With over 60 cays spanning around 155 square kilometres (60 square miles), the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an open invitation to discover amazing places and live fantastic experiences. Although a UK territory, the charming island chain seems to be English only in name, as it has an incredible variety of cultures, from indigenous and African to European, which becomes evident in whatever venture you take on, from dining and sampling succulent pork, delicious lobster, and fresh-off-the-grill seafood to pampering yourself at world-class hotels, diving in pristine waters and wreck sites, and enjoying your beach time at powdery shores of unparalleled beauty.
Whether you decide to explore this scenic Caribbean destination by sea or land, expect surprise after surprise when going through the tranquillity and serenity that give way to the cosmopolitan and animated with the blink of an eye. Below are some of the best things to see in the BVI to have an idea of what to anticipate after your arrival!
Anegada Island – A Vacationer’s Paradise
Picturesque and delightful, Anegada Island (aka Drowned Island) welcomes visitors with sandy and alabaster-white beaches, over 300 shipwrecks to explore via snorkelling or scuba diving, and flocks of flamingos. Its highest point might be only 8.5 metres (28 feet) above sea level, but you will spoil yourself with seclusion and relaxed times, which are offered in spades here. This means endless me-time at the beach without being annoyed by hordes of tourists swarming across the shores. However, do ensure you get some snacks and water when hitting the beaches as there are no convenience stores nearby. And, if you get hungry, Lobster Trap will serve you the tastiest seafood at the waterfront of Anegada.
The ferries to Anegada run daily from Tortlola’s Road Town port and the cost is $50 for a round trip and $35 for a one-way trip at the moment of this writing. For updated schedules and ticket fares, please visit websites like Rome2rio (https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Tortola/Anegada-Island-Station), which also comes with a handy smartphone app that allows you to compare your available options.
Norman Island – A Dreamy Destination for Curious Minds
A beautiful, uninhabited island of unspoiled appeal that rewards visitors with a pristine landscape featuring sugary shores, crystalline waters, and fab spots for snorkelling and diving. And, if you have a bizarre sense that you somehow know this place already but can’t put a finger on it, it might be because you have read Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, who is believed to have been inspired by Norman Island to create his stories of pirate treasure being found in the island’s caves. Now, regarding this pirate treasure vibes that run throughout the island, it is alleged by several writers that Normal Island is, indeed, home to a valuable buried treasure!
Other than that, though, you can come to Norman Island to see how people party here at the Pirate’s Bight and William Thornton beach bars. If you love spikes in your adrenaline levels the most thrilling way, then Norman Island is where you need to be. At the same time, you can choose a more laid-back lifestyle and head to the shores to explore the sea caves, while swimming along with turtles!
Fallen Jerusalem National Park – A Bird-Watcher's Heaven
If wandering through the raw nature of the British Virgin Islands, then Fallen Jerusalem National Park should definitely be part of your itinerary in some shape or form. It is an utterly enchanting place that has remained almost untouched by man in its vast majority and is home to some rare and endangered, tropical bird species, such as the bridled tern, plus sandwich, brown pelican, noddies, laughing gulls, and the red-billed bird, among others. According to locals, the park was named after the massive volcanic boulders whose shape creates a sight that looks very much like the destroyed city.
Bonus national park to see: Another top local attraction is the Dead Chest National Park on Peter Island, northeast of Deadman’s Bay, which amazes with its spectacular coral gardens and numerous snorkelling opportunities.
Rhone Marine Park – A Place Like No Other
Nicely tucked in Salt Island, Rhone Marine Park is the final resting place of steamer RMS Rhone, a shipwreck that bumped off the rocks during an 1867 hurricane. Rhone truly magnetises divers, who come to the island from across the world to explore her from end to end and take in unique aquatic sights. This distinctive place is the major attraction on Salt Island, although the T-shaped cay is also famous for salt-making activities. Currently, Rhone Marine Park serves as a national park that hosts the remains of the shipwreck in two different sections of the island, one between 9 metres (30 feet) and the other in depths of around 27 metres (90 feet). This instantly makes it one of the best wreck dove hotspots in the Caribbean!
Joseph O’Neal Botanic Gardens – An Exquisite Earthy Heaven
Situated at Tortola Island, the Botanic Gardens is a soothing haven packed with tropical plants, most of which are either endangered or threatened, that you only find in the British Virgin Islands. At the same time, it is a spot where you can wander leisurely through and soak up unmatched levels of tranquillity and peacefulness. Surrounded by profound natural beauty, expect to lay eyes on a unique scenery spread across almost 16.200 square metres (4 acres) offering serenity away from the hurried touristy areas of Road Town and the heat. Some of the must-see attractions are the herb garden, cactus grove, small rainforest, lily pond, and the orchid house.
Bays and Beaches – Heart-Stopping & Captivating
The shores adorning the majority of the British Virgin Islands are nothing less than jaw-dropping, featuring stunning nature, clear blue waters, and sublime, sugary beaches. Depending on your heart’s deepest desire, you will find from crowded and cosmopolitan coasts to isolated coves and secluded beaches. Some of the finest ones along Tortola Island are Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay, Apple Bay, Garden Bay, and Brewers Bay. However, perhaps the most awe-inspiring shore is Cane Garden Bay. Now, if you are headed to Virgin Gorda Island, don’t omit a visit to Devil’s Bay, Trunk Bay, and Spring Bay to see the most charming sights. As for the more romantic souls out there, Savannah Bay and Cow Wreck Bay will be just right for you, offering solitude, scenic beauty, rustling palms, and beautiful sunset views.
With over 60 cays spanning around 155 square kilometres (60 square miles), the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an open invitation to discover amazing places and live fantastic experiences. Although a UK territory, the charming island chain seems to be English only in name, as it has an incredible variety of cultures, from indigenous and African to European, which becomes evident in whatever venture you take on, from dining and sampling succulent pork, delicious lobster, and fresh-off-the-grill seafood to pampering yourself at world-class hotels, diving in pristine waters and wreck sites, and enjoying your beach time at powdery shores of unparalleled beauty.
Whether you decide to explore this scenic Caribbean destination by sea or land, expect surprise after surprise when going through the tranquillity and serenity that give way to the cosmopolitan and animated with the blink of an eye. Below are some of the best things to see in the BVI to have an idea of what to anticipate after your arrival!
Anegada Island – A Vacationer’s Paradise
Picturesque and delightful, Anegada Island (aka Drowned Island) welcomes visitors with sandy and alabaster-white beaches, over 300 shipwrecks to explore via snorkelling or scuba diving, and flocks of flamingos. Its highest point might be only 8.5 metres (28 feet) above sea level, but you will spoil yourself with seclusion and relaxed times, which are offered in spades here. This means endless me-time at the beach without being annoyed by hordes of tourists swarming across the shores. However, do ensure you get some snacks and water when hitting the beaches as there are no convenience stores nearby. And, if you get hungry, Lobster Trap will serve you the tastiest seafood at the waterfront of Anegada.
The ferries to Anegada run daily from Tortlola’s Road Town port and the cost is $50 for a round trip and $35 for a one-way trip at the moment of this writing. For updated schedules and ticket fares, please visit websites like Rome2rio (https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Tortola/Anegada-Island-Station), which also comes with a handy smartphone app that allows you to compare your available options.
Norman Island – A Dreamy Destination for Curious Minds
A beautiful, uninhabited island of unspoiled appeal that rewards visitors with a pristine landscape featuring sugary shores, crystalline waters, and fab spots for snorkelling and diving. And, if you have a bizarre sense that you somehow know this place already but can’t put a finger on it, it might be because you have read Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, who is believed to have been inspired by Norman Island to create his stories of pirate treasure being found in the island’s caves. Now, regarding this pirate treasure vibes that run throughout the island, it is alleged by several writers that Normal Island is, indeed, home to a valuable buried treasure!
Other than that, though, you can come to Norman Island to see how people party here at the Pirate’s Bight and William Thornton beach bars. If you love spikes in your adrenaline levels the most thrilling way, then Norman Island is where you need to be. At the same time, you can choose a more laid-back lifestyle and head to the shores to explore the sea caves, while swimming along with turtles!
Fallen Jerusalem National Park – A Bird-Watcher's Heaven
If wandering through the raw nature of the British Virgin Islands, then Fallen Jerusalem National Park should definitely be part of your itinerary in some shape or form. It is an utterly enchanting place that has remained almost untouched by man in its vast majority and is home to some rare and endangered, tropical bird species, such as the bridled tern, plus sandwich, brown pelican, noddies, laughing gulls, and the red-billed bird, among others. According to locals, the park was named after the massive volcanic boulders whose shape creates a sight that looks very much like the destroyed city.
Bonus national park to see: Another top local attraction is the Dead Chest National Park on Peter Island, northeast of Deadman’s Bay, which amazes with its spectacular coral gardens and numerous snorkelling opportunities.
Rhone Marine Park – A Place Like No Other
Nicely tucked in Salt Island, Rhone Marine Park is the final resting place of steamer RMS Rhone, a shipwreck that bumped off the rocks during an 1867 hurricane. Rhone truly magnetises divers, who come to the island from across the world to explore her from end to end and take in unique aquatic sights. This distinctive place is the major attraction on Salt Island, although the T-shaped cay is also famous for salt-making activities. Currently, Rhone Marine Park serves as a national park that hosts the remains of the shipwreck in two different sections of the island, one between 9 metres (30 feet) and the other in depths of around 27 metres (90 feet). This instantly makes it one of the best wreck dove hotspots in the Caribbean!
Joseph O’Neal Botanic Gardens – An Exquisite Earthy Heaven
Situated at Tortola Island, the Botanic Gardens is a soothing haven packed with tropical plants, most of which are either endangered or threatened, that you only find in the British Virgin Islands. At the same time, it is a spot where you can wander leisurely through and soak up unmatched levels of tranquillity and peacefulness. Surrounded by profound natural beauty, expect to lay eyes on a unique scenery spread across almost 16.200 square metres (4 acres) offering serenity away from the hurried touristy areas of Road Town and the heat. Some of the must-see attractions are the herb garden, cactus grove, small rainforest, lily pond, and the orchid house.
Bays and Beaches – Heart-Stopping & Captivating
The shores adorning the majority of the British Virgin Islands are nothing less than jaw-dropping, featuring stunning nature, clear blue waters, and sublime, sugary beaches. Depending on your heart’s deepest desire, you will find from crowded and cosmopolitan coasts to isolated coves and secluded beaches. Some of the finest ones along Tortola Island are Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay, Apple Bay, Garden Bay, and Brewers Bay. However, perhaps the most awe-inspiring shore is Cane Garden Bay. Now, if you are headed to Virgin Gorda Island, don’t omit a visit to Devil’s Bay, Trunk Bay, and Spring Bay to see the most charming sights. As for the more romantic souls out there, Savannah Bay and Cow Wreck Bay will be just right for you, offering solitude, scenic beauty, rustling palms, and beautiful sunset views.