Top 10 Hikes in the BVI
Boatbookings' Expert Picks for the ten best hikes in the BVI
Sage Mountain National Park | Money Bay | Deadman's Bay to White Bay | Gorda Peak | Leverick Bay to Hog Heaven | Pomato Point to Cow Wreck | Top of the Island | West End to Smuggler's Cove | Brewers Bay Bat Cave | Beef Island
Yes, the British Virgin Islands are known as a sailor's paradise, but these beautiful islands are also fabulous for hiking if you want a break from sailing to explore nature and get excellent views of all the islands. The Boatbookings staff have been hiking these islands for over 40 years, and we have compiled our list of the top 10 best hikes.
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1) Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola
This hike takes you to the high ground on Tortola for gorgeous views of the island. Start at Cane Garden Bay and follow the trail to the top of Sage Mountain. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles and will take you 1716 feet uphill, so this is not for the faint of heart, and it is recommended you do it early in the day before it gets too hot. Start at the Mountain View Gift Shop (you will need to take a taxi) and make your way up to the peak and beyond. Most people do it in 1.5 hours or so. Stunning views!
2) Money Bay, Norman Island
This beautiful hike starts behind the Pirates restaurant at the Bight, and climbs quickly to the peak of Norman Island. You get excellent vistas of all the yachts in the Bight, and then Money Bay on the south side. You can walk along the entire crest of the island. After the hike, hang out for lunch or sundowner at the Pirates.
3) Deadman's Bay to White Bay, Peter Island
After swimming with the turtles and enjoying the beautiful beach at Deadman's Bay, hike up past the Peter Island resort Spa and then over to the other side of the island to visit beautiful White Bay.
4) Gorda Peak, Virgin Gorda
For a fantastic view of Virgin Gorda and its neighboring islands, such as Necker and Mosquito, take a hike through the Gorda Peak National Park to the high ground on Virgin Gorda.
5) Leverick Bay to Hog Heaven, Virgin Gorda
As above, you'll get great views of Virgin Gorda, the North Sound, and all the neighboring islands, and the reward is an excellent meal at the Hog Heaven BBQ restaurant!
6) Pomato Point to Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
This is a lovely beach hike along pristine white Anedaga sand all the way to Cow Wreck. Taking just over an hour, it is a great way to stretch your legs and feel the sand between your toes.
If you get hot, just jump in the water, and once there, you will have arrived at one of the most isolated beach bars anywhere. Sit in the Adirondack chairs and watch the ocean as you drink your Cow Killer or Wreck Punch. Then stagger back the same way or take a taxi!
7) Top of the Island, Jost Van Dyke
Starting behind the main town to the west of Foxy's, find the trail and walk up this steep trail to the top of the island. You'll get a nice view of Great Harbor, etc.
Also, you can do a much flatter hike from Foxy’s Taboo at Diamond Cay, the Bubbly Pools for a nice afternoon swim.
8) West End to Smugglers Cove on Tortola
A beautiful hike on the western end of Tortola. Start at Pussers, then hike north over the hill and then down to Smugglers Cove, where you will find beach, food, and libations. Many believe this is the most beautiful beach on Tortola, and far less crowded than Cane Garden Bay.
Alternatively, hike over Frenchman's Cay to get great views south and west to St Thomas and St John's.
9) Brewers Bay Bat Cave, Tortola
From Brewers Bay, find the dirt road and then hike to the point, and you will see a sign for the Bat Cave. This is an enjoyable hike with lots to see along the way.
10) Beef Island up to the top of Beef Island Bluff
From Da Loose Mongoose, head east and up the hill to the top of Beef Island. This is a gentle 1.5-hour hike unless it's boiling hot mid-day (in which case you're better off getting a Pina Colada at Da Loose Mongoose. You'll get great views and will see an airplane or two whoosh by.
These are just a few of the fantastic hikes on the BVI. It's hard to go wrong if you find a trail anywhere! If you have a captain, they will know these hikes and will help you get to the starting point, often by tender. For further information, please enquire below about your dream BVI charter, and we'll add the hikes to your itinerary!
