Most of the 50 or so islands and cays that make up the British Virgin Islands are grouped around the Sir Francis Drake Channel, which is renowned as one of the finest and safest sailing waters in the world. The British Virgin Islands are situated some 60 miles east of Puerto Rico and form part of a chain (archipelago) of Caribbean Islands created 25 million years ago. The exception being Anegada, which is a coral and limestone atoll only 28 feet above sea level. There is something for everyone in the BVI, from superb sailing and diving to exploring ancient sugar mill ruins; tropical forest to pristine beaches; splendid dining to lively entertainment.
Anegada
Anegada comes from the Spanish word for sunken land; it is a coral island with its highest point only 28 feet above sea level, covering 15 square miles it can barely be seen on the horizon when approached by sea. It's known for its miles of endless white sand beaches and the horseshoe reef, which in years past has ensnared hundreds of shipwrecks ranging from sixteenth century treasure ships to modern cargo vessels. Anegada was quite popular with the pirates because of its dangerous reef and difficult access, the island provided seclusion as well as a steady supply of ships to loot as they wrecked on the reef.
Jost Van Dyke, a four-square mile island to the north of Tortola's West End. Once the reputed hideaway for a Dutch pirate of the same name, Jost Van Dyke still welcomes travelers looking for a remote, rustic retreat and first-rate hiking trails. The best beaches are found at Great Harbor, a beachside West Indian village and White Bay, while Main Street is a sandy strip of beach holding the BVI customs house and several, small beach cafes famed for their freshly baked banana bread and coconut muffins.
Norman Island
Also overlooking the Channel south of Tortola is Norman Island, which is the reputed setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" and is still known for tales of hidden treasure. Norman Island is known for its beautiful scenery and secluded beaches.
Peter Island
East of Norman Island is Peter Island, location of a large resort which is accessible by water only. It is a great place to stay with its excellent sporting facilities. Tennis, sailing, and diving are all available, as well as nearly five miles of secluded beaches and peaceful anchorages.
Tortola
Tortola, or "land of turtle doves", is the Territory's main island and has a population of over 14,000. Tortola Overlooks the Sir Francis Drake Channel and is situated about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico Tortola's mountain peaks are covered with frangipani and sage on its southern coast, while its northern shores display white sandy beaches, groves of bananas and mangoes and clusters of palm trees. Sage Mountain National Park is at 1,780 feet above sea level, the BVI's highest point. Filled with lush tropical vegetation, the park exhibits many of the characteristics of a tropical rain forest.
Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda, or "Fat Virgin", refers to a protruding mountain noted by Columbus on this second largest of the British Virgin Isles. Only ten miles long and two miles wide (8.5 square miles), with a population of about 2,500, the island is known for its yacht clubs, quiet coves, and safe anchorages for bareboat. It is linked to the other islands by a small airport and regular ferry services. The northern half of the island is mountainous with a good-sized peak of 1,500 feet (Gorda Peak National Park – the highest point on the island), while the southern half is flat and scattered with giant boulders
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