Virgin Gorda is the second-largest island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). It means “fat Virgin,” a name given by Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who discovered the island in 1493. Columbus gave the island that name because its profile on the horizon looked like a fat woman lying on her side.
Several distinctly different areas make up the volcanic island. They include the mountainous center, the location of Gorda Peak National Park, and the North Sound. The Beach Coast, The Baths, and The Valley (the island’s main habitation) also form part of the island.
In The Valley, on the southwestern part of the island, you will find Spanish Town, the island’s most populated area.
On the island’s southern end, you’ll find an unusual geologic formation known as The Baths. This place and nearby Spring Bay are must-see attractions when visiting Virgin Gorda. The beach at The Baths shows evidence of the island’s volcanic origins. Huge granite boulders lie in piles, forming scenic grottoes that open to the sea.
Centuries ago, volcanic eruptions scattered gigantic rocks the size of houses onto the beach and water’s edge. After years of weathering, these rounded boulders have created mystical grottoes and coves. They are accessible only by foot or snorkeling from the beach.
North of The Baths is the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, formerly owned by Little Dix Bay. The most notable ruin on Virgin Gorda is the old Copper Mine. The island’s North Sound hosts the high-end Bitter End Yacht Club, now a five-star resort.
Virgin Gorda Activities
Water Sports
The sheltered waters of the North Sound offer a spectacular environment for various water sports activities.
Virgin Gorda provides some of the best views para-sailing has to offer. The experienced crew of Leverick Bay Watersports offers you the flight of a lifetime.
A fantastic way to discover the BVI is by renting a boat. Leverick Bay Watersports has Bradley Powerboats for rent – ranging from 17′ to 28′ types. Less experienced boaters can rent a dinghy for the day and find their secluded beach or snorkel spots. Hobie Wave, Sunfish, and kayaks are also available for rent at Leverick Bay Watersports.
Heritage & Culture
- Coppermine Ruins
Four hundred years ago, Spanish miners, followed by the English, mined this area of Virgin Gorda for copper. You can explore the remaining stone chimney and mine shafts. Here, the majestic views of Virgin Gorda and the endless seas will take your breath away. Stop at the Mine Shaft Cafe for their “Cave In” local drink.
- Gorda Peak National Park
Gorda Peak, Virgin Gorda’s highest peak, is a crowd-drawer. A 15-minute hike to the summit at 1,359 feet brings you to a wooden observation tower with fantastic views. You must wear proper gear when hiking through Gorda Peak’s trails.
- Nail Bay Sugar Mill Ruins
Nail Bay on the West coast of Virgin Gorda is part of the island’s beach coast. Scenic Nail Bay looks out over beaches to Mountain Point and The Channel beyond. You can find Nail Bay Sugar Mill Ruins near a side trail 500 yards up the mountain.
Shopping
You can shop at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. For provisions and tasty treats, visit the Bath and Turtle, Buck’s Food Market, or the Wine Cellar. For gifts and clothing, go to the Blue Banana, B.V.I.
Other shops include Apparel Outlet, Dive BVI LTD, Flamboyance, Margo’s Jewelry Boutique, and Shereen’s Nauti Virgin. Art lovers can check out Next Wave, Three Artistic Gallery, and the Virgin Gorda Craft Shop.
Many quaint shops on Virgin Gorda offer local handicrafts, artwork, accessories, and gifts. Try The Palm Tree Gallery or pick up some rum at the Pusser’s Company Store in Leverick Bay. While visiting The Baths, pop into On the Rocks Beachtique for beachwear and memorabilia.
WANT MORE? GO TO…TOP 7 THINGS TO DO ON VIRGIN GORDA
Virgin Gorda Anchorages
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Biras Creek Marina
This well-protected anchorage is accessible directly from North Sound. Twenty-two moorings are available, each for a fee of $30 per night.
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Bitter End Yacht Club, North Sound
This unique and must-see nautical village caters to yachters. The Quarterdeck Club and Marina offers private showers, fuel, electricity, garbage pickup, and mechanical services.
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Drake’s Anchorage, South Bay
The Colquhoun Reef and Mosquito Island enclose this anchorage. It provides excellent protection and good holding in 20-30 feet of water. Moorings are available.
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Gun Creek
It’s the “end of the road” when heading east on Virgin Gorda. This protected anchorage lies east of Leverick Bay. The jetty has a government-built passenger terminal from which the resorts in North Sound run their ferry and launch services. Provisions, ferry, restaurant, taxi island tours, and garbage disposal are available.
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Leverick Bay Resort & Marina, North Sound
This facility offers moorings, provisions, and laundry, as well as a full-service marina, restaurant, dive shop, and hotel.
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Long Bay
This anchorage area lies southeast of Mountain Point. You can anchor your boat on the sandy bottom.
- North Sound
The North Sound is a boater’s dream in terms of location, facilities, and beauty. You can find numerous resorts, restaurants, shops, and water sports activities in the well-protected waters.
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Saba Rock, North Sound
This tiny island lies between Virgin Gorda’s Bitter End and Prickly Pear Island. It offers gardens, as well as a marina, hotel, restaurant, and gift shop. Moorings are available; you can pay at the gift shop.
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Savannah Bay
This anchorage lies behind the reef in Savannah Bay. Boaters usually anchor their vessels in the middle of Pond Bay. Giorgio’s Table Restaurant is on the Point with a small dinghy dock below. A significant swell can penetrate the reef in northerly weather, so beware of anchoring your boat there overnight.
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The Baths
The Baths is on the southwestern shore of Virgin Gorda. National Park moorings are available. This is a unique and scenic location, but there can be swells sometimes. Anchoring is not permitted.
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Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, Spanish Town
The marina offers over 100 berths. It has a large boat yard with facilities capable of accommodating mega yachts up to 160′. The Harbor also has a dive shop, restaurant, drug store, some shops, and banking facilities. Within a short walk are Spanish Town and St Thomas Bay Beach.
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Vixen Point, Prickly Pear Island, Gorda Sound
Here, you will find space to anchor just to the north of the mooring field on the west side of Prickly Pear Island. A beach bar and restaurant are available.
Virgin Gorda Beaches
By mid-morning in Virgin Gorda, expect to see sun worshipers settling down on the island’s deserted beaches. Virtually all of the crystal-clear waters surrounding Virgin Gorda’s beaches are excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.
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Big Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is one of a series of awe-inspiring white sand beaches on the island’s western shore. This beach, bordered by a private estate and a lovely palm tree grove, can only be reached by boat or along a path from Spring Bay.
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Devils Bay
Devil’s Bay is yet another picture-perfect beach on Virgin Gorda. It’s usually quieter than the Baths and has a good stretch of white sand to relax on. It’s an idyllic spot to spend an hour or two sunbathing. It’s also a convenient base to explore the fascinating snorkeling opportunities around The Baths’ rocks, caves, and boulders.
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Fisher’s Cove
Turquoise waters lap this tranquil quarter-mile, white sand beach. Here, you can find plenty of bohios — beach cabanas made of palm fronds. Relax in one of them while taking a break from the intense Caribbean sun.
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Leverick Bay
Leverick Bay is home to a pleasant beach resort with a hotel and marina. It features a small beach where your family can safely swim. The bay also has a dive shop, spa, beach bar, and swimming pool with water sports equipment. It likewise has WiFi access, shops, and restaurants.
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Little Dix Bay
This place is home to the famous luxury resort founded by renowned American conservationist Laurance Rockefeller. The beach here is in a magnificent setting behind a coral reef in a perfect cove. Two mountains that tumble into the sea as rocky headlands flank the cove.
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Long Bay
Long Bay is the ultimate secluded bay with a long beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You will likely have this beach to yourself, except for the odd sailboat or two anchored when the conditions are good.
This bay is a great birding spot, too. Long Bay and Nail Bay, next door, are typical habitats for blue herons, spotted sandpipers, black-necked stilts, and ruddy turnstones. You can also find brown boobies and pelicans.
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Mahoe Bay
Protected by picturesque reefs offshore, Mahoe Bay forms a tropical lagoon perfect for water activities like swimming and windsurfing. Mahoe Bay’s white sand beach and shallow reefs provide good snorkeling with abundant marine life, especially sea turtles.
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Oil Nut Bay
This spot on Virgin Gorda’s eastern peninsula offers all the advantages of island living. It’s accessible only by air or boat.
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Savannah Bay and Pond Bay
These two often deserted beaches are long stretches of pristine white sand. These beaches form part of the renowned “Beach Coast” of Virgin Gorda. They are idyllic spots for water sports as a continuous reef protects them. Don’t forget to bring a cooler with refreshments or a picnic lunch when you go here.
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South Sound
The South Sound provides peace and solitude, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the empty ocean. The sea here seems to extend into eternity, with nothing but a soft haze to separate it and the sky.
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Spring Bay
Spring Bay is one of Virgin Gorda’s loveliest beaches, with golden sand sprinkled with the island’s famous boulders and clear waters. Here, the crystal-clear sea changes from green and blue to azure. Spring Bay offers comfortable swimming, terrific snorkeling among colorful sea life, and ancient tamarind trees for shade and seclusion.
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The Baths
The Baths are a must-see. They are a unique, natural phenomenon of pools and grottoes across pristine white sandy beaches. You’ll witness the magic of this place as you make your way along the trail to Devil’s Bay. You’ll see hidden caves and secret pools lit by the shafts of sunlight seeping through the boulders above and around you.
Virgin Gorda Dining
Virgin Gorda has everything — from rustic Caribbean beach shacks to the finest dining in the Caribbean. You can dine in formal surroundings at some of the island’s best restaurants, such as Biras Creek and Little Dix Bay. Or, you can grab a burger or salad from the friendly staff at the laid-back, beachside bars. Virgin Gorda has a wealth of good restaurants and eateries, and we are sure you’ll find something to suit your taste.
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Anything Goes
This restaurant serves West Indian dishes and seafood. Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Phone: 284-495-5244
- Bath and Turtle
This patio tavern in the Yacht Harbor offers Caribbean fare, pasta, pizza, and burgers. It also has a waterfront bar, liquor store, and free lending library. Phone: 284-495-5239
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Biras Creek
This elegant restaurant overlooks North Sound. Dinner dress code and reservations are required. Phone: 284-494-3555
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Bitter End Yacht Club
The clubhouse overlooks Gorda Sound and serves fresh fish, lobster, steak, and island specialties. The Pub beachside bar serves light luncheon fare. Phone: 284-494-2746
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Crab Hole
This restaurant specializes in Creole dishes, including Callaloo, local fish, and conch. Phone: 284-495-5307
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Chez Bamboo
This elegant restaurant serves Creole and Caribbean cuisine with a French flair. Phone: 284-495-5752
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Fat Virgin’s Café
This casual waterside café at Biras Creek serves burgers, sandwiches, soups, and ribs. It also serves roti, pasta, fish, frozen drinks, and gourmet coffees. Phone: 284-495-7052
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Fischer’s Cove Beach Hotel
This quaint eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s on the water’s edge and specializes in island cuisine, seafood, homemade breads, soups, and desserts. Web: www.fischerscove.com. Phone: 284-495-5252
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Flying Iguana
This eatery serves fresh fish and lobster in an open-air dining room. Web: www.flyingiguanabvi.com. Phone: 284-495-5277
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Giorgio’s Restaurant
This restaurant offers Old-World-style Italian cuisine. It’s open for dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Web: www.giorgiobvi.net. Phone: 284-495-5684
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Leverick Bay Restaurant
This restaurant at Leverick Bay specializes in fresh local seafood, house-cut steaks, and island favorites. It offers poolside dining for lunch and early dinners, including sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. Web: www.leverickbay.com. Phone: 284-495-7154
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LSL Restaurant & Bakery
This eatery serves international and West Indian lunch and dinner daily, including seafood, chicken, pasta, and pizza. Phone: 284-495-5151
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Little Dix Bay Hotel
This hotel serves buffet luncheon and dinner on a spacious dining terrace. Proper dress is required. Web: www.littledixbay.com/dining. Phone: 284-495-5555
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Mad Dog
This eatery at the roundabout near The Baths is famous for its three-decker sandwiches, paninis, and salads. It also serves pina coladas and Red Dog frozen drinks. Web: www.maddogbvi.net. Phone: 284-495-5830
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Main Deck Bar & Grill
This eatery is at Andy’s Chateau, offering stunning sunsets, fresh fish on the grill, steaks, and chicken. Phone: 284-495-5252
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Mine Shaft Café
This café serves burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. Web: www.mineshaftbvi.net. Phone: 284-495-5260
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Poor Man’s Bar
This casual beach bar at The Baths offers sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and drinks.
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Rock Café
This café serves Italian and Caribbean dishes in a beautiful setting. Phone: 284-495-5482
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Saba Rock Restaurant
This restaurant serves pub fare for lunch and an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet. Phone: 284-495-7711
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Sugarcane Bar & Grill
This eatery at the Nail Bay resort serves West Indian food such as duck curry, saltfish, and roti. Phone: 284-494-8000
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Top of the Baths
Situated at the top of The Baths, this restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining. It boasts fantastic views and a varied menu. Web: www.topofthebaths.com. Phone: 284-495-5497
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Village Café
This café serves salads, wraps, jerk pork, seafood, and steaks. Phone: 284-495-5482
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Wheelhouse
This restaurant at the Ocean View Hotel specializes in fresh fish or chicken served with curried or native sauce. Phone: 284-495-5230
Virgin Gorda: Getting Around
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Getting Around BY BOAT
An aerial view of the island shows three bulky masses connected by two narrow isthmuses. The most northeasterly of these three masses hosts two popular hotels, Biras Creek and Bitter End Yacht Club. They are inaccessible by road. To get there, you will require ferryboat transit from the more accessible parts of the island.
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Getting Around BY BUS
Open-sided safari buses run along the main road. Each of these independently operated buses can hold up to 22 passengers. They charge upwards of $3 to $5 per person to transport a passenger from the Valley to The Baths.
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Getting Around BY CAR
If you’d like to rent a car, try one of the local firms, including Mahogany Rentals, the Valley, Spanish Town (tel. 284/495-5469), across from the yacht harbor. Taxi services are also available on the island. Road conditions on Virgin Gorda range from good to extremely poor.
You can explore Virgin Gorda by car by driving from the southwest to the northeast on a rocky and meandering road. This route will take you to The Baths (in the extreme southeast) and Spanish Harbor (near the middle). After skirting the mountainous edges of Gorda Peak, you will reach the most northwesterly tip of the island’s road system, near North Sound.
CONTACT US for more information about Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands at 321-777-1707
Virgin Gorda: Getting There
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Getting There BY AIR
Air Sunshine flies to Virgin Gorda Airport from San Juan and St. Thomas. Seaborne Airlines flies float-planes to North Sound from St. Thomas.
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Getting There BY BOAT
Speedy’s (284-495-5240) and Smith’s Ferry (284-494-4454) run several times daily between Spanish Town and Road Town, Tortola. The 30-minute round trip is US$25. North Sound Express (495-2138) runs between Virgin Gorda’s North Sound and Tortola’s Beef Island. You’ll also find that the most luxurious resorts have their boats to transport you to/from Beef Island Airport.
CONTACT US for more information about Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands at 1772-777-8161