All Hands on Deck: Island Hopping in the BVIs

Visit the Virgin Gorda Baths

The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is a unique coastal area famous for massive, volcanic granite boulders, some over 40 feet in diameter, which form scenic tidal pools, hidden tunnels, and grottos along the beach. Located on the southern end of the island, this popular attraction offers a stunning, maze-like trail leading to secluded spots like Devil’s Bay and the “Cathedral Room”. You can hike a 15–20 minute trail through rocky tunnels and wading pools, which involves climbing and walking through narrow passages, eventually opening up to pristine, clear-water beaches ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Bring your water shoes.

Shark Bay

Shark Bay is a coastal park on the northern shore of Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. Established in 1999, it is one of the newest national parks in the region. You can hike through this protected area, which features a shady tropical forest, a beautiful rocky beach, and an impressive cliff rising above the waves.

Snorkel at The Caves at Norman Island

Norman Island has some of the best snorkeling in the BVIs. Other top spots include Sandy Cay, Cistern Point, and the Wreck of the Rhone.

Rent a car on Tortola

Tortola is one of the largest islands in the BVIs, which makes it ideal for exploring. Most rental companies operate out of Road Town, offering easy access to explore the entire island’s hidden beaches and high-altitude views. Stop at Omar’s Fusion or Patricia’s Beach Bar for cocktails and a snack.

Beach hop on Aneganda

Aneganda, the northernmost British Virgin Island, is renowned for its pristine, uncrowded beaches. Cow Wreck Beach and Loblolly Bay are considered the best, and Cow Wreck is well-known for its popular beach bar, Tipsy. Flash of Beauty Beach is another favorite. This is a more secluded, quieter beach offering great snorkeling and a truly relaxing, quiet, and scenic environment. Consider renting a jeep or moke to explore the island.

See Aneganda’s Flamingos

Be sure to check out the local flamingo population at Flamingo Pond! The best time to see the flock is early in the morning or in the late afternoon when they’re feeding. While they are always there, population numbers can vary, but they are a permanent, thriving feature of the island’s salt ponds.

Foxy’s

Located on the island of Jost Van Dyke, Foxy’s Bar is a local treasure originally opened by Philicianno “Foxy” Callwood. Young Foxy saw a future in catering to weary sailors who passed through the BVIs and opened his bar and restaurant in 1968. For more than 50 years, Foxy has been welcoming sailors and tourists to “his island,” and his enterprise is often recognised as the birthplace of the BVI’s Yachting tourism industry.

The Soggy Dollar Bar

This world-famous beach bar, located on White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, is best known for its legendary Painkillers. Originated and perfected at the Soggy Dollar in the 1970's, this smooth, full flavored rum cocktail has become a quintessential symbol of the BVIs.

Willy T’s Floating Bar & Grill

This spot can only be reached by dinghy because it’s quite literally… on the water. The famous bar and grill is operated out of a retired barge called the Willy T, named after William Thorton who was a British-American physician, inventor, and architect. Daredevils can (safely) jump off the barge into the water to swim. If you’re ready for a party, Willy T’s is the place to go!

1748

Located inside an 18th-century rum distillery on Long Bay, Tortola, this unfussy yet sophisticated dining experience draws inspiration from Caribbean cuisine. Fresh and healthy meals sourced from local fishermen, island farms, and the resort’s own herb and vegetable garden deliver the highest quality organic produce from island to table.

The Aneganda Lobster Trap

The island of Aneganda is best known for its plethora of spiny lobster. The Lobster Trap is one of the best places on the island to enjoy local lobster, seafood of all kinds and traditional Caribbean fare. It’s also located on a beach, which is great for families.

Sugarcane Restaurant

Built on the grounds of a sugarcane plantation, the original restaurant on this site was a humble burger joint for over 16 years. After a hurricane destroyed the compound in 2017, the restaurant was renovated and reopened as Sugarcane. Today, they serve classics like burgers and wings with a modern twist. The restaurant is also connected to a members-only sports club for residents of Virgin Gorda.

The Dove

This is one of my favorite restaurants on Tortola. Housed in a recently renovated historic West Indian cottage in the very heart of Road Town, this hidden gem offers a casual fine dining experience. Sip on unique craft cocktails on the patio under the mango tree or take in the ocean breeze on the upper deck next to The Dragonfly Lounge before moving down to the dining room for dinner. Their seasonal menu is rotating and they offer live music sometimes.