Nick, computer instructor
on the Star Princess

October 24 - December 5, 2004

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The main center of tourism in the British Virgin Islands is Tortola, with the capital Road Town located in a lovely sheltered harbor to the south.  This rocky island is 12 miles long by 3 miles wide and dominated by a lofty mountain range, with its highest peak being Mount Sage, 1750 ft high. Crossing the island often involves dramatic ascents and descents along precipitous roads, such as the switch-back road leading to the beach at Brewers Bay.  So mountainous is Tortola that the airstrip had to be built on the neighboring Beef Island, the northern limits of which are flatter in comparison, largely coralline in make-up, Beef Island is connected to Tortola by toll bridge, the earliest in the Caribbean

Sail away.
That probably should be the license plate motto on Tortola, the sailing center of the Caribbean's favorite cruising grounds, the British Virgin Islands. Whether you're an experienced sailor planning to "bareboat" your way from island to island, or look forward to hiring a skippered ("leave the driving to us") yacht, or just out for a day sail, the harbor at Road Town is the perfect place to start: The winds are usually steady, the sailing is easy, and there's always a buffet line of nearby islands to choose from.

When you think of The British Virgin Islands (BVI), don't think big, think numerous. There is more of everything in The British Virgin Islands, but only in the ways that count. With more beauty, more isolated beaches and more unsurpassed sailing. These islands are truly one of nature's little secrets.

Sage Mountain National Park is located at the island's centre and, at 1,718 feet, is The BVI's highest point.

 Cane Garden Bay, which is one of several popular yacht anchorages on Tortola, is the centre for great island night life as well as the location of many inns, guest houses, restaurants and water sports activities.

Tortola has a bevy of beautiful beaches, but for some coral reef snorkeling in a lush, somewhat out-of-the-way setting, get thee to Brewer's Bay. The beach itself isn't as spectacular as nearby Cane Garden Bay, but you'll appreciate the shade, and the setting is pure West Indian.