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By Clive Petrovic
There is so much to see and do in the BVI, that it could take days on each island just to scratch the surface. The choices are many, and it depends a lot on your interests and on the time of year. Like everywhere else, the BVI offers activities and events that are tied to a season, a specific holiday or a date with special significance. Many people choose their vacation time in the BVI based on their special interest. This may be for the August Festival, the music fest on Cane Garden Bay, the spring sailing regatta or Foxy's New Year's Eve celebration, acclaimed for being one of the best in the world. It's pretty hard to be bored in the BVI. However, if you're seeking a bit of boredom, lie in a hammock under a palm tree holding a rum drink while the "must read" novel rests on the sand — so you can be as relaxed as you want.
Because the BVI is an island territory, getting around requires transport either by boat or by air. The basic transport between islands is also a great way to see the sights. Since many visitors arrive from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, water transportation is the most popular means of getting around. Historically, ferries carried passengers between the islands. However, many visitors now elect to travel by water taxi. The Dohms Water Taxi provides customized service right to a desired location instead of to a crowded ferry terminal. Along the way, visitors are treated to an island tour. This is a more relaxing way to travel between countries or within a territory, and the perfect way to begin a vacation.
Of course, what better way to see the BVI than by air? A bird's-eye view, especially early in a vacation, is a perfect way to get acquainted with the islands. From the air, the best view is by helicopter. You can take a sightseeing tour of the BVI or charter a helicopter to any of the nearby islands from Island Helicopters. Not only will the flight be memorable, but you can take pictures as well to fill your scrapbook and make your friends want to visit.
While every island in the BVI is worth a visit, most of the people and attractions are concentrated on just four. Let's take a closer look.
Tortola
This is the largest and most populated of the BVI. Home to more than 75 percent of the population, Tortola is the economic and administrative heart of the territory. Because there are lots of people, there are plenty of amenities and activities. While there is much to see and do on the island, perhaps the best place to start is in the capital Road Town, conveniently located in the middle of the island.
Road Town is steeped in history. The best way to understand its past is by taking a walking tour down Main Street. With a trained guide, you will see the historical sites come alive. Of course, you should take some time to shop at all the quaint stores on Main Street. In the centre of town is the Sir Olva Georges Plaza adjacent to the 19th-century Post Office. Many old residences on Main Street are still intact and are a good representation of traditional island architecture. A stop at the Old Government House Museum will introduce you to the lifestyles of a bygone era. Don't forget to see the old prison on Main Street. The massive stone walls and heavy iron doors look more like a set for an old western movie.
While in Road Town, be sure to visit the Fort Burt Hotel for a great view of the harbour and town. Originally built by the Dutch to guard the entrance to Road Harbour, the fort was rebuilt and expanded many times to its present condition. It's a perfect place to stop for lunch and a drink before taking off on an island tour.
There are many historical sites outside Road Town worth visiting. The only functioning rum distillery is at Cane Garden Bay. Make sure you go on a tour and, of course, take home a bottle of the local brew. Up in the hills, stop at the Mount Healthy National Park. The large stone windmill once powered the cane crushers of an 18th-century sugar plantation. More ruins can be seen at the Josiah's Bay Plantation. Once a thriving rum distillery, it's now an art gallery with an adjacent restaurant. On the opposite end of Tortola is Fort Recovery, originally built by the Dutch and now converted to a resort. If you have the time and interest, there are many more ruins and historical sites that are worth a visit. Just a few examples include the old church at Kingstown, the Dungeon and the ruins of the William Thornton Estate.
If your interests lean toward the natural, there are numerous parks and natural areas to explore. Perhaps the best place to start is at the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, a quiet place full of exotic flowers and tropical critters. It's a good place to relax in the shade of a large mango tree, especially after a walking tour of the town. If hiking is more your style, then head to the Sage Mountain National Park. The hiking trails surround the highest peak on Tortola. The walks are cool and pleasant, and the views are spectacular.
If you want something a bit more aquatic, you can visit Dolphin Discovery and interact with dolphins. For those wanting to stay dry, there are tame parrots that are true symbols of the tropics. Naturally, sailing is the main activity in the BVI. No matter where you look, white billowy sails fill the channel and extend to the horizon. If you're the active type, you can hire a yacht and go on your own. However, if you're a bit of a newcomer to the sport, or would rather just relax with a piņa colada and take in the view while an experienced crew does the work, then you should consider a day sail aboard a crewed yacht. One of the oldest and best-known day sailboats is White Squall II based at Village Cay Marina. This classic sailing yacht will take you on a memorable sail to one of the nearby islands. On the other end of the island at West End, you can sail aboard the modern luxurious catamaran Mystique based at Voyage Charters. If powerboats are more to your liking, then call Pristine Powerboats in Road Town to arrange a cruise that will cover more miles in less time.
At the end of a busy day of sightseeing on Tortola, you'll want a nice place to relax and enjoy the glorious sunset over distant islands and tranquil seas. A great spot is the Heritage Inn on Windy Hill. With a stunning view down the north coast of Tortola, it's a superb place to watch the sun slide slowly into the sea. If you're lucky enough to be here in February, you might catch a glimpse of a pod of humpback whales swimming along the coast on their annual migration.
Virgin Gorda
Much more laid back and quiet, Virgin Gorda offers a lot to see and do. Spanish Town, the original capital of the BVI, is the main port of entry to the island. Many people use Speedy's ferry from Road Town or arrive by private boat. While there is history and plenty of man-made attractions, it's nature that steals the show here. Certainly the most popular and most impressive natural spot on the islands is the area known as The Baths. It's a spectacular rock formation of huge granite boulders that were thrust to the surface many millions of years ago. Eons of weathering formed the rounded shapes and tumbled piles strewn along the beach. The adventurous can climb the boulders and explore the labyrinth of nooks and crannies. Be sure to spend a few minutes relaxing in one of the pools formed by the boulders. It'll be your own private grotto. Then put on your mask and snorkel for an underwater view where colourful tropical fish abound and secretive animals like the shy octopus may be spotted skulking through the rock crevices.
Not far from The Baths is Coppermine National Park. Here you'll see lots of rocks with the characteristic greenish hue of copper ore. This natural resource first attracted the Spanish businessmen some five centuries ago. Since then, the mine has experienced several periods of mining activity to extract the valuable ore. Today, the National Parks Trust manages the site and is restoring the structure as an educational exhibit.
Nature lovers will enjoy walking the trails at Gorda Peak National Park. There are several nice walks that lead to the highest point on the island. It's worth the hike just for the magnificent views. Who knows, on a clear day you might even spot the island of Saba, many miles to the southeast.
To truly explore the island and find those out-of-the-way spots, you can hire a taxi, or better yet, rent a vehicle from Mahogany Car Rental or Speedy's Car Rental. You can set your own schedule and enjoy the places you discover at your leisure.
While you're exploring, be sure to visit the beaches at Savannah Bay. They are beautiful wide beaches with incredible views of offshore islands. Best of all, you may be able to have the beach all to yourself. When you finally feel the need for civilization, head to nearby Nail Bay. This is a resort of luxury villas with all the amenities you could want. You can enjoy the beaches, have a meal and explore the restoration works at the 19th-century sugar plantation. But beware, you may fall in love with the place and either lease or buy one of the villas.
As you continue your tour, drive over the hill to North Sound. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking. As you drive down to the settlement of Gun Creek, you can take a detour to visit Leverick Bay, a full service resort with hotel, restaurant, water sports and plenty of shopping. When you reach the end of the road at Gun Creek, you'll have your choice of ferries to Biras Creek, the Bitter End Yacht Club or Saba Rock. All are resorts nestled in the protected waters of North Sound and offer fine dining and a wonderful island experience. You will have fun no matter which one you choose.
Jost Van Dyke
A bit out of the way and very laid back; that pretty much describes this island. With a population of less than 300, it's not likely that you'll be caught in rush hour traffic, except maybe on a beach on a holiday party weekend.
While small, Jost Van Dyke is large on choices for fun. A good place to start is the village at Great Harbour. This is a small community of island-style wooden houses nestled behind a long, soft-sand beach. Bars, restaurants and boutiques line the beach from end to end. Of course, the most famous by far is Foxy's. Foxy Callwood is legendary in the Virgin Islands for his unique style of entertainment and the island ambience he's nurtured over the past four decades. The New Year's Eve party at Foxy's is always among the top 10 in the world, and the rich and famous are regulars at Foxy's.
Just west of Great Harbour is the incredible beach at White Bay. Aptly named, it's home to the Soggy Dollar Bar and the favourite island drink, the Painkiller. This is a popular beach, often attracting masses of sun worshippers on holiday weekends.
For nature enthusiasts, a hike to the bubbly pool is a must-do. To get there, walk along the eastern shore from Foxy's Taboo restaurant. The trail is easy to follow. Along the way, you'll pass a salt pond that often has ducks, egrets and an assortment of water birds. When you reach the pool, you can slide in for an exhilarating feeling of sea foam and bubbles, like a big natural Jacuzzi.
If you want to explore on your own or find an experienced guide, be sure to contact Sea and Land Adventures, which offers any number of choices to make your visit to the island memorable. You might even ask them to arrange a visit to nearby Sandy Cay. This uninhabited island is perfect to bring out the Robinson Crusoe in you. You can walk the trails and enjoy the wildlife with BVI Eco-Tours or play on the most beautiful beach imaginable. The memories you'll find on this island will last forever.
Anegada
Anegada means "drowned land" and is so named because it is flat, flat, flat. An ancient coral reef that was formed eons ago during the ice ages, Anegada is unlike any other island in the BVI. With a population of slightly more than 200, this island is truly serene. If you really want to get away from it all, this is about as far as you can go.
Anegada is one giant beach — wide, soft and inviting, with sprinklings of rocks and a mangrove-speckled shoreline. Best of all, you'll see more crabs and birds than people. Naturally, isolated beaches are the main attraction. Miles of nothing but soft, clean sand are the sight people come to see.
The best beaches are on the north shore. After you've done enough walking and feel like having a cold beverage and maybe a bite to eat, stop at Cow Wreck Beach, Loblolly or Flamboyant. These are quaint island beach restaurants with lots of character. While the beaches are fantastic, don't overlook what's underwater. There are endless coral reefs to explore, and each of these restaurants offers superb snorkelling just offshore. You will see tropical fish, lobster, queen conch and maybe even sea turtles. It makes for a memorable natural experience.
Enjoy another memorable experience with a visit to the flamingo colony. Although flamingos were excessively hunted in the 1800s and early 1900s, recent conservation efforts succeeded in reintroducing the magnificent birds to the area. Now you can marvel at a flock of well over 100 birds as they fly from pond to pond.
For the fishermen, Anegada offers world-class fly-fishing on the shallow flats southeast of the island. You can charter a boat and guide and then search for your world record.
Back on the island, don't miss a drive through the Settlement. This is where most of the population resides and the style of houses is reminiscent of life on the island before modern "civilisation" arrived. Take your camera to preserve the memories, because this is a true step back in time.
Art Gone Wild Safari Buses
By Clive Petrovic
Like all tourist destinations, the BVI has its share of taxis. The most popular and certainly most visible are the Safari Buses. These vehicles are customized to carry 20-25 passengers in open-air comfort, but the most interesting feature of almost every Safari Bus in the BVI is the artwork painted on its sides.
While some drivers place advertising on their vehicles, such as the Capt. Friendly 2-hour Tour, most depict historical or environmental scenes. Fish, dolphins and marine life are naturally popular. Many drivers exhibit scenes of beaches, scenic vistas or views of special significance. Sailing boats and powerboats are also popular. One bus even has a cruise ship painted on its side.
Drivers take great pride in their buses and artwork. The paintings are generally airbrushed by local artists. One talented young artist named "Ghost" has painted several vehicles. Aden, another BVI artist, is very good with the airbrush. A wonderful example of his work can be seen on Alford Christopher's bus. The sides of the bus contain scenes from the movie Finding Nemo. Nemo and all his friends make the bus especially attractive to children. Christopher credits his son Bryan with the idea for the Nemo scenes. Actually, Christopher deserves credit for originating the idea of art on buses. He first painted a bus in 1993. Since then, many drivers have personalized the concept. In fact, visiting a parking lot of Safari Buses is a lot like touring an art gallery. So, the next time you take a taxi, take a moment to enjoy the art that goes along with the ride.
Top Five things to see and do on Tortola:
- Take a historical walking tour in town - don't forget to do some shopping.
- Visit the Callwood Rum Distillery in Cane Garden Bay.
- Take a hike at Sage Mountain National Park.
- Take a stroll through the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Garden.
- Visit the historical museum at Old Government House
(or another historical attraction).
Top Five things to see and do on Virgin Gorda:
- Visit The Baths and explore to your heart's content.
- Learn about history at Coppermine National Park.
- Hike the trails to Gorda Peak.
- Find your own beach hideaway at Savannah Bay.
- Drive over the hill to Gun Creek and explore North Sound.
Top Five things to see and do on Jost Van Dyke:
- Visit Foxy's Tamarind Bar in Great Harbour.
- Take a walk to the bubbly pool.
- Enjoy a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay.
- Explore the quaint island community in Great Harbour.
- Escape to uninhabited Sandy Cay.
TopFive things to see and do on Anegada:
- See the flamingos on the western salt ponds.
- Walk for miles on a deserted beach.
- Visit the Settlement and step back in time.
- Snorkel on spectacular coral reefs.
- Go fly-fishing on the shallow flats.
BVI Eco-Tours
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: 495-0271
E-mail: info@bvi-ecotours.com
Website: www.bvi-ecotours.com
Whether you want to snorkel 15 different sites, hike through natural out-island ecosystems, explore the islands by boat or any combination of adventures, this is the private excursion for you! Call for details and reservations. Half-day $275 / Full-day $395 / plus fuel. The only licenced Eco-Tourism Operator in the BVI.
Island Helicopters International, Ltd.
East End, Tortola
Tel: 499-2663
Fax: 495-2538
E-mail: info@helicoptersbvi.com
Website: www.helicoptersbvi.com
Island Helicopters provides airport transfers to and from all the islands. Scenic and photographic tours available. Spend the day shopping or exploring sister islands. Landing on an Anegada beach is unforgettable. Emergency and medical transfers.
Check out our sightseeing suggestions for British Virgin Islands,
island-by-island using the links above.
To get to the BVI's call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300, book your trip on aa.com, or for travel information, visit www.EagleLatitudes.com.
Book your stay direct and save - using our BVI hotel guide.
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Because the BVI is an island territory, getting around requires transport either by boat or by air. The basic transport between islands is also a great way to see the sights. Since many visitors arrive from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, water transportation is the most popular means of getting around. Historically, ferries carried passengers between the islands. However, many visitors now elect to travel by water taxi. The Dohms Water Taxi provides customized service right to a desired location instead of to a crowded ferry terminal. Along the way, visitors are treated to an island tour. This is a more relaxing way to travel between countries or within a territory, and the perfect way to begin a vacation.
This is the largest and most populated of the BVI. Home to more than 75 percent of the population, Tortola is the economic and administrative heart of the territory. Because there are lots of people, there are plenty of amenities and activities. While there is much to see and do on the island, perhaps the best place to start is in the capital Road Town, conveniently located in the middle of the island. 
If your interests lean toward the natural, there are numerous parks and natural areas to explore. Perhaps the best place to start is at the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens, a quiet place full of exotic flowers and tropical critters. It's a good place to relax in the shade of a large mango tree, especially after a walking tour of the town. If hiking is more your style, then head to the Sage Mountain National Park. The hiking trails surround the highest peak on Tortola. The walks are cool and pleasant, and the views are spectacular.
Much more laid back and quiet, Virgin Gorda offers a lot to see and do. Spanish Town, the original capital of the BVI, is the main port of entry to the island. Many people use Speedy's ferry from Road Town or arrive by private boat. While there is history and plenty of man-made attractions, it's nature that steals the show here. Certainly the most popular and most impressive natural spot on the islands is the area known as The Baths. It's a spectacular rock formation of huge granite boulders that were thrust to the surface many millions of years ago. Eons of weathering formed the rounded shapes and tumbled piles strewn along the beach. The adventurous can climb the boulders and explore the labyrinth of nooks and crannies. Be sure to spend a few minutes relaxing in one of the pools formed by the boulders. It'll be your own private grotto. Then put on your mask and snorkel for an underwater view where colourful tropical fish abound and secretive animals like the shy octopus may be spotted skulking through the rock crevices. 
While you're exploring, be sure to visit the beaches at Savannah Bay. They are beautiful wide beaches with incredible views of offshore islands. Best of all, you may be able to have the beach all to yourself. When you finally feel the need for civilization, head to nearby Nail Bay. This is a resort of luxury villas with all the amenities you could want. You can enjoy the beaches, have a meal and explore the restoration works at the 19th-century sugar plantation. But beware, you may fall in love with the place and either lease or buy one of the villas. 
While small, Jost Van Dyke is large on choices for fun. A good place to start is the village at Great Harbour. This is a small community of island-style wooden houses nestled behind a long, soft-sand beach. Bars, restaurants and boutiques line the beach from end to end. Of course, the most famous by far is Foxy's. Foxy Callwood is legendary in the Virgin Islands for his unique style of entertainment and the island ambience he's nurtured over the past four decades. The New Year's Eve party at Foxy's is always among the top 10 in the world, and the rich and famous are regulars at Foxy's.
Anegada is one giant beach — wide, soft and inviting, with sprinklings of rocks and a mangrove-speckled shoreline. Best of all, you'll see more crabs and birds than people. Naturally, isolated beaches are the main attraction. Miles of nothing but soft, clean sand are the sight people come to see. 
Like all tourist destinations, the BVI has its share of taxis. The most popular and certainly most visible are the Safari Buses. These vehicles are customized to carry 20-25 passengers in open-air comfort, but the most interesting feature of almost every Safari Bus in the BVI is the artwork painted on its sides. 