Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in the British Virgin Islands

If you are a regular reader to this magazine then the BVI needs no introduction. It is the charter capital of the world and for good reason. The trade winds are consistent, the waters are protected for sailing, navigation is easy, and for the most part every bay has a bar and restaurant to enjoy once you are there. Below is my top ten favorites after a decade of running charters in the BVI. I am sure your top ten is going to be different and that is the great thing about the BVI…there is something for everyone from sailors to all inclusive resorts. 

10. Tobago Cays

Unlike the rest of the BVI, we are going to start this list off with a very uncrowded place that many people have not actually heard of. The Tobago Cays consist of two small islands 5 miles west of Jost Van Dyke. On the leeward side of Great Tobago Cay there is a nice little harbor where a boat can anchor or pick up a mooring. The snorkeling is good and you will not see another boat while here. Just be careful of King Rock when you leave. It sits south of the island and only sticks out of the water by a couple feet. 

9. Peter Island

I know many people will have Peter Island a lot higher due to the anchoring option in Little Harbour and the Peter Island Resort. Plus there is the less explored leeward side of the island. Great Harbour has some good snorkeling along the shore and there are many mooring options. My favorite thing about Peter Island is the legend of the song “Yo, Ho, Ho, and a Bottle of Rum” involving nearby Dead Chest Island and Deadman’s Bay.

8. Tortola

For the most part sailors steer clear of Tortola since it is the commercial hub of the territory and Road Harbour has few protected anchorages among all the ship traffic. With that said, both West End (Sopers Hole) and Cane Garden Bay are huge highlights. West End is a well protected harbor where you can check into the territory, shop, and even explore a creek separating Tortola and Frenchman’s Cay. Cane Garden Bay is a great anchorage with a beautiful crescent moon shaped beach lined with bar and restaurant options and one of the oldest rum distilleries…Just be careful during a north swell!

7. North Sound

The large, protected bay on the north end of Virgin Gorda is a little cruising ground in its own right. I feel you could spend 3-4 days here and not be bored. Between the resorts of Leverick Bay (with the Micheal Bean’s show), Saba Rock (with the tarpon feeding), and Bitter End Yacht Club there are places to go each night. There are also anchoring opportunities throughout the bay along with beaches and snorkeling. Plus just outside the North Sound on the west side of Mountain Point are some unknown gems I call The Toilet Bowl (a 25 foot cliff jump into a round pool), The Lion’s Den (a cave that growls), and The Dragon’s Back (an underwater cave with air holes along the way).

6. Full Moon Party at Trellis Bay

Every month there is a party in Trellis Bay celebrating the full moon that is capped off with the lighting of the fireballs. Even if you do not get here for the full moon, I still enjoy the shops along the beach. Plus within one mile you have Marina Cay, Scrub Island, and Monkey Point.

5. The Rhone

Just off Salt Island the HMS Rhone sank on October 29, 1867. It is broken into two sections with the stern sitting in 20-40 feet of water and is easily snorkeled. The bow section is in 40-80 feet of water and is a very popular scuba dive site. In 1977 the film The Deep featured this shipwreck. Besides the great access for both snorkelers and divers, the history of the sinking makes it one of the best shipwrecks in the world. One mile away is Cooper Island with a great boutique resort that everyone loves to visit.

4. Norman Island

As the inspiration of the novel Treasure Island, Norman Island has a lot to offer. My favorite is The Caves on the west coast where you can snorkel into three different caves. Outside The Caves is good coral and lots of fish. In The Bight you will find the famous Willy T, which is on its third incarnation. This floating bar can easily compete with any frat party. Jumping from the top deck is awesome, but you no longer get a t-shirt for doing it topless. If you want more sophisticatication then Pirate’s Bight is your place with a nice beach. One mile away is the ever popular Indians snorkel site.

3. Jost Van Dyke

Named after a Dutch pirate, Jost Van Dyke has four excellent bays to enjoy. White Bay is the perfect beach and day anchorage with the Soggy Dollar Bar being everyone’s highlight (although I personally prefer Hendo’s Hideout next door). Next is Great Harbour with town, Foxy’s (drinks and dancing), and Corsair’s (dinner). The only problem With Great Harbour is trying to find a mooring due to its popularity. That is why I prefer the quieter Little Harbour with Cynthia cooking amazing food at Harris’s Place. Finally we have the East End in order to visit the Bubbly Pool, Foxy’s Taboo, Sand Spit, and Sandy Cay.

2. Anegada

Vastly different than any of the other Virgin Islands, Anegada is a 27 foot tall coral island instead of the 200-1200 foot tall mountainous islands. This means the entire island is sandy, but my favorite place to hang out on the beach is the Anegada Beach Club (other popular places are Cow Wreck and Loblolly beaches. If you want snorkeling the best is Flash Of Beauty. Renting Mokas or scooters is always fun to explore the island and a trip to see the Conch Island will amaze you.

1. The Baths

Simply put you can not visit the BVI without a stop at The Baths. It is by far the coolest place and the crowds will bare this out! Either come in the morning or later afternoon to visit when the cruise ship guests are not around to explore this amazing site. My description to my guests is that it is a large pile of HUGE granite rocks that you will go between, over, and under. Sometimes you are in waist deep water while other times you are out of the water and if you want there are times you have to go underwater to get by. I have my own special path through this site that misses most of the crowds, but I highly encourage anyone visiting to branch off the main path and see what awaits you around the next rock.

 

Captain Shane has been running charters in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean since the beginning of the 2012 season. Check out his social media at svGuidingLight on the web, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Shane McClellan has written for ALL AT SEA since 2016.