Some may be aware that Norman Island, one of over 50 idyllic islands that constitute the archipelago of the British Virgin Islands, was supposedly the location that Robert Louis Stevenson based Treasure Island on. Today's visitors might not stumble across swashbuckling pirates or half-concealed treasure troves, but they will find a highly prized booty of soft sand and gentle, teal waters.
Nautical pursuits
The British Virgin Islands comprise sloping hills of green and the impressive Mount Sage National Park, but are mostly renowned for the nautical thrills on offer. Year-round winds provide exceptional conditions for sailing, and the British Virgin Islands happily celebrate this asset by staging frequent regattas and fairs. In addition, extensive coral reefs and famous shipwrecks are enough to entice anyone into the waters for a dive. For travelers who prefer to watch the sea rather than get into it, there is the breathtaking chance of spotting dolphins and whales criss-crossing the surface.
Keen conservationists
Paradise does come at a cost. Overall, the British Virgin Islands are quite an expensive destination. But, for some, this is the necessary price of saving a Caribbean gem from over-commercialization. If this is the intention, the British Virgin Islands are, for now, a resounding success.
Geography
The 50-plus islands, rocks and cays of the British Virgin Islands, only 16 of which are inhabited, make up the larger part of an archipelago forming the northern extremity of the Leeward Islands in the eastern Caribbean. They are situated approximately 100km (62 miles) east of Puerto Rico, adjoining the US Virgin Islands. The islands are volcanic in origin, with the exception of Anegada, which is formed of coral and limestone and is the lowest lying. The topography is otherwise mountainous, the highest point being Tortola’s Sage Mountain, which rises to 550m (1,800ft). There are remnants of a primeval rainforest on Tortola.
There are over 60 islands, rocks and cays in the British Virgin Islands archipelago but only 16 are inhabited. All of them, apart from Anegada, are volcanic in origin. In general, the atmosphere is quiet and uncommercialized, with miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches and concealed bays offering privacy and peace. The islands are situated in one of the finest sailing areas in the world. The scenery ranges from jagged mountain peaks covered with frangipani to banana and mango groves and palm trees. Tortola, a major yachting center, with a population of approximately 16,000, is the largest island of
the group. It is linked by a bridge to Beef Island, site of the international airport. Road Town, on the south coast of Tortola, is the capital of the British Virgin Islands. It has a colorful market and delightful West Indian-style houses. Other attractions on the island are the Sage Mountain National Park and the J R O’Neal Botanic Gardens. Many of the best beaches are on the northern part of the island, with names such as Smugglers’ Cove, Long Bay and Brewer’s Bay. Cane Garden Bay is host to a number of bars and nightspots. There is an excellent view of the island and its coast from Sage Mountain, 550m (1800ft) above sea level.
Other islands worth visiting are the coral island of Anegada, famous for the many shipwrecks in the surrounding waters and a favorite diving area; Salt Island, where salt is harvested each year and a bag sent to HM Queen Elizabeth II; Norman Island, with caves and a wealth of local sea-shanties and tales of treasure; and Virgin Gorda. On this island are found the famous Baths, a unique rock formation of dimly lit grottoes and caves. Most of its attractions can be reached only by foot or boat. The smaller islands have strange names that are often the result of an historical connection with smuggling and piracy – for example, Fallen Jerusalem, Necker Island (owned by Richard Branson), Great Camanoe, Great Dogs and Ginger Island.
