Anegada is the most northerly island in the British Virgins and is best known for its seclusion from the rest of the world, beaches and friendly people. This island is perfect for peace, quiet, rest and relaxation. The island is only 10 miles long by 2 1/2 miles wide and reaches its highest point at 28 feet, hence its name which means the "drowned land”. Extensive salt ponds are found on the island, which is sheltered by one of the world’s largest coral reefs, Horseshoe, which is 18 miles long. This reef makes the island a popular dive area, while snorkeling on and around the reefs of the north shore is quite breathtaking and should not be missed.
On the East End of Anegada, large piles of conch shells, some even forming islands, attest to the presence of aboriginal people. Later, pirates hid in the maze of reefs, with legends of pirate treasure. There is a small population of about 150 people living on the island. Efforts to keep the island close to nature have resulted in the recent introduction of a sanctuary which is supervised by the National Parks Trust. The sanctuary currently houses flamingos, ospreys and terns.
Many Anegada businesses close during the Caribbean hurricane season (September and October) and do not accept credit cards.
Anegada's tourist facilities are varied and include a hotel, cottage style villas and a campground. Restaurants and bars serve fine fare including fresh local seafood. Guided bonefishing expeditions, vehicle rentals and taxis are also available.
Often called the Village, The Settlement is the main habitation center on Anegada, and includes about 120 dwellings, a post office/police building, a bar, two restaurants, the Ocean Range Hotel, a bakery, two groceries and a general store. For villa cottages and Anegadans, Faulkner's Country Store is the place for canned goods, detergents, fresh vegetables, frozen meats (including tripe), saltfish (cod), yams and plantains and cured pigtail. Yes, curried pigtail! Dotsy's Bakery and Dinette is located on a side road from departing from the town square. Dotsy's (495-9667) offers lunch and dinner made to order, delicious fresh baked bread, cakes, fresh tarts, picnic “to-go” lunches and tasty sandwiches.
A completely different experience from that of the ocean side is the vast "inland" side of Horseshoe Reef. This is particularly evident in the vicinity of The Settlement. The Reef area includes ancient islands made of conch shells, mangrove islands, an island of the magnificent frigatebird (who nest in the mangroves), mudflats, sandy bottoms and various other reefs. These often shallow areas provide a gigantic nursery that helps stock the abundant marine life of downstream BVI reefs.
The official currency is the US Dollar ($), which is divided into 100 cents. Most establishments on the larger islands accept credit cards and travellers cheques, but on Anegada it is best to have cash. Banks and exchange facilities can be found in Road Town, Tortola. ATMs are available in Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Today, Anegada attracts people from around the world as friendly Anegadans apply their talents to creating interesting establishments and activities for beloved visitors, who most often arrive via BVI sailboat charter from Tortola. The BVIs are one of the world’s top sailboat charter destinations because of the islands’ close proximity to one another, allowing visitors to navigate by sight and allowing novice sailors a chance to experience sailing while always remaining in easy reach of land or other boats.
Shipwrecks and conch shells, fishermen and lobster pots, beaches and wild orchids--this is Anegada!
Weather:
The islands have a sub-tropical climate with high humidity, although temperatures are moderated by trade winds. Temperatures in summer average from 79 to 88° F (26 to 31°C) and between 72 and 82° F (22 and 28°C) in winter. Rainfall is erratic with occasional droughts.
About rain: the VI islands (both BVI and USVI) usually get a brief shower at least once a day, typically in very early morning hours while most people are still sleeping. Rain showers usually last only a few minutes at a time and can be a welcome respite to a hot, sunny day. Watching weather forecasts in anticipation of your trip is probably more frustrating than useful. Weather reports tend to show rain for every day of the week. This causes most travelers to panic with thoughts of a washed out vacation. You need to realize that the rain being forecasted is the 5 minute passing shower variety and you BVI vacation is very likely to be filled with warm, sunny days.
During the months of September and October, you should pay attention to weather reports in case of hurricane advisories. Hurricanes are usually predicted well in advance. Due to the chance that a hurricane could ruin your vacation during hurricane season, we recommend purchasing travel insurance if you will be traveling to the BVI during this time of year. If a hurricane strikes during your villa vacation, you will usually not be allowed to stay in your villa and are likely to be on your own in terms of determining where to take shelter or how to evacuate the island. For this reason, we recommend that you take the time to research shelter options in advance of your arrival if you plan to travel during hurricane season.
Getting There/Airports/Visas:
Airline Arrival:
Clair Aero is the only scheduled airline flying into Anegada. This airline serves Anegada to and from St. Thomas and Tortola (see Destination Guides for these locations for information on getting to them from your home base). This flight takes about 10 minutes and the one and two engine planes with 3 and 7 passengers ascend to 2000'. Charter flights are also available. There is no ferry service. Private water taxi service is an option to consider – check with Glenn at Cane Garden Bay Water Taxi on the BVI Island of Tortola. '
Entry requirements for Americans: US passport holders require a valid passport or a birth certificate together with an official photo ID. No visa is required for stays of up to six months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian passport holders require a valid passport or a birth certificate together with an official photo ID. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian passport holders need a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to 14 days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals need a passport, but no visa is necessary for stays of up to 14 days.
Passport/Visa Note: Travellers need a return or onward ticket and all the documents required for their next destination, as well as sufficient funds.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Local Customs:
It is considered impolite to take photographs of the local people without asking their permission beforehand. Every conversation should begin with the greeting “good day” or “good morning” or “good afternoon” or “good night” (as opposed to good evening, which isn’t typically used) and a friendly smile. Conversations are slow and relaxed. Due to the islands conservative British heritage, there is a dress code of conservative clothing. Light cotton dresses and light jackets and ties for formal wear and typical tropical wear during the day.
Transportation:
Valid BVI driving licenses are required by all those seeking to drive in The BVI.
A temporary BVI driving license can be obtained from the Traffic Licensing Office or Car Rental Agencies provided a valid Driver's License from another country can be produced. If a person cannot produce a valid driver's license he/she must apply to take the driving tests, practical and written, which may take some weeks to be scheduled. Persons eighteen and over may drive a private car, after passing the driver's tests, and they should be covered by the appropriate insurance.
A driver's license can be obtained for three years for $35, and for one year for $15. Drivers over the age of seventy must provide the completed health certificate, signed by a medical practitioner, before their driving license is renewed, each year.
If a person cannot produce a valid driver's license he/she must apply to take the driving tests, practical and written, which may take some weeks to be scheduled. Persons eighteen and over may drive a private car, after passing the driver's tests. They should be covered by the appropriate insurance.
A driver's license can be obtained for three years for $35, and for one year for $15. Drivers over the age of seventy must provide the completed health certificate, signed by a medical practitioner, before their driving license is renewed, each year.
Remember, you must be at least 25 years old to rent a car and driving is on the left side of the road in The BVI. Taxis are also readily available and are a good way to get a tour of the island and make friends with a local, your driver. Local taxis drivers are one of the best resources for island information and activity information. Your taxi driver can also make arrangements for activities, usually done by simply calling his/her relative. In the BVI, it feels like one big, happy family! Taxi services are available, and there are set fares. Drivers are required to display, in a conspicuous place in their vehicles, a copy of the schedule of fares. There are taxi associations which operate a dispatch system, which the hirer is requested to abide by, but in some cases the hirer may ask for a specific driver or vehicle, at a specific time
Note: VHF 16 indicates that you can contact by ship to shore radio.
Rental Car Companies on Anegada:
British Virgin Islands ABC Car Rentals - Anegada Beach Club 284-495-9466
Anegada Reef Hotel - Setting Point 284-494-8002
D.W. Jeep Rentals - The Settlement 284-495-9677
J & L Jeep Rental - The Settlement 284-495-3138
Anegada can be toured in a day. Be prepared for the sun as there is virtually no shade on Anegada. A picnic lunch and plenty of drinking water is all you’ll need to set out on an adventure across this little slice of nature’s heaven.
To begin, make a big circle around the salt ponds on the western half of the island. You can stop and collect salt for use with cooking, it’s perfectly safe and you’ll find it much more tasty than your ordinary supermarket table salt found at home. From Setting Point, head west on the south shore road paralleling the"Anegada Harbour." Continue on to Pomato Point, where the beaches begin. Continue along the south shore and then around Anegada's West End Point, making a half circle around Flamingo Pond. The "road" becomes a little confused here, passing by a low mudflat area on the right. If you drive out on the mudflats when wet, be careful braking or you will slide in the mud. The true route bends left and right and enters the Anegada "Outback" area with a very bumpy road (only a mile or so). This takes you to the main road by the airport, where you’ll take a left to Loblolly Bay. Loblolly Bay is also reached by turning right out of the Anegada Harbour, or out of the airport. Loblolly Bay is a great location for beachcombing, especially shell collecting.
Don’t just drive the tour route, stop and speak with locals along the way. Visit their shops and restaurants, and mind your manners. Remember, Anegada is a British Island and formal manners are the rule of the road.
Typical Villa Arrangements:
Anegada is the perfect place to just 'forget the world' and enjoy miles of unspoiled beaches, hang out with new friends at a nearby beach bar or just relax and enjoy a truly 'undiscovered' Caribbean hide-away.
Typically, villas offer travelers the opportunity to get away from it all while on vacation. Agenada is a “get away from it all” destination in its own right. Thus, the splendor of a villa is even more glorious as it affords you the comforts and conveniences not always found in hotel environments in such remote destinations. The natural beauty of the island is all yours to enjoy from the gallery of your villa. The kitchen should contain large lobster pots, perfect for cooking your own, world-famous Anegada lobster caught fresh that day.
If you’re not planning to cook while on your Anegada vacation, enjoy sipping your favorite cocktails on the beachfront deck before heading out for dinner at one of Anegada’s sumptuous eateries. Think seafood, think fresh, think about not thinking for a while!
Cottages in the BVI often emphasize relaxation and 'getting away from it all' more than some cottages on other Caribbean Islands. Even very upscale cottages may not have all the amenities that many travelers take for granted these days. Thus, you should carefully review your cottage’s amenities and ensure it offers what you’ll need to enjoy your vacation. If you really can’t live without something, and your villa or cottage doesn’t list it, contact the agent or owner and ask if they can make special arrangements for you.
Check with each cottage regarding credit card acceptance and amenities such as air conditioning, radio, cable TV, VCRs, cell-phone access, in-room telephones, internet connections, mini-bars & hairdryers if these are important to you. Do not take any of this for granted.
Luxury Villas:
Bonefish Villa [Hidden Secret] 284-495-8045 Email:
Bonefish villa is a charming cottage located right on the water. Just a few steps along a pathway, through the back yard, lead to the calm, shallow sand flats dotted with mangrove trees-be sure to bring your reef-walking shoes and snorkel gear. Two bedrooms each with its own bath ensuite. Fully equipped kitchen. This villa is available through some of the most exclusive rental agents, who carefully inspect the property and will attest to its luxury status.
*Lavenda Breeze [Hidden Secret )284-495-8045 http://www.lavendabreeze.com/ This is probably the most luxurious villa on Anegada, and is situated directly on lovely Lolliby Bay Beach. 3 beds/3.5 baths : sleeps 6.
This villa is available through some of the most exclusive rental agents, who carefully inspect the property and will attest to its luxury status. Set just steps from the white sands of Loblolly Bay, Anegada's premier beach for swimming and snorkeling, this beautiful beach house is perfect for a romantic getaway, or fun in the sun for families. This villa is furnished with elegant island flair, and beautifully detailed.
Lavenda Breeze is built on two levels, dressed in Caribbean colors, and situated to catch the constant offshore breezes - nature's air- conditioning. The upper floor offers a well-appointed and stylishly decorated living and dining area complete with Tiffany lamps and curios from around the world, and is adjoined by a well-equipped kitchen and a powder room.
Interior and exterior staircases lead to the three ground level bedroom/bath suites, all of which open out to the garden and beach path, and each boasting a covered al fresco shower.
A covered verandah set with comfortable chairs and a dining table encircles the entire upper level, affording views of azure seas and surrounding greenery. Landscaped gardens border this fully-fenced property, and a brick walkway leads through a gate to Loblolly Bay's gorgeous crescent of white sand beach, set with umbrellas for shade.
Just a stroll to either end of the beach are two beach restaurants and bars, very casual but each offering cheerful service and excellent island fare, including Anegada's famous grilled lobster. There is a cell phone at the villa; guests may set up a temporary BVI cellular account with a major credit card upon arrival.
Villa Agents/Property Managers:
Villas and cottages on Anegada may be rented by more than one rental agent. In other cases, rental are handled directly by the owner. Because of the remoteness of the destination and the unusually natural setting, there are very few properties available. The best properties will book well in advance and are managed by some of the larger and more exclusive agents.
Private Chefs/Catering/Provisioning:
We strongly urge you to check with your agent if you are interested in hiring a private chef for your villa. Most of the more popular private chefs in the BVI are on the larger island of Tortola. They may be willing to come to Anegada. Also, consider asking Pam or Michele (Pam’s Daughter) of Pam’s Kitchen for any bakery needs (birthday, wedding, anniversary cakes) or preserves, chutneys, sauces, etc. Michele’s email address is
. Pam and Michele will also deliver to your yacht if you are anchored in the harbor (via dinghy). If you are anchored and hunger strikes at cocktail hour (funny how that happnens), simply look out for Pam or Michele as they cruise their well-stocked dinghy around the harbor each day at about 5:30 pm, prepared to feed hungry sailors yearning for a little homemade goodness.
Restaurants:
Meals are prepared for simplicity. From a homemade burger to the local fishermen's 'catch of the day' - a selection of lobster, conch & fish joined by fresh, crisp garden vegetables. Anegada Lobster is known as the best in the Caribbean!
Check with each restaurant regarding credit card acceptance and make dinner reservations prior to 4:00pm.
Specializing in seafood, Neptune's Treasure (VHF 16) serves deep-sea fish caught by family members. Offerings include swordfish, tuna and spearfish (related to marlin) as well as lobster, conch, grouper and great pasta. The small outdoor bar, right on the water, serves refreshing house drinks.
Pam's Kitchen. A down-to-earth place at the Neptune's Treasure compound, Pam's Kitchen (495-9237) offers freshly baked goods by dingy directly to boaters at anchor at 5:30 pm as well as jams, chutneys, salsas and hot sauces—renowned all over the BVI. Baked goods include Pam's famous cinnamon buns, blueberry muffins, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, key lime and apple pies. Jams, chutneys, salsas and hot sauces come in papaya, mango and pineapple-coconut flavors. Also try the hot pepper relish, hot pepper red jelly and lime marmalade. Delicious!
Named for the sound of the whistling pine in the wind, Whistling Pine Restaurant (VHF 16), open for lunch and dinner, is a new bar and restaurant offering lobster, chicken, ribs, fish and steak as well as sodas, beer and mixed drinks.
Known for good local food, especially its conch and swordfish, Pomato Point Restaurant (495-8038, VHF 16) has a small island museum featuring Arawak Indian and shipwreck artifacts. ABC car rentals (495-9466) is also located here. .
Lobster Trap: Formerly the Anegada Beach Club, the Lobster Trap is alternatively open with Pomato Point restaurant.
A little farther around, on the ocean side, is Cow Wreak Beach Bar & Grill (email 495-8047), open for lunch and dinner. Cow Wreck Beach is famous for the cow bones (especially skulls) washed ashore from wrecks of ships carrying them to be ground up into bone meal used as fertilizer. This eatery offers a great setting, right on the beach, with a cozy shaded bar and seating area. A free shuttle is provided for patrons. A small restroom offers a changing space and an al fresco shower for patrons who may want to do some snorkeling before eating. Notice the local art on the restroom floor. Have a drink at the under a tropical palm thatched umbrella try the conch fritters, the lobster salad sandwich for lunch, and Belle's lobster for dinner. The conch is true local conch - Wendall gets it from the next point. This is another family-run business. Again, think fresh!
Drinking Water:
Anegada, like most other Caribbean islands, uses a cistern system to collect rain water at each home. Water is then filtered or chlorinated via the home’s private purification system and dispersed throughout the home’s taps. It is often said that a home’s water is only as good as the maintenance on the filtration system. As such, we always recommend using bottled water for drinking. We believe BVI systems to be adequate for ice making (drinking in restaurants) and produce washing. If you drink bottled water in the BVI, you are taking fair precaution and should be fine.
Communications/Tech Infrastructure:
ISPs include Cable & Wireless (website: www.candw.vg) and Caribsurf (website: www.caribsurf.com). We are unaware of any internet cafes on Anegada and we are not aware of any villas offering internet access. It is best to check with your rental agent for the most up to date information.
Shopping:
Faulkner’s Country Store: Located across from Pal's, go through the white picket fence gate into a nice little garden, for everything a small country store would have. For housekeeping cottages and Anegadans, Faulkner's Country Store is the place for canned goods, detergents, fresh vegetables, frozen meats (including tripe), saltfish (cod), yams, plantains, and cured pigtail.
Pal’s General Store: Popular with residents, Pal's is billed as the world's smallest "department store," with a large assortment of things in a small space.
Sue’s Gift Shop 284-495-8002 Located at the Anegada Reef Hotel, this shop carries island dresses and wraps, including Indonesian batik sarongs, matching hats and shirts, kid's sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats and other clothing. Music tapes, books of pirates and treasure tales, Haitian sculptures, local arts and crafts, including cards of local scenes, Flukes items, Sunny Caribbee spices and relishes, scented candles wrapped in seagrape leaves and other gifts are also available. Soaps and lotions from Lowell's Soap Factory are also sold.
Of course, expanded shopping options are available on the BVI island of Tortola, and on the USVI island of St. Thomas, accessible by boat and flight charter.
Nightlife and The Arts:
You might not imagine this lazy little island having any nightlife to speak of. You’re pretty much right. Your days are so full of active options and water/sun adventures, nights are usually reserved for much needed replenishment and spending time with loved ones and friends. Your villa affords the perfect opportunity to host your own evening cocktail hour or gathering. You may even invite some of your newly found local friends to join you. If you still have enough energy to venture out past dark, consider Neptune’s Treasure as a good option. Call ahead and make sure they will be open. Again, keep in mind that many Anegada businesses will close during hurricane season.
Families:
Anegada is a wonderful option for families. Children will love the laid back feeling of this natural paradise. They’ll marvel at the salt ponds and their ability to collect salt directly from the source. Families are always especially pleased with beachfront luxury villa options offering parents the convenience and ease of easily moving children to and from the beach, and offering parents the opportunity to enjoy individual activities without having to split up and travel off to the beach while the other parent may decide to relax at the villa. If you travel with a nanny or au pair, you’ll enjoy being able to keep an eye on your children as they play on the beach with your nanny while you relax in the comfort of the villa or out on the veranda.
Childcare:
Please consult your villa agent for recommendations on child care options in Anegada and then complete a careful check of the nanny or au par your select. We are not familiar enough with Anegada childcare options to make recommendations or even list agencies. If you are unsure about the options and want to secure recommendations from several sources, you may consider calling the Anegada Reef Hotel for their recommendations.
Golf:
There are no golf courses on the island of Anegada, or anywhere else in the BVI. That doesn't mean golf fanatics should cross the BVI off their list of dream destinations. Concentrated within a large grouping of Caribbean islands, the BVI is only a short distance from some fabulous golf courses; a quick island-hopper or ferry ride makes a morning or afternoon on the fairways easy.
The most convenient location to golf while staying in the BVI is St. Thomas, whose spectacular Mahogany Run Golf Course could compete with any in the Caribbean. This 18-hole championship course was recently renovated to add to its already superb facilities, which include a large outdoor clubhouse, restaurant, and pro shop. Mahogany Run lies right on the water, and offers breathtaking views of Tortola and the rest of the BVI. St. Thomas can be reached from Tortola by ferry or by flying.
Fishing/Watersports/Sea Excursions:
Anegada is at the windward edge of an undersea plateau that supports the islands. The North Drop area, just north of Anegada and Horseshoe Reef, goes from 30 fathoms to over 200 (1200 feet).
Huge schools like squid and flying fish congregate into dense "clouds" in and above the numerous canyons in this area to feed on the upwelling currents and, in turn, become baitfish for the ocean roaming predators, such as yellowfin and blackfin tuna, wahoo, dolphin or dorado and the most popular gamefish in the world--the blue marlin.
Long Line Fishing. Mark Soares, out of Neptune's Treasure, is the largest local supplier of deep sea fish to BVI tables. Fishing on the North Drop and South Drop (in the Anegada Passage on the Caribbean sea side of Virgin Gorda and other islands), Mark goes on 4-10 day trips. A 30 mile line is laid 60 feet below the surface, taking 4 hours to put out and 8 hours to retrieve, beginning at daybreak after it is left overnight.Captured are yellowfin tuna (40-160 lbs.), swordfish (typically 60-100 lbs., but a few at 150-250 lbs.) and spearfish (50-60 lbs.).
Interestingly, Anegada has some of the finest of both shallow water and deep sea fishing in the world. Its extensive "flats" make it an ideal spot for game fish such as bonefish, tarpon, snooke, jacks and barracuda, pursued via classic wooden boats as well as newer sea kayaks. Rentals are available from Neptune's Treasure as well as the Anegada Reef Hotel, which also arranges deep sea and bonefishing trips ($200 half/$300 full day).
Traditional local fishermen, typically use small skiffs to catch snapper and triggerfish in fish traps and sell them to island restaurants.
Anegada lobster, caught in pots, are famous throughout the British Virgin Islands. Fishermen dive for conch off of the beaches north of the salt ponds and elsewhere. Whelk are also harvested. Horseshoe Reef is a marine conservation area with no fishing or conch collecting permitted without approval. Horseshoe Reef is a marine conservation area with no anchoring permitted.
Try a sea kayaking expedition! Put in at the Settlement's fishing dock. Drift on the inland reef among islands toward the Anegada Reef Hotel (the last part is a workout). See bonefish, small sting rays and baby nurse sharks. Get out at the hotel's dinghy dock for a cold Rum Smoothie.
Sea kayaking tours ( Sue’s Tours : 495-8002) can be arranged on the ocean reef lagoons to Cow Wreck Bay and on the inland reef from The Settlement to the hotel. Sue knows “a bit," as the British say, about Anegada's natural world. Be sure to book ahead, she's a busy woman. The "harbour" is a good windsurfing venue as well.
Once off-limits for boat charterers, Anegada now has better markings. The Anegada "harbour" is simply an opening in the coral reef in its southwestern side between the Anegada Reef Hotel at Setting Point and Pomato Point. Most establishments can be reached on VHF Channel 16.
Anegada's reefs are a shipwreck treasury, with over 300 wrecks off its shore (see list of about 150 wrecks between 1654 and 1899). HMS Astrea. A 32-gun, 689-ton British Frigate wrecked in 1808, the HMS Astrea saw action in the American War of Independence and later made its claim to fame by capturing the larger French frigate GLORIE in 1795 in a classic sea battle. Having escorted a mail packet past the danger of Caribbean privateers, the Astrea, thinking Anegada was Puerto Rico, came upon the deadly reef, as a later court martial found, due to an "extraordinary weather current." All but four of the crew were saved. Honored on a BVI stamp, the HMS Astrea was later rediscovered and some items salvaged, but not the heavy cannon, the rugged reef conditions still treacherous.
Weddings:
The British Virgin Islands is a perfect romantic setting, not only to exchange your vows in a romantic Caribbean setting, but also to enjoy a secluded honeymoon holiday in one of the Caribbean's most interesting cluster of islands. If you have never been married before, the only necessary paperwork required is your passports to begin the process.
If either or both of you have been previously married, an original copy of your divorce decree(s) (or spouse's death certificate) is necessary. If these decrees or certificates are not already in English, a certified translation in English is also required.
A three (3) business day residency requirement from the time your paperwork is filed is also mandated, which means that if you file your paperwork on a Monday, the earliest you may be married is on that Thursday.
There are then three easy steps ... They involve visiting three separate government offices. It is necessary to pay the BVI government marriage tax. This is done by purchasing $110 in stamps. They actually have a $100 stamp & $10 stamp specifically for the marriage tax.
You will need your passports, the other paperwork mentioned above (ie. divorce decree) and the stamps. All these items are handed over to the Attorney General to be sent for the Governor's approval, and are returned to you on the day of your wedding (except the tax stamps of course). In addition, you will need two witnesses to sign at the time you are filling out the proper paperwork in the Attorney General's chambers. The paperwork takes about 10 minutes and at this time you will need to have decided on a location for your wedding.
Finally you will fill out a small form and confirm the location, time, and date of your wedding ceremony with the Registrar. Additionally, you will have to name two "witnesses of record" for your marriage license. These witnesses may act as your attendants at your wedding and need to be present at the wedding to sign the legal documentation.
The Registrar of Marriages performs all civil ceremonies. The fee for the Registrar is $100 (plus any expenses) for weddings outside the office and $35 for marriages performed inside the Registrar's Office. If you are living in the US, Britain, or Canada, the marriage license is enough for proof of marriage. In other areas or in certain legal situations, an "Apostille" license may be required. It will be necessary to request this upon filling out your paperwork with the Registrar's Office and normally is subject to an additional $45 fee.
On your wedding day, the Registrar will meet you at your wedding location, perform the civil ceremony and then return all your documentation to you.
· A & A Weddings in Paradise (Tortola) · Contact Altagracia and Allington Hodge 284-494-2282 · BVI Wedding Planners & Consultants (Tortola) 284-494-5306 · Exquisite Weddings (Virgin Gorda) Contact Sandra Leonard. 284-495-7222 · Fort Recovery Estate Beach Villa Weddings (Tortola - West End / Soper's Hole) 284-495-4354 · In The Islands (Tortola) 284-495-2763 · Island Concierge (Tortola) 284-495-6382 · Janise E. Braithwaite-Edwards (Tortola) 284-494-2487 · Myett's, Cane Garden Bay (Tortola - Cane Garden Bay) 284-495-9649 · New Beginnings (Virgin Gorda) 284-499-4579 · Occasions, Ltd. (Virgin Gorda) 284-495-7313 · Passion In Paradise "The Love Story" (Virgin Gorda) 284-495-5252 · Saba Rock Resort (Virgin Gorda - North Sound) 284-495-9966 · Trinity Collections (Tortola) 284-495-1786
Event Planners:
Whether you are planning a party, destination wedding, seminar or meeting and you require a chef, catering, entertainment or photography, the sheer logistics of a foreign country top the list of reasons for professional event planning services.
Island Concierge (Tortola) 284-495-6382 Full service comprehensive planning company in the British Virgin Islands.
Occasions, Ltd. (Virgin Gorda) 284-495-7313 Offers event planning and coordination services throughout the British Virgin Islands.
Villas for Special Interests:
Anegada luxury villas offer an opportunity to connect to the unspoiled environment of the BVI. The close proximity to the beach allows travelers easy access to the sea and sand.
Spa Treatments:
Spa treatments at your private villa are popular in the BVI. In many cases, Please consult your villa agent for recommendations on private spa services. Popular BVI spa treatments include massage (especially upon arrival after a long journey. Ask your agent or owner if this can be arranged in advance), flower bath, seaweed wrap, body scrub and manicure.
Villa Destinations 
