What to see in British Virgin Islands: 6 must-sees
Discover what to see in British Virgin Islands: 6 must-see destinations, from The Baths to Wreck of the RMS Rhone. Predominantly natural and beach; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Natural(3)
Explore the labyrinth of giant granite boulders resting on the white sand of southern Virgin Gorda, where the rocks form natural pools and walkable grottos between The Baths and Devil's Bay. Move along crouching through stone tunnels, climb wooden ladders anchored in the rock, and finish with a swim in the calm waters of Devil's Bay. This site, a tourist symbol of the archipelago, is designated a protected national park. Wear sturdy footwear, arrive early to avoid the cruise ship crowds, and allow a full hour to cross the trail from end to end without rushing.
Step into Anegada, the only coral atoll in the archipelago, and you'll immediately notice that here the land barely rises above the sea. Order lobster at the sandy beach shacks of Setting Point, where it is grilled according to local tradition, then look for the rock iguanas that survive in the arid interior. Sail to Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean, beneath which lie more than 300 documented shipwrecks that now shelter fish and corals. Wear water shoes: the coral seabed demands respect.
Swim among the sea caves of The Caves, on the island that inspired Stevenson's Treasure Island, and continue on to The Indians, rocky pinnacles where you snorkel among corals and tropical fish. Sailboats anchor here on their routes through the British Virgin Islands, so arriving early lets you explore the grottos at leisure before they fill with visitors. Bring your own gear and enter at calm tide to see the interior better.
Beach(2)
Sail to northwestern Tortola and anchor off Cane Garden Bay, a crescent of sand where calm waters invite you to swim and snorkel near the shore. Before going ashore, head to the beach bars that line the bay and listen to the live music playing at sunset. It is the busiest beach in the British Virgin Islands and the heart of its seafaring life: sailboats, catamarans, and fishermen share the bay every day. Book a table early in high season and stay to watch the sun disappear behind the green hills that frame the coast.
Follow the wake of the sailboats to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke and anchor off its talc-colored sand cove. There you'll find the Soggy Dollar Bar, birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail, which you order with wet feet after swimming in from your boat. During the end-of-year festivities, the anchorage fills with crews celebrating over drinks and music—a classic stop on the Caribbean sailing routes.
Natural Heritage(1)
Explore the RMS Rhone, a British mail steamship sunk by a hurricane in October 1867 off Salt Island. Its remains lie between 9 and 25 meters deep and form one of the most visited dive wrecks in the Caribbean. The ship's structure is still recognizable underwater, and it is protected as a marine national park, allowing you to explore the wreck in a regulated, well-preserved environment—ideal for those seeking history and diving in one place.
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