The British Virgin Islands

 

   Tired of being indoors? Would you rather be scuba diving over corral reefs? Or sailing to your hearts content on the Caribbean Sea? Just feel like you should be on some beach, somewhere?

Then pack for tropical weather and jump on a plane to the British Virgin Islands!

Hotel on Anegada Island

    With a comfortable year round subtropical climate, picturesque scenery, great food, vivid night life, and an endless list of adventures, you will never forget the British Virgin Islands! The BVI boasts 4 larger islands, Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke; as well as 50 smaller isles brimming with Caribbean flavor. Stay in a magnificent hotel with gorgeous ocean views at every turn or charter one of the numerous sailboats and yachts available for travel between islands. Hire a captain to guide your journey around the islands or set out on your own to sail the open seas.

Moorings 4800 catamaran rental

     To save a bit of money and add for more adventure, first take a short flight to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands, whereupon entering the airport you will be greeted by friendly locals and free rum shots! Next grab a local cab and head for the ferry that will take you to Tortola, the largest and most densely populated island in the BVI. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins on the ferry ride! A quick trip through customs and you are free to roam at your leisure. Relax in a luxury resort, private rental house, a quaint bed and breakfast, or charter a boat and begin touring the numerous beautiful and unique islands on your own. Of course, you can hire a captain or bring your own crew of family and friends to man your ship!

  

Once you are aboard your vessel and fully stocked with supplies, it is time to hit the open seas! Pick one of the numerous islands and set sail. The journey by boat is half of the adventure and in many locals opinions, sailing is the best way to visit the islands! Bring your good camera because the BVI is wonderfully photogenic. Explore the glorious Caribbean like never before as you sail around beautiful islands and perfectly blue clear seas. Moor (tether) your vessel in any designated harbor and use your provided dingy to motor ashore. Take note that anchoring is not allowed in specific locations. This is due to the very delicate and protected corral reefs living beneath the waves. As anchors are known to tear them up, the harbor provides mooring balls that allow you to safely tether your boat. You may also explore some of these reefs with the help of a scuba guide from a local shop.

Bitter End Harbor

    A tourist and local favorite is the Island of Virgin Gorda. Moor your ship in the harbor at Bitter End and perhaps stay at The Bitter End Yacht Club, a full service resort. You can peruse the many shops or stop for a bite at the seaside pub called, The Crawl. But don't be alarmed, if you sit under the trees you will have tiny visitors dropping on your table from above. Hundreds of thousands of inch worms call this island home and occasionally fall from the trees. Don't worry, they are completely harmless. The food and atmosphere are well worth it.

    After all this sailing, shopping, and delicious food tasting, I think it is about time to visit The Baths! No, not a real bath. How about a dip in a refreshing sea pool formed by natural massive granite slabs? On the southern tip of Virgin Gorda, you will find a popular tourist spot known as the Devil's Bay, wherein you will find The Baths. The granite makes natural "caves" that are easily accessible at low tide and open to exploring and swimming. Be sure to keep the tides in mind as the caves will fill with water again come high tide.

    There are so many endless possibilities, activities, and sights to see in the BVI that they can't possibly be done all in one trip! The unforgettable scenery, food, attractions, and friendly locals will leave you wanting more!

The Baths

Devil's Bay on Virgin Gorda

Resources:

All pictures used were made by me, from my own private collection.

“British Virgin Islands.” The Virtual Caribbean Library, ggccaribbean.wpengine.com/listing/british-virgin-islands/.

“BEYC History - Virgin Gorda, BVI.” Bitter End Yacht Club, 31 Aug. 2017, beyc.com/about-beyc/our-history/#:~:text=Bitter%20End%20Yacht%20Club%20dates,Christopher%20Columbus%20and%20Sir%20Francis.