Virgin Gorda Sightseeing

Virgin Gorda is the second most populated island in the Territory. The island boasts world-class resorts, a laid-back casual lifestyle and its own wonders, both natural and man-made. The easiest access is by ferry from Road Town or Trellis Bay.

Virgin Gorda means "fat virgin" in Spanish, and was named by the first settlers on the island. Most of the inhabitants live in Spanish Town, which is also the centre of commercial activity. The Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour lies at the heart of this community.

The Copper Mine is located near the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda. The Spanish first extracted copper from the ground more than four centuries ago. More recent attempts to reactivate the mine were all abandoned. Currently, the site is under the protection of the National Parks Trust and some restoration is planned for the future.

Not far from the Copper Mine lie the Baths. One of the true natural wonders of the islands, this is an obligatory stop for every visitor. Huge granite boulders are strewn along a white-sand beach. There are grottos to explore and rocks to climb, and the boulders underwater are a snorkellers delight. Some are as tall as a three-story house, with caverns eroded into the sides. These boulders were formed millions of years ago when geologic forces pushed up the seafloor and folded the ground into mountains. Eons later, erosion and weathering produced the characteristic shapes we see today. The surrounding beaches are among the finest in the world.

Laurence Rockefeller built the hotel at Little Dix Bay in the 1960s. It is still one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and continues to attract the rich and famous. Just beyond, the sweeping beach of Savannah Bay lures those wanting a more natural setting and a dose of solitude.

Near the top of the island is Gorda Peak National Park. The trail entrances are easily accessible from the road and clearly marked. Take a hike on the trails and enjoy the native flora and fauna. The views along the trails are breathtaking and will be treasured for a long time. From the top of Virgin Gorda, you'll get a panoramic vista of North Sound. Once home to pirates and buccaneers, North Sound now hosts legions of sailors eager to make their own mark in the history books.

The Bitter End Yacht Club has attracted sailing enthusiasts for more than 30 years. With its famous water sports centre, sailing school, racing clinics and numerous regattas, the Bitter End can accommodate the active sports buff as well as the individual who wants to sip a Piņa Colada while relaxing in a hammock under a palm tree.

On the opposite shore of North Sound is Leverick Bay Hotel and Marina. This resort boasts the usual assortment of shops, restaurants and water sports. Numerous private homes dot the hillside above the bay. Biras Creek lies in a remote corner of North Sound. This very upscale resort promotes seclusion with a casual atmosphere. A favourite with the rich and famous, you never know who will turn up. The latest addition in North Sound is the new YCCS Marina which caters to superyachts. It is conveniently located with protection from prevailing winds, swells and surge and offers 38 slips for yachts up to 100 meters and a max of 9 meters draft. This is an ideal base for large yachts cruising the Virgin Islands the Leeward and Windward Islands. (yccsmarina.com). Yacht owners and guests staying at the YCCS Marina enjoy full privileges at Biras Creek Resort.

Not far from the Bitter End, Saba Rock Resort occupies an entire tiny island. Accessible only by boat, this small resort caters to yachtsmen. Boats tie up a few feet from the bar and restaurant.

Just outside North Sound is Necker Island, Richard Branson's famous hideaway. Royalty and movie stars can find privacy on any of several beaches surrounding the island. World renowned as a getaway location, you can rent all of Necker — if you can afford it.

Virgin Gorda Beaches

The beaches on Virgin Gorda are some of the finest anywhere. Many are stunningly beautiful and serve as a backdrop for spectacular natural formations. Without a doubt, the beaches in the vicinity of The Baths are among the most spectacular in the world. Huge granite boulders, some larger than a three-story house, are strewn along the shore as if placed there by some giant. The boulders along the beach have created small isolated mini-beaches and grottos. A hike through the boulders followed by a snorkel through an equally fascinating underwater landscape is a must-see on your trip to the BVI.

The beach at Little Dix Bay is protected behind a reef so it is always calm and magnificent. Of course, the amenities offered at the resort are second to none.

There is an almost unbroken stretch of beach from Little Dix Bay to Mountain Point. Savannah Bay has a long beach also protected by a reef. Since it offers shelter from ocean waves, visiting yachts will occasionally anchor just offshore. A short swim ashore allows access to an undeveloped beach with a magnificent view of Tortola and the Dog Islands.

The sunset view from the beach at Long Bay is worth the effort to get there. Looking at the sun setting behind the distant islands is one of those memories of a lifetime.

North Sound is a large sheltered body of water that has been at the centre of yachting activities for decades. Resorts such as the Bitter End, Biras Creek and Leverick Bay all have beaches for the enjoyment of their guests. Some are protected inside the Sound while others are exposed to the ocean with big surf.

Be sure not to miss a visit to Oil Nut Bay. Tucked behind the reef near the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda, you can only get to this remote bay by small boat or kayak. If you make it to the beach you will feel like Robinson Crusoe on your own deserted island. It is truly magnificent.

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