Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: Marinas and Anchorages
Virgin Gorda is the second-largest island in the British Virgin Islands. The island, of volcanic origin, is made up of several distinctly different areas.
A beautiful mountainous center is the location of Gorda Peak National Park as well as the North Sound, the Beach Coast, The Baths, and the Valley, which is the island’s main habitation. Columbus named this island Virgin Gorda, meaning “fat virgin.” He named it because of its shape as seen on the sea’s horizon.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor
Weather in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda, like the other British Virgin Islands, has tropical, hot temperatures throughout the year. However, the heat is tempered by the trade winds, with a more pleasant period from December to March. At that time the daily average temperature is around 75-77 °F. It is hotter from May to October when the daily average is around 82 °F.
Zingara, at the Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Places to See
Certainly, all of the crystal clear waters surrounding Virgin Gorda Island in the Caribbean are excellent for snorkeling and scuba. Several of the most popular beaches include:
The Baths. Situated at the southwest tip of Virgin Gorda, this geologic formation has giant granite boulders scattered among white sand and palm trees. The caves and caverns formed by these boulders lead to Devil’s Bay or Spring Bay, providing breathtaking views that every visitor must see.
The Crawl. Ideal for small children and novice snorkelers. Giant boulders form a calm lagoon with clear water, reefs, tropical fish, and occasional sea turtles. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are also nearby.
Little Dix Bay. It is a hidden gem on the Beach Coast. This cove features a stunning white sand beach, beautifully framed by small mountains and rocky points.
Long Bay the Beach Coast. A remote, secluded beach perfect for birding and beach-combing.
Mahoe Bay on the Beach Coast of Virgin Gorda. In essence, this beach gives you the lovely feeling of being in a lagoon. Gently curving white sand is demarcated by its own small hillside valley onshore.
Savannah Bay the Beach Coast. Overall one of the nicest undeveloped beaches. It sits at an interesting geographic spot—the neck of the island.
Necker Island is a luxurious private retreat in the British Virgin Islands. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, it is famous for its breathtaking beauty and exclusivity.
Prickly Pear Island on the North Sound. A nice calm swimming beach with a beach bar. You can hike through the Prickly Pear Nature Refuge to North Beach, which is great for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and beachcombing.
Oil Nut Bay MarinaVillage is on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda. Experience luxury island experience with all the surrounding resorts that offer rental of motorboats.
Things to Do
Hike to Gorda Peak. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water for this 50-minute trail leading to the highest point on Virgin Gorda. The views are spectacular.
Shop. There are quite a few places to shop in Yacht Harbour.
For provisions and tasty treats, visit the Bath and Turtle, Buck’s Food Market, or the Wine Cellar.
For gifts and clothing, try the Blue Banana, B.V.I. Apparel Outlet, Dive BVI LTD, Flamboyance, Margo’s Jewelry Boutique, and Shereen’s Nauti Virgin Too.
Additionally, art lovers will enjoy Next Wave, The Artistic Gallery, and the Virgin Gorda Craft Shop.
Dine.
Biras Creek – An elegant restaurant overlooking North Sound. Of course, a dinner dress code and reservations are required.
Fat Virgin’s Café – Casual waterside café located at Biras Creek. Burgers, sandwiches, soups, ribs, roti, pasta, fish, frozen drinks, and gourmet coffee. Phone 284-495-7052
Marinas and Anchorages
Bitter End Yacht Club
The Baths. The Baths, located on the southwestern shore of Virgin Gorda National Park, offer moorings but prohibit anchoring due to occasional swells. It’s a unique and beautiful spot.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour, Spanish Town. The marina offers over 100 berths with full marina facilities capable of accommodating mega-yachts up to 160′. The Harbour also has a dive shop, restaurant, some shops, banking facilities, and a drug store. While Spanish Town and St Thomas Bay Beach are only a short walk away.
Savannah Bay.A delightful anchorage behind the reef in Savannah Bay. Anchoring is usually done in Pond Bay in the middle. Giorgio’s Table Restaurant is on the Point with a small dinghy dock below. However, this anchorage is not recommended for overnight stays due to potential swells from northerly weather.
Long Bay.A day anchorage just to the southeast of Mountain Point. Anchor on the sandy bottom.
Leverick Bay Resort & Marina, North Sound. A superb destination with moorings and a full-service marina. In particular a nice restaurant, dive shop, hotel, and laundry facilities. And the opportunity to stock provisions.
Bitter End Yacht Club, Gorda Sound. Indeed a must-see unique nautical village catering to yachtsmen. Another key point: The Quarterdeck Club and Marina offer private showers, fuel, electricity, garbage pickup, and mechanical services. Contact: Phone 284-494-2745
Biras Creek Marina. This especially well-protected anchorage is accessible directly from North Sound. Twenty-two moorings are available for a fee of $30 per night.
Gun Creek. A protected anchorage to the east of Leverick Bay. Provisions, a ferry, a restaurant, taxi island tours, and garbage disposal are available.
