Tortola Attractions to Explore Before Your Catamaran Charter or BVI Bareboat Charter Vacation PDF Print E-mail
Written by First Name   
Sunday, 14 November 2010
By Christen R.

  

The British Virgin Islands are the perfect place to sail, as theyre full of gorgeous scenery, theyre only a short plane ride away form the US, and they offer constant winds for bareboat or catamaran charter fans. Explore the BVIs largest island, Tortola, before embarking on your BVI bareboat charter vacation.



Begin in Road Town, the islands capitol and main commercial center.Road Town surrounds the harbor like an amphitheater, with its buildings sprawling up the hillsides. The town is a great shopping destination, with boutiques offering native goods along Main Street, as well as offering Farmers Markets and a Crafts Area. Roam these areas to chat with locals and pick up unique foods and souvenirs.



While in Road Town, see whats in bloom at the J.R. ONeal Botanical Gardens. If youre a gardener, botanist or just eager for a leisurely stroll, come relax and enjoy the diverse flora in its four acres of native tropical plants. The park offers a miniature rainforest, exotic birds, turtle pond, cactus garden and palm grove.The park is run by friendly local volunteers, only requires a small entrance fee, and provides a shady retreat in the center of the city.



To experience a bit of the islands history, visit Brewers Bay on the north side of the island. You can view the ruins of 18th century sugar plantations along the beach and road leading into town. Today, its a gorgeous, tranquil location for swimming, snorkeling and diving. For a particularly beautiful swimming location, check out the Brewers Bay Pinnacle, a towering rock off the west point of the bay surrounded by barrier reefs. Also visit Cane Garden Bay and Mount Healthy National Park nearby.The bay is home to the oldest working rum distillery in Tortola, as well as a prime diving location. The park features an intact windmill, as well as other relics from the sugar plantation era.



Be sure to explore Norman Isle, which is rumored to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevensons Treasure Island, first published in 1883. The island once served as a den for pirates in the 18th century. Today its caves, coastline and offshore reefs provide fabulous snorkeling spots. Legend has it that Stevensons character, Mr. Fleming, buried his prized treasure on the south most island. Explore the islands central ridge, Spy Glass Hill, by hiking through the islands scrubland.



Tortola is a great starting point to visit before sailing off on your catamaran charter or BVI bareboat charter vacation. From lively towns, beautiful gardens, secluded beaches and fascinating historical relics, this island will give you a taste of everything the British Virgin Islands has to offer.


Christen R. is a freelance writer for BareCat Charters. BareCat specializes in yacht charters in the BVI from Manuel Reef Marina in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.Sail a catamaran charter or BVI bareboat charters to explore the Caribbean and experience the vacation of a lifetime.

Share Your Opinion. (0 posts)

Tag it:
Blinkbits
BlinkList
blogmarks
co.mments
connotea
Delicious
De.lirio.us
Digg
feedmelinks
Furl it!
Hugg
Ma.gnolia
Mister.Wong
Netvouz
NewsVine
Reddit
Stumble
Technorati
Last Updated ( Sunday, 14 November 2010 )
 
< Prev   Next >
 
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Main Menu
Home
Search
Yacht and Jet Charter News
International Visitors
French Italian Portuguese Spanish
Korean Chinese (Simplified) Japanese German
Choose your Language
Members
We have 17 guests online
Visitors: 139491
feed image