British Virgin Islands Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Road Town
West Indian houses and a colorful market can be found in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, on the south coast of Tortola. Tour Callwood's Rum Distillery or explore Fort Recovery, built in the 1640s.

Sage Mountain
Excellent views of the island and its coast can be experienced from Sage Mountain, 550m (1,800ft) above sea level. The mountain sits in a gorgeous national park lined with mahoganies, hanging vines, white cedars and kapok trees (www.bvinationalparkstrust.org).

Botanic Gardens
Tortola's Botanic Gardens are perfect for a relaxing stroll and breathing in the scent of lush, tropical plants native to the British Virgin Islands.

Beaches
Visitors can sink into the sand and gaze upon shimmering aquamarine waters in beaches such as Smugglers' Cove, Long Bay, Brewer's Bay and Marina Cay.

Norman Island
There is a world of sea-shanties and tales of treasure in Norman Island, the legendary setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

Anegada
Wildlife abounds on Anegada: the island is home to several rare species, including the endangered Anegada rock iguana.

Top Things to Do

The Baths
The Baths in Virgin Gorda is a unique rock formation of dimly lit grottoes and caves, most of which can only be reached by foot or boat (www.bvinationalparkstrust.org).

Fallen Jerusalem National Park
The park is home to the endangered red-billed tropic bird as well as brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies and brown pelicans, plus sandwich, royal and bridled terns.

Sugarloaf Mountain
This is the highest point on Guana Island at 246m (806ft) and is great for hiking; alternatively walk the trail to the North Beach on Prickly Pear, a 98-hectare (243-acre) island of cacti-covered slopes and pristine beaches.

Rhone Marine Park
The wreck of the RMS Rhone in the Rhone Marine Park off Salt Island is a popular diving site. The mail ship sank during the hurricane of 1867 and now lies in two sections in waters between 9m (30ft) and 27m (90ft) deep.

Dead Chest National Park
Visitors can snorkel amidst the stunning Coral Gardens of Dead Chest National Park. The island is said to have been named when the infamous pirate Blackbeard put 15 mutinous men ashore with only a bottle of rum between them.

BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival
Sea lovers can set sail in the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival (www.bvispringregatta.org) or take it easy on a luxury crewed charter.

Ridge Road
The drive along the Ridge Road in Tortola offers spectacular panoramic views of Cane Garden Bay.