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Due to the variety of reefs, cays
and sunken ships, the British Virgin Islands are a haven for divers. The clear blue waters
that surround the islands encourage all types of tropical fish and sea life. But if you
are looking for more on-shore entertainment, the multiple national forests and bird
sanctuaries on the islands will intrigue as well as inform you.
This small cluster of landmasses is far from the hustle of crowds and tourists. If you are
after a taste of the everyday culture of the islanders and wish to experience the natural
harmony of a tropical island, this is the spot for you.
Tortola
For the diving beginner, call Baskin in the Sun, a PADI
five-star facility at 888-451-BASKIN (2275). Diving expeditions take you to see the RMS
Rhone, "Painted Walls," and the "Indians." All experience levels are
welcomed.
Get an introductory resort course and one dive for $95 at the Underwater Safaris. Tour the
best sites, including the RMS Rhone, "Spyglass Wall," and "Alice in
Wonderland." For more information, call 809-494-3235.
If you would like to get an extensive tour of Tortola, try Travel Plan Tours. For $60, one
to three people in your party will be picked up at your hotel and taken for a 2 1/2 hour
tour of the island. For more information, call Travel Plan Tours at 809-494-2872.
You must take a trip to Mount Sage, a primeval rain forest national park. Pick up a map
and brochure at the tourist office so you can find your way through the 92-acre park.
For horse-lovers who would like to explore the island on horseback, call Shadow's Ranch at
809/494-2262. Rides through Mount Sage National Park and on the shores of Cane Gardens Bay
run $25 per hour.
Tortola is known as having the largest fleet of bareboat sailing charters in the world. If
you would like to rent a sailing yacht, even one equipped with a crew, call The Moorings
at 809-494-2332.
Hiking on Tortola: Peaking at 1,780 feet, Sage Mountain National Park has great trails.
Trails lead past a mahogany plantation and through a forest of 100-foot-tall trees. For
more information call the tourist board (809-494-3134) or Shadows Ranch (809-494-2262). |
Photo courtesy
Foote, Cone & Belding
Virgin Gorda
The greatest beaches to visit are the Baths,
with giant boulders forming a series of panoramic pools and grottoes flood with sea water,
perfect for snorkeling.
Around the Baths is Devil's Bay National Park. Enjoy a 15 minute walk through typical
coastal landscapes to the secluded coral-sand beach.
Go visit Coppermine Point, the site of an abandoned copper mine and smelter dating back to
the Spanish in the 1600s.
For an over-all tour of the island from a boat, call Virgin Gorda Tours Association. The
cost is $50 and you will be picked up at the ferry dock. Virgin Gorda Tours Association
809-495-5252.
For the best diving of the island, call Kilbrides Underwater Tours. For about $80 you can
dive from any of their 15 sites, including the wrech of the RMS Rhone. Equipment is
supplied and you can even buy a video of your dive! For more information, call Kilbrides
Underwater Tours 809-495-9638.
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