Travel Guide to Guana Island Hiking Trails

• HelloGood day
  [gud dey]
• GoodbyeGoodbye
  [gud-bye]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pliz]
• Thank youThank you
  [thangk yu]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me
  [eks-kyoos mi]
• How are you?How you dey?
  [haw yu dey]
• Fine. And you?I dey okay. You?
  [I dey okay. yu]
• Do you speak English?You sabi English?
  [yu sa-bee Ing-glish]
• I don't understandI no sabi
  [I no sa-bee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseShow me menu, abeg
  [sho mi meh-nyu, a-beg]
• I don't eat meatI no dey chop meat
  [I no dey chop mit]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wan pay, abeg
  [I wan pay, a-beg]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Comot!
  [co-mot]
• Call the Police!Call Police!
  [call po-lice]
• Call a doctor!Call doctor!
  [call do-k-tor]
• I'm lostI lost
  [I lost]
• I'm illI sick
  [I sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wan buy...
  [I wan buy...]
• I'm just lookingI dey look
  [I dey look]
• How much is it?How much e be?
  [haw much e be]
• That's too expensiveE too cost
  [E too cost]
• Can you lower the price?You fit reduce price?
  [yu fit re-duce price]

• What time is it?Wetin be time?
  [weh-tin be time]
• It's one o'clockNa one o'clock
  [na wan o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half (10)
  [haf (10)]
• MorningMorning
  [mawn-ing]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [ee-v-ning]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
• 11
  [wan]
• 22
  [tu]
• 33
  [tri]
• 44
  [foh]
• 55
  [fayv]
• 66
  [siks]
• 77
  [seh-vun]
• 88
  [eyt]
• 99
  [nin]
• 1010
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Wia...dey?
  [wee-ah...dey]
• What's the address?Wetin be address?
  [weh-tin be address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?You fit show me for map?
  [yu fit show mi for map]
• When's the next (bus)?When bus dey come?
  [wen bus dey kom]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticket (go ...)
  [ti-ket (go ...)]

Long before European settlers arrived, Guana Island was home to the Arawak and Carib peoples. These indigenous groups utilized the island's natural resources for fishing, farming, and crafting. Evidence of their presence, including pottery and stone tools, can still be found along the hiking trails, offering a glimpse into the island’s ancient past.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, European colonists established sugar plantations on Guana Island. The remnants of these plantations, including old stone walls and ruins of sugar mills, can still be seen along several trails. This period was marked by the exploitation of enslaved African labor, whose contributions were crucial to the island's economy.

In the Age of Piracy, the British Virgin Islands, including Guana Island, were frequented by pirates. The island's secluded coves and hidden bays provided ideal hideouts for these outlaws. Tales of buried treasure and pirate legends add an element of mystery and adventure to the hiking experience.

In the 20th century, Guana Island became a focus of conservation efforts. The island was purchased by the conservation-minded Faulkner family in the 1930s, who aimed to preserve its natural beauty and biodiversity. Today, the hiking trails are part of a larger effort to maintain the island’s pristine environment, featuring native flora and fauna that have been carefully protected over the decades.

Guana Island has evolved into a premier eco-tourism destination. The hiking trails are meticulously maintained, offering visitors an immersive experience in the island’s rich history and natural splendor. Guided tours often include information on the historical significance of various landmarks, providing a comprehensive understanding of Guana Island’s past and its ongoing commitment to preservation.

Guana Island is a private island in the British Virgin Islands. The nearest international airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island. From there, you can take a short taxi ride to Trellis Bay, where a private boat transfer to Guana Island can be arranged. The boat ride takes approximately 10 minutes.

Since Guana Island is a private island, the primary mode of transportation is by foot or golf cart within the island. The hiking trails are well-marked and easily accessible. For getting around the British Virgin Islands, taxis, ferries, and car rentals are available on the main islands. It is recommended to arrange transportation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The official currency of the British Virgin Islands is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted on Guana Island and in most establishments on the main islands. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case electronic payment systems are unavailable. ATMs are available on the main islands, but not on Guana Island itself.

Guana Island is a very safe destination with little to no crime. However, like any destination, it is always wise to take standard safety precautions. Keep personal belongings secure and avoid leaving valuables unattended. When hiking, stay on marked trails and be mindful of the natural environment. The British Virgin Islands generally have low crime rates, but it is advisable to be cautious in crowded areas and at night on the main islands.

In case of emergency on Guana Island, contact the island staff immediately, as they are trained to handle emergencies and can coordinate with local authorities. For medical emergencies, the closest medical facilities are on Tortola. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. In the British Virgin Islands, the emergency number is 999 or 911.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather. Don't forget to bring sturdy hiking shoes for the trails. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do plan your transportation in advance, especially inter-island travel. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Good morning.' Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and seafood. Don't litter and always dispose of trash properly.

To experience Guana Island Hiking Trails like a local, take an early morning hike to enjoy the sunrise and cooler temperatures. Engage with the island staff, who are knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. Don't miss the White Bay Beach for a refreshing swim after your hike. For birdwatching enthusiasts, bring binoculars as the island is home to a variety of bird species.