The British Virgin Islands is undoubtedly a beautiful place to visit, full of white sandy beaches and fantastic snorkel opportunities. There are so many fantastic places to visit in the BVI that we struggled to narrow it down, but here are our top 5.
The Baths at Virgin Gorda
At the south end of Virgin Gorda, a collection of granite boulders has formed a collection of sheltered sea pools on the beach’s edge. This geological wonder is an absolute must-visit for anyone travelling to the British Virgin Islands; it a playground for children and adults alike.
There is a dinghy mooring area in Devil’s Bay to stop the beach from becoming overcrowded with boats and protect the reef from anchor damage. Devil’s Bay is also a good place to visit while you are there and can be reached from The Baths by a series of ladders than scale the boulders. Our top tip is to arrive early as it can become crowded between 10 am and 2 pm!
The wreck of the Rhone
In 1867 the Rhone crashed during a hurricane, killing 123 people just off Salt Island. The ship still lies on the bottom of the ocean floor today, and the wreck site is one of the most popular snorkelling sites in the Caribbean. The anchor can still be seen wrapped around the coral that caught it before the ship was cut loose in its final attempt to reach safety. If you know where to look, you can see a teaspoon lodged in the wreck that is thought to have belonged to the captain.
Sandy spit
This desert island is a great place to stop for lunch on your way to Jost Van Dyke. You can anchor here to go snorkelling and explore the waters. This secluded spot will feel like your very own Caribbean paradise!
The bubbling pool
If you do continue sailing towards Jost Van Dyke, the bubbling pool is an absolute must-see. This tidal pool feels like a natural Jacuzzi! When the Atlantic is calm, sadly there won’t be any bubbles, but it’s an exciting spot to visit if you time it right. Make sure to check how calm the sea is on the north shore before you go to avoid disappointment. This great natural spot is just a ten-minute hike from Foxy’s Taboo restaurant. Follow the path from the restaurant through the waist-high, wild sage bushes, and you can’t go wrong.
Smugglers Cove beach
You can find this secluded and sheltered spot at the far western end of Tortola. Escape the crowded tourist hot spots to find the most tranquil, undisturbed beach. This area is another great spot for snorkelling; you can swim right by the sea turtles who can be found just off the shore. Don’t miss the old car used in the 1990 remake of The Old Man and the Sea. Soak up the fantastic views and the peace and quiet!
So there you have it – our top 5 must-see places on the BVI. We hope this has given you some inspiration for an unforgettable trip or even persuaded you to visit! Undoubtedly, the best way to see everything the BVI has to offer is by boat and sailing holidays to the British Virgin Islands are becoming increasingly popular. After all, what better way to experience the BVI than on the water?