A trip to the exotic British Virgin Islands is a must for its luxurious appeal and exclusiveness. The least-developed islands of the Caribbean, it comprises four larger islands – Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke – and 32 smaller islands and cays.
The British Virgin Islands remain an overseas territory under the British Crown and are world-renowned for their superb sailing and yachting, dive sites, and marvellous beaches.
Often called ‘the Sailing Capital of the World’, the best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between April and May when the weather is dry and the trade winds aren’t cool in the evening. The good news for vacationers is that from May 15, 2021, the British Virgin Islands travel restrictions are removed. Vaccinated travellers can enter after two COVID tests, but can skip mandatory quarantine. Here are some top attractions you must visit on your trip to the British Virgin Islands.
The Baths (Virgin Gorda)
The Baths, in Virgin Gorda, is a collection of awe-inspiring granite boulders as large as 40 feet in diameter, with white sand beaches and sheltered sea pools. Majestic in its formations, the cavernous surroundings came into existence after molten rock seeped into the existing volcanic rock layers. Instead of reaching the surface it cooled slowly and formed the hard crystalline granite layer.
The Baths feature exquisite white sandy beaches amid gigantic granite boulders and offer plenty to explore. Remember to bring your water shoes, a snorkel and a waterproof camera to check out the hidden caverns and grottos. It is a geological wonder not to be missed.
Cane Garden Bay (Tortola)
Cane Garden Bay, located on Tortola’s north shore, is a long and curved bay sheltered from heavy winds. It is the centre of activity on Tortola and a favoured anchorage for boaters. A pretty spot with a great sandy beach, it is the busiest beach in the British Virgin Islands and often compared to Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas.
Get ready for swimming, windsurfing and other water sports, or stop at the restaurants that line the beach. Spend your day swimming in the turquoise water or go kayaking and snorkelling. In the evenings, you can tune into the live Reggae music from the local hotels and enjoy the island vibes all around. Visit the little food shack on the far side of Myetts for the most amazing stuffed shrimp you will ever have and relax plenty.
Anegada Island
Anegada is an alluring destination for every vacationer: It’s the only coral island in the Virgin Islands’ volcanic chain. There are more than 300 wrecks to dive into and explore. Formed out of limestone and coral, Anegada is distinguished by its nearly flat elevation, the imposing coral reefs that surround it, cloistered sandy beaches and clear springs. The tallest spot on Anegada is 28-feet above sea level; thus it is also known as “The Drowned Island”.
You can find a couple of villas, hotels and privately run inns on Anegada, but most travellers sail here for the day from Tortola. If you are on the lookout for some seclusion, Anegada is the right one for you with its calm silvery beaches and get the feeling of being on the edge of the earth. Catch a glimpse of the special wildlife around Anegada, including the rare native rock iguanas and birds. Go for snorkelling and scuba diving in its rich mazes and tunnels. Meet face-to-face with the needlefish, bonefish, stingrays, and parrotfish or if you love water sports and sport fishing, look no further. Do not miss the Arawak’s ancient conch mounds in the East End or wreckages of numerous Spanish galleons, American privateers and British Galleons.
Smugglers Cove
Secluded, sheltered and serene, the Smuggler’s Cove is near the island’s north-western tip. It’s a less crowded one as its access is through a pot-hole cratered road. But this is the ideal place for beachgoers who love the relaxing and quiet atmosphere. Watch the beautiful panoramic view lying on the golden sand. Swimming and snorkelling are also favourite pastimes here and look out for the resident sea turtles.
Rhone National Marine Park
Now for a change after beaches and repose, gear up for a visit to the sole park of its kind in the British Virgin Islands: the site of the RMS Rhone wreck. The RMS Rhone, built-in 1865, sank near Salt Island during a Category 3 hurricane on October 19, 1867. The wreck can be found about halfway between Salt Island and Dead Chest Island, south of Tortola.
Dive into the ancient wreck and spot the ship’s bow explore down the intact vessel. Learn the history of the ship from the instructors and keep an eye for the moray eels, turtles and octopus popping out near you. Check out the incredible artefacts still intact after 150 years and have an exciting fun day in the water.
Sage Mountain National Park
Sage Mountain National Park, a 39-hectare reserve, is the first National Park in the British Virgin Islands and represents the beginning of conservation in the land. Sage Mountain is the highest point in the British and US Virgin Islands at 1,716 feet, with panoramic views of all the islands.
Have a break from your beach-centric vacation and you will love the spectacular flora and fauna. Reforested with white cedar, West Indian and Honduran mahogany trees, the magnificent views will be refreshing. Be sure to wear sturdy sneakers or boots before you begin your hike and look for hermit crabs scampering through the underbrush and Kili Kili hawks (American kestrels) perched in the trees.
So why wait? Hurry up on a trip to the British Virgin Islands and have an experience of your lifetime in the best sailing destination in the Caribbean. Pamper yourself at the secluded bays, countless hidden coves, splendid landscape and bask in the sunny skies.