Virgin Gorda introduction

Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands in the British West Indies, lying about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. There are about 60 islands in the BVI, many of them uninhabited. As the third largest island in the BVI, Virgin Gorda has around eight square miles of land area. It’s 10 miles long by about 2 miles wide with around 1,400 permanent residents and is 26 miles east of St Thomas.

On his second trip to the Caribbean Christopher Columbus named the island group after Saint Ursula and her followers, He named Virgin Gorda (Fat Virgin) due to it’s profile on the horizon with Gorda Peak at 1,370 feet, appearing like a robust reclining woman. The Islands were initially populated by the Dutch and later the English Empire as a sugar cane plantation colony. After the demise of the plantation economy, the island languished until the 1960’s when tourism was introduced to the greater BVI as spillover from the US Virgin Islands tourism industry. Virgin Gorda can now boast that it is one of the BVI’s top family friendly vacation destinations. Not overly developed, this diminutive island is a serene place to relax and enjoy the abundant natural environment.

A great majority of the vacationers go to the Caribbean for the beaches, and on Virgin Gorda, arguably the best beach to be found is at The Baths. Here you find giant boulders that were once liquid deposits of magma and due to the erosion of surrounding earth are now stacked in ways to create grottos and caves providing endless entertainment for beachgoers. Some of the other beaches on Virgin Gorda are Devil's Bay National Park that is about a twenty minute walk from The Baths and is pleasantly secluded. Spring Bay, like The Baths, has large boulders scattered about and a very nice beach called The Crawl, that is welcoming to families and children due to it’s placidity. Not far from Spring bay is Trunk Bay that has a great beach facing the West that is accessible by boat or via a path from Spring Bay. Savannah Bay provides a sandy beach north of the yacht harbor and of course, not to be neglected is Mahoe Bay with a curving beach and beautiful blue water.

The BVI is renowned for excellent sailing conditions as well as dive sites that range from 15 to 80 feet. Many areas have no appreciable current and are ideal for photographers. This area of the Caribbean doesn’t have any extreme drop off’s but it does have plenty of coral gardens and topographical variation including canyons, tunnels, caverns, grottos, and wrecks. With the ambient ocean temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the flora and fauna is prolific to say the least and divers won’t lack for activities. The northern side of Virgin Gorda is mountainous, with Gorda Peak reaching 1,370 feet, as the highest spot on the island enclosed by the Gorda Peak National Park. A lookout tower at the summit offers an excellent view of North Sound and Anegada as well as the land snaking it’s way to the southern end of the isle as well as other islands with their heads above the waves. Hikers may wish to consider excursions around the northern spine of the island to enjoy the views and semi-arid terrain.

Let’s consider some particular items of interest for travelers,
English is the preferred language in the BVI, as is the US dollar but credit cards and travelers checks are widely accepted as well. The only ATM on the island is found at the First Caribbean Bank in Spanish Town in the Virgin Gorda Shopping Center.

Electricity here is 110 so US travelers will not require adapters. However, our European friends will need to accommodate that in their trip planning as their current is 220.

Driving in the British tradition, is on the left in the BVI but most cars have the steering wheel on the left as well. Traffic can be dicey so the best rule of thumb is to drive defensively.

Virgin Gorda is in the Atlantic Time zone, which is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard time and does not observe daylight savings time.

The modicum of dress is casual but not too provocative outside of the beach. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Casual elegance is the word of the day when going out in this destination as well as most of the BVI.

To get married on Virgin Gorda requires being in the British Virgin Islands for three days before applying for a marriage license, which must be done in Road Town on Tortola.

Internet Access is available through Internet café’s such as the Chandlery in the Yacht Harbor Marina or from the property you are staying in.

Cell phone services can be arranged through CCT Boat Phone

The island's tourist office is in Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, Spanish Town.

There is a departure tax of $20.00 per person leaving by air, $5.00 leaving by sea and $7.00 for cruise ship passengers. In the British Virgin Islands there is a 7% Hotel tax for visitors who stay for six months or less. Please note that this applies to most accommodations, not just hotels.

Entry Documents for the BVI require a valid U.S. passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as the original or certified birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship as well as photo identification. Visitors will also need onward or return tickets, and funds for their stay.

Virgin Gorda doesn’t have any significant ground water resources so cisterns are prevalent and required in new buildings. This water is filtered before it is used but travelers may wish to consider bottled water if they have some concern. There are now desalination plants here so some water is provided from the sea as well.

This island has a year round temperature of 77-85 degrees with 40 inches of average rainfall annually on the coast with up to 70 inches per year in the mountains, low humidity and cool breezes. Due to the trade winds, temperatures usually drop 10 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The rainy season here is from September to December.

Virgin Gorda is not renowned for it’s jumping nightlife and that is what makes it a favorite for families and those looking for a quite escape. There are however a few places to enjoy the nightlife in Yacht Harbour and the Valley. The bitter end Yacht club is a popular watering hole but it takes a boat to get there.

You can get to Virgin Gorda by air, via St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands using Air St. Thomas or by boat from either St. Thomas or Tortola. A ferry operates between Road Town , Tortola and the Valley on Virgin Gorda five times a day Monday through Saturday and two trips on Sunday. From St Thomas there are three ferry crossings per week.

Cab and bus service on Virgin Gorda is unreliable at best so it’s a good idea to consider renting a car here or on St Thomas or Tortola but bear in mind that driving is on the left.
In order to drive in Virgin Gorda you will need to acquire a temporary license from the traffic licensing office or car rental agency but you will need a valid license from your own country. These cost around $10.00 each.

The hurricane season is normally from June to the end of November but it’s best to presume that they may occur earlier or later in the season as to be prepared for the eventuality.


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