Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands.

History
Since being "discovered" as a tourist destination in the early 1960s, Virgin Gorda is still not over-commercialized. It is reminiscent of Saint John (Virgin Islands) before the designer shoe and handbag stores arrived. With only a few resorts and a sprinkling of villas, it has a pleasing intimacy. The passengers you meet on the nine-seat plane are likely to show up at the next table at dinner. The local people are well educated, friendly and caring, family oriented and remarkably aware of their place in the world. As elsewhere in the BVI, English is spoken, with a more or less strong accent. It is courteous to begin a conversation&mdash;even a brief question&mdash;with "Good Morning," or other salutation appropriate to the time of day.

Virgin Gorda is a small island, about, only a few miles from Tortola and its airport on Beef Island. In 2001, the population was 3100. The southwestern part of the island is known as the Valley. In this area of low gentle hills will be found most of the population, businesses and services, mostly in and around Spanish Town, the capital. Below Spanish Town, the landscape and seascapes are strewn with granite boulders the size of houses; these provide dramatic settings for accommodations, restaurants and beaches. In the center of the island, a low mountain rises from the sea to about 410 m (1350 ft). This area is sparsely inhabited, except for small neighborhoods in the North Sound area on its northeastern edge. Extending northeast from there is a chain of wooded hills accessible only by boat. A convenient excursion to one of the nicest outer island areas in Virgin Gorda would require hopping on the local Resort Ferry (Bitter End etc.) in Gun Creek. This Ferry will take you on a short, but neat cruise into the heart of the North Sound area. Small islands in this area contribute to the very sheltered harbors in the sound.

Climate
High season in Virgin Gorda runs from mid December through April. Rates will be at their highest and the beaches will be the most crowded. The week immediately preceding Easter is popular due to the Easter Festival; hotels are known to increase their rates accordingly. Vacationing in the off-season will save money, but be prepared for hurricane season, very hot days with high humidity, and above-average precipitation. Many businesses, such as restaurants, shops, and some hotels/resorts close in the low season from mid-August to mid or end of October. For those concerned about hurricanes, an insurance agent can help identify trip insurance that covers plans interrupted by a hurricane.

By plane
There is one airport on the island:



By ferry
Several airlines serve Saint Thomas and Tortola. Ferry service from Tortola's Beef Island airport is convenient with several departures per day. From St. Thomas, the ferry terminal is a taxi ride away, and there are only few direct boats per week.



By sail
Virgin Gorda is a popular yachting destination, with marina services at Spanish Town and boat-oriented resorts on the North Sound.

Get around
For those staying at resorts, taxis are readily available for the occasional excursion. Taxi services include:


 * Open-sided 22-passenger safari buses (shared taxis) run along the main road. Fares are $3–5.
 * Open-sided 22-passenger safari buses (shared taxis) run along the main road. Fares are $3–5.
 * Open-sided 22-passenger safari buses (shared taxis) run along the main road. Fares are $3–5.
 * Open-sided 22-passenger safari buses (shared taxis) run along the main road. Fares are $3–5.

Most people staying in cottages or villas will want to rent a car for at least part of the stay. A temporary drivers license, available at the rental agency for $10 provided you have a valid drivers license from your home country, is required to operate a vehicle on the island. Driving is on the left. All major roads are paved. Some roads are narrow with steep drop-offs, dips and speed bumps. The roads to Leverick Bay and Gun Creek are alarmingly steep. Motorists must be alert for pedestrians (there are no sidewalks), livestock, cars parked on the roadway and vehicles passing on curves. That being said, traffic is light and drivers are courteous. Speeds are low but distances are short. Gasoline (premium only) is available at stations at each end of Spanish Town.



Some of the resorts in the North Sound area are accessible only by ferry service from Gun Creek.

Beaches
Along the southwestern shore below Spanish Town, there is a string of beaches, with light surf, beautiful sand and blue water. Each beach is separated from the next by the huge granite boulders that make the scenery so memorable. All are public, but respect the privacy of the villas that face some of the beaches (OK, go ahead and peek through the fences&mdash;some are stunning).

Beginning at the southern end:



Other attractions
Tired of the beaches?


 * Observation decks along North Sound Road offer wonderful views.
 * Observation decks along North Sound Road offer wonderful views.
 * Observation decks along North Sound Road offer wonderful views.
 * Observation decks along North Sound Road offer wonderful views.

Do


All the usual tropic island activities are available&mdash;sailing, fishing, snorkeling and scuba.



Restaurants
Prices are high at Virgin Gorda restaurants. Food must be imported from the U.S. and farther afield, and reshipped from deepwater harbors on small boats. Service charge, usually 15%, is almost always included in the bill. It may not be obvious; if in doubt, ask. Don't be alarmed if you're the only customer: Virgin Gorda gets relatively few visitors, so even the best restaurants may only serve a few meals per day.

In addition to the listed restaurants, many of the resorts welcome day visitors. Lunch and a stroll offers a great way to check out possibilities for your next trip (or look around places you can't afford to stay at). At Little Dix Bay, the excellent lunch buffet is about $35. Bitter End Yacht Club's buffet is about $25, including grilled-to-order entree. The free ferry runs from Gun Creek on the half hour. Lunch is served a couple of hundred feet to the left as you leave the dock. At Leverick Bay Resort, the Cove Bar and Grill has lunch items in the $10 to $20 range.



Supermarkets
There are a few supermarkets on the island to provision a yacht or small villa kitchen:



Drink
The British Virgin Islands is famous for the Painkiller a drink made from rum, pineapple juice, coconut and orange juice. Check out the Limin Times to find out what's happenin' every night.



Sleep
While there are a number of well-known luxury resorts, condo complexes and cottages on the island, private villa rentals are also a popular option.

Nail Bay Area


A road leads to two secluded resort complexes as it winds around the west side of Virgin Gorda Mountain.



Connect
Many resorts provide internet access for a fee. Mad Dog Cafe provides free Wi-Fi for its guests. Internet access is also available at:



Stay safe
The biggest danger by far is the ocean. Several tourists have died snorkeling or swimming. Know your limits and heed warning signs.

Drugs are prevalent throughout all of the Caribbean islands but not quite a problem on Virgin Gorda. What crime rate exists is usually among tourists. Even so, it is quite safe to walk around at any hour of the night.

Tap water is said to be safe to drink at all tourist-oriented restaurants and accommodations.

There are medical clinics and pharmacies on the island. Pedestrians must take care because of the lack of sidewalks.

In case of emergency, call 999 or 911.

Go next

 * Road Town in Tortola is a ferry ride away.
 * If you weary of the peace and quiet of Virgin Gorda, the many stores of Saint Thomas can be visited as a rather long day trip, by ferry or plane.
 * Or if you need even more peace and quiet, take the Double 'D' cruise or a private trip with Smith's Ferry to the sparsely populated island of Anegada.