Our Four Favorite British Virgin Islands
No matter where you're from, everyone has their idea of the perfect Caribbean paradise
. Most revolve around tropical breezes, water azure blue seas and swaying palm trees, strung together with hammock after hammock. If this is your idea of heaven, then the British Virgin Islands may be for you. About 60 islands make up this gorgeous archipelago, but only about 15 are inhabited. Each island is very different, but all offer a great variety of fun and exciting activities that primarily involves the sun, sand and the sea. Here's just a few of our favorite British Virgin Islands.
Tortola
The largest and most populated British Virgin Island, Tortola covers a total area of about 24 square miles. It is also where the BVI capital city, Road Town, is located. Because its the largest island, tourists have a lot more choices when it comes to shopping, restaurants, resorts and well, tourist traps.
Tortola is home to more than 30 beautiful sheltered bays, each offering a variety of activities including sun-loving, snorkeling, powerboat tours, parasailing, SCUBA diving, swimming, and of course, the perfect place to do nothing. Popular attractions include Brandywine Bay, and Cane Garden Bay that features long white sand beaches and surfing opportunities.
For a trip back in time when pirates and privateers ruled the islands, head to Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's bestselling novel, Treasure Island. Privately owned and completely undeveloped except for one restaurant/museum, the island's caves and offshore reefs offer fantastic snorkeling, and tales of hidden pirate treasure
Another popular activity in Tortola is shopping. Road Town is buzzing with duty free shops, boutiques, souvenir shops, farmers and crafts market. Road Town is also home to the J.R. O'Neal Botanical Garden that offers a miniature rainforest.
Jost Van Dyke
On the west end of the BVI cluster is a mountainous island called Jost Van Dyke (pronounced "yost"), which measures roughly about 8 square kilometers, and about 3 square miles. Although the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, it takes its name from a 17th century Dutch pirate and privateer, Joost Van Dyk, who used its harbors as hideouts.
The smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke's full time population is roughly about 150. However, the influx of visitors keeps Jost Van Dyke abuzz with fun. You never know who you'll meet on Jost Van Dyke, but you're assured a great time. The sound of steel drums keeps the beat to the fantastic tropical island vibe.
The Bubbly Pool at Diamond Cay is Jost Van Dyke's unique and popular attraction, which is basically a natural saltwater Jacuzzi; the bubbles are formed as the waves crash in through its narrow passage.
White Bay and Great Harbour are two of the island's best beaches and are dotted with restaurants and beach bars. Enjoy the world famous and BVI official cocktail the "Painkiller" at the Soggy Dollar at White Bay while taking in the breathtaking paradise island experience.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda or "the Fat Virgin" is another one of the British Virgin Islands popular tourist destinations. Christopher Columbus called the island as such, upon seeing the island's likeness to a fat damsel lying on her side. Measuring at 10 miles in length and 2 miles in width, Virgin Gorda is BVIs the third largest island.
The laidback vibe of the life and people on the island makes Virgin Gorda a great choice for a peaceful vacation. Getting to the island can either be by airplane or by boat trips, while getting in and around can be by open-sided safari buses, car rental, or boat charters - if you want to travel in style.
The Baths, located at Virgin Gorda's southern end, is a series of natural pools formed by giant boulders. A colony of saltwater-filled rock grottoes assemble along the long white sand beach allowing exceptional snorkeling. Other great beaches in the area are Trunk Bay, Spring Bay, Savannah Bay and Mahoe Bay.
Hiking opportunities are also found at Virgin Gorda. The Virgin Gorda Peak National Park offers hiking paths that crisscross the park's large stretches of undeveloped land. The peak, which takes about 20 minutes to reach, offers idyllic views of the sweeping bays and the countryside below.
Anegada
The only inhabited coral island in the BVI archipelago, Anegada, is endowed with picturesque natural formations; reefs, ponds, peninsulas, and deserts perfect for both land and water activities of your pleasure. Christened by Christopher Columbus as the drowned island, the islands highest point only measures 28-feet above sea level. The island also is responsible for over 300 shipwrecks over a period of time.
The Horseshoe reef, the 3rd largest coral reef of the world, is found here in Anegada. Talk about an exciting and unique powerboat charter experience! Horseshoe reef is home to several ancient islands made of conch shells, mangrove islands, and extensive mudflats great for shallow water fishing. The famous Pomato Point Restaurant is found in this very reef, which boasts of a one room museum filled with shipwrecks; cannons, cannonballs, rum bottles, teapots and 18th-Century coins, found in and around the reef.
For kids friendly snorkeling opportunities, head down to Cow Wreck Beach. Just offshore of the beach are reefs of varying sizes teeming with undersea life. If you enjoy bird watching, Anegada does not disappoint. The Flamingo Pond at the South Shore around the island's West Point is the island's largest salt pond and home to a variety of wading birds; flamingos, Blue Herons, and several species of Stilts and Terns.
The British Virgin Islands offer an amazing variety of fantastic experiences.
by: Leigh Woeller
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