Virgin Gorda is the most northeastern island of the British Virgin Islands and third in order of magnitude. Baptized “the fat virgin” by Christopher Columbus, due to its curious shape, thin at the ends and rounded in the center, it is 16 kilometers long and just 3 wide, it is the second-most populous island, with just under three thousand inhabitants, by population density.
The main settlement is Spanish Town also known as The Valley by local residents, it is located in the south and houses a small marina. The origins of its name seem to be due to the fact that in the sixteenth century many Spaniards came here to work in the copper mines, at Copper Mine Point.
Despite its small size, Virgin Gorda has become one of the major tourist attractions of the British Virgin Islands, especially for pleasure boating. Here, in fact, there is a vast offer of charter boats and its bays guarantee dozens of possible itineraries, all immersed in the most beautiful of seas and verdant nature.
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The best 5 spots and resorts in Virgin Gorda
The ones we mention below are in our opinion the unmissable places during a boat trip around Virgin Gorda:
The Baths National Park
The Baths are probably the most famous place on the island and one of the most famous of all the Virgin Islands. With its imposing morainic boulders scattered along the beach that encloses caves and natural pools, it is a perfect place for exploration and snorkeling. Right here are some of the most beautiful beaches on the island: Devil’s Bay which corresponds with the end of the walk inside The Baths National Park and Spring Bay, a real natural swimming pool surrounded by huge rocks.
Established in 1990, The Baths National Park is the centerpiece of this spectacular area on Virgin Gorda. A geological marvel made up of majestic granite boulders, which form sheltered marine pools on the edge of the beach.
Here you will find granite boulders up to 40 feet in diameter, white sand beaches, and hidden pools of water. The surrounding cavernous environment is the result of molten rock seeping into the existing volcanic rock layers. The atmospheric agents then rounded off the corners of the boulders, giving them their present shape.
This popular daytime anchorage is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and has facilities that allow dinghies to be moored offshore preventing overcrowding of the beaches. There are also mooring buoys arranged to protect the coral reef from damage from the anchor. The structures on the ground include bathrooms and lockers, ensuring a pleasant experience in this unique environment.
In the winter months, strong storms can occur which prevent the use of mooring buoys and access to the beach from the sea. Swimming is also not recommended in these periods, due to the strong currents.
Related: Explore Virgin Gorda aboard a yacht for the perfect vacation
North Sound
The best port of Virgin Gorda for sailing lovers is definitely North Sound. It is the easternmost tip of the island, an oasis for water sports lovers protected by numerous islets (Mosquito, Prickly Pear, Necker, Eustatia) and coral reefs that surround it making the bay particularly suitable for navigation.
The North Sound area is a boaters paradise, a protected body of water offering fabulous anchorages adjacent to several properties and fabulous resorts. Over the past decade, North Sound has become one of the Caribbean’s premier high-end destinations.
In 2017 North Sound was severely affected, like all of Virgin Gorda, by Hurricane Irma, causing the closure of some of the main resorts such as the Bitter End Yacht Club and the Saba Rock Resort which however have recently reopened, creating new destinations for the numerous tourists who come here both by sea and by land.
The view from Gorda Peak, the mountain that dominates the North Sound and which turns its gaze on the myriad of shades of the sea and on the sailboats and superyachts at anchor or scattered among the numerous islands, is priceless.
Saba Rock Resort
Located in the heart of North Sound, off Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, Saba Rock is one of the most unique properties in the world located in one of the most unique and beautiful places in all of the Caribbean. Saba Rock is part of the sparsely inhabited group of islands surrounding Virgin Gorda’s North Sound.
Just under an acre wide during low tide periods, Saba Rock is the size of a rock in the middle of the sea and is the perfect place to seek tranquility and fun. This tiny island is home to a hotel, restaurant with bar, and full-service marina, all surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.
Among the most striking features stand out the collections of outboard motors, ancient and authentic shipwreck artifacts, and jewels on display in the Nautical Museum located inside the retail store, which also presents a wide selection of Saba Rock sponsored clothing, clothing signed by local designers.
With a pirate past and a luxury resort present, this illustrious Caribbean resort offers the pristine nautical backdrop of an unforgettable tropical island experience.
Located at 18.5030 ° N, 64.3578 ° W, Saba Rock is a must-see for sailors and boaters exploring Virgin Gorda’s islands and attractions located in the North Sound.
Helicopter charters are also available for guests who prefer to arrive in style and directly and privately directly from the airport to the on-site Saba Rock heliport.
Recommended: 10 Days Yacht Charter Itinerary in the British Virgin Islands
The Bitter End Yacht Club
Established in 1969, the Bitter End Yacht Club is a world-renowned watersports spot, renowned for its adventurous style, its celebration of the sea, harmony with the surrounding natural environment, and continual pursuit of fun.
Its name derives from the iconic location on the northeastern edge of the British Virgin Islands. Bitter End is in fact the last outpost of the island before the Caribbean Sea meets the open Atlantic Ocean.
Although severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, thanks to the help of the large global community that supports it, this famous yacht club has managed to rise from its ashes. Today the location has undergone some changes compared to the past but retains peculiar characteristics, such as over a mile of beautiful waterfront or a resort tailored to the seafaring community.
Bitter End is also and above all known as a water sports paradise thanks to its protected deep water harbor, constant trade winds, and the proximity of colorful coral reefs. Over the past 50 years, the yacht club has become a popular destination for sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach petting.
When not in the water or on the water, visitors enjoy pristine beaches, browsing the resort’s shops, stocking up on food, or drinking a cocktail at one of the oldest bars in the BVI.
Oil Nut Bay
On the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda, in the North Sound district, there is one of the most exclusive British Virgin Islands resorts in the Caribbean, accessible only by boat or helicopter: the Oil Nut Bay. We are talking about an exclusive and protected paradise for those looking for a location of absolute level.
Spread over 300 pristine acres and embraced by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Oil Nut Bay is an exquisite paradise for those who need to indulge, explore and immerse themselves in all that nature has to offer.
An exclusive collection of villas and suites, one-of-a-kind properties that enjoy breathtaking seascapes through architecture that complements the natural beauty of the earth. Suites and villas are graciously appointed with fine furnishings, exquisite decor, and premium finish, offering guests the tranquility of their own private island with all the comforts and amenities of a full-service resort.
Important: 14 Days Yacht Charter Itinerary in the American and British Virgin Islands
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The 5 unmissable spots and resorts in Virgin Gorda
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