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.

Read More 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

(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.

Tips: Trails lead from North Sound Road.

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.

Tips: All the North Sound areas (excluding Leverick Bay and Gun Creek) must be reached by water travel. The North Sound Express ferry service is available for easy travel.

Read Less

Virgin Gorda Attractions

Read More Gorda Peak National Park

Read More North & East Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Read More North & East Virgin Gorda - Berchers Bay Beach

Read More North & East Virgin Gorda - Mahoe Bay Beach

Read More North & East Virgin Gorda - Nail Bay & Long Bay Beaches

Read More North Sound

Read More Palm Tree Gallery

Read More Prickly Pear Island & Vixen Point, British Virgin Islands

Read More Spanish Town & The Valley, British Virgin Islands