Virgin Gorda is a Caribbean island in the British Virgin Islands. It’s known for the Baths, a labyrinth of beachside boulders forming a series of pools and seawater-flooded grottoes. White-sand beaches nearby include Spring Bay and Devil’s Bay, plus Savannah Bay farther north. In the island’s mountainous north, trails lead up Gorda Peak to a lookout tower with views of the scattered surrounding islets.
The dramatic shape of the BVI’s third largest island, Virgin Gorda, reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining woman, or “Fat Virgin,” inspiring its name. Measuring 8 ½ square miles, Virgin Gorda entices travelers with its yacht clubs, quiet coves, safe anchorages and luxury resorts and villas.
Historically renowned, the anchorage off Bitter End was the site of Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins' 1595 fleet rendezvous, two Elizabethan British admirals who led Britain's ascendance into naval supremacy. Twenty-six ships anchored in the sound and used the large hill at Bitter End to practice for their attack on San Juan, to wrest Puerto Rico from Spain. With both admirals dying on the 1595/1596 voyage, the land at Bitter End may be the last place that these legendary mariners set foot on British soil.
Evidence of the rich heritage of African, Indian and Spanish history is plentiful, from the Spanish ruins at Little Fort National Park to the Cornish Copper Mines, where the ruins are set against the azure sea at the island’s southwestern tip. This eclectic influence extends to Virgin Gorda’s local cuisine, shops, arts, fashion and gifts.
The Baths, located on the southwest tip of Virgin Gorda, BVI’s, are a most unusual formation of large granite boulders. Where the sea washes in between the huge rocks, large pools have been created and shafts of light play upon the water, creating a dramatic effect.
Mal standing below the huge boulders at the Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
Leverick Bay is a lovely little resort located on the northern shore of Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
Kevin and June at Leverick Bay.
Kevin, Kerry and Mal relaxing in the Bitter End Resort, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
We saw our first Flamingo at the Bitter End Resort, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.
It’s five o’clock somewhere! Kevin and Mal relaxing at the end of a very long tourist day enjoying a well deserved wine.
