The British Virgin Islands comprise more than fifty islands and cays, with the major inhabited islands being Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada ( ah-nee-GAH-da ) and Jost Van Dyke. Tortola contains the territory's capital, Road Town, and is the largest island in the British portion of the chain and boasts the highest population. The many uninhabited islands are popular sailing destinations for tourists, and boast a wide variety of local wildlife to experience. Many chartered tours are available through these portions of the archipelago. These islands are tinged with warm colors and white sand beaches cooled by refreshing breezes. About 60 miles ( 97 km ) east of Puerto Rico, the archipelago lies directly in the path of the trade winds and enjoys a pleasant climate with moderate rainfall and maximum sunlight.
Though not as developed as their U.S. sisters, the British Virgin Islands have a distinctive appeal. Tourism in the British Virgin Islands is primarily focused on the famous white beaches of the island chain, although the nightlife on Jost Van Dyke is also very well known. Visitors often arrive via cruise ship, and day trips sailing along the chain are popular diversions. Snorkeling and scuba diving along the islands' extensive network of coral reefs are also very popular activities, although ecological concerns have begun to limit access to some of these reefs. Tortola is known for its serene harbor and rugged 1,709-foot ( 521-m ) Mount Sage, Virgin Gorda Island has an untamed natural beauty, and uninhabited Norman Island is reputed to be the " Treasure Island " of Robert Louis Stevenson fame. Some of the smaller islands are privately owned and offer the ultimate in escapist vacations. The islands' most popular activity and biggest drawing card is sailing. Their reputation as a mecca for yachting enthusiasts, though long known by advocates of the sport, has been discovered by amateur sailors and tourists. As a result hundreds of yachts are available for charter. The more than 40 islands and cays are ripe for exploring.
Many half or full day cruises include a picnic lunch, snorkeling, swimming or tours of such sites as Virgin Gorda's Baths-gigantic boulders forming a labyrinthof grottoes and beaches. The best equiped marinas are on Tortola, VirginGorda and Peter Island. One should make reservations for longer sailing excursions during the peak season, December through February.
The clarity of the waters off these islands creates superb scuba and snorkeling conditions. Especially notable is the wreck of the RMS Rhone located Off Salt Island; this wreck is ranked as one of the top rated sites by several diving publications. Expert guides are available and arrangements can be made through any of the islands' many dive shops or hotels. Caribbean Images and Rainbow Visions in Tortola rent cameras and offer courses on underwater photography.
The appeal of the British Virgin Islands is tranquility, which means few dance clubs and no high rises, jets or mammoth cruise ships. Evening diversions, therefore, are minimal. Moonlight cruises, listening to a steel band or dancing to after-dinner music at one of the hotels constitute most of the organized activities. Tortola's Festival, held the last week in July through the first weekend in August, incorporates the Emancipation Day Parade; Virgin Gorda's Festival celebrations take place Easter weekend.
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