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Bristish Virgin Islands Tourism 2009 Calendar of Events The British Virgin Islands remain undeveloped havens of natural treasures; what the destination lacks is its greatest asset--no high-rise-hotels, no casinos and no crowds. Seductive, lush and inspiring, the destination lures adventurers, romantics and escapists with its verdant hillsides, pristine beaches, technicolor tides, a colorful aquarium of diverse sea life, and extensive coral reefs and the renowned wrecks they've claimed. With more than 60 islands, cays and islets in the archipelago, including the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, the BVI boasts a biodiversity of marine life for every level of diver.

The BVI offers a wide range of accommodations from the floating rooms of yachts and live-aboards, such as the Cuan Law, to modest inns and high-end villas and private resorts encompassing entire islands, all unpretentious and complementing the natural island beauty. A variety of accommodation partners have dive shops located on-property, including Bitter End Yacht Club and Little Dix Bay Resort, located on Virgin Gorda; Nanny Cay Marina and Hotel and Hodge's Creek Marina Hotel, located on Tortola; Peter Island Resort; and Cooper Island Beach Club.

Wreck diving is prominent in the BVI with both natural and man-made disasters promoting the vitality of the underwater life cycle. Just off the Coast of Salt Island lies the most famous dive site in the Caribbean--the RMS Rhone. The Rhone, a mighty iron-hulled steam-sailing vessel built to be 92 meters long, sank after encountering the Great Hurricane of 1867 and now lies broken in half along the sandy ocean bottom. The only national marine park in the Caribbean, this site attracts divers who eagerly travel deep depths to pay respects to the perished crew and catch a glimpse of her new residents inside the bow--colorful snapper, soldier fish and parrotfish. Remote Anegada, known as the drowned island because it's the only flat island in the BVI, offers more advanced divers the chance to explore reefs and the more than 500 wrecks that they've claimed.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY Karl Merklein Art Show, January 9 Original art, Giclee's prints and other decorative items. sunnycaribbee.com

FEBRUARY 30th Annual Sweethearts of the Caribbean & 26th Annual Classic Yacht Regatta Hosted by the Jolly Roger Restaurant & Bar, West End. weyc.net

MARCH Dark & Stormy Regatta Hosted by Neptune's Treasure, Anegada, and the Jolly Roger, West End. weyc.net

BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival Seven days of fun with two great events in one: racing and partying. bvispringregatta.org

Spanish Town Fisherman's Jamboree & 13th Annual Wahoo Fishing Tournament Food, music and beach fun are just part of the entertainment.

Virgin Gorda Easter Festival A weekend filled with jam-packed activities ranging from a Calypso monarch competition, Queen shows and nightly village entertainment on Virgin Gorda.

MAY Jazz on the Hill Jazz festival on Virgin Gorda.

BVI Music Festival Enjoy world-renowned artists at this beachfront venue. bvimusicfest.net

34th Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta Funds support Jost Van Dyke Preservation Society, West End. weyc.net

JUNE 17th Annual Firecracker 500 Race & Chili Cook-Off Supports Kids and the Sea Program, West End Yacht Club. weyc.net

JULY AH Riise BVI Billfish Tournament, July 8-11, 2009 Join the fun; see what you can catch.

Premier's Cup International Youth Regatta Nanny Cay Hotel & Marina RBVI Yacht Club. rbviyc.org

55th BVI Emancipation Festival Also known as the August Festival, this annual festival is the territory's premier cultural showcase with an array of activities and events, including the freedom march, emancipation service, Calypso monarch competition, boat races, Rise and Shine tramps and August Monday's Parade.

OCTOBER 12th Foxy's Cat Fight Multi-hulls only, West End Yacht Club. weyc.net

DECEMBER Gustav Wilmerding Memorial 18th Annual Memorial Challenge Regatta Pirate race hosted by the Jolly Roger, West End, and Norman Island, West End Yacht Club. weyc.net

Christmas on Main Street In early December, visitÊthe Christmas tree in Sir Olva George's Plaza. Enjoy the tunes of the BVI steel-pan bands, and browseÊmarket stalls of bright produce, from handmade toys to hand-painted calicos, spices and fresh fruits.

Christmas in Spanish Town Street fair in late November/early December featuring arts and crafts, local food, and drinks.

New Year's Eve on Jost Van Dyke Jost Van Dyke is known as one of the world's top three New Year's Eve destinations. There is plenty of food and entertainment. foxysbar.com

New Year's Eve--Old Year's Night in Spanish Town Ring in the new year in a tropical seashore setting featuring international, regional and local artists, a fireworks display, party hats, champagne, and other food and drinks.

Contact Information: Phone: 800-835-8530 Website: bvitourism.com E-mail: [email protected]