British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands These 60-or-so islands in the tropical sun. The most frequently visited isles are: Tortola, the largest and with some 13,000 population; Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Peter Island. As might be expected in a British colony, Tortola has a superb, four-acre Botanical Gardens that are perfect for studying rain forest creatures, orchids, cactus and magnificent tropical plants. Sage Mountain National Park on Tortola has a 1,780-foot peak. Privately owned Peter Island, accessible by water, has about five miles of secluded beaches. Norman Island, with four caves, is thought to be the place Robert Louis Stevenson had in mind when he wrote his masterpiece: Treasure Island. Offering exclusive hideaways as well as simple hostelries, the British Virgin Islands is a low-key, traveler-friendly destination used to North American and European visitors. Sailing and diving are big draws, along with The Baths (intriguing beach boulder formations) at Virgin Gorda. Encompassing some 50 islands, cays and rock outcroppings, the British Virgin Islands extends for 59 miles The islands are volcanic and mountainous except for Anegada, a coral flat land. The major isles are Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda; highest point atop Tortola, is 1,780 ft. above sea level. The official language is English.