The first visitors to these islands were Arawak and Carib Indians, followed by the early English explorers, then the Dutch, French and Spanish, pirates, plantation owners and the Quakers among others. In 1585, before conquering Hispanola, Sir Francis Drake and his fleet sailed from the atlantic to the Caribbean and had this waterway named after him. In the early 1600's pirates took to the island of Tortola as a hiding spot. Local folklore mentions that William Penn's brother Richard came to Tortola because he found the living conditions favourable.
Divers discover a whole new world underwater including a shipwreck.
Some veteran sailors agree that the islands have steady winds and good anchorages which are attributes to excellent sailing the world over. Snorkelers are invited to take advantage of the Rhone wreck and many other good spots by the caring and enthusiastic guide of local professionals. Mount Sage National Park boasts a lush rain forest located at its highest point of 1,780 ft. Anegada, rising only 28 ft. On Beef Island, the one and only toll bridge was built in 1966 and was dedicated by Queen Elizabeth.