THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands, part of a volcanic archipelago encompass of more than 60 islands scattered like emeralds between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic. They are world-renowned for their excellent sailing, yachting, chartered boat voyages, many dive sites, and dazzling beaches. Deep sea, bonefishing, and reef fishing are also popular pursuits.

PLACES TO VISIT

1.PETER ISLAND

The island is privately owned but for the shores of Deadman's Bay and Sprat Bay where the current Peter Island Resort & Spa and Yacht Harbour sits. The island offers excellent diving and snorkeling sites, five beaches, hiking trails, and roads for trail biking.

2.SANDY CAY

The quintessential desert island, Sandy Cay is an uninhabited small islet off Little Jost Van Dyke. The waters here are deep, almost until the shore, and excellent for snorkeling and kayaking. The cay also features some short hiking trails as well as an anchorage that attracts yachters for daytime picnics.

3.RHONE NATIONAL MARITIME PARK & RMS RHONE SHIPWRECK

The park is possibly the only national park in the world owing its existence to a shipwreck. In 1867 a hurricane caused the Rhone to crash against the rocks of the Salt Island. The wreck is one of the best diving sites in the Caribbean. Divers can swim inside the coral-encrusted steel among schools of snappers, grunts, soldierfish, and parrotfish. Moorings are located at Lee Bay on Salt Island, near the wreck. The marine park also encompasses two coral caves 26 meters below the sea's surface as well as Blonde Rock, another prime dive site with overhangs, tunnels, caves, and abundant marine life.

4.SOPER’S HOLE MARINA, TORTOLA

Reputed as a former pirate's den, today the harbor is a popular point of entry and ferry terminal since the anchorage is both deep and sheltered. The residential areas Frenchman’s Cay and the Soper’s Hole Marina are connected by a bridge.

5.CANE GARDEN BAY BEACH, TORTOLA

Tortola’s most popular shaped like a crescent stretch of sand. The beach is a busy anchorage with numerous opportunities for snorkeling and water sports.

6.NORTH SOUND, VIRGIN GORDA

The area offers well-protected waters and many anchorages, with every kind of boat and water activity available - diving, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, water-skiing, glass bottom boats, trips to secluded beaches and hiking. The channel and surrounding areas can only be reached by boat.

7.THE BATHS NATIONAL PARK, VIRGIN GORDA

This distinctive bay is scattered with giant granite boulders, creating sea pools and grottoes that are perfect for snorkeling and exploring.

8.SUNNY CARIBBEE SPICE SHOP & ART GALLERY

This quaint little shop is great for picking up some traditional Caribbean spices, souvenirs and art trinkets. It is well stocked with everything from seasonings, herbs and spices to sauces, jams and sweets. Visitors can also peruse coffee, lotion, soap, Christmas ornaments, kitchen tools and sculptures.

9.GREEN VI, TORTOLA

Located in the Cane Garden Bay region of Tortola, gives visitors an interactive experience with glass blowing demonstrations and lessons. The company uses recycled glass to create unique home décor, gifts items and momentum from the islands.

10.COPPER MINE, VIRGIN GORDA

The ruins of their housing area and the operations centre, containing the powerhouse, mine shafts, cisterns, engine house and chimney are still visible scattered across the slopes.

OTHER PLACES TO SEE

1. Norman Island
   
2. Anegada Island
   
3. Road Town, Tortola
   
4. Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola
   
5. Smuggler’s Cove Beach Tortola
   
6. White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke
   
7. Gorda Peak National Park, Virgin Gorda
   
8. White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
   
9. JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens
   
10. The William Thornton Floating Bar and Restaurant, Norman Island
    
11. The Soggy Dollar Bar, White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
    
12. Dolphin Discovery, Tortola
    
13. Scrub Island
    
14. Horseshoe Reef
    
15. Trellis BayBubbly Pool, Jost Van Dyke
    
16. Can Garden Bay
    
17. Great Harbour
    
18. Folk Museum
    
19. 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works
    
20. Fort Recovery, Tortola
    
21. Treasure Point
    

The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is from September to November, after the worst threat of hurricane season and before the crushing crowds of the winter holidays. Divers should plan a trip for winter or spring – the summer is the absolute worst time for visibility underwater – and sailors should try to visit in March, during the BVI Spring Regatta.