British Virgin Islands Warnings Or Dangers

  See those roads in the distance?
by agapotravel
 
  • See those roads in the distance?
      See those roads in the distance?
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  • Blind hill
      Blind hill
    by agapotravel
  • Climbing up a hill
      Climbing up a hill
    by agapotravel
  • Switchback
      Switchback
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  • Remember to drive on the left!
      Remember to drive on the left!
    by agapotravel
 
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Don't bring your Spear Gun to the BVI

by grandmaR

Although the Virgin Islands area quintessential water sports territory, spear fishing is not permitted in the BVI and the use of SCUBA equipment to capture or remove any marine animal or coral is against the law. Even in the adjacent USVI, there are rules about spear fishing as it is illegal to spear fish for lobsters in all Territorial waters and it is illegal to use or possess spear fishing equipment anywhere within National Park boundaries (most of the National Park is in the vicinity of St. John)CIGUATERA which is a serious disease which is carried by many reef fish in the BVI.

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Many Restaurants Close Over the Summer

by Alfine5

Be aware that many of the nicer restaurants on the BVI are closed during the summer as this is their off period. We found this the hard way when we drove around Tortola trying to find some of the higher rated restaurants.

CASH!

by sabsi

Better bring some cash to the BVI. ATMs don't always work on the islands and while most restaurants and shops accept credit cards, taxi drivers, beach bars and even some petrol stations want cash! Also don't forget to keep some money to pay for your departure tax (see Transportation Tip).

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SAFETY!

by sabsi

Do you know a place where people don't lock their houses when they are out? What about a luxurious hotel where you don't get a key to your room? Where cars aren't locked and you never have to worry about the stuff on the beach while you are in the water. Where the police headquarters are closed in the evening? Welcome to the BVI. No unemployment. No poor people. No guns. No crime. God, it must be boring being a policeman here ;)

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Virgin Islands Fishing

by rebekah29

I was just there, and I was told by locals that spear fishing and any kind of fishing is illegal in the waters around the islands, as the waters are full of coral and many of the fish are poisonous... Also there is a high metal count in many of the fish due to dumping in deeper water, Mercury is high. If you want to fish, you'll have to go out on a boat (charter) and do some deep sea fishing (about $450 a person ) and You'll be sure to catch a big one!

Fragile Reefs

by catalysta

When playing in the water, whether windsurfing or diving or snorkeling or just swimming around, please remember that coral is very fragile and takes decades to grow back. Although some critters can harm you if you touch them (e.g. the very obvious spiney sea urchins), most are harmed more by you touching them.It's also highly illegal to take beach souvenirs in the BVI's, so don't expect to bring that lovely conch shell home with you! Adopt the no-footprints-when-you-go attitude, and use your cameras and your memories for souvenirs, so others for many generations can enjoy these perfect islands after you leave.

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Pricy Taxis! It ain't cheap getting around.

by Flamelit

Taxi's: This island infrastructure is designed for sailers who get around by boat or dinghy. Therefore getting a taxi here is expensive, the BVI is not like many remote island locations where you can sometimes get a deal on transport, every taxi ride is a small fortune. Expect to pay $10 to go 200 yards (up an insanely steep hill), and $40 to go seven miles. This is a tiny price to pay for time in paradise, but just be forwarned- you will need more cash than you think! Walking in the BVI is an option, but the extremely hilly terrain makes this unpleasant with even a few bags or groceries (although the locals do it every day). You can also hitch rides for free as the locals do.

Actually, there are sharks

by brownbeer

After reading one writer, I feel I must respond. There are dangers in the water. Sharks are around but rarely if ever attack. Sea urchins abound and can cause a nasty infection. My sister-in-law spent two days in the hospital in Roadtown after dislocating her shoulder when a large wave capsized the dinghy. Another friend got stung by fire coral while snorkeling and ended up in the hospital on a respirator for a week. BVI is spectacular, but know the dangers berfore indulging.

no phone?! what to do?

by arasnosliw

Often you may end up on islands where phones are unavailable. The easiest form of communication is through VHF radio. You can call for help or even radio in dinner reservations.Helpful channels:Channel 16 for distress and hailing (then switch),Channel 68 or 6 for general conversation ship-to-ship,Channel 3 for weather,Channel 12 for charter company-to-yacht operations,Channel 27, 84 for Radio Tortola (4-4116), andChannel 25, 85, 87 for Virgin Islands Radio (6-8282)Restaurants 16 or 68.

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rules of driving

by arasnosliw

Be cautious if you decide to rent a car and drive in the BVI. Things get a little interesting. Although the country drives on the left side of the road (like other British Territories), cars are imported from the US. So steering wheels are on the left side as well. Confused yet? Since cars are also purchased in the US, driving distances are marked in miles.Also take heed when driving through the steep hills. Locals tend to drive fast through treacherous curves. Roads are narrow and very winding.

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Safety Tips in British Virgin Islands

Top 3 Hotels in British Virgin Islands

Sugar Mill Hotel  Tortola

 146 Opinions

 Hotels in Tortola

Biras Creek Resort  Virgin Gorda

 168 Opinions

 Hotels in Virgin Gorda

Peter Island Resort  Road Town

 344 Opinions

 Hotels in Road Town

62 Hotels in British Virgin Islands
 
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Reviews and photos of British Virgin Islands attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for British Virgin Islands sightseeing.

Experience British Virgin Islands
Warnings Or Dangers: Cities in British Virgin Islands
  1. Tortola Warnings Or Dangers
  2. Virgin Gorda Warnings Or Dangers
  3. Jost Van Dyke Island Warnings Or Dangers
  4. Norman Island Warnings Or Dangers

More Cities in British Virgin Islands

 

Questions and Answers

00deluxe00 profile photo

Q:  Hey you all! During January 2012 I am going to BVI. I am citizen of EU - BVI belongs there I suppose. I have heared I need... 

gwened profile photo

A: its different living than visiting as in any place. I suggest you look at destination above right window for tips by posters like us on the gorgeous BVI. then contact... 

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