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The British Virgin Islands
are draped with soft, white beaches. However,
many of them are accessible only from the
sea, which allows for a remote and secluded
atmosphere.
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The crystal-clear water
and various underwater species around the
islands offer excellent snorkeling, diving
and fishing. Most of the hotels rent equipment
and boats for such activities.
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Bareboating (self-crew yacht
chartering) is the way most visitors explore
the islands. Navigation is not difficult
as the water and weather are generally
clear. And for your convenience, there
are several excellent reference guides.
However, if you do not feel confident in
directing a yacht alone, you can hire a
full crew or a skipper.
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The annual spring regatta
is held in Sir Francis Drake's Channel.
It is part of the Caribbean Ocean Racing
Triangle (CORT) series of regattas. The
race attracts competitors from all over
the world.
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Snorkeling tours are available
along with daily sails to all the little
islands.
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Windsurfing is another popular
watersport. There is an annual Bacardi
Hi-Ho (hook in and hold on) race, which
attracts international windsurfers.
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The 17.5-kilometer Horseshoe
Reef, off the south shore of Anegada, is
the third largest reef in the world (after
the Great Barrier Reef and Belize). There
are 80 visible wrecks around Anegada alone.
There are over 60 charted dive sites, many
of which are in underwater National Parks.
They include walls, pinnacles, coral reefs,
caverns and wrecks. The most visited wreck
is the Rhone, which was sunk in 1867. Another
wreck is the 246-foot Chikuzen, sunk in
1981 about six miles north of Tortola,
where you will have they opportunity to
see larger fish such as barracuda and rays.
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Another amazing sight and
one not to be missed is the Humpback whales.
They migrate to the islands every year.
Similarly, Leatherback turtles travel to
the north shore beaches to nest. To capture
those great memories on film, good quality
underwater photography is offered to you.
The price is high but well worth it.
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The BVI Summer Festival
is held every summer. There is entertainment
every night with steel bands, calypso music,
a Prince and Princess show, and a calypso
show.
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During the year there are
many regattas, such as the annual BVI Spring
Regatta in April, Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta
in September and windsurfing events.
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In addition to all of that,
there is a tennis club on Tortola and many
hotels have their own courts. Unfortunately,
golf has not been developed although a
couple of the hotels have small practice
courses.
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Horse riding can be arranged
through the hotels, and beaten trails are
scattered for those interested in hiking
and birdwatching.