The British Virgin Islands are the perfect place to sail, as they're full of gorgeous scenery, they're only a short plane ride away form the US, and they offer constant winds for bareboat or catamaran charter fans. Explore the BVI's largest island, Tortola, before embarking on your BVI bareboat charter vacation.
Begin in Road Town, the island's capitol and main commercial center.Road Town surrounds the harbor like an amphitheater, with its buildings sprawling up the hillsides. The town is a great shopping destination, with boutiques offering native goods along Main Street, as well as offering Farmers' Markets and a Crafts Area. Roam these areas to chat with locals and pick up unique foods and souvenirs.
While in Road Town, see what's in bloom at the J.R. O'Neal Botanical Gardens. If you're a gardener, botanist or just eager for a leisurely stroll, come relax and enjoy the diverse flora in its four acres of native tropical plants. The park offers a miniature rainforest, exotic birds, turtle pond, cactus garden and palm grove.The park is run by friendly local volunteers, only requires a small entrance fee, and provides a shady retreat in the center of the city.
To experience a bit of the island's history, visit Brewer's Bay on the north side of the island. You can view the ruins of 18th century sugar plantations along the beach and road leading into town. Today, it's a gorgeous, tranquil location for swimming, snorkeling and diving. For a particularly beautiful swimming location, check out the Brewer's Bay Pinnacle, a towering rock off the west point of the bay surrounded by barrier reefs. Also visit Cane Garden Bay and Mount Healthy National Park nearby.The bay is home to the oldest working rum distillery in Tortola, as well as a prime diving location. The park features an intact windmill, as well as other relics from the sugar plantation era.
Be sure to explore Norman Isle, which is rumored to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, first published in 1883. The island once served as a den for pirates in the 18th century. Today its caves, coastline and offshore reefs provide fabulous snorkeling spots. Legend has it that Stevenson's character, Mr. Fleming, buried his prized treasure on the south most island. Explore the island's central ridge, Spy Glass Hill, by hiking through the island's scrubland.
Tortola is a great starting point to visit before sailing off on your catamaran charter or BVI bareboat charter vacation. From lively towns, beautiful gardens, secluded beaches and fascinating historical relics, this island will give you a taste of everything the British Virgin Islands has to offer.
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