Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are territories of Her Majesty's land, but aside from scattered offerings of fish and chips, there's little that's overtly British. Most travelers come to hoist a jib and dawdle among the 50-plus isles. With steady trade winds, calm currents, protected bays and pirate-ship bars, this is one of the world's sailing hot spots.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

The Baths

Virgin Gorda

This collection of sky-high boulders marks a national park and the BVI’s most popular attraction. The rocks – volcanic-lava leftovers from some 70 million…
Cow Wreck Bay

British Virgin Islands

Here’s what you’ll find on dazzling, secluded Cow Wreck beach: the most sea-green water you’ve ever laid eyes on, colorful wooden beach chairs under…
Sage Mountain National Park

Tortola

At 1716ft, Sage Mountain rises higher than any other peak in the Virgin Islands. Seven trails crisscross the surrounding 92-acre park, including the main…
Flamingo Pond

British Virgin Islands

The large salt pond at the island's west end hosts a flock of greater flamingos. They were plentiful on Anegada and other cays in the BVI until hunters…
Cane Garden Bay

Tortola

Cane Garden Bay is probably on the postcard that drew you to the British Virgin Islands. The gently sloping crescent of sand hosts plenty of beachside…
Savannah Bay

Virgin Gorda

A short distance north of the Valley, Savannah Bay features more than a mile of white sand. Except for the beaches of Anegada, no other shore provides…
Norman Island

British Virgin Islands

Since 1843, legend has told that treasure is buried on Norman Island, supposedly the prototype for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It fits the…
Spring Bay

Virgin Gorda

An excellent beach with national-park designation, Spring Bay abuts the Baths to the north. The beauty here is having a Baths-like setting but without the…