The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a collection of over 60 islands strewn like emeralds between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The islands were taken over by British planters from the original Dutch inhabitants in 1666, and they became a British colony. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is still a British Crown Territory and are known for their outstanding sailing and yachting, many diving spots, and beautiful beaches.
Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke are the main islands. Tortola is the most populous of the islands and serves as a gateway to the archipelago, with its main city of Road Town. Many of the major Virgin Islands resorts are located here.
All of these islands, with the exception of Anegada, are volcanic, with spectacular vistas of verdant peaks falling into crystal-clear bays. Anegada, a popular fishing destination, is nearly entirely flat. It's made out of coral and limestone, and there are beautiful lengths of white sand beach.
Discerning nature enthusiasts and sailors wanting a more isolated island experience go to Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. All of the islands, including the BVI's numerous smaller "Out Islands," are excellent for diving, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Popular activities include deep-sea fishing, bonefishing, and reef fishing.
Read our list of the top attractions in the British Virgin Islands for additional suggestions on where to go in these beautiful islands.
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1. Virgin Gorda's Baths National Park
The Virgin Gorda Baths are a popular anchorage and a well-known feature in the British Virgin Islands. This unique area is dotted with massive granite boulders that create sea pools and grottoes ideal for snorkeling and exploring.
The stones create a sand-bottomed cave at one point, making it one of the most photographed locations in the British Virgin Islands. In an attempt to protect this magnificent boulder-strewn bay, the Baths were designated as a national park in 1990.
2. Virgin Gorda's Gorda Peak National Park
Gorda Peak National Park is a wonderful location to come for some land-based nature if you're seeking for a change of pace from all the water activities. It's also one of the most picturesque locations in the British Virgin Islands.
Gorda Peak, the island's highest point, is reached through two well-marked hiking routes. The observation tower here offers panoramic views of the North Sound, Anegada, and the other British Virgin Islands islands and cays.
The park contains 107 hectares of semi-rainforest, with dry forest covering its higher slopes and unique flora thriving inside its boundaries, including six kinds of local orchids, and is rich in biodiversity.
The park is also home to reptiles, tree frogs, birds, bats, army crabs, and the world's tiniest lizard, the Virgin Gorda gecko.
3. Virgin Gorda's North Sound
The British Virgin Islands' North Sound, located on the northeast coast of Virgin Gorda, is a prominent water sports destination. Diving, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing, glass-bottom boats, and excursions to hidden beaches are all accessible in the region, which has well-protected seas and many anchorages.
Hiking is another popular pastime in the area, particularly the route on Prickly Pear Island.
The North Sound is very popular with boaters and private charters since the waterway and adjacent regions can only be accessed by boat.
4. Jost Van Dyke's White Bay
White Bay is the most popular beach on Jost Van Dyke and one of the most beautiful in the British Virgin Islands. The lengthy swath of brilliant white sand, protected by a barrier reef, is surrounded by steep hills. The reef shields the waters from swells and waves, as well as providing great swimming and snorkeling possibilities.
The numerous boats that anchor in the beautiful turquoise seas may enter via a canal running through the middle of the reef. After a few hours of sun and water, you may refuel at one of the beach's friendly eateries.
5. Tortola's Smuggler's Cove Beach
Need a break from Tortola's bustling resort scene? Smuggler's Cove, on Tortola's westernmost tip, is the ideal retreat.
This beautiful stretch of sun-bleached beach and turquoise water blends with an undulating emerald-green headland, providing a stunning background to your aquatic activities. Sea turtles may be seen swimming close offshore in the beautiful turquoise seas, which provide for good snorkeling.
There are no stores, resorts, or toilets here, although a few primitive beach shacks along the coast provide food and beverages.
If you like movies, you should know that the Hollywood version of The Old Man and the Sea was shot here in 1990.
The only way to get to the beach is through a bumpy dirt road, which contributes to the isolated atmosphere and keeps the people away. If you're searching for something low-key to do in Tortola, this beach should be at the top of your list.
6. Anegada Island
Anegada is surrounded by a labyrinth of coral reef that stretches for kilometers off the coast, making it excellent for reef and bonefishing. Horseshoe Reef, one of the world's biggest reef systems, protects the island.
Many sailors cannot see Anegada until they are trapped on the reef, a destiny that has resulted in the sinking of over 300 ships off its coast. In fact, there are more wrecks off the coast of Anegada than any other Caribbean island. Some of these wrecks are now popular dive destinations since they are home to a variety of colorful marine life.
The BVI National Parks Trust preserves almost the whole interior of the island from development, making it a favorite destination for adventurers rather than people looking for a relaxing holiday. Anegada's environment includes salt ponds, flowering cactus, wild orchids, and century plants, as well as several lovely white-sand beaches, including Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Bay Beach.
The uncommon rock iguana may be seen on the island, while flamingos and other marine birds can typically be seen at a pond in central Anegada, where a viewing platform is put up for tourists.
Anegada is a great option if you're looking for a place to stay in the British Virgin Islands for diving and fishing. The quirky thatched bungalows of Anegada Beach Club, for example, provide a wonderful base.
7. Tortola's Cane Garden Bay
Cane Garden Bay Beach, which is shaped like a crescent, is Tortola's most popular length of beach. The bay waters are protected from winds within the barrier reef by high green slopes.
During the evenings and weekends, local West Indians, tourists, cruise ship passengers, and sailors gather on this well-known beach to soak up the sun, mingle, and listen to island music.
The beach is a popular anchorage with plenty of snorkeling and water sports options. If you simply want to relax on the beach, sun loungers and umbrellas may be rented, and there are lots of eateries along the beach serving snacks and drinks.
Avoid visiting Cane Garden Bay on days when cruise ships are in port if you prefer a less crowded experience.
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