Fallen Jerusalem National Park: A Secluded Island Sanctuary

Fallen Jerusalem National Park, established in 1974, is a captivating 48-acre island located just south of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. The island's name comes from its distinctive landscape, featuring colossal boulders scattered across the terrain, evoking the image of a city in ruins. These boulders, similar to those found at The Baths, create a unique and dramatic environment. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, declared a bird sanctuary in 1959. It serves as an important nesting site for various seabirds, including the endangered red-billed tropicbird, brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies, brown pelicans, sandwich terns, and royal terns. The island's beaches also provide nesting grounds for Hawksbill and Green turtles. Fallen Jerusalem offers two sheltered beaches accessible from the sea, perfect for secluded picnics and snorkeling. The waters around the island teem with marine life, and snorkelers can explore underwater tunnels and caves, home to nocturnal fish and schools of glassy sweepers. The southern shores are rugged and exposed, while the northern shores require caution due to potential ground swells. With no overnight anchorage, Fallen Jerusalem is best enjoyed as a day trip, offering a serene escape from the more crowded destinations.