Top 10: The Best Of The BVIs
The gin-clear waters of the iconic Caribbean archipelago, the British Virgin Islands, provide an unforgettable luxury vacation. These idyllic islands offer a blend of protected natural beauty, a magical underwater world, lush mountain trails, and famous beach bars. Here are ten of the top things to do when traveling throughout the BVIs:
Enjoy The Underwater World
Virgin Gorda is a jewel of the British Virgin Islands, just a short boat ride from Road Town. As one of the best islands for snorkeling, it is home to Devil's Bay and some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean.
Explore Iconic Spots
Devil's Bay is situated near The Baths. Head to the trail from the southern end of the beach to Stoney Bay.
The Baths is another national park and an incredible swimming spot. Known for the enormous maze of granite boulders, it is a breathtaking natural wonder.
Rainforest Ziplining
Accessing the treetops via the steep Ridge Road on Tortola is where the adrenaline begins to flow.
Once there, ziplining over the forest canopy is an amazing experience, with a bird's-eye view of Road Town and the USVI.
Sail The Islands
The islands present an ideal opportunity for sailing between a popular luxury yacht charter destination.
You can enjoy the sailing to Jost Van Dyke, also home to two of the most famous bars in the Caribbean: Foxy's Bar and the Soggy Dollar Bar.
Order Local Cocktails
While at one of the many bars here, enjoy the famous local cocktail: the painkiller. A blend of rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, orange juice, and nutmeg is the perfect accompaniment to the Caribbean sunshine.
One of the best places to sample a painkiller is at Pusser's Road Town pub, a historic pub with Caribbean favorites on the menu.
National Park Hiking
Rising 1,710 feet, Sage Mountain claims the title of the highest point in the BVIs, giving great reason to tackle its summit. Its incredible views sweep across the entire archipelago.
Depending on your chosen trail, you'll traverse different habitats. The mountain's ridge creates a fascinating dual personality, with one side more humid, in old-growth rainforest, while the other side is home to a dry tropical forest.
Sample Local Rum
Indulging in the local rum is a must-do in Tortola, and there's no better place to savor this experience than at the Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden Bay.
One of the oldest distilleries in the Caribbean, Callwood has been crafting exquisite rum from pure cane juice using age-old family techniques for over 400 years. The distillery's buildings offer a glimpse into the past, with their historic charm now housing a small museum, an art gallery, and a gift shop.
Delve Into History
While visiting Virgin Gorda, head to Mine Hill on the island's southeastern tip. Now a national park, this former copper mine offers a fascinating journey through the island's layered history.
Copper mining at Mine Hill dates back to the Amerindians, who crafted tools and jewelry for trade. Although the mine ceased operations in 1862, mining experts from Cornwall renovated it in 1998. As you explore, keep an eye out for the white-tailed tropicbirds that nest near the engine house.
Take A Jeep Excursion
Embark on an exciting safari jeep convoy from Road Town for an in-depth tour of Tortola. Traverse the steep and winding Ridge Road that meanders across the mountains, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and stunning views of neighboring islands. This tour reveals a side of the island that most visitors never experience. You'll travel along serene roads that hug the shoreline and venture off-road on lush jungle trails, uncovering Tortola's hidden gems and untouched beauty.
Sunbathe & Swim
This idyllic crescent of white sand is one of Tortola's finest beaches. Shaded by swaying coconut palms, the shoreline gently slopes into warm, shallow waters with a forest backdrop.
Cane Garden Bay, a sheltered haven protected from the wind, is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. Snorkelers can explore vibrant coral reefs on either side of the beach, or you can enjoy a sea kayaking adventure.
