Excellent views of the island and its coast can be experienced from Sage Mountain, which kisses the sky at 550m (1,800ft). The mountain sits in a gorgeous national park lined with mahoganies, hanging vines, white cedars and kapok trees. The area is well-marked with trails to explore.
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British Virgin Islands things to see and do
Tourist offices
British Virgin Islands Tourist Board in the UK
Address: 15 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 7PJ, United Kingdom
Tel: (020) 7355 9585.
www.bvitourism.co.uk
British Virgin Islands Tourist Board in the USA
Address: 1270 Broadway, Suite 705, New York City, NY, NY 10001, United States
Tel: (212) 696 0400 or 1 800 835 8530.
www.bvitourism.com
Climb Sage Mountain
Delve into 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.
Dive down to the Rhone Marine Park
The wreck of the RMS Rhone in the Rhone Marine Park off Salt Island is a mecca for divers. The mail ship sank during the hurricane of 1867 and now lies in two sections in waters between 9m (30ft) and 27m (90ft) deep. The clear water also allows for good snorkelling of the wreck site.
Escape to Fallen Jerusalem National Park
Gloriously untouched by man this uninhabited island is home to the endangered red-billed tropicbird as well as brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies and brown pelicans, plus sandwich, royal and bridled terns. The island’s name is said to derive from the large, volcanic rocks that resemble the destroyed city.
Experience the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival
Sea lovers can set sail in the annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival or take it easy on a luxury charter. The warm water makes for gorgeous sailing conditions, while the parties that take place on dry land are just as hot.
Peer into the caves of Norman Island
There is a world of sea-shanties and tales of treasure in Norman Island, the alleged setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Popular with cruise boats and tourists, the uninhabited island is well-known for its sea caves that can be explored by curious divers.
Relax on the beaches
Visitors can sink into the sand and gaze upon shimmering aquamarine waters at beaches such as Smugglers' Cove, Long Bay, Brewer's Bay and Marina Cay. The white sand beaches come in all shapes and sizes, but each one provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy a glass of rum.
Stroll around the Botanic Gardens
The Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens on Tortola are perfect for a relaxing walk and breathing in the scent of lush, tropical plants native to the British Virgin Islands. Many of the plants in the collection are threatened and endangered and serve to build awareness of conservation on the islands.
Take a dip in 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. Visitors tend to come from adjacent islands such as St Thomas and Tortola and return via the Virgin Gorda airport.
Take a hair-raising ride along Ridge Road
The drive along the Ridge Road in Tortola offers spectacular panoramic views of Cane Garden Bay. However, the sharp twists and turns of the road are not for the faint-hearted driver. At places it becomes very steep and from a safe vantage point you can take some spectacular photographs.
Take a walk on the wild side
Wildlife abounds on the island of Anegada, which is home to several rare species including the endangered Anegada rock iguana. The local economy is mainly geared towards tourism and fishing, with most of the population residing in the only village on the island, known simply as, The Settlement.
Unwind in Road Town
West Indian houses and a colourful market can be found in Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, on the south coast of Tortola. Visitors can see the ruins of Fort Burt or explore Fort Recovery, built in the 1640s. They can also get a taste of the local tipple at the Callwood Rum Distillery.
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