Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, about 60 (mostly uninhabited) islands and cays, are one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. Virgin Gorda is the second largest land mass in the cluster of islands and is known for its dramatic and beautiful landscape. The unusual rock formations known at "The Baths" comprise one of the most famous snorkeling and photographic sites in the Caribbean. It is now incorporated as a National Park, along with two exquisite white sand beaches, Devil's Bay and Spring Bay spanning either side of the boulders with a trail connecting both.

The northern reach of the island known as "the North Sound" is accessible by boat only. Here flanked by the smaller islands - Mosquito, Prickly Pear, Eustatia, Necker and tiny Saba Rock, are some of the islands' finest resorts and restaurants. This area is a Mecca for water sports whether it be windsurfing, kayaking, parasailing or kite boarding.

Things to See & Do

* The Baths
* Gorda Peak National Park
* Savannah Bay
* Wreck of the Chikuzen
* The Copper Mine

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - $US (USD)
Language - English
Land Area - 64 sq km's
Population - 3,568
Electricity - 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 1 284 49

Port Location - Ships dock and anchor in Tortola. The pier can only hold 2 ships, however, so if more are in port, it will require tendering. Both pier and tender drop-off are located directly in Road Town, the capital of Tortola. Many daysail boats and dive companies as well as bareboat and crewed charters offer service to Virgin Gorda.

Transport Links -Beef Island, Virgin Gorda and Anegada all have airports. There are good connection flights from the international airports on St Martin and Puerto Rico. Ferry service to the outer-islands is convenient and economical, but outer-island air service is limited.
On Virgin Gorda small converted lorries with benches run a shuttle service between the main tourist points at a reasonable price. The taxis have fixed prices, but it is always best to ask for the fare before you start out on a journey. Ferries from Gun Creek run to all the major resorts on Virgin Gorda.