DK Travel : Virgin Islands : BVI National Parks & Scenic Spots

BVI National Parks & Scenic Spots

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Except for downtown Road Town, unspoiled is an apt word to describe the British Virgin Islands. There are scenic spots galore, but some merit special mention because the BVI government has taken serious steps to make sure they stay in their pristine state despite an increasing number of visitors. These small, special parks are for travelers who like to get off the beaten path. Poke about the land parks or take a dive trip to the parks’ showcase, the Wreck of the Rhone.

Top 10 Sights

1. Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola

At 1,716 ft (515 m), Sage Mountain is the tallest in the Virgin Islands. Most of the park sits above 1,000 ft (300 m), which allows rainforest species to grow. Hike the paths that crisscross its 92 acres.
2. J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens, Tortola

This small garden provides a shady respite from the rigors of touring Road Town. Formerly the island’s agricultural experiment station, the park is home to over 62 species of palms as well as many other varieties of tropical plants. The grounds include a cactus garden.
3. Mount Healthy National Park, Tortola

Dating to 1798, this estate has an old stone windmill as its heart, the only one left in the BVI. Nearby are ruins of the overseers’ quarters and boiling house, overlooking Tortola’s north shore.
4. Callwood Rum Distillery, Tortola

Privately owned, this tiny distillery dates to the 18th century. It is the only place in the BVI that still produces rum. Stop by for a tour and bring home a few bottles.
5. Long Bay, Beef Island

This lovely beach offers acres of solitude, particularly at its western end. Shell aficionados can while away a few hours scouring the beach. You’ll see Little and Great Camanoe as well as Marina Cay and Scrub Island across the water.
6. Coppermine National Park, Virgin Gorda

Cornish miners worked the mines here in the mid-1800s, but there’s evidence of earlier use by the Spanish. The ruins of a copper mine chimney stand by the shore with a boiling house, cistern, and mine shaft nearby.
7. Spring Bay National Park, Virgin Gorda

A gorgeous strand of sand and calm coves make this the perfect place to stop for a swim. Snorkeling is excellent as well. The beach has a swing set and picnic tables.
8. Gorda Peak National Park, Virgin Gorda

The wooden tower on the 1,370-ft (410-m) Gorda Peak extends the views as far south as St. Croix, some 50 miles (80 km) away. The park has several species of flora and fauna, including the Virgin Islands gecko.
9. The Baths National Park, Virgin Gorda

Boulders as large as 40 ft (12 m) form caves that can be explored on foot and with snorkel. This is a busy area, a 10-minute hike down from the road.
10. The Wreck of the Rhone National Park, off Salt Island

The mail shipRhonewent down in 1867 when a hurricane dashed it against the rocks off Salt Island. Any treasures have long since been looted, but swim through its hulk for a great show of marine life.

Practical Information

Sign on with a dive operator for a trip to the Wreck of the Rhone NP, if you don’t have your own or charter boat. BVI National Parks Trust: 61 Main St, Road Town 284-494-3904 www.bvinationalparkstrust.org Sage Mountain NP: Park entrance off Ridge Rd Open dawn–dusk daily Adm $3 J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens: Botanic Station Rd, Road Town Open 8:30am–4:30pm Mon–Sat Adm $3 Callwood Rum Distillery: North Coast Rd, Cane Garden Bay Hrs vary