Eustatia Island Pear Island, a designated National Park, features a number of beaches and hiking trails. Necker Island, a world-famous Virgin Limited Edition luxury retreat, and Mosquito Island, are both owned by British billionaire, Sir Richard Branson. A variety of tropical flora and fauna including, jasmine, hibiscus, bougainvillea, tamarind, frangipani, allemande, honey suckle, cacti and succulents are found throughout the island. One of the largest mature coconut palm plantations in the BVI is located on the main beach of Eustatia Island. Bird species include sea gulls, pelicans, frigates, boobies, hummingbirds, and doves. Several species of lizards including wood slave, ground, saddleback, and
Richard Branson was a co-skipper on this passage, with Branson and Mike Sanderson. After two days, four hours, winds of force 7 to 9 (strong gale), and seas of , a 'monster wave' destroyed the spinnaker, washed a ten-man life raft overboard and severely ripped the mainsail. She eventually continued to St. George's, Bermuda. Branson has guest starred, usually playing himself, on several television shows, including "Friends", "Baywatch", "Birds of a Feather", "Only Fools and Horses", "The Day Today", a special episode of the comedy "Goodness Gracious Me" and "Tripping Over". Branson made several appearances during the 1990s on the BBC Saturday