These 60 islands harbored many pirates during their heyday Sailing and history are the hallmarks of the BVI, which are strewn along Sir Francis Drake Channel and include Dead Chest Island. These 60 islands harbored many pirates during their heyday and Norman Island was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's literary classic Treasure Island. With the exception of Anegada, the BVI are steep and rugged volcanic islands. While they are similar geographically to neighboring St. Thomas and St. John of the USVI, the BVI are far less developed. There is no fast food and most of the resorts are tiny by comparison.Tortola, the largest island, provides lots of access to diving on its shores and to neighboring islands on both sides of Drake Channel. No description of the BVI is complete without mentioning The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where massive granite boulders are strewn about like confetti. The aquamarine sea pools among the boulders create intimate niches. Visit these monoliths during off times, like right before sunrise, so you can appreciate them in privacy, and bring snorkeling equipment.Flights from the U.S. to Tortola connect through Puerto Rico. An alternative is to fly into St. Thomas, which has direct flights and is usually cheaper, then take the ferry across. It takes longer, but the crossing is scenic and fun. The BVI use U.S. dollars, and driving is on the opposite side of the road. For information on traveling to the BVI, accomodations, diving and special dive packages, click on the home page below. For information about diving the BVI by live-aboard, click on the home page below. For general information about the BVI and diving services, click on the home page below.