Things to do in Virgin Gorda
And where to stay, the best time to visit, what a day costs, and the traps to skip.
Best time to visit Virgin Gorda
• a note or something on ✦ an occasion worth the trip
Dry, sunny, high season; book ahead
Warm, good value
Hot; hurricane season begins
Quietest; some restaurants close for a break
The island wakes up; good value
What's on
- BVI Spring Regatta late March to early April
Major sailing regatta with North Sound parties
- Leverick Bay Friday BBQ Fridays in season
Beach BBQ and jump-up party
- Virgin Gorda Easter Festival April
Local festival with music and food
Best things to do in Virgin Gorda
The Baths
Granite boulders, grottos, and tidal pools; go before 9am to beat the crowds.
Devil's Bay
White-sand beach at the end of the Baths trail with clear snorkeling along the rocks.
Spring Bay
Quieter boulder-framed beach north of the Baths for a relaxed swim.
Copper Mine National Park
Clifftop 19th-century mine ruins; pretty at golden hour, free and open.
Gorda Peak National Park
The island's highest point with dry-forest trails and panoramic views.
Savannah Bay
Long quiet beach on the north-east coast with shallow water; bring supplies.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
The working marina and town centre: groceries, ferry dock, and dockside lunch.
Little Fort National Park
Small historic park above Spanish Town with Spanish fort remains and harbour views.
Best restaurants in Virgin Gorda
CocoMaya
Asian-fusion near the Baths facing the sunset; the island's special-occasion dinner.
Top of the Baths
Restaurant and bar at the Baths trailhead with the island's best view; even a pool.
Mad Dog Cafe
Quick cheap lunch near the Baths: burgers, sandwiches, cold drinks.
The Rock Cafe
Italian and Caribbean among the boulders with waterfalls; dinner from 4pm.
Bath & Turtle
Courtyard restaurant by the marina; the social hub of Spanish Town.
Mine Shaft Cafe
Funky cafe near the Copper Mine ruins; good for a drink on a south-end day.
Hog Heaven
Hilltop BBQ with sweeping North Sound views; worth the drive up.
Saba Rock
Island restaurant and bar in the North Sound; arrive by boat, book ahead.
Outdoor things to do in Virgin Gorda
The Dogs
Small islands west of Virgin Gorda with coral gardens; snorkel trips book a day ahead.
Leverick Bay
Marina with beach and Friday night BBQ party in season; water taxi from town.
Best hotels in Virgin Gorda
Fischer's Cove Beach Hotel
Small beachfront hotel near the Baths; simple, well-located, good value.
Guavaberry Spring Bay
Villas near Spring Bay with kitchens and pools; good for families.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay
The island's legendary resort on a crescent beach; the splurge.
Oil Nut Bay
Clifftop villas and marina village on the North Sound; ultra-luxury.
Leverick Bay Resort
Rooms and villas at the marina; good value for the North Sound.
Is Virgin Gorda expensive? What a day costs
| Budget | $130 a person |
|---|---|
| Classic | $230 a person |
| Splurge | $500 a person |
| No limits | $900 a person |
A day of food, drink, sights and getting around, before the room
What to book ahead
- North Sound: a few days ahead
- The Dogs: a few days ahead
- CocoMaya: a few days ahead
- Saba Rock: a few days ahead
- Fischer's Cove Beach Hotel: weeks ahead
- Guavaberry Spring Bay: weeks ahead
- Rosewood Little Dix Bay: weeks ahead
- Oil Nut Bay: weeks ahead
- CocoMaya and Saba Rock: book dinner ahead, especially weekends and high season
- The Baths: no booking needed, but go before 9am
- Saba Rock rooms: book months ahead in high season
Is Virgin Gorda safe?
- Very safe; the boulder trail has slippery rocks, go carefully
- Wear water shoes at the Baths and reef-safe sunscreen everywhere
- Emergency number is 911
Virgin Gorda travel tips: tourist traps to skip
- The Baths at midday with cruise excursions in is a queue through the grottos
- Devil's Bay has no shade; bring sunscreen and water
- North Sound restaurants are priced for the yacht crowd; check menus first
Getting around Virgin Gorda: public transport and more
- Taxis are the main transport; agree fares before getting in
- Rental cars available in Spanish Town; drive on the left
- Water taxis connect Spanish Town to the North Sound
- Ferries connect Spanish Town to Tortola; schedules are seasonal
Who Virgin Gorda suits
| Solo travellers | Good |
|---|---|
| Groups of friends | Good |
| Couples | Great |
| Bachelor parties | OK |
| Families | Good |
| Bachelorette parties | OK |
Make Virgin Gorda your trip
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