Sunset over Tortola © Graeme Maccallum
Often referred to as 'Nature's Little Secrets', visitors to the
British Virgin Islands will not be hard pressed to find out why.
Abounding in natural beauty, the 36 islands making up the Caribbean
archipelago (16 of which are uninhabited) have kept the affects of
tourism at bay and offer unblemished beaches, numerous unspoilt
anchorages, exotic fauna and flora and a low-key lifestyle.
Situated about 50 miles (80km) east of Puerto Rico and just
north east of the US Virgin Islands, the islands and cays that make
up the British Virgin Islands are clustered around the Sir Francis
Drake Channel, which is renowned for its sheltered, crystal clear
waters. Its location has made the archipelago a Mecca for yachting
enthusiasts and the islands are known as one of the best and safest
sailing destinations in the world, with reliable trade winds, near
perfect weather and a choice of secluded and intriguing bays to
visit.
The largest island, Tortola, is the yachting capital of the
Caribbean and the territory's main commercial centre, its beautiful
mountainous slopes endowed with tropical fruits and flowers. It is
an ideal base from which to explore some of the other inhabited
islands such as Virgin Gorda, noted for its spectacular geological
formations and one of BVI's most famous landmarks - The Baths.
Travellers in search of a remote and rustic retreat, with the smell
of freshly baked banana bread and the sounds of the famed
calypso-singing in the air, should head for the friendly beach
haven of Jost Van Dyke, while the reefs surrounding Anagada's
low-lying coral atoll and its miles of deserted white beaches
shouldn't be missed by divers, snorkellers and sun worshippers.
Besides these major islands, there are also dozens of secluded
islets and cays to explore, each blessed with its own special charm
and unique beauty.
