIS). The airport is on the other end of the island…. Just a scenic hour’s drive along the Sir Francis Drake Channel to the West End and SummerSalt.

Health: For minor ailments, clinics are located around Tortola as well as on the other islands. Emergencies and serious illnesses are handled at Peebles Hospital on Lower Main Street in Road Town, Tortola. Tel: (284) 494-349.
In an emergency dial 999. At sea VISAR can be contacted at 999 and on channel 16.

History: Long and very interesting. Amerindians were in the islands as early as 1500 BC. Arawak, Ciboney, and Caribe Indians followed. Newly discovered Arawak artifacts indicate a significant cultural settlement and presence in the Smuggler’s Cove and Belmont areas on Tortola’s northwest coast. During his 2nd voyage to the America’s in 1493, Christopher Columbus claimed the islands for Spain. During the next 100 or so years, the Spanish, English, and Dutch all visited the islands yet did not settle permanently. By 1615, a Dutchman, Joost van Dyk, established the first European settlement in the Soper's Hole area, also on Tortola’s northern end then, sometime before 1625, relocated to what is now RoadTown. After providing aid and support to the Dutch Admiral who laid siege to San Juan, the Spanish returned the favor by launching a full assault on van Dyk’s settlements. He fled to what is now calledJost Van Dyke then onto St Thomas with the Spanish in hot pursuit. On the much bigger island, he managed to elude the angry Spanish until they gave up and sailed back to San Juan none too happy. Because of their original claim and its strategic location, Spain continued to launch attacks on Tortola. In 1647, they managed to take control of the West End settlements, march on the area of RoadTown, and destroy everything there , leaving other settlements on Tortola & Virgin Gorda intact. The Dutch in those settlements decided higher profits could be generated through “privateering” than trading and redirected their efforts accordingly, often targeting the English now actively plying the waters. Control went back and forth until 1672 when the British took over and have maintained a role ever since. While a treaty in 1674 officially returned control to the Dutch, they happened to be at war with France, the English in the islands were none to keen on relinquishing control, and the Dutch were in no position to press the issue. In 1684, the Dutch formally requested transfer resulting in more diplomatic maneuvering and legal wrangling. Negotiations became more intense yet Tortola was never actually returned to the Dutch. In the mean time, the Danes gained control of St Thomas and relations among/between the various island governments was, to put it mildly, strained. Luck for the BVIs, Quakers settled here in 1727, remained until 1768, and had a profound lasting influence on the territory for two important reasons: strong Quaker opposition to slavery and the large number of famous and influential men who sprang from the islands relatively small Quaker community. Included among them - Dr William Thornton, an inventor, painter, amateur architect, and trained physician, who designed the US Capital Building. Slave uprisings in the territory and the Caribbean were common and became more frequent as the plantation economy and number of slaves needed to sustain it grew. Compounding the trouble, by the early 1800s, as many as 2,000 freed Africans were “relocated” to the territory causing further resentment by everyone. On August 1, 1834, well ahead of other territories and countries, slavery was abolished in the BVI. What followed were long periods of struggle as the country experienced several devastating hurricanes and moved from an agricultural economy. While it remains a British territory with the Queen holds executive authority administered by a Governor, the BVI is self governing, stable, boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the Caribbean basin, and recognized as one of the world’s leading offshore financial centers.

Holidays: Many and with good reason….. De ilons are beautiful, BVIlanders joyful, and the weather is here…. Why not celebrate?!?!

Ilon Time: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)….4 hours behind GMT/1 hour ahead of EST during winter months when the US is subject to Day Light Savings Time. Heads up… the USVI & BVI’s do not “Spring forward” & “Fall back”.

Insurance: Check with your insurance companies to determine what is covered outside your home country. Airline policies regarding changes and cancellations are strict and most hotels and villas limit/restrict refunds when the cancellation is made within 45 days of arrival. Always a good idea to purchase trip/travel insurance. Polices are inexpensive and can save you a bundle if something comes up.

Internet: Widely available- Most hotels &villas have high speed access. SummerSalt has e computer, high speed access & Wi-Fi.

Islands: Many, 50 or so, all varied, & all beautiful. Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, & Jost Van Dyke are the largest. The BVI Tourist Board has a good interactive online map. Just a quick note, there are several privately owned islands scattered throughout the BVI and, while all BVI beaches are open to the public, please respect the rights of the island owners by sticking to the beach area of any private islands you visit.

Jumbies: Moko Jumbie means "Good God" or "Good Spirit"….. They are very tall spirits (skilled stilts walkers on 10 to 20 foot stilts!!) dressed in bright clothing. According to Caribbean myth, they originated in Africa where some tribes built their villages on stilts for protection. Whenever they appear, Moko Jumbies’ are favorites at Full Moon celebrations, parades, and annual Caribbean carnivals.

Kids: Islanders are warm, patient, and family oriented. Visiting kids can easily make new friends among both other vacationers and islanders. No need to lug down lots of toys and gear, your kids/grandkids will not want or need them once they hit the beach. Instead, they’ll be splashing in the warm water, digging in soft sand, chasing crabs and little lizards, and collecting coconuts all before you have time to spread out the beach towels. Do slather them with sunscreen often, plant a hat on their heads, sunglasses if you can, and have them wear lightweight “rash guard” shirts (worn by surfers and available in sporting goods and surf shops).

Land mass: Not much of it actually. While the BVI is made up of about 50 islands, most are small cays or coral outcroppings. With the exception of Anegada which is coral, limestone, and sand, most are hilly and volcanic. Tortola is the largest but is just 13.5 miles (19 km) long and 3 miles (5 km) wide with an area of 21.5 square miles (55.7 square km). Anegada is next with 16 square miles, followed by Virgin Gorda (9 square miles), and Jost Van Dyke (4 square miles). The capital, RoadTown, is located on Tortola, midway along the southern coast.

Language: English is the official language. No surprise really, they’ve been here for nearly 340 years. Being a lovely island destination blessed with favorable sailing conditions, you will hear many other languages spoken as well as English sprinkled with a heavy dose of Creole. Lilting and lovely.

Location: Only 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from St John, 9 miles (14.5 km) from St Thomas, 80 miles (130 km) from San Juan, Puerto Rico, yet a zillion miles from the hustle, bustle, and stresses you are leaving behind. The BVIs are in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles Leeward Islands which include the US and British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla. They're called the Leeward Islands because they're away from the wind ("lee"). Latitude 18.391954 North Longitude -64.701662

Maps: Nothing like Google maps. No need to download and print it though…. Rental car agencies all have free fold up maps on their counters. Printed copies of the free and readily available BVI Welcome Magazine have a map in the center fold. Kids love maps and it’s a great way to learn geography….. give them each one and have them find the way.

Marriage: Want a romantic beach wedding in the BVI? Easily done with just a little planning. Couple of days in residence, the purchase of stamps (yes, stamps), and a couple of other things. Please call the Registrar's Office, Road Town. Tel: (284) 468-3701 to discuss the details and particulars.

Nudity: BVIlanders are modest and there are no nude beaches in the BVI. Public nudity is illegal and visitors are asked to respect local customs and laws by wearing appropriate clothing at all times! If you wish an overall tan sans tan lines, please sunbathe discretely in the privacy of your villa.

Oceans: The BVIs are surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful deep blue sea. The Atlantic Ocean is on the north side of Jost Van Dyke, a mere 3miles (5 km) from Tortola. Heading north from Jost, its 1,000 miles (1,560 km) to Bermuda and another 775 miles (1,300 km) to Nova Scotia if you happen to miss Bermuda. To the East, The Cape Verde Islands are 2,675 miles (4,306 km) or so from the BVI’s with Africa another 460 miles (745 km) beyond them. Venezuela is 550 miles (882 km) south across the Caribbean Sea. The USVI, Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Jamaica lay to the west. Beyond those, Belize lays 1,550 miles (2,490 km) west of Tortola.

Passports: A current valid passport is required to enter the BVI along with proof of a return ticket. A visa may be required for visitors from some countries. Visitors traveling on British, Canadian, US, and most European passports not required to obtain a visa before entering the BVI. For requirements for your country, please contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, British Embassy, or contact the BVI Immigration Department, BVI Government at Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.

Phones: Some cell phones work better than others. The best reception is usually found in direct line of sight of the USVI. Carriers may require individual phones to have the “international calling” capability unlocked prior to use. Check with your carrier for details. The BVI area code is 284. SummerSalt has a landline phone, computer, high speed internet, and Wi-Fi.

Pirates Treasure: Pirates and privateers sailed the Caribbean plundering ships full of gold, silver, and precious cargo, some of which was itself plundered from Central and South America. The BVIs provided protected anchorages, served as the last refuge before the long journey to the US or Europe, and loot was often stashed here awaiting calmer seas. Edward Teach, more well known as the pirate Blackbeard, liked Tortola so much, he called Soper’s Hole home for several years. Smuggler’s Cove was a favorite spot, the hill on its northern end is still called “Gun Point” because it offered a great hidden vantage point to observe ships traveling through, and fire cannon shot on any that tried to sail into Smuggler’s. SummerSalt is just a stones throw from Smuggler’s Cove. If kids are part of your group, organize a Pirates Treasure Hunt by stashing “loot” under shells, beneath the palms and buried in the sand. Nothing fancy or big. Packages of gum, coins tied in small pieces of cloth, lip gloss, and little trinkets brought from home. Include other vacationing and island kids who happen to be at the beach and they’ll all have friends and memories for a lifetime. Years ago on our first trip to Tortola, an extended local family having a beach BBQ graciously invited our kids to join a treasure hunt they were having for their kids. An act of kindness, the highlight of our vacation, and an experience our kids, now adults, have never forgotten. BVIlanders are one of the reasons we returned year after year and eventually build SummerSalt!!

Provisioning: No need to lug a cooler full of groceries or burn a precious vacation day grocery shopping….. You worked all year for those vacation days and certainly wouldn’t take a vacation day off at home to grocery shop. Why blow one doing it in the BV?!?! There are several well stocked island grocery stores and one even delivers to SummerSalt for free. Complete and submit the form at home about a week before you arrive, verify they received it, let us know the order #, and SummerSalt’s refrigerators and cupboards will be stocked with your order when you arrive. It’s that easy!!

Quiet: Has it’s rewards…..an amazing assortment of tropical birds, from Hummingbirds, Doves (“Tortola” is Spanish for “Turtle Dove”), Tropicbirds, Flamingos, Ibis, and Spoonbills to name a few.

Rental Cars: Reserve one can explore the island. Most rental agencies have an age minimum of 25 years to rent &/or drive. The terrain is mountainous & roads can be rough…… a 4 wheel-drive with an automatic transmission is strongly recommended. We work with several agencies who will meet you at the ferry dock or airport with your vehicle at no cost to you (a special favor for SummerSalt guests), complete the paperwork right there, alert your villa escort that you have arrived, arrange an easy spot to meet and be led to SummerSalt and shown around. Been doing it for over 10 years and never had a problem!!

Reservations: Make them!! Recommended anytime, and required for larger parties. It’s a welcome and appreciated courtesy so they can properly prepare for you and you are more likely to get a good table and service.

Restaurants: Plentiful with great variety from very simple island fare to French chefs providing some of the finest dining anywhere. No chains restaurants or franchises allowed.. A BVI restaurant guide is available online and printed versions are available everywhere in de ilons. Have fun discovering new places and trying new foods.

Seasons: Pretty much the same one year round……Warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from a low of 70 degrees F in the winter months to 90 degrees F in the heat of summer (21-32 degrees C). While hurricane season typically begins June 1 and ends November 30, the BVI’s have been spared many of the recent hurricanes, blessed with little damage, and we hope that continues. The wettest times are usually September through December and the driest February to April. Short showers of 5-15 minutes do occur – the reason there are so many lovely tropical flowers in bloom year round.

Smiles & Pleasantries: Really go a long way… BVlander’s are some of the kindest and most gracious people you’ll meet anywhere. Don’t rush or be impatient, start every conversation with a smile, make eye contact, say “Hello”, engage in small talk or exchange pleasantries, then calmly ask your question or conduct your business. As in many parts of the world, direct pointed questions may make Islanders uncomfortable as they don’t want to give a wrong answer and lead you astray. Likewise, loud, demanding and/or negative comments are considered impolite, won’t get you anywhere anyway, and you may be met with silence….”Game Over”. Remember, you came to de BVIs to get away from all that….The hustle, bustle, and hassle. Be on ilon time…. savor every moment and you just may be surprised by what you learn and see.

Taxes: A 7% BVI Hotel Accommodations Tax (HAT) is collected from guests and paid on all hotel stays and villa rentals of less than 6 months. Good news, there is no sales tax on purchases or food. A departure tax of $20 cash pp is collected when departing by air & $5 cash pp when departing by water.

Tipping: As in the UK and Europe, some restaurants automatically add a tip to the bill and most do for larger groups. If it is not clear or you would like to be sure, politely ask. Be sure to look at the bill before adding a tip. When there is no other place to enter it, they may do so on the “Tax” line. When an amount is entered on the “Tax” line or anywhere else, please don’t assume they’re trying to pull a fast one….it’s the custom. Just ask nicely.

UV Rays: Plentiful and very strong here in the BVI. After all, we’re only about 1,270 miles (2,044 km) north of the equator! Do yourself a favor…. Don’t take home a serious sunburn as a souvenir. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen early/often. Start by using higher numbers of UV protection; let your skin get used to the beneficial rays, then bump down to lower levels of protection when your skin can take it. Wear a rash guard shirt or old tee shirt when out during peak hours.

Virgin Islands: There are some 100 or so islands in the Virgin Islands archipelago, split pretty evenly between the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and British Virgin Islands (BVIs). Approximately 15 of those in the BVI are inhabited. With the exception of St Croix (USVI) and Anegada (BVI), most are close to each other. St John lays less than 2 miles (2.4 km) across the Sir Francis Drake Channel from Tortola and, at night, the lights of St Thomas twinkle in the distance.

Visas: Visitors traveling on British, Canadian, US, and most European passports not required to obtain a visa before entering the BVI. For requirements for your country, please contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, British Embassy, or call the BVI Immigration Department, BVI Government on Tel: (284) 494-3471 or 468-3701 ext. 4700.

Water: The BVI’s are, after all, islands surrounded by the wonderful warm clear blue Caribbean Sea. There are a couple of fresh water springs and Government desalinates and supplies water to some areas. Most hotels and villas follow earth friendly green practices by collecting and storing fresh rain water for use & consumption. We’re proud to say SummerSalt is no exception….2 large underground cisterns supply the villa & pool with fresh water and we took things a step further by capturing “grey water” from sinks, showers, & dishwasher, and washing machine”, recycled and piped to the gardens to irrigate them. Still, every drop is precious and we ask guests to think green while making SummerSalt their ilon home. Do expect to drink more water here than at home…. one can dehydrate quickly in the Caribbean.

Weather: Spectacular….come see for yourselves!! Bright glorious sunshine. 70 to 90 degrees F (21-32 degrees C). Quick showers of 5-15 minutes do happen, then the sun comes out, rainbows appear, and tropical flowers burst with color. Hurricane season typically begins June 1 and ends November 30. The BVI’s have been spared most of the recent hurricanes, blessed with little damage, and we hope that continues.

Welcome Magazine: The BVI Welcome Magazine is an excellent source of interesting and helpful information on all things BVI. It comes out every 2 months, is free, and printed copies are widely available at the docks, airport; hotels, restaurants, stores and most public places. A simple yet great map is located in the middle fold.

Xpect: To drink lots more water than you do at home. Sun and salt water are both dehydrators in their own right. Add beer or rum to the mix and you’ll dry out before you realize it.

Yikes: Time flies in de ilons!! Make sure you enjoy every moment….. So much to do and see. Or do nothing at all! Something we always do while on vacation…. Plan our return trip. As BVIlanders say “Go to come back!”

Zeme: Small sacred idols or totems carried by Caribbean Indians as protection from evil spirits. Often tiny & made of simple carved stone, Zemes were tucked or tied into clothing for safe keeping. Archeologists excavating Indian settlement sites have uncovered several yet one of the best examples ever found in the BVIs was discovered by the young son of friends while waded through the shallows in the West End area. Priceless.