Virgin Gorda

Beach-blessed Virgin Gorda is known as the jewel in the crown. Virgin Gorda is a haven of quiet coves and safe anchorages for even the beginner bare boaters. The island's landscape may not fit your vision of a tropical hideaway, but after a day in the sun and sea, there is nothing quite like a snorkel among the boulders at The Baths. Then climb up the bluff to a strip of low-key bars and restaurants for ice cold drink, where you can watch the sails silhouetted against the sunset. The beaches on Virgin Gorda are each different in their own manner to fit all different kinds of vacationer needs. There are around twenty sandy beaches that line the island. However, the stretch of shore at the southern end, including The Baths, is in a class of its own. This beach is one of the most popular; there are always crowds during the day. If there are young snorkelers in the family, then one should make their way up north through the boulders to Spring Bay and the Crawel, which is displays many small sheltered pools.

Along with the numerous beaches that one can visit, there is the national park that many of the visitors choose to embrace upon when on the island of Virgina Gorda. The Copper Mine, is now a national park, but was mined in the 1860s by Cornish miners. The remains of the mine's smoke stack, engine house, and shafts are still there for people to explore. Along with the remains, there are also beautiful native floral, including cacti, bromeliads, and wild ferns that grow on Gorda Peak. From the viewing platform of this national park, there is a sweeping view of Tortola, Beef Island and the Dogs. The North Sound is one of The BVI's most popular yachting anchorages.

Along with the many adventures that a vacationer could have while visiting the boulders of Virgin Gorda, one can also enjoy a calm and serene cruise to the outer cays such as The Dogs and Prickly Pear. After taking a relaxing cruise around the island one could swing by the beautiful Rocky Beach for excellent snorkeling. For the more adventure, enjoy a day of diving off of The British Virgin Island waters. This diving site offers a fascinating world of underwater marine life - colorful, exotic fish, rare coral reefs, sunken ships, including The Wreck of the Rhone, voted best shipwreck in the Caribbean by Skin Diver Magazine. Don't want to get wet? Then you could also choose to parasail 600 feet above sea level and enjoy magnificent aerial views of the surrounding islands, or paddle casually on a water bike through the pristine coves. Along with all of these wonderful activities one can do on the island, why not explore the tranquil scenery by kayak, or take a sunset cruise.