Best National Parks to Visit in the BVI
The Best BVI National Parks to Visit
The British Virgin Islands has much to offer vacationers, from amazing beaches to fantastic resorts. One aspect that is perhaps a little less known about is that these Caribbean isles are also home to many national parks and protected areas. These parks are home to diverse wildlife such as turtles and seabirds and often feature beautiful scenery such as trees and white sand beaches, so they are well worth a visit if you are on vacation in the BVI.
Whether you're a keen hiker or simply someone who loves natural beauty, these parks provide some unforgettable experiences.
Fallen Jerusalem Island
This island is located at the southernmost tip of Virgin Gorda and is only accessible by boat. It’s a protected bird sanctuary and normally quite quiet due to the difficulty of getting there. The name of the island may appear to be quite strange, but it comes from the large, oversized boulders that are strewn all over the island, giving it the look of a destroyed town or city. As you can imagine, the terrain consists of rocky shores and along with the boulders, make it quite striking.
The terrain is marked by rugged, rocky shores and large boulders that cover the island's interior, creating a striking visual resemblance to the famous Baths of Virgin Gorda. This secluded island offers a tranquil escape, with its sheltered beaches and untouched natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude amidst nature.
Fallen Jerusalem serves as a habitat and nesting site for a variety of bird species such as the red-billed and white-tailed tropicbirds, boobies, and gulls. Turtles also use the island for nesting. The waters are also teaming with wildlife, and it offers fairly good snorkeling. This island is mostly visited by people in sailing boats looking for a quiet getaway.
Gorda Peak National Park
Gorda Peak National Park, located on Virgin Gorda spans approximately 260 acres. This park features Gorda Peak, which is the highest point on the island, at a height of 1,370 feet.
The park boasts several hiking trails with the Gorda Peak Trail leading to the summit of Gorda Peak. Once at the top, you can expect to see some amazing views of Virgin Gorda and the surrounding waters.
Keep your eyes peeled for the world’s smallest lizard, the Virgin Gorda gecko which can be found in this park. This park is great for hiking, picnics, and for spotting wildlife. It’s well worth a trip.
Spring Bay National Park
This national park is found on Virgin Gorda, fairly close to The Baths. The area it’s located in is called ‘The Crawl’ and the park itself is 5.5 acres.
This is a great location for swimming, picnics, and barbecuing, and well worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxing day by the waterside. It is also accessible by sea so can be considered quite easy to travel to if you have access to a boat.
Sage Mountain National Park
Sage Mountain was the very first National Park in Tortola, BVI and was created after the land was donated by Laurance Rockefeller. At the time it was founded the area was farmland and over time this was reforested. Today, Sage Mountain National Park is one of the most popular parks to visit in the BVI.
Another fact about Sage Mountain is that it is the highest point in the BVI and the USVI standing at 1,710 feet tall. From the top, you will get some amazing views of the surrounding island and sea. You can follow a 3k trail to the top and back and it is a popular walk so you should expect to share the path with others.
There are plenty of other walks in this national park if hiking is your passion. There is also a car park close by to the park, just a ten-minute walk away. We can recommend a hike up the mountain if you’re feeling fit as the views are spectacular.
The Baths National Park
The Baths National Park, located at the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda, is renowned for its geological formations and natural beauty. The standout feature of this park is the massive granite boulders, which stand out against the waters and rock pools.
When you visit this location, you’ll find a trail that runs from the beach, through the boulders along to Devil's Bay.
This is a very popular spot, so do expect company. This is one location in the BVI that tends to top a lot of people’s must-see lists. However, don’t be put off from the potential of seeing others, as The Baths are well worth seeing in person.
At the Baths, you find natural tidal pools, tunnels, and arches. This location is great for swimming and snorkeling and a flag system ensures that the waters are safe for visitors since the waters can get dangerous in certain conditions, such as bad weather, winds and if there are a lot of jellyfish in the area.
Copper Mine National Park
Copper Mine National Park is located on the southeastern tip of Virgin Gorda and is a national park that contains the ruins of an old copper mine that stood at this location. This ruin offers visitors a glimpse into the copper mining industry that once took place here on the island. at one time 130 Cornish laborers and their families lived on the island and worked at the mine.
The park is not just a historical site but also a natural reserve that is home to a wide range of wildlife. Not only are the tails and walks around the area but visitors can also take a guided tour if they are interested in the history of the mine.
RMS Rhone Marine Park
Dead Chest National Park and RMS Rhone Marine Park is an underwater national park that is famous for the shipwreck of the Royal Mail Steamer Rhone which lies between 20 and 80 feet under the ocean. The ship sank in a hurricane back in 1867 and now has created an artificial coral reef, teaming with aquatic life.
Because the wreck lies in two parts it makes the site suitable for both novice and more experienced divers. It is also popular with snorkelers. Chillout Charters run tours to this diving site regularly so if you are interested in checking it out for yourself you can give us a call to discuss the options.
If you’re into diving, then this is a must-see destination in the BVI.
J.R. O'Neal Botanical Gardens
Located in the middle of Road Town, the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens was named after the first Chairman of the BVI National Parks Trust, Joseph Reynold O’Neal.
Visitors can enjoy an extensive collection of flora that includes both native and exotic species. Explore the various trails and pathways, and enjoy a picnic in the garden. It doesn’t cost very much to get in, so it is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon when in Road Town.
Other National Parks in the BVI
Are you looking for some other suggestions? How about the Anegada Western Ponds, home to the Anegada Salt Ponds and limestone cays and home to the greater flamingo which is why many people visit.
Great Tobago National Park host The Tobago Cays which are located west of Jost Van Dyke. This Virgin Islands national park is a bird sanctuary and home to frigatebirds. The park itself is popular with snorkelers and divers so a good option if this is something you enjoy partaking in.
There are plenty of other parks in the BVI - from Prickly Pear and West Dog to Little Fort to name a handful of other options. If you like nature and the water, then you are spoilt for choice in the BVI, and it would be hard to see everything the BVI has to offer in just one trip.
Getting Around the BVI
The best way to get around the islands of the BVI is by boat. If you’re looking to take a trip to one of the many national parks in the BVI then Chillout Charters can get you to where you need to go.
We offer a range of half-day and full-day trips covering all sorts of locations and sights. We also offer custom trips and a water taxi service if you just want to be picked up or dropped off somewhere. Talk to us today to learn more about the water taxi services we offer.