The British Virgin Islands were once the hideaway of buccaneers but today their waters attract a more salubrious crew seeking to live out their Caribbean cruising fantasies. Steady trade winds, well protected anchorages and a year-round balmy climate have provided the islands with one of the most successful yacht charter industries in the world. The islands have controlled tourist development and crafted an enlightened environmental policy, which has given them a thoroughly different character from their neighbors. This has given the islands a reputation as a haven to sea salts and landlubbers who prefer to stay off the beaten track.
Rainfall is rare.
The peak tourist season is between December and April, but this has more to do with the weather in North America and Europe than it does with the weather on the British Virgin Islands. It's therefore best to visit outside this period, when you can expect room rates to be almost half those charged during the busier months. Citizens of the US and Canada do not require a visa or passport, but should carry a birth certificate or naturalization certificate with a picture ID to prove citizenship. British citizens need a passport but not a visa. Citizens of all other countries need a passport, and, in some cases, a visa.