British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a group of small and mostly uninhabited islands. For those seeking to get away from it all, this is the place. There is no golf, no gambling, no tinselly entertainment and almost no people. There is a peace here in the BVI that is so restful that the visitor will never forget their stay - no matter how short. The waters in the BVI are superb for swimming, snorkeling, diving and sailing. Most of the islands have a volcanic origin which gives character to the terrain. Access to the BVI is through the US Virgin Islands just next door .
Tortola – Tortola is just a few miles east of St. Thomas , is a much slower-paced island offering lovely, uncrowded beaches and unparalleled sailing, diving and other watersports. This is the principle island in the BVI. It has the highest point of 1,780 feet and has the Mt. Sage National Park . The island is very mountainous and rocky and a number of pleasant beaches. Road Town is the capital of the islands and the financial center as well. The Main Street has most of the businesses here which are made up of a significant number of marinas and financial establishments. All of this is housed in buildings constructed well before cruise ships, telephones and electronic money transfers were even imagined. Buildings here are old throwbacks to the days of colonialism. Pleasant colors, antique looking storefronts and a slow pace of life ads to the character of the island. Government House, where the Governor resides, is located downtown above Waterfront Drive . The O'Neal Botanic Gardens encompasses 4 acres near the police station. Beaches are very good here. The best are Smugglers Cove, Long Bay and Cane Garden Bay which has an anchorage for yachts.
Beef Island - The island gets its name from the times of pirates when the island was the hunting spot for buccaneers to supply their ships. The airport here is the main strip for the entire BVI. There are a number of very fine beaches here.
Virgin Gorda - The island is about 7 miles long and has a mountain over 1,300 feet high. There is a local curiosity here called The Baths. Huge boulders form a swimming pool and underwater caves. Climbing on the boulders is adventurous as hoards of cruise passengers do it daily. Snorkeling in the area is good. Spanish Town is the main settlement which as a very good yacht harbor. Other anchorages are Biras Creek and Bitter End.
Guana Island - The island is ia private 850 acre estate on which is a wildlife sanctuary. The island is available for rent.
The Dogs - The island is uninhabited but is mentioned here because of the fact that the island is very popular with divers. The island is a nesting area for birds including frigate birds.
Dead Chest - This is a very small island which is said to have been the spot where Blackbeard marooned sailors. The lyric says it all - "15 men on a Dead Man's Chest - Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum!"
Mosquito Island - The private island comprising about 125 acres is only accessible by boat. The island can be rented and it's expensive. The island has a very nice beach.
Salt Island - There are 20 people who live here including two old men to provide the British crown one bag of salt in annual rent for the island. Other than the salt which they produce for the crown, they sell salt to inquiring visitors. Otherwise the island is a good rest area for divers.
Marina Cay - This is a good anchorage for yachts and those yachts passing through to get supplies. There are a number of shops which sell basic items including clothes and food. There is diving, snorkeling and swimming. The beaches are good.
Cooper Island - The island has a beautiful beach and a small resort called Cooper Island Beach Club which is very lovely and very private.
Peter Island - The island is about 1,00 acres of sheer tropical beauty. Palm lines beaches, excellent yacht facilities and blissful isolation make the island very attractive. The Peter Island Resort and Yacht Harbor is the place to stay here. Don't look for any bargains but if you want to come here you won't need any.
Norman Island - This is reputed to be the island from Robert Louis Stevenson's " Treasure Island ." There are caves here where treasure has been found and also where good snorkeling can be done.
Anegada - This is the only one of the BVI which was not formed from volcanic activity. The island is made of coral and limestone. Aside from the few iguanas and flamingos there is not much on the surface. Underwater abounds with sea life including turtles, lobster and many species of colorful fish. Shipwrecks provide endless hours of exploration for snorkelers and divers. Fishing around the island is very good and boats can be hired.
Jost Van Dyke - One shouldn't be surprised that this or any Caribbean island would be named after a pirate - a Dutch one at that. The island has a customs house and so can be used as a port of entry. The little harbor is very charming and facilities are present for restocking boats.
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