The British Virgin Islands is comprised of 36 islands (16 of which are inhabited); east of Puerto Rico and the US. Virgin Islands and North of the Leeward Islands; the principal islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

English is the national language and the currency is the U.S. dollar. U.S. citizens must produce a passport to enter the British Virgin Islands.

Virgin Gorda, or "Fat Virgin", refers to a protruding mountain noted by Columbus on this second largest of the British Virgin Isles. Only ten miles long and two miles wide, the island is known for its yacht clubs, quiet coves, and safe anchorages for bare boats.

Its most celebrated beach - The Baths - is an intriguing grouping of huge granite rocks framing grottos filled with sea water. While geologists ponder the origins of these mysterious boulders, swimmers and snorkelers refresh themselves in the cool waters of hidden pools and secret passages.

Virgin Gorda is the idyllic beach retreat for many island connoisseurs. Less developed and slower-paced than Tortola, Virgin Gorda has a mountainous, dry terrain dotted with cactus. Spectacular white sand beaches are edged by a turquoise sea and wondrous coral reefs for snorkelling and diving.

The folks in the British Virgin Islands are welcoming and friendly.