Courtesy of SeaDream Yacht ClubA SeaDream ship sails off the coast of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

Top things to do & see in Virgin Gorda

Though long a haven for the yachting crowd, Virgin Gorda remains under-commercialized and largely pristine. It's reminiscent of the USVI's St. John, before the designer shoe and handbag stores arrived. With only a few resorts and a sprinkling of villas, Virgin Gorda has a pleasing intimacy. The local people are well educated, friendly and family oriented. As elsewhere in the BVI, English is spoken with a more or less strong accent. It is courteous to begin a conversation — even a brief question — with "Good morning," or other salutation appropriate to the time of day.

Spanish Town on southern Virgin Gorda is the second largest town of the British Virgin Islands (after Road Town, Tortola). Spanish Town offers shopping possibilities and a few bars, and at its heart is Yacht Harbor marina, where many bareboat-sailing activities are available. It has its own airport and a ferry service runs between Spanish Town and Road Town. Overall, though, this is not the place to find lots of stores, bars and glitz. Instead, Spanish Town offers a low-key respite for visitors who want a taste of local Caribbean hospitality and life--surrounded by glorious beaches and water. 

kansasphoto / Creative Commons BYNecker Island in a sea of turquoise, near Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

Beaches

Changing rooms, lockers and refreshments are available on the beach at The Baths, the island's most popular attraction and well worth a visit to experience the dramatic setting  of massive boulders, some 40 feet in diameter, quiet pools and idyllic sea . A series of steps and rope handrails guide adventurous explorers along a trail through the boulders from the beach at The Baths to the sandy expanse that is Devil's Bay, another national park and home to one of Virgin Gorda's loveliest beaches.

Both beaches may be reached by paths down from the parking lot at the south end of Tower Road. Some cruise ships anchor not far off shore and tender passengers to The Baths.

Not far from these more popular attractions is Savannah Bay beach, north of Spanish Town and reached by a short dirt road. This long sweep of perfect white sand, and adjacent Pond Bay, may have a few people or none at all. There's excellent snorkeling — for able swimmers only — along the outer edge of the reef. 

Fun facts

• Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island "The Fat Virgin" because the island's profile on the horizon looks like a fat woman lying on her side.
• Fungi, pronounced foonji, is one half of the official dish of the British Virgin Islands (along with fish), and it's also the name of the local music, which has its roots in Africa and was brought to the Caribbean by slaves.

When you arrive

Docking information

Larger cruise ships will dock on Tortola, with Virgin Gorda only a short ferry ride away. Or, ships may anchor in a bay, then tender passengers to shore near The Baths.

Getting around

Virgin Gorda is not a large island and taxis are available, with set rates from wherever you land and major tourist spots.  If you are docking in Tortola, the ferry ride is $30 roundtrip.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands.

Tipping: Check to see if a service charge was included in your bill; if not, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated. Your taxi driver will also appreciate a tip.

Safety: Exercise normal caution while on Virgin Gorda and leave your valuables on the ship so you can have a carefree day.

Your take

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