Key Attractions in the British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands "Must See" Attractions
One of the great reasons for chartering in the BVI are the variety of attractions and things to do when you're there. Virtually every stop offers a unique geological formation, beach bar, restaurant, snorkeling hole that rounds out the itinerary. We've summarised many of the most popular, and our favorite beach bars and restaurants - below. Enjoy!
The Baths at Virgin Gorda | The Wreck of the Rhone | Willy T's | Soggy Dollar Bar | Foxy's | Sandy Spit | Lobster on Anegada
The Baths at Virgin Gorda
"The Baths" are a large number of huge granite boulders strewn on the beach at the Sou, forming scenic caves that are open to the sea. Wandering through the boulders you will see some amazing formations, and they are a delight to explore while snorkeling.
The Baths are located at the southern end of Virgin Gorda. There are many mooring balls, they are a very popular attraction and you may find large crowds from 10 - 2 as many tourist buses and cruise liners send their passengers to see the marvels of the baths during those times. We recommend getting there in the early morning or in the afternoon so you can explore the nooks and crannies by yourselves.
Visitors normally moor their dinghy at the dinghy mooring area in Devils Bay, a beautiful sandy beach in the middle of the large rock formations.
The Wreck of the Rhone
The Wreck of the Rhone is a well preserved sunken ship just off of Salt Island in 20 to 80 feet of water. The postal ship RMS Rhone went down in a storm in 1867, and it is surprisingly well preserved. It has been voted #1 wreck in the Caribbean by Sport Diver Magazine.
There are convenient mooring balls directly above the wreck, from which you can easily see one portion of the Rhone while snorkeling from the surface. If you are a diver, as you descend to the Wreck a good portion of the ship's hull and many artifacts deposited in 1867 are still visible. You can swim through the still intact bow section as well as under the stern near the 15 ft propeller. You can also see the massive driveshaft and the engine box and gears. The wreck is also host to some great marine life - such as a giant green moray and several octopuses.
The William Thornton Floating Bar and Restaurant - "Willy T`s"
The William Thornton is a bar and restaurant on an old schooner, that is located in the Bight anchorage on Norman Island. Most of the locals call her the Willy T. The Willy T's slogan is "you’re a long time dead" - encouragement to have fun and live for the moment!
The Willy T is one of only two bars and restaurants in the Bitght (the Pirates Bight on the beach being the other). It serves lunch and dinner, and has a party atmosphere from happy hour on. The food is standard burgers and pub food, and the bar specializes in shooters (drunk from old skis or on someone's stomach) and rum drinks.
Sandy Spit -The Deserted Island in the BVI
Sandy Spit is a tiny island near Jost Van Dyke that is encircled by a glorious pristine sandy beach. It is a wonderful place to anchor for lunch, snorkel in the beautiful coral just off shore, relax on the beach, and imagine what it would be like to be stranded on a desert island.
Sandy Spit is a day destination. We recommend stopping by on your way to Jost Van Dyke for lunch and a swim. Stay as long as you like, saving up your energy for Foxy's that night!
The Soggy Dollar Bar - White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
The Soggy Dollar Bar, located in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, is known for inventing the "Painkiller" and has become a landmark BVI destination and reknowned as one of the worlds best beach bars. The Soggy Dollar Bar is relaxed and charming - with small bar area, chairs and tables in the sand, and a t-shirt ship. You can lie in a hammock, play "hook the ring" or just order your Painkiller and people watch - the locals have a reason for calling it "bikini beach". Visitors normally spill onto the beach, where you will have daily party on the sand and in the water.
The bar also offers food - primarily burgers and standard bar food with a few additions such as the flying fish sandwich. And if you want to remember your visit there, you will find plenty of tshirts and hats in the boutique behind the bar.
The anchorage on White Bay is easy, and once your anchor drops you are just a short swim away from the perfection of this gorgeous beach.
Foxy's Bar and Restaurant - Jost Van Dyke
Foxy's is a beloved beach bar and restaurant in Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke. It has achieved world renown far beyond its bohemian appearance and "middle of nowhere" location.
Foxy's Restaurant has seating for over 300 people on bench seats, and serves a BBQ menu that features Chicken, Ribs, and Mahi-Mahi. The Bar opens at 9:30 am and serves many unique drinks mixed with his own Rum, and beers from a local microbrewery.
Foxy's was the first beach bar on Jost Van Dyke, started as a place near the church to provide refreshments for the harvest celebration. Two years later, he moved to his current location.
Lobsters on Anegada
If you make it to Anegada, be sure to reserve a table at one of the lobster restaurants on the island, where large, freshly caught lobsters and cut in half and grilled in aluminum foil. Think of it as a reward for making it all the way to this remote island.
The restaurants, such as the Lobster Trap, are generally relaxed and also serve ribs, steaks, chicken and fish. And of course plenty of rum drinks.
These are just a few of the attractions and watering holes on the BVI. If you will be chartering in the British Virgin Islands, we will be happy to design a BVI sailing itinerary around your needs, and recommend the best places to stop along the way! Be sure to see our BVI charter yachts, and our BVI Charter Guide for further information.
Also see: Our BVI Blog - insider's BVI information | BVI Charter Slideshow - experience a Charter in the BVI
Our Caribbean destinations: The Windward Islands | Antigua | Grenada | Guadeloupe | Martinique | Spanish Virgin Islands | St Barths | Anguilla | St Martin/Maarten | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines | US Virgin Islands - St Thomas, St John, St Croix
