Virgin Gorda
The dramatically shaped island of Virgin Gorda once reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining woman, and the name has stuck. Virgin Gorda, or the “Fat Virgin” is the third largest of the BVI islands and is eight and one half square miles.
In addition to the island’s sheer beauty, a strong drawn to Virgin Gorda is its yacht clubs, peaceful coves, calm, safe anchorages, and luxury resorts. On the North Sound, one finds the Bitter End Yacht Club, that is accessible only by water and offers relaxation in an extraordinarily secluded environment. With its own spectacular setting, Little Dix Bay Resort was designed by Laurance S. Rockefeller.
Virgin Gorda Vacations, Virgin Gorda Villas, Virgin Gorda Resorts, Virgin Gorda Honeymoons, Virgin Gorda Scuba Diving, Virgin Gorda Luxury Vacations Image Provided by the BVI Tourism Board
Virgin Gorda Luxury Vacations Image Provided by the BVI Tourism Board
Your privacy is certainly ensured at one of Virgin Gorda’s deserted pristine beaches, including Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Mahoe Bay, Devil’s Bay and Spring Bay. Or one may choose to visit the most popular of the BVI’s natural attractions, which are the Baths. Here huge granite boulders form mysterious grottos, saltwater pools, and a connecting trail enticing visitors to spend a day exploring, swimming, and snorkeling. Explore Virgin Gorda along rugged trails that run throughout the entire island, and see a huge variety of unique and indigenous plants that thrive in the National Parks at Gorda Peak, Spring Bay, Devil’s Bay and the North Sound. At the nature sanctuary at Little Fort National Park, one may marvel at exotic birds swooping over the hills and ocean.
Not surprisingly, Virgin Gorda has lured people for centuries. Discover the island’s African and Indian heritages; in addition, trace Virgin Gorda’s Spanish history at the ruins at Little Fort National Park; observe Spanish Town and Cornish Copper Mine’s British influences found along the island’s southwestern tip, where ruins stand strong against the azure sea. Experience the island’s wonderful cuisine, an exquisite combination of all of its many influences. Be sure, as well to explore the variety of shops that offer local arts and crafts, gifts, resort wear, and souvenirs.
Virgin Gorda can also be experienced on a single day trip. It is very accessible as Spanish Town has its own airport, and alos, a regular ferry runs between Road Town, Tortola, and Spanish Town. In addition, another ferry takes passengers from Beef Island’s Trellis Bay to Leverick Bay, the Bitter End Yacht Club and to Biras Creek.
Activities on Virgin Gorda: snorkeling, hiking, sightseeing, sunbathing, bird watching, dining, scuba diving, shopping, picnicking.
Virgin Gorda Vacations, Virgin Gorda Villas, Virgin Gorda Resorts, Virgin Gorda Honeymoons, Virgin Gorda Scuba Diving, Virgin Gorda Luxury Vacations Image Provided by the BVI Tourism Board
Virgin Gorda Luxury Vacations Image Provided by the BVI Tourism Board
Nature lovers can enjoy a short stroll from The Baths to the Devil’s Bay National Park, one of several parks given by the Rockefellers to the British Virgin Islands’ government in the 1960s.
Little Fort National Park
Located south of the Yacht Harbour, it was the site of a Spanish fort whose stone walls are still partially intact. This 36-acre area also functions as a wildlife sanctuary.
The Coppermine
On the southwest tip of the island, it was mined by Cornish miners between 1838 and 1867, and perhaps even earlier by the Spanish. Today, the remains of the chimney, boiler house, cistern, and mine shafts can be seen.
Gorda Peak National Park
This park contains a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plants and has been reforested with mahogany trees. At 1,500 feet, it is the island’s highest point.
Virgin Gorda Vacations, Virgin Gorda Villas, Virgin Gorda Resorts, Virgin Gorda Honeymoons, Virgin Gorda Scuba Diving Virgin Gorda Luxury Vacations Image Provided by the BVI Tourism Board
Virgin Gorda Luxury Vacations Image Provided by the BVI Tourism Board
The relaxed pace and un-commercial atmosphere of Virgin Gorda provide an uncomplicated escape from the stresses of modern life. A lazy day of swimming off a deserted sandy cove is usually followed by a local rum cocktail and dinner near the water’s edge. The combination of sun, sea and silence induces a natural tiredness and most of the local restaurants and bars close before 11 pm. Loud nightspots have not yet hit the islands.
Marlin fishing season is from June to August. Deep sea fishing launches can be chartered by the day with an experienced skipper. The world’s record Atlantic blue marlin, weighing over 1,270 pounds, was caught in BVI waters.
