See This, Skip That: British Virgin Islands
The islands’ many secluded shores make a perfect escape for honeymooners.
— -- The British Virgin Islands have long been the center of the map for experienced sailors, thanks to winds that blow at the ideal angle for tacking up and down the 60 close-together islands and cays. The islands' many secluded shores also make for a perfect escape for honeymooners, divers, beach bums and novice boaters.
Skip the Port City, Set Sail for Other Islands Instead Home base for most is the main island of Tortola, an intersection of ruins amid the mountainous terrain and a bustling port town that sees thousands of weekly visitors in its shops, shores and eateries. This cruise traffic can easily create packed streets and long lines at top spots, so the best and most universal advice for visitors is to use Tortola as a jumping-off point to the dozens of other nearby islands including Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Peter Island and Marina Cay.
Go Private, Not Public It's surprisingly affordable to charter your own yacht with a captain and crew. By doing research ahead of your visit, you can plan a daylong tour if you're stopping here on a cruise or a longer expedition if the islands are your sole destination. This is the best way to see a range of other smaller sights. Many captains will let travelers customize their itinerary weeks or months before arrival.
Skip the Beach Nap, Put on the Gear There is a range of interesting places around the islands to snorkel or scuba dive, including a shipwreck at Rhone National Marine Park that looks like it's straight out of a children's tale. Also consider a stop by The Indians, which are giant rocks rising from the water with coral and colorful fish beneath the surface.
Push Back Bedtime, Party Instead If you're lucky enough to be visiting over the full moon, work in a mid-afternoon nap so you can celebrate all night long at the full moon festivals. These events are considered one of the premier parties of the Caribbean; locals go all out from several musical acts to hours of late-night/early-morning dancing and welcome visitors to join in the fun. The top spot to celebrate is Tortola's modest Bomba's Shack, which doesn't get really hopping until the clock hits midnight.
Go North Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands and has been described by my Travelzoo colleague Olivia Salmonese as "almost otherworldly." Unlike the other islands, the land here is flat and, because it's more far-flung, usually has more fishermen than tourists. At the famed Lobster Trap, your dinner can be pulled out of the water right in front of you and served in a matter of minutes. This island is also home to Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier coral reef in the Caribbean.
Experience the Real Thing There are some science and discovery centers geared toward families visiting on day trips. They make for an easy way to spot or even interact with dolphins and other friends living in the sea, but for a more authentic experience, opt for a glass-bottom boat tour.
Splurge and Live Like an A-Lister The British Virgin Islands proudly boasts more private-island resorts than any other Caribbean destination. Throw on your biggest pair of shades and have your assistant hold your calls so you can fully enjoy these properties, which often feature amenities such as gourmet kitchens, oceanview master suites, outdoor showers and plunge pools.
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