Holiday to Virgin Gorda: Discover the island's African and Indian Heritage

Think about a spot that's virtually as pristine as when Columbus visited on his voyage of discovery in 1493. He named the island Virgin Gorda, and indeed, from a distance, "The Fat Virgin" does resemble a reclining figure. Positioned just 12 miles east of Tortola and measuring 8 ½ square miles, Virgin Gorda is the second largest island within the BVI chain. Dramatic vegetation-covered slopes plunge from the 1,359 ft. Gorda Peak to the deserted white beaches and sparkling clear blue waters far below. This island has some of the most beautiful seashores within the Caribbean. It has world class sailing with a few of the calmest, most secure anchorages for Tortola Yacht Charters, and it's house to among the British Virgin Islands' most luxurious hotels.

Virgin Gorda is actually three islands in one. The southern third is flat with large boulders and vegetation reminiscent of the Previous West. The middle of the island is mountainous with Gorda Peak and a number of other spectacular beaches. The northern third is sort of spindly and located across the North Sound with half a dozen other islands forming an almost landlocked oasis for water sports and island exploring. So come discover the island's African and Indian heritage, trace its Spanish historical past and observe the British influence.

The Baths

It's nearly inconceivable to be on a Tortola charter and never experience The Baths, located on the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda. This weird panorama of gigantic volcanic boulders stretches from the wooded slopes behind the seaside to the sand and on into the aquamarine sea, forming a natural seaside playground of sheltered light-filled grottoes, caves and pools flooded with sea water. There is a path between these home-sized boulders with ladders and bridges over the tricky parts. Geologists confer with this phenomenon, which is a part of the Devil's Bay National Park, as "woolsack weathering." Long ago, a thick layer of soil coated the stone and acids from the humus regularly labored their means into hairline fissures within the rock, wearing it away. As the topsoil gradually disappeared, wind, warmth and salt particles continued to erode the rough granite, forsaking the intriguing shapes and colors. Mooring balls are available, or you will get a slip on the close by Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour and both take a 40 minute stroll or a short taxi trip to The Baths. Not surprisingly, it may possibly get very crowded, particularly when a cruise ship docks in Tortola, so come early or later within the day. Be advised, however, that in a single day mooring isn't allowed at The Baths. Satan's Bay is also a Nationwide Park that's accessible by boat or by strolling by way of the paths of The Baths. The seaside is pure white sand and sprinkled with massive granite boulders. Its blue waters are postcard good! Snorkeling along the skin perimeter of both The Baths and Satan's Bay reveals colorful fish and coral. On calm days, divers can take pleasure in a reasonably cave on its south aspect in 12-15' of water. Cup corals and colorful sponges encrust the partitions as grassy sweepers sway within the surge.

The Copper Mine

On the southeastern tip of Virgin Gorda, guests will find the Copper Mine. For the reason that granite southern coast of Virgin Gorda was similar to that of Cornwall, the place copper mining was a profitable trade, the British speculated that there was copper here as well. From 1838-1867, Cornish miners labored the Copper Mine. An easy taxi ride from Spanish City, at the moment the remains of the chimney, boiler home, cistern and mine shafts stand guard towards an azure sea.

Little Fort National Park

Located south of the Yacht Harbour, between The Baths and The Valley, yachties on a Tortola constitution will find Little Fort nationwide park, a part of the BVI Nationwide Parks Trust created by Laurance S. Rockefeller. This was the site of a Spanish fort whose stone partitions are still partially intact.

This 36-acre space can be a wildlife sanctuary ultimate for birdwatchers. The Aquarium, also known as Fischer's Rocks, is the extension of Fort Level into the sea. This shallow reef shoal constructed of sponge and coral coated boulders - piled as much as form grottos and dens- is a good newbie's dive or snorkel spot. Count on to see French grunts and blue tangs, hiding moray eels and napping nurse sharks.

The Valley

Spanish City, often known as The Valley, is the primary town on Virgin Gorda, and until 1741, was the capital of the entire BVI. Right this moment, it's house to a lot of the 2,600 islanders. It consists of mainly small houses with chickens working via the yards. The Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour - the ocean entrance to Spanish City, is the hub of the village. Slips are often free the first hour, and comparatively inexpensive thereafter. The marina is trendy and nicely-equipped. You will find many of the handful of eating places and outlets, as well as the banks and tourist information within the close by courtyard.

The Beaches

Because of the recognition of The Baths, the rest of Virgin Gorda tends to get overlooked. Anyone on a Tortola Yacht Constitution, however, is aware of that the seaside coast north of The Valley is an area of attractive magnificence with secluded beaches of countless pristine white sand offering ample alternative for long walks, quiet picnics and fantastic sunsets. Many are solely accessible by water. Simply five minutes north of Spanish Town lays Little Dix Bay. Inbuilt 1964, Laurence Rockefeller spent $8 million to create his well-known resort and the BVI's first hotel. Originally constructed to be an environmental hideaway, the world well-known Little Dix Bay Resort has kept its traditional simplicity whereas including some trendy facilities and design touches. Behind its personal emerald coral reef, the attractive beach curves gently inside its personal cove. Little Dix Bay forms the idyllic tropical paradise as it's cradled by two small picturesque mountains that wraps the small valley ashore before spilling into the sea. Even on a Tortola charter, the Little Dix Bay Resort is nicely price a visit. The Pavilion's breakfast and lunch buffets are surprisingly affordable; or just cease to see the gardens. If gentlemen do not thoughts wearing trousers and shirts with collars, the gourmand delicacy is value a particular trip for dinner.

The upper beach coast is framed by the mountainside of Gorda Peak as a backdrop. There are several beaches value seeing, together with the following:

Savannah Bay: Positioned to the north of the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, and with spectacular sunsets, Savannah Bay is an attractive lengthy curving stretch of white, unspoiled sand. A beautiful daytime anchorage in the swell-less summer time, Savannah Bay is reached by way of Blowing Level's southern entrance by working your approach in good gentle by the extensive reefs which provide glorious snorkeling.

Mahoe Bay: Protected by picturesque reefs simply offshore, Mahoe Bay forms a tropical lagoon with light sandy curves and two unimaginable reefs. The shallow reefs provide good snorkeling with considerable marine life, particularly sea turtles.

Nail Bay: Scenic Nail Bay appears to be like out over beaches to Mountain Level and the channel beyond. Off a facet trail 500 yards up the mountain, you will see the Nail Bay Sugar Mill. The stone ruins embody a small overseer's cottage, the crumbling sugar mill with its boiling bench and holes for copper boiling kettles, and a horse mill out back, where the cane was crushed before flowing through a trough to the boiling room.

Lengthy Bay: The last word secluded beach, Lengthy Bay has a long seaside with tremendous swimming and snorkeling. When the seas are down, you'll be able to anchor here. Great birding spots, Lengthy Bay and the adjoining Nail Bay are frequent habitat for blue herons, noticed sandpipers, black-necked stilts and brown boobies.

Mountain Point: Its rocky ridge, coming down from Gorda Peak, breaks into sections because it extends out into the sea, leaving "cuts" for experienced divers. On the sheltered beachside, novice divers can discover large coral heads and overhangs with schools of fish. Watch out - even experienced snorkelers ought to be wary of the surge within the shallow reef areas.

The North Sound

The North Sound is like one other world on Virgin Gorda - a dream world for these on a Tortola Yacht Charter. It is right here the place Sir Frances Drake was knighted and the place he spent a number of days amassing his fleet before joining Sir John Hawkins to attack Puerto Rico. In water the color of a robin's egg, there are vast anchorages for chatterers in nicely-protected water.

All the North Sound areas, besides Leverick Bay and Gun Creek, which has a street from The Valley, have to be reached by water. Once moored, nearly all travel within the North Sound involves journeys throughout the water in both dinghies and the small ferries that run again and forth. On this magnificent sound are the attractive resorts of Bitter End, Saba Rock, Biras Creek, and Leverick Bay, in addition to personal villas and many interesting places, akin to Gun Creek. Save at least a day of your Tortola constitution to go to the North Sound.

Bitter End Yacht Club: Synonymous with the North Sound, the legendary Bitter End Yacht Club is without doubt one of the world's premier sailing destinations. It is a nice honeymoon spot and a spot for energetic households and adventurers. There's even room to stretch out on a seaside chair beneath a thatch-covered cabana for these seeking solitude. A lush waterfront resort, facilities embrace two restaurants, a great English Pub, a small grocery retailer, a number of boutiques and even an outdoor film theater. No matter water sport you want, they have it!

Saba Rock: This distinctive little cay is the location of the superb Saba Rock restaurant, in addition to the small Saba Rock Resort. Saba Rock is the gateway to Eustatia Sound - a fascinating area of reefs, bays and beaches. Company generally tie up on the long dinghy dock. "The Rock", open for lunch and dinner, appears to be like out proper over the water to the North Sound and the Bitter End Yacht Club from the shaded comfort of its spacious interior. The nightly buffet and the popular Sunday West Indian buffet are all you can eat, and have dwell entertainment. At evening, the large attraction is the college of huge silvery tarpon patrolling beneath lights on the water.

Biras Creek Resort: The beautiful Biras Creek Resort occupies an unique location that facilities around a slender isthmus that separates Gorda Peak and the rest of Virgin Gorda from the far end of the island. Marina Village, typically called the "fuel dock", is a lovely spot to visit. For those on a Tortola charter, Marina Village has moorings, water, ice, showers and garbage disposal. Biras Creek is de facto recognized for its cuisine. This elegant however dear resort restaurant and bar, located on a hillside overlooking North Sound, welcomes Tortola Yacht Charter company for dinner only with reservations.

Leverick Bay Resort: On the waterfront and hillside commanding spectacular views, Leverick Bay spills down from Bay Hill to the peninsula and bays on the North Sound. Individually designed villas march up the hillsides of the bay. With all of the amenities of a resort and marina, Leverick Bay Resort has moorings, slips with electricity, gasoline, water, ice, laundromats and free showers. Do not miss the Palm Tree Gallery, the observation tower and the Victorian Bar on the Lighthouse restaurant. Stroll the docks and get a quick pizza or ice cream at the Seaside Bar.

Gun Creek: Jutting up and over the perimeters of its rocky mountainside perch, Gun Creek is a small village with improbable views of each the North and South Sounds. Gun Creek is a quintessential Caribbean village with the associated laid-again and eccentric ambiance that draws visitors from around the world.

Other Activities

There's much more to do on Virgin Gorda. Though it isn't especially recognized for its mountain climbing, there are just a few simple nature trails through the hills connecting Biras Creek to the Bitter End. There are additionally two rugged trails into the Virgin Gorda Peak Nationwide Park, a 260 acre area that rises to the island's highest point, Gorda Peak. This park comprises a wide variety of indigenous and unique plants, and has been forested with mahogany trees. The views from the observation point are fairly spectacular. As talked about above, the North Sound provides nearly every sort of water sport, together with dive operators. Nightlife on Virgin Gorda often takes the type of bar hopping for drinks and dwell music. Many of the bars have their very own ferries connecting them to wherever in the North Sound. So, tie up the dinghy and let another person be the designated driver. Besides nightly live music, drink specials and dancing, you will find alternatives to play dominoes, pool and darts. If you are hungry, you can get anything from cheap yet scrumptious local food like curried and boiled fish meals, fried chicken and barbecues to world famous gourmand delicacies, or you possibly can simply make a picnic and head to your favourite beach.

Paradise awaits you on Virgin Gorda. Its sheer beauty alone attracts those on a Tortola Yacht Charter. You'll be drawn by its deserted pristine seashores, standard natural attractions, historic ruins, beautiful cuisine that is a wonderful mixture of influences and safe anchorages in an extraordinary environment. Plan your Virgin Gorda visit. You'll linger longer than you expected!