Sailing to British Virgin Islands

MAP OF THE BEST PORTS & ANCHORAGES

Road Town

Road Town is the charming capital of Tortola, the main island of the BVI, a place that doesn’t clamor for attention, but once you step ashore, you’ll discover pastel-colored buildings, some of which have stood for over a century, and find everything from modern boutiques to century-old structures that house tiny businesses. But the real charm is in the little details: the weathered stone walls, the old shutters hanging at odd angles, the cool shade provided by overhanging balconies, all telling a story of days gone by.

Visit

The Old Government House Museum is a must-see. This former residence of the British Governors offers a peek into the island’s colonial past, complete with period furniture and historical exhibits, giving you a sense of what life might have been like here in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Things to do

Crafts Alive Village, where local artisans sell their wares. It’s a great spot to pick up some handmade crafts, jewelry, or batik fabrics. The lively atmosphere, with bright stalls and friendly vendors, is a fun place to browse and chat with the locals.

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda has always drawn those seeking a retreat. In the 1960s, the island caught the eye of billionaire Laurance Rockefeller, who built a resort here, helping to put Virgin Gorda on the map for luxury travelers. Despite this, the island has retained a grounded, unpretentious feel. Unlike the more developed islands, it still hums with the rhythm of the natural world, where goats wander casually along the roads, and chickens dart into bushes as you pass.

Visit

The remnants of a 19th-century Copper Mine is a window into the island’s industrial past. The old stone structures, standing stark against the blue of the sea, offer a haunting reminder of the people who worked here, extracting copper from the rocks under the blazing sun. You can walk among the ruins, imagining the clang of tools and the heat of the furnaces in an otherwise quiet corner of the island.

Beach

The Baths, a stunning geological wonder where giant granite boulders create hidden tidal pools, caves, and tunnels just waiting to be explored. It’s one of those rare places where you can swim, snorkel, and climb, all within a stone’s throw of each other. The shallow pools, fed by the tide, are perfect for wading or simply cooling off. As you wander through, you might hear tales about pirates once using the hidden coves as a stash for their loot—a little bit of myth that makes this spot feel even more magical.

Hiking

the Virgin Gorda Peak National Park offers some of the best views on the island. The trail snakes through a tropical forest filled with lush vegetation, winding its way up to the highest point on Virgin Gorda.

Norman Island

The island is rumoured to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. For centuries, sailors and explorers have been lured by stories of treasure buried deep beneath its rocky soil. In the 18th century, reports of gold coins discovered on the island sparked wild imaginations.

Visit

Norman Island Caves are a must-see. These naturally formed sea caves have been carved out over centuries by the relentless rhythm of the ocean, creating a labyrinth of hidden passages that beg to be explored. The caves are perfect for snorkeling, as they shelter tropical fish darting in and out of the rocks. Locals love to tell tales about pirates using these same caves to hide their loot, with some even claiming that secret passageways lie deep within the caverns.

Bar

The floating bar and restaurant Willy T has become something of an iconic stop for sailors. You’ll often find a party on deck, with music, good food, and the kind of camaraderie that only comes after a day of pirate’s island exploration.