National Parks Trust

The BVI National Parks Trust (NPT) was established in July, 1961 by the BVI government in order to preserve the natural beauty as well as the historic and culturally important features of the British Virgin Islands. Among the 17 national parks in the BVI (which include both land and underwater parks) are:

Sage Mountain National Park - Tortola (Nature Trails)
Gorda Peak National Park - Virgin Gorda (Nature Trails)
Mt. Healthy National Park - Tortola (Sugar Mill Ruins & Short Walking Trail)
The Baths - Virgin Gorda (Massive Boulders providing caves and grottos and a walking/hiking Trail)
The Copper Mine Ruins - Virgin Gorda
J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens - Tortola
The Wreck Of The Rhone - Underwater Park (near Salt Island)

In addition, several Islands have been declared National Parks as they are sanctuaries for several species of sea birds, sea turtles and other creatures specific to this part of the world.

There are three underwater snorkelling trails located at Smuggler's Cove, Tortola, Long Bay, Beef Island and Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda. These trails are a wonderful learning experience for the whole family and are well marked with underwater signs which explain what you are seeing. We ask that when you are snorkelling or diving in the BVI that you take care not to damage the reefs. Coral is made up of many delicate reef animals and organisms which are easily destroyed. A careless kick of your fin can destroy what may have taken years to grow. Standing and sitting on coral will also produce damage. Removal of any coral, sponges or other marine life (includingsea shells) is strictly prohibited.

Coral Reefs: Millenniums to grow ... seconds to destroy!

Most corals only grow approximately one half inch per year. The slightest touch with hands, fins or equipment can irreparably damage coral polyps, the tiny animals which build the coral reeks. When in the water, remain horizontal and well above the coral outcrops. Even sediment stirred up by your fins can smother and kill coral. Please ... touch nothing, leave nothing and take nothing but pictures.

Throughout the British Virgin Islands, mooring balls have been placed at all underwater National Parks and the most popular BVI scuba diving and snorkelling areas to prevent anchor damage to wrecks and coral reefs. These mooring balls are colour coded for use by BVI visitors and commercial vessels. Please observe common courtesy and boating etiquette when using the moorings. Please do not secure your yacht to commercial mooring balls.

Please observe the following rules while boating in BVI waters:

• Overnight mooring is not permitted in any of the designated National Parks.
• Please use a dock line through the eye splice to help prevent chaffing of the pick up lines.
• Please exercise caution when approaching or leaving any BVI mooring zone. Remember that there may be swimmers, snorkellers and divers in the water. Also please be sure that you are clear of all mooring lines. Yachts damaging mooring lines will be held liable for replacement costs.
• Anchoring is not permitted in the area surrounding the wreck of the Rhone
• If you are chartering a yacht in the BVI, your charter company will provide you with your NPT permit. If you are a visiting yachtsman, you will need to purchase a permit from the NPT in order to use any of their moorings.

Overnight Moorings:

Most popular anchorages throughout the British Virgin Islands have mooring balls in place which are safe for most charter yachts. These moorings are privately owned and the overnight fees (usually $20.00) will be collected by the individual companies who own and service the moorings. It is advised that you ask for a receipt as proof of payment. If an official receipt is not offered, it may be possible that whomever is attempting to collect payment may not be authorized to do so.

National Parks Trust
Phone: (284) 494-3904 or (284) 494-2069
e:mail: bvinpt@candwbvi.net

Association of Reef Keepers
Phone: (284) 496-5526
e:mail ark@surfbvi.com

Global Reef Check Programme
In the BVI Phone: Trish Bailey at (284) 495-2612
e:mail rcheck@ucla.edu

NPT Mooring Permits

If you are visiting the BVI in your own private yacht or a yacht chartered from another country, you are required to purchase a NPT Permit if you plan to use any of the NPT mooring systems located throughout the BVI at various underwater parks, dive sites and beaches. Permits can be obtained at the NPT Office on Main Street in Road Town or from any of the Ports of Entry. Permits are $15.00/week for groups of 6 or more and $10.00/week for up to 5 persons.

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