British Virgin Islands National Parks Guide 

 

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.

Cam Bay National Park (Great Camanoe)
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.

Dead Chest National Park (Dead Chest)

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."

 

Fallen Jerusalem National Park (Fallen Jerusalem)

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.

Little Tobago National Park (Great Tobago)

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.

Prickly Pear National Park (Prickly Pear)
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.

West Dog National Park (West Dog)

Nestled in a cluster of islands known as The Dogs west of Virgin Gorda, 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.

 

To book your British Virgin Islands vacation call: 1 800 330 8820 or 415 446 5252.

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