Beaches

Many cruise ships travel to the British Virgin Islands with passengers that have a one-track mind, to see The Baths. Located on the shore of Virgin Gorda, this is one of the premier beaches in the entire world. Boulders line the beach, and are stacked all about, creating a fascinating contrast to the lush, glorious surrounding area. Geologists believe that these boulders were created by volcanic eruptions during the ice age. The pools here are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and the area is perfect for exploring the cave-like atmosphere. Devil's Bay is another fabulous beach near The Baths. It is usually much less crowded. Cane Garden Bay in Tortola is the finest beach on the island. The best beach for surfing is Apple Bay, but it is no joke when I tell you to beware of sharks. Smuggler's Cove, located on the west end of Tortola, deepens very slowly and is ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The sandy bottom makes it a perfect location for the family.

Near the western point of Salt Island is where you can find the remains of the 1867 HMS Rhone ship wreckage. This location has repeatedly been heralded as the world's best shipwreck dive, and you can be taken to it from either Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Baskin in the Sun (284/494-5854), located on Tortola, is a great company that offers tours out to this eerie and remarkable site. This enormous vessel is still intact, and is now the home to a vast array of tropical fish and marine life. The other great scuba diving company, which offers both PADI and NUI certification, is Underwater Safaris (284/494-3235). They can take you to all of the best diving sites in the area, so be sure to ask them what is their best feature of the day. Both of these companies offer snorkeling as well, which is a quite popular activity around Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Because of the diverse marine life and slow descent of their coral reef-free beaches, snorkeling on these islands is great fun.

Dining and Drinks

Bomber's Surfside Shack, in Capoons Bay (284/495-4148), is the hot spot on Tortola and the best place for a drink. On Sunday and Wednesday nights enjoy a great barbeque for $7. Pusser's Road Town Pub, at Waterfront Drive and Main Street (284/494-3897), near the pier on Tortola, serves great English and Caribbean food, as well as the world famous Pusser's Rum. The Bath and Turtle Pub (284/495-5239) on Virgin Gorda is the most popular bar and restaurant on the island. They serve countless tropical drinks all day long, steak, seafood, and snack items.