Tourist Attractions in British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is well known as a yachting destination, but is also a great place for on shore activities. These inviting islands offer secluded beaches, historical sites, and interesting towns and villages. The main islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, but there are many others worth exploring as well.

Tortola is the most populated of the British Virgin Islands, home to the capital city of Road Town. It is also the main travel hub, with many people using it as a jumping off point for other islands. The primary tourist area on the island is at Cane Garden Bay. A lovely crescent shaped beach forms the setting for this small settlement, where visitors will find guesthouses, restaurants, and a number of surrounding attractions. Not the least of these is Sage Mountain National Park, which surrounds the 1716ft/523m Mount Sage, the highest point in the Virgin Islands. This lush area is home to all kinds of birds and flora. Another interesting park is Great Camanoe Island & Cam Bay National Park, located east of Tortola and accessible by boat.

Virgin Gorda is a popular spot for yachters, with yacht clubs and good anchoring areas. The main settlement is Spanish Town, a small community near the southern end of Virgin Gorda. One of the principle tourist attractions on the island is The Baths National Park, where giant boulders line the beach. This is a heavily photographed area of the island. In the far south of Virgin Gorda are Copper Mine National Park, Spring Bay National Park, and Devil's Bay National Park. The last two parks offer beautiful soft sand beaches, while Copper Mine is home to mining ruins. At the north end of the island is the large Gorda Peak National Park, an area known for its rich biodiversity with rare plants and an abundance of wildlife. Along the coast are a number of good beaches found at Berchers Bay, Mahoe Bay, Nail Bay and Long Bay.

Jost Van Dyke, along with nearby Green Cay and Sandy Cay, are largely undeveloped and offer a destination where visitors can come to relax on the unpopulated beaches, take a walk on one of the many hiking trails, or simply enjoy the slow pace. The main settlement on is Great Harbour, where there are restaurants and tourist amenities. In the vicinity are the popular White Bay Beach and the protected and tranquil Little Harbour Beach, both good locations for swimming.