The British Virgin Islands is a cluster of 60 or more tropical islands, cays and islets approximately 70 miles east of Puerto Rico (about a 35 minute flight). Nestled together, some of these islands are less than a mile from another with the furthest just fifteen! With a total population of a little less than 18,000, you will never feel crowded, rushed or find traffic jams. In fact, you won't even find a traffic light!
Here, you will find quaint village like communities, plenty of white sandy beaches, water sports, and beach bars each with their own unique "personality". From nightlife to relaxation the appeal of the BVI's is the untainted, old world charm. You will not find a McDonald's, Macy's or a Marriot. Rather, the splendor of this Caribbean Paradise is the wonderful alfresco dining, quaint shops, and fabulous array of accommodations. You may choose from your own private villa, a quaint hotel or one of the few luxurious intimate & all-inclusive resorts. Or, you may prefer to spoiled on a crewed yachting holiday where your Captain & personal Chef will guide you through these waterways, quiet anchorages, bays & beaches accompanied by great caribbean cocktails & fabulous fare! No matter which you choose as your holiday home , you'll be surrounded by the most incredible views where azure waters meet lush green mountain tops, white sandy beaches with coral reefs abounding, & feel spoiled just by being here!
At the center of the group of islands that make up the BVI's is Tortola (Tortola Map), the largest and most populated island in the British Virgin Islands. With beautiful white sandy beaches, quaint little villages, plenty of old sugar mills to explore, and its own rum distillery, as well as a rain forest at Sage Mountain, it is easy to spend a full holiday simply on the island of Tortola!
Tortola is also the home of the busiest town or Capital, Road town, where most of the commerce and banking takes place. There are beautiful "old world" shops and much nostalgia on Main Street in Road Town and plenty of local restaurants But wait, there is so much more to see... . Road Town is also where the main ferry dock is situated, allowing visitors a connection to the other islands' beaches and natural wonders such as The Baths or the resort islands and beaches of Peter Island, Virgin Gorda and Cooper Island. From Road Town you may also choose to take a fun filled day sail over to "The Indians" or "the Caves" for one of the many snorkeling venues off Norman Island. So you see, you may just have to extend your stay already ... or simple plan to return!
Norman Island is reputed to be Long John Silver's Treasure Island, from Robert Louis Stevenson's novel of the same name. So on that note, what would one expect anchored in the main anchorage of this otherwise uninhabited island, but a pirate ship! The William Thornton, otherwise known as the "Willy T ", is a floating restaurant and bar, noted for many hijinks and plenty of rum consumption. You will also find Pirates Beach Bar and Grill on the shoreline in the Bight that offers beachside lunches, savory dinners, and a spot to lounge and relax with a drink beachside. Visit both and find out why The Bight at Norman is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the BVI! There are also day sails that can very easily be arranged for you and your friends & family, either private or with other vacationers, whereby snorkeling at "The Caves" on Treasure Point and Food & Fun at the Willy-T and Pirates Bar & Grill can be arranged.
Jost Van Dyke, is a short sail or ferry ride away. The JVDyke ferry departs Tortola's West End daily & ferry schedules (remembering there is a reason for the ferry's name) may be found in the "Welcome Guide", a free publication filled with valuable info on where to go & things to see. Barefoot in the sand you will find several bars and beaches on Jost Van Dyke. At Great Harbour you can find the famous Foxy's Tamarind Bar. Foxy makes guest appearances daily singing' & telling' stories, ya know. A walk over the hill or short boat ride will take you to White Bay and the home of the Soggy Dollar Bar. Surrounded by coral reef and soft white sand, this beach is a must see. If you love snorkeling, tiny Green Cay and Sandy Cay are places to explore as well.
Maybe
you remember Sidney Poitier in the film "Our Virgin Isle," depicting Marina
Cay? Now a popular overnight anchorage and MTV's official
"Republic of Cuervo", you'll also find a small resort, a Pusser's Co.
Store and a wonderful restaurant. A great place to stay, and a must
see if you are in the BVI's. You may choose to come for the day &
snorkel, enjoy an incredible sunset over cocktails or enjoying an evening
of dining.
Virgin Gorda is the second largest
of the British Virgin Islands, and home to The
Baths, one of Mother Nature's intrigues. Hiking the short trail
through the caves and boulders of the Baths to Devil's Bay is a must, but
perhaps equally enjoy- able is the ride through the jumble of villas and
boulders to the top of the baths and the path down to the beach.
Snorkelers here have often seen the entire range of tropical fish, from
sergeant majors to slow gliding rays.
A great island to explore, you'll find spectacular views, such as this of Savannah Bay, as you drive over Gorda Peak on your way to North Sound, the home of some of the finest resorts in the BVI's.
Anegada is a beach lover's playground.
The furthest of the British Virgin Islands, this is a big, flat coral atoll,
surrounded by a huge reef, and a minuscule population of both humans and...
flamingos! Literally miles of beaches and the place for your Caribbean
lobster dinner! You can reach Anegada by plane or private yacht,
or by the day sailing yacht Spirit of Anegada, chartering from Leverick
Bay, Virgin Gorda, to explore her miles of beaches. Maps of: The
BVI Tortola Road Town Virgin Gorda Anegada There is so much more to see
when you visit "Natures Little Secrets". We look forward to sharing
our world with you!
