Best things to do in British Virgin Islands

Tortola

Tortola (Turtle Dove) is the largest island in the British Virgin Islands archipelago. Travellers can look forward to a charming land of rolling hills and sandy beaches, where time flows with the grace of waves lapping on shore. Mount Sage lies at its centre. As Tortola's highest elevation, the mountain offers wonderful views of the destination's lovely bays, uncrowded beaches, surrounding islands and tropical vegetation. Visitors will also see the scattered ruins of 18th century buildings, which are reminders of the plantation era, when rum and sugar drove the island's economy. Tortola's scenic capital, Road Town, sits around a deep, yacht-filled harbour. Hotels, quaint island-style shops and cheerfully painted restaurants add to the locale's appeal.

Cane Garden Bay

Cane Garden Bay is Tortola's most popular beach and a favourite anchorage for sailors. It's also the preferred location for swimmers, sunbathers and water-sports enthusiasts. The area is the centre of the island's nightlife, featuring seaside bars, restaurants and Caribbean-style entertainment. Travellers will find a number of villas and guesthouses around the curved bay, as well as rentable water-sports equipment, and gift shops. Tourists who prefer quieter beaches should avoid peak season, as Cane Garden Bay is a favourite drop-off spot for cruise ships and can become very crowded.

J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens

Located in the centre of Road Town, Tortola, the splendid J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens are a must for fans of the Caribbean's tropical flora. Pathways wind beneath floral pergolas, through a mini rainforest and passed a variety of ponds, waterfalls and exotic, indigenous plants. The gardens are also home to tropical birds and red-legged tortoises. Travellers may see baby tortoises if they visit at the right time of year. The four-acre gardens are maintained and developed as part of the British Virgin Islands' National Parks system, and offer a great escape from the heat. Though perhaps not as big as some people are used to, the gardens can easily keep visitors occupied for an hour or so.

Smuggler's Cove

Smuggler's Cove is the perfect place for those who prefer serene and uncrowded beaches. Travellers can access the remote spot via a rutted dirt road, and enjoy the Caribbean beach's classic beauty at the end of it. Pristine white sand, turquoise water and towering coconut palms are all in the frame. Visitors will be hard pressed to find a better location for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. The cool ocean temperature can be refreshing, and the area's currents make snorkelling exciting.

Callwood Distillery

The Callwood Distillery is a must-see attraction. Located in Cane Garden Bay, it manufactures delicious rum the old-fashioned way. The Callwood family has owned the distillery since the mid-1800s and it doesn't appear to have changed much since then. Indeed, the facility still uses traditional methods and antique equipment. Guests will encounter a delightfully laid-back, dilapidated space, and the rum produced there seems all the better for it. One part distillery tour, one part history tour, the Callwood Distillery is among the British Virgin Isles' most celebrated tourist attractions.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda's coastline is a magical world of caves, pools and coves, where secluded beaches and safe anchorages await sun chasers and yachtsmen. Handsome Bay, Big Trunk Bay and Savannah Bay are all widely loved spots, and Devil's Bay National Park also has its own secluded beach. The Baths are Virgin Gorda's star attraction, though. Located on the island's southern shore, the jumble of half-submerged granite stones form a playground of pools, arches, grottoes and tunnels. Spanish Town is the destination's main centre, and visitors can shop for charming souvenirs, eat delicious local cuisine, or simply unwind in the town's laid-back atmosphere.

British Virgin Islands

Things to do in British Virgin Islands

Tortola

Cane Garden Bay

J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens

Smuggler's Cove

Callwood Distillery

Virgin Gorda

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Tortola

Cane Garden Bay

J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens

Smuggler's Cove

Callwood Distillery

Virgin Gorda