Known for their sheltered, clear blue sailing waters and the stunning beauty of her mountains, the British Virgin Islands - Nature's Little Secrets - lie some 60 miles east of Puerto Rico.

Although there are 50 islands, rocks and cays dotting our sparkling blue sea, many of them are uninhabited. Chiefly volcanic in origin, with the exception of Anegada, which is a coral and limestone atoll, most of the islands are grouped around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, named after the daring British adventurer who launched an attack against the Spanish from the islands in 1595.

The British Virgin Islands are indeed a special place. The climate is almost perfect. Because of their position within the trade wind belt, the islands have a balmy, subtropical climate. Temperatures average about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. At night the temperatures drop about ten degrees. Because of the difference in rainfall, soil and exposure, our islands have a wide variety of vegetation. There are lush areas where palms and tropical fruit trees thrive, as well as hills spotted with cactus, loblolly, frangipani and wild tamarind. In the valleys, there are brilliant tropical blooms, including hibiscus, bougainvillea and Flamboyant. Along the seashores, it is not uncommon to see mangrove and sea grape trees sculpted by the wind.

Protection of the natural beauty of the BVI is a prime concern to residents as well as visitors. It's an effort that extends below below the surface of the sea as well.