The main British Virgin Islands are peaceful by nature, but if you truly want to escape the crowds, the largely uninhabited Out Islands are ideal. This scattered archipelago of more than 40 islands and cays includes names both ordinary (Norman Island, Peter Island) and evocative (Salt Island, Scrub Island), with some that hint at adventure (Dead Chest Island), wildlife (The Dogs, Mosquito Island) or dramatic landscapes (Fallen Jerusalem). Each island has its own character and attractions.
Fallen Jerusalem, for example, features a volcanic-rubble interior that resembles a ruined city—hence its name—providing striking scenery for hikers, photographers and naturalists. Norman Island carries a storied reputation as the likely inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and tales of buried treasure continue to fuel the imagination of visitors and locals alike.
Among the Out Islands’ most compelling attractions is the wreck of the RMS Rhone. The ship sank just off Salt Island during a hurricane in 1867, with the tragic loss of 124 lives. Today the Rhone’s remains lie submerged and attract abundant marine life, making it one of the British Virgin Islands’ premier dive and snorkel sites. Divers and snorkelers come from around the world to explore the wreck’s corroded timbers, swim among colorful fish and experience a tangible piece of the B.V.I.’s maritime history.
Beyond these highlights, the Out Islands offer a quieter, more intimate way to experience the British Virgin Islands: secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, hidden coves and simple island life. Whether you’re interested in diving historic wrecks, hiking unusual geological formations, seeking solitude or following in the footsteps of literary legend, the Out Islands provide a rich, varied and largely unspoiled travel experience.