British Virgin Islands Travel Guide
Introduction
East of Puerto Rico, there is an archipelago known as the Virgin Islands. Three different nations control different portions of this chain, with 60 of them falling under British control.
Used in the past to grow sugar, it is now popular as a tourist destination. With a collection of beaches that regularly figure among the most beautiful in the Caribbean, it is a great place for those looking for an escape from the icy grip of winter.
Currency: U.S. Dollars
Languages: English
What To Do
The British Virgin Islands does not have much in the way of historical attractions. However, the Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum is a great place to go if you want to get a sense of how things were in the past.
Before tourism became the dominant industry, the primary export of the British Virgin Islands was sugar. This museum tells the story of one of its greatest plantations.
Within the former processing facility, there are many artifacts relating to both sugar production and day-to-day life on the British Virgin Islands.
In addition to muskets, bedding and baskets, there’s also a collection of island art that is refreshed on a regular basis, making this destination suitable for art lovers.
The islands did not just export sugar in the past, but they also manufactured rum. The Callwood Distillery is the oldest continually operating rum distillery in the Eastern Caribbean.
They have been producing their blend for over 300 years, and they still use the same copper vats and wooden casks that they have used over the centuries.
You’ll be able to enjoy a short tour through their small facility, and with four shots available for a dollar afterwards, you’ll have the chance to enjoy their fine blend without having to spend too much money.
Into snorkeling or diving? There are plenty of places around the British Virgin Islands that are suitable for snorkelers and divers, but the waters of Rhone National Marine Park is a great place to enjoy the sights beneath the waves.
In addition to coral reefs, this park is also home to the shipwreck of RMS Rhone. This makes this place popular among divers, as it has created a unique environment for local marine life, and its history adds to its appeal among enthusiasts.
Those that are into hiking and avid photographers will want to climb Virgin Gorda Peak at some point in their British Virgin Island holiday.
The time investment is small, as the two paths that leads to the summit (1,359 feet) only take 15 minutes to walk each way.
The sweat involved in getting to the top will be worth it, as the views of lush jungle and aquamarine water below is more than an ample reward for your efforts.
As with many other Caribbean islands, the majority of travelers that come to the British Virgin Islands spend much of their time on its impressive beaches.
The most unique of these is The Baths. A beach covered with randomly strewn granite boulders, there are many hidden channels, grottoes, and sections of beach that are secluded from each other.
With an appearance that wouldn’t be out of character in the Seychelles, spending time at The Baths is a must when visiting the British Virgin Islands.
White Bay might be a more traditional beach than The Baths, but it is no less enticing for those that are seeking the quintessential Caribbean paradise experience.
Along this lengthy stretch, there are beach bars and numerous opportunities to simply walk into the water with fins and a mask and enjoy some excellent snorkeling.
Devil’s Bay is a wonderful spot for those that are looking for a chill spot that is hard to reach for casual visitors.
Accessible by a 15-minute hike from The Baths, or by boat, this place lacks the crowds that are present at most other beaches around the islands.
What to Eat
A stew that traces its origins from Africa, Callaloo is a popular dish enjoyed by locals in the British Virgin Islands.
It consists of a vegetable base that includes leafy greens such as spinach or okra, as well as seafood or meat like crab, lobster, or ham.
Throughout the history of immigration to the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands have attracted people from all over the world.
This included immigrants from places like India, who took their culinary traditions with them when they arrived in this part of the world.
As a result, you will find Roti on the menus here, which involves a variety of vegetables and meats drenched in curry and then wrapped up in a thin pastry.
Baked or fried, it is a flavorful treat to have in the British Virgin Islands between lunch and dinner.
When it comes to main courses, most islanders enjoy seafood such as salted cod fish, but they also have this and other dishes with a variety of sides.
A unique one that you should enjoy while in the British Virgin Islands is Fungi. Created from cornmeal that has been boiled until it resembles polenta, it is the perfect accompaniment to many local dishes found in these islands.
