The Islands
Discovering the beauty of BVI is all about uncovering the unique character of each island in this unspoiled volcanic archipelago. From the culture and history of BVI’s four largest islands to the pristine natural splendor of more then 50 smaller isles, every place you drop anchor offers its own special magic.
Be drawn in by Virgin Gorda’s natural granite pillars. Rediscover play and adventure in Tortola. Let the island spirit move you on Jost Van Dyke. Glimpse perfection in Anegada. No matter where you land, you’ll find friendly people, incredible beaches and recreational activities that exceed all expectations.
TORTOLA
Powdery white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and sheltered, yacht-filled harbours characterize the island of Tortola, the BVI’s largest and capital island. The past of the West Indies and the present-day BVI mix and mingle with ruins existing alongside the luxury resorts that draw visitors from around the world.
Swim or stroll the secluded palm-shaded white sands of dozens of beaches, including Apple Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay Beach, Elizabeth Beach and Josiah’s Bay Beach to name just a few.
If watersports or fishing are more your style, don’t miss the protected anchorages at Brandywine Bay, Soper’s Hole and Trellis Bay and surfing Cane Garden Bay or game fishing the North and South Drops
Warm, friendly and hospitable, Tortola has a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from luxury resorts and private villas to a scenic campground.
Step away from the sand just long enough to discover Tortola’s history with a visit to the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Fort Burt, Mount Healthy Windmill, Callwood’s Rum Distillery, J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens, Old Government House Museum and VI Folk Museum.
ANEGADA
The only coral island in the Virgin Islands’ volcanic chain, Anegada is characterized by its nearly flat elevation, the striking coral reefs that surround it, secluded sandy beaches and clear springs bubbling from coral beds.
A variety of wildlife special to the Virgin Islands area thrive on Anegada, including loblolly, frangipani, turpentine trees, feathery sea lavender and wild orchids. On the nature trail at Bones Bight, catch a glimpse of the rare rock iguanas native to the island, or discover the exotic birds at Nutmeg Point.
Snorkelers and scuba divers will delight in the reef’s mazes, tunnels and drops, which are rich in needle fish, bonefish, stingrays, parrot fish and other marine life, while those with sea legs will enjoy water sports, sport fishing and bone fishing. Beachgoers will find no lack of calm and quiet shores, including Cow Wreck Beach, Flash of Beauty, Bones Bight and Windlass Bight.
Discover Anegada’s history through a maze of stone walls that surround the Main Town’s Settlement or the Arawak’s ancient conch mounds in the East End. Or, explore the wreckages of numerous Spanish galleons, American privateers and British Galleons.
VIRGIN GORDA
The dramatic shape of the BVI’s third largest island, Virgin Gorda, reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining woman, or “Fat Virgin,” inspiring its name. Measuring 8 ½ square miles, Virgin Gorda entices travelers with its yacht clubs, quiet coves, safe anchorages and luxury resorts and villas.
Natural beauty is in abundance and accessible via indigenous plant-lined trails, nature sanctuaries and natural wonders of our protected national parks. Hike to the island’s high point, Gorda Peak, for a splendid panoramic view of the surrounding islands.
For a quintessential Caribbean vacation, stroll or swim at the unspoiled beaches at Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil’s Bay, Mahoe Bay or Spring Bay.
Evidence of the rich heritage of African, Indian and Spanish history is plentiful, from the Spanish ruins at Little Fort National Park to the Cornish Copper Mines, where the ruins are set against the azure sea at the island’s southwestern tip. This eclectic influence extends to Virgin Gorda’s local cuisine, shops, arts, fashion and gifts.
JOST VAN DYKE
Named for an early Dutch settler and former pirate, Jost Van Dyke runs deep with rugged scenery and colorful folklore. Explore vegetation-covered sugar mill ruins, old trails that crisscross the island and the East End’s natural sea-formed Jacuzzi, or observe whales and dolphins.
Measuring just four miles by three and with fewer than 300 inhabitants, the BVI’s smallest island has been home to Arawak Indians, Caribs, Dutch, Africans and the British. Notable inhabitants have included William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol Building, and John Lettsome, founder of the London Medical Society.
Food and fun abound on Jost Van Dyke, with numerous places to indulge in favored cuisine, such as barbecues, West Indian rotis, flying fish sandwiches, grilled fresh fish and lobster. For the party animals, Great Harbour is world-famous for its yacht-filled parties on Halloween and New Year’s Eve.
