Visiting Virgin Gorda on your BVI charter yacht
Virgin Gorda is the 2nd largest of the BVI’s (British Virgin Islands). Yes, the name comes from the legend that Christopher Columbus saw the shape of the island as a reclining woman or “Fat Virgin” in 1493. Virgin Gorda invites you with its yacht clubs, quiet coves, safe anchorages, and luxury resorts and villas. It is also known for its top destinations on the island, such as the Spanish baths and mines.
The place is more than just a getaway; it is one of the most relaxing destinations in the world. It offers everything: beaches, fresh fruits and drinks, springs, pools, mountains, and much more.
The pristine beaches, aquatic beauty, and the weather make you feel alive again. Therefore, this island retreat is something you should take advantage of. The best way to see Virgin Gorda is by taking a Virgin Gorda yacht charter.
Aboard your private yacht, you can easily see the best spots on Virgin Gorda and the surrounding Virgin Islands.
The must-sees and what to experience in Virgin Gorda
- The Virgin Gorda Baths are not something you should miss. This place should be your top priority after your visit. It is one of the most photographed places in the world. Also, you must duck and crawl through some areas, so be prepared. You will certainly not want to miss one particular spot in the Baths. They call it the Cathedral. The room lights up like stained glass when the light hits the boulders just right.
- The Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) is located within the North Sound, which is on the Northern end of Virgin Gorda, and is a large bay, and the surrounding islands and reefs are well protected from the Atlantic Ocean swells. The North Sound is one of the highlight destinations in the British Virgin Islands as it has a wide variety of anchorages, great beaches, and things to do for everyone ashore and on the water, with local restaurants, beach bars, and water-sport rentals. The Bitter End Yacht Club has been an Epic landmark on Virgin Gorda since the co-founders started building in the 1960s.
- Saba Rock Resort is ideally located in North Sound, British Virgin Islands, a very protected, large bay surrounded by islands and the mainland of Virgin Gorda. Ferries are running, often getting you to and from different landing spots in the Sound. Of course, you can just arrive by dinghy or tender from your private crewed charter yacht and explore this tiny resort island. Your crew will show you around. This is an ideal stop for a sunset snack and a local drink. If you feel like taking a night off the yacht, book into a wonderful cabin with a view. Spend some time exploring and loving this “Nature’s Little Secret”.
- Did you know Copper was discovered on Virgin Gorda? The Copper Mine, which is now a national park, is something you cannot miss. So, for all history buffs, you’ll want to check out the ruins of an abandoned copper mine.
- Spanish town is where you can do your shopping and learn more about the culture and traditions of the British Virgin Islands. It also boasts a great atmosphere, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks. After all, what is traveling without being a foodie? Stop by Coco Maya to check out one of Virgin Gorda’s newest restaurants. It’s right on the beach!
- Little Fort National Park is a wildlife sanctuary for animal lovers. The only readily accessible entrance to the park is the seashore, so you’ll be glad you have your Virgin Gorda yacht charter to take you there. This old heritage site has 36 acres where travelers can hike and enjoy the beautiful sights that one cannot find easily on the island.
Hiking trails and places to stop for great local cuisine
Top of the Baths – As the name suggests, there is a bar with a pool located just up the hill from the famous Baths on the South End of the island. Take a plunge to cool off and then try the Mango Daiquiris. Follow the trail to the parking area at the top of the hill.
Coco Mayo – A short distance from the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. Amazing cuisine, great wine selection, tropical decor, and stunning sunsets. Ride in with the tender and dock in Spanish Town. Walk toward the Baths or take a 5-minute taxi ride.
Leverick Bay Marina – Here is an opportunity to walk/run up a fairly steep paved road as far as you like. The higher you go, the better the view. This road will also take you to Hog Heaven – a bar/restaurant on the side of the road with great food and views of Mosquito, Necker, Prickly Pear, and Eustatia islands, as well as the famous Bitter End Yacht Club. Note: This is more of a steep walk/run up a road than a casual stroll. For those just looking for a quick look and stopping at the top, an open-air taxi is suggested. When you return, visit the gift shops, the pool, the beach bar with live music, and “Pirate” entertainment for the whole family provided by Michael Beans. (Photo by The Restaurant at Leverick Bay)
Gorda Peak – This moderate/easy trail is accessible from the top of the highest peak from the road and will require transport to get there. There are 2 trails, one is short (about 800ft) and the other climbs steadily to the peak, where a treehouse platform awaits you for a 360° spectacular view of most of the surrounding islands. The trail starts well-groomed but steep, and then evens out with more of a footpath to the top. This trail takes about 25 minutes one way. The views are rewarding and worth the effort. Note: Comfortable hiking shoes are suggested.
Resorts and Restaurants in the North Sound
Bitter End Yacht Club – This famous yacht club has so much to offer. From hiking, shopping, great restaurants, and water sports rental to a few bars like The Crawl Pub along the pretty walkway that follows the bay around to Biras Creek, where there is The Fat Virgin restaurant and bar right on the water serving drinks and good cheeseburgers.
Saba Rock – This cute island resort is only accessible by boat and has beautiful gardens to walk along with your specialty drink and rest on a comfortable deck facing the Eustatia Sound. Hammocks swing in the tradewinds, and there is also a small seawater tank where some eels and lobsters hide. At Happy Hour, they feed the tarpons, and this is a lot of fun for everyone. A free ferry will take you to and from Bitter End Yacht Club.
Hog Heaven – Located on the hilltop above Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda. This popular restaurant provides delicious Caribbean-style BBQ dishes. Mouthwatering ribs, chicken, and pork, as well as seafood, burgers, and vegetarian options, are among the menu items.
The staff are friendly and welcoming and strive to provide an enjoyable atmosphere. The panoramic views from here are incredible, and on a clear day, you can see Anegada! You can get to Hog Heaven by taxi from Leverick Bay, which your crew will organize for you. The ribs are to die for, and they go well with one of their painkiller cocktails.
Sandbox Bar & Grill – Located on Prickly Pear Island in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. A long beach with a volleyball net and sun loungers is available after you purchase an ice-cold beverage. This beach is great to hang out on after you swim up or kayak to the bar.
Enjoy your visit to this little slice of paradise. Book now with Epic to find the right yacht and crew for your next unbelievable vacation!
