A paradise for sailors, beach lovers and those seeking seclusion, the Virgin Islands (other than St Thomas which is more developed) offer over 100 islands scattered in beautiful, relatively calm, turquoise blue waters covering an area of over a thousand square miles. Mostly of volcanic origin, even the smallest of islands can rise dramatically from the sea to over 1300 feet (as Virgin Gorda does), and mixed vegetation of parched scrub, cactus, frangipani and ginger thomas as well as lusher mango trees, bananas and palms in places. The pace of life is generally very relaxed and friendly, especially on the tiny British islands, where everyone seems to know everyone else. The beaches are of coral sand and to be found in classic Caribbean coves, perhaps fringed by palm or sea grape. Snorkelling, diving and sailing are a way of life here with many places only accessible from the water. Perfect for lovers of the water as well as those seeking tranquillity and seclusion.
Facts
Capital Road Town on Tortola.
Airport Beef Island on Tortola.
Size Tortola is 21 square miles, Virgin Gorda is 8 square miles.
Currency US$ (about US$1.45 to £1)
Population
About 17,000.
Temperature
25 degrees Centigrade in the winter and 28 degrees Centigrade in
the summer.
Local highlights
Humpback whales and turtles can sometimes be spotted off the islands, Sailing along the Sir Francis Drake Channel, The Baths, granite boulders in the sea on the south side of Virgin Gorda, Snorkelling and scuba diving, Carnival on the BVI in July and August, Numerous regattas throughout the year, Rare 5ft iguanas on Virgin Gorda, Sage Mountain National Park on Tortola, Warblers, cattle egrets and bananaquits on Virgin Gorda. The Yellow Breast is the Virgin Islands national bird and the national flower is the Yellow Cedar. The Horseshoe Reef at 17kms is the third largest reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef and Belize and is now a protected area.
St John - a quiet, low key, small island, the majority of which has been designated a national park, that is famous for its donkeys. On Virgin Gorda you might want to visit Thelma’s for a local cook-out, Mad Dogs bar at the top of the Baths. From Virgin Gorda you can cross North Sound to Drake’s Anchorage on Mosquito Island or to the Sandbox restaurant on Prickly Pear for lunch.
Getting out and about
Mini-mokes and jeeps may be hired on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. There are few roads as such and many of the most remote beaches can only be reached from the sea. On the more remote islands you travel by boat - a highlight of any holiday to the Virgin Islands anyway. There are numerous ferry services between the islands. Diving and snorkelling are other ways to experience the aquatic life of the Virgin Islands.
Travel arrangements
Access to the Virgin Islands is easiest via Antigua. Flying time London to Antigua is approximately 8 hours. British Airways has direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua. Virgin Atlantic has direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua. BMI has direct flights from Manchester to Antigua. Then you connect by LIAT or Caribbean Star or a shared charter flight to Tortola (Beef Island) and onward by boat for Virgin Gorda and Peter Island. Or private charters can be arranged.
Two centre recommendations
Anguilla and Antigua.