BVI Attractions and Things to Do

Unique British Virgin Islands attractions include Dolphin Discovery, a chance to interact in the waters with dolphins; the historic forts Burt and Recovery, both dating back centuries; and Trotola's Main Street, which is both a shopping and historic district.

Noteworthy regular attractions include scuba diving -- the islands have been called one of the top five dive spots in the world, and they are especially known for shipwrecks. BVI also has an unusually high number of national parks, but it does not have any golf courses, which is rare among Caribbean destinations.


Possibly the No. 1 attraction is simply exploring the islands themselves, which are clustered together and offer beautiful views. The major islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada, plus many more. It is little wonder that BVI is a popular boating destination.

The baths are made up of pools and grottoes created by boulders strewn across a beach.  Swimmers and snorkelers can explore caves and rooms created by the boulders and lit by beachs of sunlight sneaking in from above the formations.


The distillery possibly dates back to the 1700s. Some of the original buildings and even the original boiler are still being used to make rum. The old guard house also remains and is now bing used as an art gallery and gift shop.


Burt was originally built on a hill overlooking the harbor to defend Road Town. The English rebuilt it in 1776 and named it after William Burt, Governor of the Leeward Islands. The foundations and magazine remain of this historic ruin. The site is free and open daily. Fort Recovery was built in the 1640s as a military gun post. The ruins are intact and are the oldest historical landmark in Tortola.


Diamond Cay is a bird sanctuary and home to tern, boobies and pelicans. The island along with Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit, a portion of Little Jost Van Dyke, and the surrounding marine area have been included in a proposed protected area.. The endangered leatherback turtle nests on Sandy Cay and two species of lizard live on Sandy Spit. Boaters can anchor close to reefs to go snorkeling or use a hiking trail on Sandy Cay.


The Wreck of the Rhone is the only Marine National Park in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most celebrated dive site in the BVI and a major recreational attraction. The park includes examples of fringing reef habitat and sea grass beds. The Wreck of the Rhone is the Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. The original ship was 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, but it now lies in two parts underwater. A large part of the ship is still intact and visible, including decking, rigging, steam engine and propeller. Commercial operators visit the park daily with divers. Other dive sites include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock and Painted Walls.


The Tobago Cays are two islands with rugged cliffs and seabeds that slope down 165 feet. Great Tobago is the only nesting site in the BVI for frigate birds. Nearby, divers can explore the waters around Mercurious Rock, with exceptional shoals of fish.


The four acres of J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens includes indigenous and exotic tropical plants, a pergola walk, lily pond, waterfall, tropical bird houses and miniature rain forests.


Gorda Peak starts with a 1,000 foot contour and climbs up to the island's highest point of 1,370 feet. The 265-acre park has a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants and has been extensively reforested with mahogany trees. Visitors can use an observation tower at the top for spectacular views of surrounding islands.


This former sugar factory was converted into a rum distillery in the early 20th century. Visitors can see original steam and diesel engines that powered the machinery. The history building also houses a restaurant, art gallery and store.