Virgin Gorda Attractions
Virgin Gorda ("Fat Virgin") was named by Christopher Columbus for its shape as seen on the sea's horizon. The second largest island in the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda measures 10mi/16km in length and 2mi/3.2km in width (8.5sq.mi/22sq.km). Lying 8mi/12km east of Tortola, serpent-shaped Virgin Gorda is easily navigated with many anchorages, particularly in the North Sound.
The island is of volcanic origin, with the northern half being mountainous and dominated by Virgin Gorda Peak (1359ft/414m). Southern Virgin Gorda is a flat plain called the Valley, with the island's main settlement, Spanish Town, lying on the western shore. The southern tip of the island is flat and scattered with giant granite boulders, Virgin Gorda's most famous attraction. Virgin Gorda is known for its yacht clubs, secluded beach coast, natural attractions and excellent vistas of the entire archipelago.
The South Drop off Virgin Gorda known for deep sea fishing, and opportunities for various water sports are abundant on the island.
Igneri, Taíno and Carib Indians first populated Virgin Gorda. For many years, Virgin Gorda remained a stopping point for buccaneers and foreign fleets exploring the New World. A permanent settlement did not arrive on the island until 1680 when British planters arrived from Anguilla. The population steadily grew, and the first governor of the British Virgin Islands originally made Virgin Gorda the capital of the Territory before moving it to Tortola. By 1812 Virgin Gorda's population reached an all-time peak of 8,000 and many plantations on the island produced sugar cane, indigo, ginger and cattle as well as the mining of copper.
After the collapse of the plantation economy and the depletion of the copper mines, most abandoned Virgin Gorda leaving a population of about 600 in the early 20th C. However, by the late 1950s and early 1960s, development spurred by Laurence Rockefeller helped to begin boosting the economy. Today, tourism is the major industry of Virgin Gorda.
The island is of volcanic origin, with the northern half being mountainous and dominated by Virgin Gorda Peak (1359ft/414m). Southern Virgin Gorda is a flat plain called the Valley, with the island's main settlement, Spanish Town, lying on the western shore. The southern tip of the island is flat and scattered with giant granite boulders, Virgin Gorda's most famous attraction. Virgin Gorda is known for its yacht clubs, secluded beach coast, natural attractions and excellent vistas of the entire archipelago.
The South Drop off Virgin Gorda known for deep sea fishing, and opportunities for various water sports are abundant on the island.
Igneri, Taíno and Carib Indians first populated Virgin Gorda. For many years, Virgin Gorda remained a stopping point for buccaneers and foreign fleets exploring the New World. A permanent settlement did not arrive on the island until 1680 when British planters arrived from Anguilla. The population steadily grew, and the first governor of the British Virgin Islands originally made Virgin Gorda the capital of the Territory before moving it to Tortola. By 1812 Virgin Gorda's population reached an all-time peak of 8,000 and many plantations on the island produced sugar cane, indigo, ginger and cattle as well as the mining of copper.
After the collapse of the plantation economy and the depletion of the copper mines, most abandoned Virgin Gorda leaving a population of about 600 in the early 20th C. However, by the late 1950s and early 1960s, development spurred by Laurence Rockefeller helped to begin boosting the economy. Today, tourism is the major industry of Virgin Gorda.
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North & East Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
This region of Virgin Gorda is home to most of the island's luxury resorts. There are excellent vistas of North Sound and many steep mountain slopes.
Gorda Peak National Park
Gorda Peak is the highest point on the island reaching 1,370ft/418m, and there are two well-marked trails leading to the summit where picnic tables and an observation tower can be found. The vistas here are excellent, offering panoramic views of the North Sound, Anegada, and the other islets and cays of the British Virgin Islands. On a clear day St Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands) can be seen, 50mi/80km in the southeast direction. Extensive reforestation has been undertaken in the area through the planting of mahogany trees.
(Virgin Gorda)
The Gorda Peak National Park (declared 1974) is comprised of 265ac/107ha of land featuring both indigenous and exotic plants typical of semi-rainforest. At the highest elevation, the park is considered dry forest and presents rich Caribbean biological diversity, featuring some of the most rare plants in the British Virgin Islands such as six species of native orchids. Wildlife such as reptiles, tree frogs, birds, bats, and soldier crabs are found in the park. The world's smallest lizard, the Virgin Gorda gecko, makes the park its home.Gorda Peak is the highest point on the island reaching 1,370ft/418m, and there are two well-marked trails leading to the summit where picnic tables and an observation tower can be found. The vistas here are excellent, offering panoramic views of the North Sound, Anegada, and the other islets and cays of the British Virgin Islands. On a clear day St Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands) can be seen, 50mi/80km in the southeast direction. Extensive reforestation has been undertaken in the area through the planting of mahogany trees.
North Sound
Historically, Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins collected their fleets in the North Sound (then called Freebooters Gangway) before attacking Puerto Rico. Since the channel and surrounding areas can only be reached by boat, the North Sound is extremely popular with yachters and private charterers. There are extensive services in Virgin Gorda and Tortola offering excursions to the North Sound.
(Virgin Gorda)
The North Sound (northeast shore, Virgin Gorda) is a major water sports center in the British Virgin Islands. The North Sound offers well protected waters and many anchorages, with every kind of boat and water activity available - diving, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, water-skiing, glass bottom boats and trips to secluded beaches. Hiking is also another popular activity in the North Sound, offering access to trails on small islands in the channel and on Virgin Gorda that cannot be reached by road.Historically, Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins collected their fleets in the North Sound (then called Freebooters Gangway) before attacking Puerto Rico. Since the channel and surrounding areas can only be reached by boat, the North Sound is extremely popular with yachters and private charterers. There are extensive services in Virgin Gorda and Tortola offering excursions to the North Sound.
North & East Virgin Gorda - Berchers Bay Beach
Berchers Bay features calm waters and is protected by a barrier reef. The beach is an ideal spot for swimming and water activities.
North & East Virgin Gorda - Mahoe Bay Beach
The curved Mahoe Bay beach is best known for its vibrant blue waters that are good for swimming and water sports.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
North & East Virgin Gorda - Nail Bay & Long Bay Beaches
Both of the beaches at Nail Bay and Long Bay Beaches are 1mi/1.6km long and feature calm waters good for swimming.
Palm Tree Gallery
Palm Tree Gallery on Virgin Gorda displays the works of local artists. Visitors will find paintings sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other crafts.
Prickly Pear Island & Vixen Point, British Virgin Islands
Lying in the North Sound, Prickly Pear Island features Vixen Point, a broad, long, white-sand beach. The swimming area is sheltered and calm and another secluded beach can be found on the north side of the island.
