A trip through the British Virgin Islands feel like a sail into prehistoric time. Passing the hushed shores of lush, undisturbed mountainous cays, feeling the spray from the cool, translucent waters, you’ll realize that a side trip to the British Virgin Islands is well worth the effort to experience one of the last bastions of unspoiled natural perfection.

Known as ,,Nature’s Little Secrets’’, the 60-plus islands and cays of the British Virgin Islands are a mariner’s delight. Considered as one of the boating capitals of the Caribbean, visiting any of the British Virgin Islands for the first time, you’ll notice hundreds of boats dotting the shores and marinas. Each island has its own charm. Virgin Gorda has its famous Baths, immense rock formations forming grottos and caves just begging to be explored. Jost Van Dyke was a pirate’s hideout and is still the site of raucous revelry today, with the famous Foxy’s Bar and the Soggy Dollar Bar, so named because of the method of payment from partiers swimming ashore.

Tortola is the commercial center. The capital city of Road Town markes the colorfully decorated shops touting local spices, art, jewelry, restaurants, as well as off-shore banking and other financial services. Past Road Town, discover the centuries-old ruins of Fort Burt, Fort Recovery, the Mount Healthy Windmill, the Dungeon and Rum destillery, which is still in operation. The North Shore Shell Museum, the Virgin Islands Folk Museum and Joshua’s Bay Plantation also offer a unique peek into island life.

Norman Island, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, features some incredible snorkeling sites. Make a quick stop at the Willy T, the floating party anchored off Norman Island. Just off Salt island is the famous wreck of the HMS Rhone, recognized as one of the best diving experiences in the Caribbean.

A trip to the British Virgin Islands is both fast and easy. Take a ferry or rent a boat to Tortola’s East End, or fly from St. Thomas to Beef Island Airport. Day sails into British waters are plentiful. Check with any charter boat company for your choice of adventures. From time –share condominiums to sprawling hotels resorts or comfortable villas, the British Virgin Islands is a place that everyone can call home. The U.S. Virgin Islands combine laid-back tropical beauty with the cosmopolitan comfort of living under the American flag. Communications are state of the art, and travel to and from the States is frequent, making it easy to relax by the sea.