As a cluster of rocks, cays, spits, islands and volcanic atolls, the British Virgin Islands are less developed than the US group. Most of the population are of foreign origin and live on the two major islands of Tortola and Virgin Gorda.
Tortola:
Tortola is the largest of the islands and home of the colony’s capital, Road Town, which is relatively new to tourism. Visitors are welcomed to tour the quiet shops and colonial buildings as well as the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens located on the outskirts of town. One place worth visiting is the Sage Mountain National Park. Here you can explore the hiking paths and view remains of a primeval rain forest.
Virgin Gorda:
This island is famous for The Baths. Set in unique forms of granite, these hidden sea pools are a sight to be seen. Some historic man-made structures still stand such as a Spanish fort in the Little Fort National Park and a coppermine which dates back to 1838.
Anegada:
This 15-square-mile remote island is a favorite among divers. The coral reefs surrounding it have sunk over 200 ships. Also a 1,100-acre bird sanctuary is the home of several flamingos, ospreys, herons and terns that live on the island.
British Virgin Islands Facts
• Climate: Averages 80-90F
• Currency: The US dollar
• Language: English
• Population: 17,383
History
The cluster of islands that make up the British Virgin Islands was discovered first by Christoper Columbus, but soon forgotten. Before England finally established legal claim, the Spanish and Dutch argued for the land. For several years pirates took advantage of the landscape surrounding the islands to hide out and capture unsuspecting vessels bound for Europe.
The British Virgin Islands will appeal to the visitor who wants to get away from the hustle of tourists and traffic. Yachts and boats often found cruising around and setting anchor to enjoy the uninhibited areas that surround the islands.
Where to Stay
These hotels are highly rated:
Long Bay Beach
This family-friendly resort is a low-rise complex that overlooks a mile-long beach and nearby islands. Also, for your comfort there is a full-service fitness center, tennis court, freshwater swimming pool, two bars and two restaurants.
Mariner Inn
Overlooking the marina, theis Inn was originally designed for bareboaters. Tennis courts, a pool, a dive shop, yacht charters, a full-service marina with slips for 140 yachts, a specialty food shop, a restaurant and a bar are all offered for your pleasure.
Sugar Mill
Located on five acres at Apple Bay, this Inn was built on the ruins of an over-350-year-old sugar mill. This establishment offers a freshwater pool, a restaurant and its own small beach.
Treasure Isle
Located on a hillside overlooking the harbor, this Inn is one of Tortola’s first hotels. Built around a freshwater swimming pool, the hotel offers visitors use of the Mariner Inn’s facilities, snorkeling trips and transport to some of the island’s beaches.
Olde Yard Inn
This charming Inn offers vacationers a home-like atmosphere with a library, gazebo, piano among other amenities.
Sandcastle
These family-run cottages offer more of a retreat from the modern world. Complementary windsurfing and snorkeling are available on the 200 feet of beach that runs along the resort.
Drake’s Anchorage
Named after Sir Francis Drake who once anchored in the harbor, this comfortable resort is next to 126 acres of undeveloped land, great for exploring and biking.
Transportation
It’s fun to catch a safari, a colorful open-air bus, to see the sites. These buses must be called from the hotels. Or you may prefer to catch a taxi around the Island. There are no metters, so make sure you understand the fees in advance.
If you are comfortable driving on roads filled with steep hills and sharp curves, you should rent a car. You must have a valid driver’s licence and a BVI license which can be purchased for $10 at the rental agency.
Due to the variety of reefs, cays and sunken ships, the British Virgin Islands are a haven for divers. The clear blue waters that surround the islands encourage all types of tropical fish and sea life. But if you are looking for more on-shore entertainment, the multiple national forests and bird sanctuaries on the islands will intrigue as well as inform you.
This small cluster of landmasses is far from the hustle of crowds and tourists. If you are after a taste of the everyday culture of the islanders and wish to experience the natural harmony of a tropical island, this is the spot for you.
Top Things to Do
Tortola
Diving expeditions take you to see the RMS Rhone, “Painted Walls,” and the “Indians.” All experience levels are welcomed.
Get an introductory resort course and one dive for $95 at the Underwater Safaris. Tour the best sites, including the RMS Rhone, “Spyglass Wall,” and “Alice in Wonderland.”
If you would like to get an extensive tour of Tortola, try Travel Plan Tours. For $60, one to three people in your party will be picked up at your hotel and taken for a 2 1/2 hour tour of the island.
You must take a trip to Mount Sage, a primeval rain forest national park. Pick up a map and brochure at the tourist office so you can find your way through the 92-acre park.
For horse-lovers who would like to explore the island on horseback, check out Shadow’s Ranch. Rides through Mount Sage National Park and on the shores of Cane Gardens Bay run $25 per hour.
Tortola is known as having the largest fleet of bareboat sailing charters in the world. If you would like to rent a sailing yacht, even one equipped with a crew, this is possible.
Hiking on Tortola: Peaking at 1,780 feet, Sage Mountain National Park has great trails. Trails lead past a mahogany plantation and through a forest of 100-foot-tall trees.
Virgin Gorda
The greatest beaches to visit are the Baths, with giant boulders forming a series of panoramic pools and grottoes flood with sea water, perfect for snorkeling.
Around the Baths is Devil’s Bay National Park. Enjoy a 15 minute walk through typical coastal landscapes to the secluded coral-sand beach.
Go visit Coppermine Point, the site of an abandoned copper mine and smelter dating back to the Spanish in the 1600s.
For an over-all tour of the island from a boat, check out the Virgin Gorda Tours Association. The cost is $50 and you will be picked up at the ferry dock.
For the best diving of the island, call Kilbrides Underwater Tours. For about $80 you can dive from any of their 15 sites, including the wrech of the RMS Rhone. Equipment is supplied and you can even buy a video of your dive!
Shopping
Shopping in the British Virgin Islands doesn’t compare to the variety and savings you’ll find in the US Virgin Islands. Handmade crafts such as shell jewelry and ceramics are available but the hot item is liquor, which is less expensive here than in St. Croix or St. Thomas.
Most shops are found on Main Street and Road Town where there is duty-free shopping.
Caribbean Fine Arts Ltd
If you are seeking art from the West Indies, try Caribbean Fine Arts Ltd. Here you can find original watercolors and oils, as well as pottery and primitives.
J. R. O’Neal
You will find a wide variety of decorative and home accessories here, including terra0cotta pottery, Mexican glassware, Dhurrie rugs and fine crystal from China.
Kids in de Sun
Need tropical wear for the tikes? This outlet carries a variety of childrens clothing from swimsuits to T-shirts.
Sunny Caribbee Herb and Spice Company
For hard-to-find Caribbean spices, seasonings, teas, condiments, and handcrafts, this is your store. Here, the world-famous West Indian Hangover Cure and Arawak Love Potion are sold.
Collector’s Corner
You will find a wide aray of larimar, cut and uncut bluish stones mined in the Domican Republic.
Samarkand
Handmade jewelry from the islands.
Crafts Alive
A daily outdoor market that sells souvenir items and a great place to bargin.
Food
There are plenty of restaurants that will cater to your tastes in the British Virgin Islands. In addition to West Indian specialties, you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood.