Going to Peter Island

What to do in Peter Island

by David Swanson

Positioned just four miles south of Road Town, Tortola, and boasting the 54-room Peter Island Resort, the titular island encompasses 2,000 mostly undeveloped acres overlooking the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Peter Island was first visited by explorers and pirates, but in the late 1960s, a Norwegian millionaire took a shine to it. He bought all but 200 acres and built A-frame chalets, a marina, and a clubhouse—the island's first steps to becoming a world-class honeymooners hamlet.

There are five beaches on Peter Island, with dazzling Deadman's Bay serving as the central watersports hub. Be sure to embark on a snorkeling trip—the turtle grass here is a favorite spot for green sea turtles. Day visitors can use Little Deadman's Bay, next door, and wallow in the lavish facilities at The Spa at...