British Virgin Islands Holidays

More than 40 British overseas territory-Caribbean islands make up the BVI. A handful of these larger islands are habituated whilst many of the smaller ones are not and can only be reached by boat. Although less tourism orientated, some of these less-visited mini islands boast beach bars and/or shipwrecks to scuba dive next to. Shipwrecks aside, endless bays and coves also see the BVI considered as a wonderland for sailing and diving aficionados. The Spanish Empire’s finding of the islands in the early 16th century saw several nations battling to control them, meaning the BVI is a historically rich, notorious pirate haunt. There really is a BVI holiday to please everyone. Depending on the island that one chooses to visit one can chill out in near-solitude, indulge in a wide range of water sports or get excitable with a cocktail (or three!) in hand.

British Virgin Islands: Popular Destinations

If peace and relaxation are key criteria for the perfect holiday, the tourism-heavy nearby U.S Virgin Islands (especially St. Thomas) are a no go. BVI is the home of unspoilt and tranquil Caribbean paradises. The four main (and therefore; most often visited) BVI islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke:

Tortola

The largest BVI island is Tortola and as such this is where the vast majority of the region’s population resides (18,000/22,000 total population). Tortola is the island most often selected by tourists looking to take a holiday to the British Virgin Islands. The island (its name meaning; “land of the Turtle Dove”) is a premier yachting and shopping destination. Paying a visit to the capital Road Town will see you benefit from duty-free commerce and a west-Indian handicraft and food stall district. Here you can buy a variety of conserves and – as one would expect – delicious sugar cane rum. The best beaches on Tortola are regularly cited to be Lambert Beach and Josiah’s Bay. If you fancy getting away (but not too far away) from the sand for a day however, the island’s National Park (Sage Mountain) and the JRO Neal Botanical Gardens are ideal spots for a picnic with loved ones.

Virgin Gorda

Hollywood movie stars and the equally wealthy love Virgin Gorda – the second most populous island of the region – for the exclusive five-star resorts, eateries and spas that it boasts but families will also love exploring this island together. As well as several beautiful national parks and the fascinating ruins of the world’s very first copper mine, Virgin Gorda is also home to The Baths which comprise interesting geological formations (of volcanic origin) including giant boulders, tidal pools and many tunnels to walk and crawl through. The Baths are the island’s most popular attraction.

Anegada

Anegada – north of Virgin Gorda and the second largest island – is one of the few BVI islands that is not mountainous or of volcanic origin. Instead Anegada is formed from coral and limestone and is home to the planet’s fourth largest coral barrier reef; Horseshoe Reef, which is 18 miles in length. Anegada (meaning “the drowned land”) is a prime location for those who enjoy fishing and/or diving and the island’s restaurants claim to serve the tastiest lobster available across the entire Caribbean. The remoteness of the island makes it the perfect choice for seclusion.

Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke is the smallest of the four main islands of the BVI territory. The island is only four miles in length and is home to less than two hundred inhabitants. JVD is a usual stop for anyone taking a water taxi tour of the area and its harbour (Great Harbour) is the most significant point of interest. Around it there are many bars and restaurants which bustle with excitement on nights such as New Year’s Eve (many will travel to JVD specifically for this event). The most fashionable tourist accommodation options are coast-front villas and cottages. Authentic Caribbean culture is often lost on islands that are densely populated and/or geared towards tourism and so Jost Van Dyke is ideal for anyone looking for a legitimate experience.

Planning a holiday to British Virgin Islands in 2012 or 2013?

Tropical Sky has the experience to help you plan your perfect holiday. Call our holiday Specialists today on 068 56861 (Listowel) and 01 6649999 (Dublin) and make the most of your next holiday in 2012 and 2013.

Holiday Highlights

• Ascending Mount Sage (Tortola) for the panoramic view of the island
• JRO Neal Botanical Gardens (Road Town)
• Exploring the cove-laden Baths (Virgin Gorda)
• Scuba Diving at Smugglers Cove (Tortola)
• The swim-accessible only cocktail bar in Biras Creek (Virgin Gorda)