Climate
The islands offer a “near perfect”
sub-tropical climate with temperatures
rarely falling below 75 degrees or
exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall
averages 127 centimetres per year
with occasional droughts. Climatically,
perhaps the most pleasant aspect of
these islands, is the combination of the
trade winds that keep humidity low
and the Caribbean currents that keep
waters warm. The wettest months,
August through October, average only
about five days of rain.
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Currency
The U.S. dollar is the currency of the
British Virgin Islands. American Express,
Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard
are accepted in most establishments.
Traveler’s cheques are also accepted.
Flora & Fauna
The British Virgin Islands are neither
lush nor overly dry. The mountain sides
are covered for much of the year in
tropical trees, such as the Tamarind, wild
and fragrant Frangipani and Turpentine
trees.
There are many varieties of cactus and
succulents, including Turks Head, Pipe
Organ and Prickly Pear at dryer areas
of the islands. Other plants include the
Century Plant and the national tree of
the islands - the White Cedar , which
blooms delicate white or pink flowers. In
addition, there are a variety of fruit trees
throughout the islands. The breadfruit,
and banana trees, mangoes, papaya,
sugar apples, guava berry and sour sops
are common in valleys and along the
mountainsides. |
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As it relates to flowers, the variety is
endless in local gardens. These include
hibiscus in delicate shades of red,
pink and even yellow; purple and pink
bougainvillea; scarlet flamboyant and
yellow Allamanda. The Jasmine and
Frangipani are two of the most highly
fragrant flowers found on the islands.
Among the fascinating array of reptiles
found throughout the islands are two
types of iguana: the indigenous Anegada
Rock Iguana - found on Anegada as
well as Guana and Necker Islands - and
the Green Iguana, which inhabits Virgin
Gorda’s North Sound and on Peter
Island. There is also a large variety of
lizards including Anoles and Geckos,
and small tree frogs, known for their
melodic chirping call. The islands only
wild mammal is the Mongoose which
was introduced to The BVI in the 1800s.
Among the common birds are the
Green-throated Carib, a small iridescent
hummingbird; the delicate yellow and
black Bananaquita and the American
kestrel, a falcon that can be seen soaring
over the islands’ valleys. There are also
several doves, including the Ground Dove
and the Zenaida and plenty Magnificent
Frigate, Laughing Gulls, Brown Boobies
and the comical Brown Pelican. |
