There is still more to enjoy in the British Virgin Islands aside from swimming, basking in the sun, snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Yes, it is a tropical paradise with some of the best beaches in the world, but the BVI still comes with a ton of activities to do while keeping yourself dry, comfortable and smiling.
Sailing the famous islands of the Caribbean need not be wet all the time. Sometimes, the fun can be found on dry land: eating, learning its culture, sipping a Painkiller, taking a walk with a local, the list goes on. You just need to have an open mind set on your definition of fun, jump out of the usual “let’s-go-swimming-until-our-skins-wrinkle” schedule and try something new for a change.
KEEPING IT WET
If you and your friends still want the sea to soak your bodies, then tread towards The Baths of Virgin Gorda and rest upon its giant granite boulders. These mammoth structures make The Baths one of the main attractions of the BVI, plus it draws upon Devil’s Bay for a quick snorkeling trip.
As the central hub of all things happening in the BVI, Tortola’s Cane Garden Bay is packed with local and foreign tourists day in and day out. Here you can swim, rent a kayak or go snorkeling in its shallow waters. Come sunset, the Bay is transformed into a party paradise. That means music, booze and food are aplenty. Things can get a bit rowdy here, though, but it’s all within the cause of having fun.
Staying in Tortola will bring you to Smuggler’s Cove. It is less crowded than its neighboring beaches, thus making it a quiet retreat for you and your sailing friends to relax. Smuggler’s Cove also has a bar to get your munchies and drinks.
Up next on your wet list is a visit to White Bay in Jost Van Dyke. Located on the southern portion of the island, White Bay is known for its bars, seaside cabins and villas and of course, its laidback atmosphere. Visitors are often seen sunbathing and drinking cocktails, particularly the Painkiller, a concoction of rum, coconut cream, pineapple and nutmeg.
ON DRY LAND
Tortola’s Sage Mountain National Park stands at 1,716 feet above sea level, making it an ideal spot to see most of the island’s unique esplanade. Hikers enjoy the Park’s cool mahogany with tropical birds perching on its branches while at the same time exploring the island’s vast array of flora and fauna. It’s not on top of the list for most travelers, but if you want to do something different, this is the place to be.
The Sunny Caribee Spice Shop is the right place for those who want to know the spices behind BVI’s delicious cuisine. The shop is lined with various spices found in the islands, as well as jams, herbs and seasonings. It also doubles as an art gallery where tourists can score on some beautifully crafted Christmas decors, kitchenware, ornaments and other pieces of art.