If you came to the BVI for a rest, by all means pull up a towel and open your book. But if you prefer to stay busy, that's also easy to achieve. Don't forget, the BVI offers something for everyone...

Don't miss out on Scuba Diving on the British Virgin Islands' fascinating coral reefs, some of the most beautiful in the world. And if you have never dived before, don't worry! There are several dive firms in the BVI, all of which offer dive tours and certification courses for the experienced diver, but also resort courses for the novice. A resort course can be completed in half a day and includes out-of-the-water instruction, followed by a hands-on lesson in a pool or in the shallow water off a beach. Once the breathing and safety techniques are mastered, students go for a shallow water dive at a nearby reef.

It's an experience few forget. BVI dive sites are a virtual fairyland of colours and vary from dramatic coral-covered pinnacles to peaceful underwater gardens that are home to lace-like sea fans, iridescent sponges, neon-coloured fish, and scores of other delightful creatures. Eventually, almost every diver heads for the famed 1867 Wreck of the RMS Rhone.

For those who want to sample the deep without scuba diving, several companies offer special Snorkelling tours by boat. There is no better way for the non-diver to enjoy the beauty of our underwater world than snorkelling. You can also snorkel off many island beaches including Smuggler's Cove and Brewer's Bay on Tortola; The Baths and Devil's Bay on Virgin Gorda and White Bay on Jost Van Dyke.

Two more ways to see the islands from the water are Boardsailing and Kayaking. For those who have never windsurfed before, there are firms on both Tortola and Virgin Gorda that offer lessons; or if you are already adept will rent sailboards and kayaks by the hour.

But how about getting around on land? If you are on the main islands, the two most common ways are by taxi or rental car, Taxi Tours are plentiful and can provide an easy way to get the lay of the land and learn a bit about the islands' history and culture. Most taxi tours on Tortola stop for a panoramic view of the islands along Tortola's Ridge Road.

Although many visitors rent four-wheel-drive vehicles, which can negotiate dirt roads with ease, most roads are paved and sedans will make it to most locations. Traveling by Rental Car, of course, allows the visitor to determine his own schedule and set off on an adventure of his own making. The road along Tortola's mountainous spine, the Ridge Road, is among the islands' most scenic, and runs from Sage Mountain on the western end, to the island's East End with its many beautiful beaches including Josiah's and Lambert Bays. Dozens of interesting side turnings will keep you busy along the way. On Virgin Gorda, the main road runs through The Valley and leads to The Baths (a side turning goes to the Coppermine). Following the road eastward, it will eventually climb steeply upwards and then back down again to Gun Creek or Leverick Bay. The most important thing to remember when driving in the BVI though, is "think left!".

For those who want to explore the islands by foot, Hiking is growing in popularity in spite of the strenuous terrain. The most popular trail on Tortola is Sage Mountain, although there are many interesting walks along the islands ghuts or along its spectacular Ridge Road. Jost Van Dyke has a new hiking trail and there are also several on Virgin Gorda, including one up Gorda Peak.

If you prefer to pedal your way around the islands, Last Stop Sports, a Bike Rental and tour company at Nanny Cay, will among other places take riders up to the top of Tortola for a tour of Sage Mountain and the Ridge Road. Bikes are also available for guests at several of the islands' resorts.

Horseback Riding can offer a different way to view the BVI countryside. Shadow's tours begin at his stable on the Ridge Road near Meyers. The tour takes riders along the winding and dramatic Ridge Road to the lush Sage Mountain National Park, located at Tortola's highest elevation. From Sage Mountain the tour continues to Cane Garden Bay - one of the island's beautiful north shore beaches. On Virgin Gorda, Alex Parillon also offers horseback riding tours through the islands' unusual countryside.