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Island of the British Virgin Islands
Photo: photo: Henry A-W (Henry aw 23:40, 10 July 2006 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands.
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Virgin Gorda's most famous beach, due to its hidden caves and pools nestled amongst the giant granite boulders. As a result, it can become very crowded when the small cruise ships come calling. The best times are 8AM–10AM, and 3PM–5PM. Changing rooms, lockers and refreshments are available on the beach. A trail leads from The Baths through the pools and caves of the boulder field to little Devil's Bay beach. Both beaches may be reached by paths down from the parking lot at the south end of Tower Road. There is a fee for the Baths path, which is shorter and easier; cheapskates can take the Devils Bay path and reach the Baths through the boulder trail. Snorkeling is a popular activity. Moorings are provided for the many yachts that visit the Baths and Devil's Bay.
Cannot be reached from The Baths, but has easy public access from Tower Road. In spite of scenery rivaling The Baths, it is almost never crowded. At the public access, there are picnic tables in a grove surrounded by more of the big boulders. The Crawl (more boulders!) has sheltered pools with almost no wave action, as well as rocks to climb and crevices to explore. Snorkeling is best around the rocks at The Crawl and at the south end of the beach. The pools of The Crawl are less exciting but a good place for beginners to practice.
Easily reached by a very short trail from Spring Bay, is the next beach north, just as nice and often deserted. At its north end, another trail, with a handy rope for a short steep part, leads to the even more beautiful and more likely deserted beach of Big Trunk Bay.
Sheltered in a cove and protected by reefs, Little Dix often has the calmest water of any of the beaches. This long sandy crescent is accessed through Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort. Don't be bashful--all beaches are public and the resort really does cordially welcome visitors. At the gate house, a friendly security officer will remind you not to use the facilities and direct you to the parking lot.
Reached by a short dirt road. This long sweep of beach, and adjacent Pond Bay, may have a few people or none at all. There is said to be excellent snorkeling—for able swimmers only—along the outer edge of the reef. Others can find things to see around the rocks at each end of the beach. A fabulous Caribbean beach
Quiet, remote beach north of Savannah Bay. Vivid blue waters, gentle sandy curves and ideal for snorkeling with no currents, no jellyfish and rich marine fauna.
Secluded but beautiful and nearly deserted. Great for snorkeling or swimming. Accessible by boat or by road. Continue north past the Nail Bay Resort until the road heads back down toward the water. An unmarked and unimproved road on the left drops sharply and continues to a small parking area (it may be prudent to park beside the main road and walk in if you don't have high clearance and four-wheel drive). From here, a short path leads to the beach. Further north on the beach is a secluded cove with soft sand where no civilization can be seen in any direction.
Secluded and guarded by a long reef. Excellent coral and lots of fish. There is an opening in the reef which allows access to South Sound, which is 8-12 ft deep with a sand bottom. The outside of the reef features huge ferns and corals. South Sound has a small number of villas providing seclusion and quiet.
Here, ruins tell the story of the Cornish engineers who built the steam engine for the mine's pumps and lifts, and the Cornish miners who toiled in tunnels extending under the sea. There is also a view of the rugged coast.
The ruins are nicely maintained, with picnic tables and plantings, but no interpretive information. Worth a few minutes en route to Long Bay or Hog Heaven.
The site of a former Spanish fortress. Some masonry walls still exist on the hillside, including the ruins of the Powder House (a munitions store). The 36-acre area is also a wildlife sanctuary. Easy access into the park from seashore, but a difficult hiking trail leads to the munitions store.
An observation tower offers views of the whole island with its beaches, coves, reefs, offshore islands and blue water. The peak is over 410 m (1350 ft) but most of the climb is made by road. The first trailhead (coming from the south) leads to a longer route (55 minutes) with more vertical climb. The next one is shorter but steeper. Either climb can be made by anyone in average condition with ordinary shoes. Bring water.
Scuba diving, snorkeling, eco-tours, day trips, etc.
Has a variety of full- and half-day cruises by catamaran or motor yacht to islands around Virgin Gorda.
Sailing school.
Powerboat rentals and charters.
The Spirit of Anegada offers day sails to destinations such as Anegada or Cooper Island, half-day snorkeling/sail adventures and sunset sails around Virgin Gorda. Climb aboard this classic gaff rigged schooner (red sails) to enjoy quality snorkeling and sailing among the beautiful BVIs.
Scuba diving and related courses, rendezvous, wreck diving (including the Wreck of Chikuzen).
Will pamper you in many ways, either at their location or on your yacht (or your villa or hotel room).
Weekend filled with activities including: the calypso monarch competition parade, queen show and nightly village entertainment.
Fine dining, indoors or outside, in a casual atmosphere.
Open air restaurant and seaside bar. Serves Latin/Asian fusion cuisine, with an emphasis on sharing small plates of sushi and tapas. Expect to pay around $50 per person for dinner, not including drinks.
The best BBQ in Virgin Gorda by a country mile. Owned by Blondie, a daytime ship captain and weekend pig farmer (really). No meal over $13 as of February 2012. Offering things like ribs, BBQ chicken, BBQ pork, etc. Perched on a hill with a phenomenal view over the water. Beer and cocktails too.
This unassuming and inexpensive cafe has tasty inexpensive barbecue. Ask around, or look for the sign on your way to The Baths, to find out what nights.
A neighborhood lunch place by day, and a nice little restaurant by night. And do take home some pastries from the bakery. Dinner schedule and offerings vary year-by-year; stop by and ask.
Offers cold drinks and snacks including burgers, hot dogs and a variety of sandwiches. Also sells T-shirts, underwater cameras and snorkelling gear.
Named for the boulders (same formation as those at The Baths) among which intimate dining decks are nestled. There is also an outdoor deck overlooking the boulders as well as an indoor dining room, bar and lounge. The ambience is more refined than at most other restaurants on the island. After 8PM, Sam's Piano Bar provides live entertainment including rock, oldies, jazz, reggage and R&B.
Groceries, fresh & frozen produce, deli, dairy wines, spirits & beers, household items, pharmaceuticals, delivery to villa or yacht.
Open to the public, the store sells case-lots and large sizes. It may be a worthwhile stop for provisioning boats or for large groups on long stays.
Groceries, fresh produce, meats, dairy, wines, spirits & beers, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, pharmaceuticals, pre-order provisioning.
Wholesale cash & carry, frozen, chilled & dry foods, delivery service.
The Yacht Harbor complex in Spanish Town has a local yachtie bar with local entertainment most nights.
Tiny bar serving drinks all day. Great for when you are waiting for a ferry or taxi.
The tiny Mad Dog Cafe is known for its piña coladas. There is a limited offering of cold sandwiches, of which the BLT is the most popular.
If you enjoy a sunset cocktail, this is the place for you. Known for their Thursday night buffet, including Anegada Lobster.
A fun place, a good choice for lunch too. If you go there in the evening, check out the chickens that are up in the tree in front of the outdoor deck. You won't believe it!
Bearfoot beach bar serving burgers and salads for lunch, and steak, fish and chicken for dinner. In season, local bands on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Offers great sunsets and excellent local rum drinks. Lunch is served, but no dinner.
Two houses back from Spring Bay with panoramic views of Drake's Channel. Three bedrooms for up to six guests. It has a chef's kitchen, daily maid service and outdoor living spaces.
Self-contained oceanfront cottages overlook the ocean. Studio rooms available, some with ocean view private patios.
Has one- two- and three-bedroom cottages, each with a kitchen/living/dining room and deck. The houses are tucked among more of the giant granite boulders. The honor-system self-serve commissary is small but has all the necessities for snacking, drinking and dining. No restaurants on premises, but several within a mile or so. It also manages several villas in the area, ranging from really nice to the spectacular Casa Rocalta. Guests of the villas have access to the Guavaberry commissary and office staff.
A boutique resort including luxury suites and villas. It is closed for renovation, and plans to reopen in late 2019.
One-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments; two-bedroom town houses. All condos have at least partial ocean views, but the top floors have the best views.
Bigger Splash Villa has a main house with three bedrooms, including a large primary suite, and the Cottage with a separate kitchen, living/eating area, and bed/bath.
Shaped like a pyramid, rising three floors. Four large main floor suites and a master suite on the second floor. A steel ladder leads to the "Crow's Nest" on the third floor at the top of the pyramid. Shared living area, professional kitchen and infinity pool. Villa can be rented as a complete villa or by individual suites.
Offering suites and villas with a wide price range. Private villas, up to five bedrooms, available by the week.
With its remote location, Nail Bay is perhaps the most private of the resorts. Apartments and villas are scattered over 148 acres.
Waterfront luxury 6-bedroom villa that comes with 3 kayaks and a dinghy/outboard.
This resort has both public slips, rooms for the night, and many nice hammocks scattered beneath palm trees from which to see the view. Accessible only by sea, it has its own ferry from Gun Creek.
The only North Sound resort reached by road. The Water Sports Centre offers snorkel equipment and boat rentals, charters and water sport activities.
A resort sitting on its own little island near Bitter End Yacht Club.
By ferry
Several airlines serve Saint Thomas and Tortola. Ferry service from Tortola's Beef Island airport is convenient with several departures per day. From St.
By sail
Virgin Gorda is a popular yachting destination, with marina services at Spanish Town and boat-oriented resorts on the North Sound.
For those staying at resorts, taxis are readily available for the occasional excursion. Taxi services include:
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Beef Island · International · EIS
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Articles and travel topics about Virgin Gorda and British Virgin Islands.
Nature & adventureWreck diving is a specific type of scuba diving. Most wreck diving is done on shipwrecks, but wrecks of aircraft are also commonly explored by scuba divers.
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Nature & adventureScuba diving is an activity in which you swim underwater for extended periods using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, hence the acronym scuba.
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Culture & historyThe British Empire was, at its peak, the largest empire in history; it controlled just short of a quarter of the world's land area and a quarter of the population.
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Travel tipsRetiring abroad can let you live cheaply in an interesting place; you are not all that likely to actually find paradise-on-earth or the fountain of youth, but you might get close enough to enjoy yourself immensely.
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