Travel Eye on Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands, Caribbean)

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Overview:

Virgin Gorda , or "Fat Virgin", refers to a protruding mountain noted by Columbus on this second largest of the British Virgin Isles. Only ten miles long and two miles wide, the island is known for its yacht clubs, quiet coves, and safe anchorages for bareboats.

Its most celebrated beach - The Baths - is an intriguing grouping of huge granite rocks framing grottos filled with with sea water. While geologists ponder the origins of these mysterious boulders, swimmers and snorkelers refresh themselves in the cool waters of hidden pools and secret passages.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.

The temperature averages 29°C / 84°F in summer and 27°C / 80°F in winter. At night temperatures may drop about 10°C / 50°F. Average annual rainfall is approx 1000 mm / 40 in.

Virgin Gorda is primarily a beach destination and you will, therefore, most accommodation is directly beachfront or within an easy walk of the beach.

Locality:

The British Virgin Islands are grouped tightly together on the northern tip of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. Tortola is located 18 degrees 26 Minutes North, 64 Degrees 40 Minutes West. Virgin Gorda is located 18 Degrees 25 Minutes North, 64 Degrees 25 Minutes West. These two islands rise steeply out of the sea to around 1500 feet despite being only 10-15 miles in length. The smaller islands have similar relief enabling one island to be seen clearly from the next making it ideal for cruising.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Virgin Gorda offers a nice selection of bars and restaurants, ranging from simple grilled foods to gourmet affairs. Nightlife on the island is limited but best found at the casual pubs on the island where impromptu parties occur with some regularity and visitors do not feel like strangers for very long at all.

Virgin Gorda is popular primarily for its beaches, water sports and for peace and quiet. Visitors with more on their agenda than those simple but idyllic pleasures will be disappointed. The Baths is perhaps the only truly mandatory sight on the island. Giant boulders are strewn along a shoreline of stunning white sand and clear turquoise waters. Enormous boulders create sheltered grottos and passageways between them. The Baths are quite a spectacular sight and swimmers and snorkelers alike can spend days enjoying this fascinating area. Other stunning beaches on the island such as Devils Bay, Spring Bay, Trunk Bay, Savannah Bay and Mahoe Bay await your exploration.

Alternatives to beachcombing include sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, windsurfing, sea kayaking and horseback riding.

Vigin Gorda's Beaches;

Mahoe Bay:
A beautiful ribbon of white sand with vivid, clear blue water and two live reefs for exceptional close in snorkeling.

Savannah Bay:
North of the Yacht Harbor-another white sandy beach.

Spring Bay:
White sand, crystal clear waters and great snorkeling.

The Baths:
A dramatic combination of giant, granite boulders and a white sandy shore. The boulders form a series of spectacular pools and grottos which flood with seawater creating a dramatic setting. Excellent snorkeling. Go early in the AM before the charters from neighboring islands arrive.

Trunk Bay:
A wide sand beach reachable by boat or along a rough path from Spring Bay.

Day Trips:
Virgin Gorda is in close proximity to several neighboring islands such as St. John, Tortola, Anegada and St. Thomas and is served by regular ferry service. Additionally, there are numerous day sails and boat charters available for island hopping.