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National Parks in the British Virgin Islands |
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Home > Historic Sites & National Parks |
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Historic Sites & Museums | National Parks |
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RELATED INTERESTS: Sightseeing Tours , Events/Festivals , Island Shopping |
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National Parks in Dead Chest, Dog Islands, Fallen Jerusalem, Jost Van Dyke, Great Tobago, Great Camanoe, Prickly Pear, Salt Island,
Tortola, Virgin Gorda |
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Dead Chest (Dead Chest) |
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Located NE of Peter island |
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| Dead Chest Island, an uninhabited National Park, has three dive sites reached by dinghy from Deadman's Bay. Coral Gardens, a friendly site for novices and snorkelers in very calm weather (but watch for boat traffic), gets its name from the many massive heads of brain, star, and sheet corals resembling an acquatic garden. Dead Chest West, a series of discoveries, including an archway, caves, bowls, and mazes. Dead Chest Island reputedly got its name when the notorious Blackbeard, after a mutiny, put 15 men ashore on this island with only a bottle of rum, hence the song: "15 men on a dead man's chest, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum." TOP |
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West Dog (Dog islands) |
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Located West of Virgin Gorda |
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| West Dog is a rugged, volcanic island rising steeply out of the sea. It provides an ideal habitat for nesting seabirds seeking protection, as well as a fascinating environment for divers and snorkelers. The surrounding waters are filled with fish, colourful coral reefs and submerged pinnacles. TOP |
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Fallen Jerusalem (Fallen Jerusalem) |
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30 acres Located SW of Virgin Gorda |
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| The island of Fallen Jerusalem is 30 acres and is comprised of beautiful coastal vegetation and strewn with enormous boulders, similar to those found at The Baths. The island was declared a national park in 1974 because of its importance as a sanctuary for several species of birds. The endangered red-billed tropic bird finds refuge on the island. In addition, Fallen Jerusalem is an important nesting site for seabirds such as the brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies and brown pelicans, along with sandwich, royal and bridled terns. Secluded beaches border delightful snorkeling areas; North Lee Bay beach being the best on the island. On the northwest shore, underwater tunnels and caves are a haven for nocturnal fish, while schools of glassy sweepers glisten like bits of shiny copper. Overnighting is not encouraged, as there is no safe, overnight anchorage. TOP |
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Diamond Cay (Jost Van Dyke) |
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1.25 acres Located Long Bay Jost Van Dyke |
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| Diamond Cay, declared a national park in 1991, is located off Long Bay, Jost Van Dyke. Like most other islands that have been declared National Parks, Diamond Cay is a bird sanctuary. The 1.25 acre nesting site is home to several species of bird, including tern, boobies, and pelicans. The island is part of a proposed protected area, which includes the privately owned islands of Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit, a portion of Little Jost Van Dyke, and the surrounding marine area. The endangered leatherback turtle nests on Sandy Cay. Two species of lizard live on Sandy Spit. The volcanic nature of the island is more pronounced on the windward side, with bare, rocky cliffs, while the leeward side is lined with sandy beaches. The area has several day anchorages close to vibrant reefs, for snorkeling, and a hiking trail on Sandy Cay. Boaters should be cautious and conscientious about anchoring in sand only to avoid damaging the reefs. TOP |
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Little Tobago/Great Tobago (Great Tobago) |
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Located North West of Jost Van Dyke |
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| At the norhtwestern corner of the BVI chain lie the Tobago Cays, two islands surrounded by rugged cliffs, and whose seabeds slope dramatically to depths of 165 feet. The cays are an excellent habitat for seabird nesting, as Great Tobago is the only nesting site in the BVI for the magnificent frigate birds. East of this island, experienced divers can explore the waters around Mercurious Rock, where open ocean meets land and shoals of fish congregate.TOP |
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Cam Bay (Great Camanoe) |
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Located North East of Tortola |
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| Cam Bay, on the eastern shore of Great Camanoe, is comprised of an extensive shallow reef and lagoon system. Its calm waters, colorful reef fish and pristine marine environment attract swimmers and snorkelers. Birdwatchers enjoy the salt pond, where a variety of migratory wading birds and shorebirds can be seen. Pottery shards discovered in Cam Bay also suggest the presence of a pre-Columbian settlement in the area.TOP |
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Prickly Pear (Prickly Pear) |
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243 acre Located North Sound of Virgin Gorda |
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This 243-acre island was declared a National Park in 1988. Located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, the cacti covered hills of Prickly Pear slope down to several pristine beaches. In the low-lying areas, white and black mangroves grow along the island's four salt ponds, providing an important habitat for resident and migratory birds. Red mangroves on the southern shore are home to a variety of fish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. The northern and eastern shores boast two of the territory's best beaches. The north beach, in particular, offers great swimming and snorkelling. For hiking enthusiasts, the National Parks Trust and Visions International created a hiking trail which leads from the Sand Box Bar, over a gentle slope, down to the North Beach. While hiking, you can rest under the shady tamarind tree, at the top of the hill, and enjoy the cool, Caribbean breeze.TOP |
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Wreck of the Rhone (Salt Island) |
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Located Lee bay onto Salt Island |
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| The Wreck of the Rhone is the first and 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 is that of a Royal Mail Steamer, which sunk during the hurricane of 1867 with 125 people on board. At 310 feet long and 40 feet wide, the wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer lies in two main parts in waters between 30 and 90 feet deep. Much of it is still intact and visible, including decking, parts of the rigging, the steam engine, and propeller. The marine park stretches from Lee Bay on Salt Island westward to include Dead Chest Island. The ship's anchor broke away outside Great Harbour, Peter Island, and this site forms the second portion of the park. The park is used by several commercial dive operators daily. Other dive sites in the park include Rhone Reef, Blonde Rock, and Painted Walls. Anchoring is strictly prohibited in the area in and around the Rhone. The National Parks Trust has installed mooring buoys for use by all commercial, charter, and private vessels. If moorings are unavailable around the Rhone, vessels are required to use the Salt Island Settlement or Peter Island anchorages.TOP |
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J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens (Tortola) |
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2.8 acres Located Road Town Area |
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| features a lush selection of exotic and indigenous plant life, including palms, orchids, cacti and local herbs. TOP |
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Mount Healthy (Tortola) |
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Located Brewer's Bay |
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| Built in the 18th century the remains of a sugar palantation is the only windmill on the island. TOP |
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The Queen Elizabeth II Park (Tortola) |
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Located Road Harbour, Road Town |
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| The park contains a picnic area, a playground and is landscaped with beds of exotic and indigenous shrubs and flowers and rows of White Cedars, the BVI's national tree. TOP |
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Sage Mountain National Park (Tortola) |
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1, 716 feet Located Sage Mountain Ridge |
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| BVI's highest point. Within its lush boundaries you will find mahoganies, hanging vines, enormous elephant ears, white cedars, and kapok trees, thick ferns and many other local flora. TOP |
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Shark Bay at Brewer's Bay (Tortola) |
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18.4 acres Located Brewer's Bay |
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| It has several interesting ecological features, which include very large boulders and forms a unique cave once inhabited by bats but is now a resting place for weary hikers. There is also a collection of orchids nestled between the boulders and several pelicans enjoy the bay as well. TOP |
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The Baths (Virgin Gorda) |
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Located North Shore |
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| The centre piece of this dramatic area on Virgin Gorda's north shore is The Baths, a geological wonder comprised of awe-inspiring granite boulders, which form sheltered sea pools on the beach's edge. The protected area also includes Devil's Bay, which can be reached from The Baths by a series of ladders scaling the boulders. Just north of The Baths, Spring Bay is reached by a separate road and includes a lovely white sand beach. TOP |
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Devil's Bay (Virgin Gorda) |
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Located South Western Virgin Gorda |
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| A 15-minute hike from the top of The Baths brings you to the picturesque Devil's Bay, at Virgin Gorda's southwestern tip. Its beaches are a tranquil location for swimming and snorkeling. Mooring buoys and a dinghy dock allow boaters to access the beach. TOP |
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Little Fort National Park (Virgin Gorda) |
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36 acres Located South of Yacht Harbour |
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| It was the site of a Spanish fortress and some masonry walls still exist on the hillside, including the ruins of a structure called the Powder House. The 36-acre area is also a wildlife sanctuary. |
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Gorda Peak (Virgin Gorda) |
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265 acres Located Gorda Peak |
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| Starting at the 1,000 foot contour and continuing up to the island's highest point of 1,370 feet. The area, which contains a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants, has been extensively reforested with mahogany trees. An observation tower at the top offers spectacular views of some of the surrounding islands. |
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The Coppermine (Virgin Gorda) |
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Located South West Virgin Gorda |
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| This national park located on Virgin Gorda's desolate southwest tip was mined by Cornish miners between 1838 and 1867, and perhaps even earlier by the Spanish. Today the remains of the chimney, boiler house, cisern and mine shafts can be seen. |
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Spring Bay (Virgin Gorda) |
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Located Soth West Virgin Gorda |
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| To the east of The Baths is Spring Bay. The giant boulders line the beach and there are excellent swimming and snorkel opportunities for novices and professionals alike. The well-manicured lawn leading to the beach is also a favourite for picnic and recreational games. The NPT has recently put in swings and added picnic benches to further enhance the park. Its small coves, which provide safe snorkeling are popular with charter boat guests, who moor their boats in the area. Massive boulders form coves that allow a steady but calm flow of water back and forth. Marine life is vibrant at Spring Bay since fishing is not permitted. A unique enclosure of boulders forms a natural pool called The Crawl. In the past, this was used by fishermen to hold turtles and fishes alive until they were ready to be used. |
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Spring Bay (Virgin Gorda) |
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Located Soth West Virgin Gorda |
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| To the east of The Baths is Spring Bay. The giant boulders line the beach and there are excellent swimming and snorkel opportunities for novices and professionals alike. The well-manicured lawn leading to the beach is also a favourite for picnic and recreational games. The NPT has recently put in swings and added picnic benches to further enhance the park. Its small coves, which provide safe snorkeling are popular with charter boat guests, who moor their boats in the area. Massive boulders form coves that allow a steady but calm flow of water back and forth. Marine life is vibrant at Spring Bay since fishing is not permitted. A unique enclosure of boulders forms a natural pool called The Crawl. In the past, this was used by fishermen to hold turtles and fishes alive until they were ready to be used. |
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