Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, is a popular tourist spot with posh resorts, pristine beaches and great sailing. Virgin Gorda is probably most famous for the Baths, a unique national park on the island’s southwest coast. The Baths is unlike any other beach in the Caribbean. It features white sandy beaches framed by gigantic granite boulders, some of these with diameters reaching 40 feet. Geologists believe that these odd formations are the result of volcanoes.

Natural beauty is in abundance and accessible via indigenous plant-lined trails, nature sanctuaries and natural wonders of our protected national parks. Hike to the island’s high point, Gorda Peak, for a splendid panoramic view of the surrounding islands.  Stroll or swim at the unspoiled beaches at Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil’s Bay, Mahoe Bay or Spring Bay.

Wading through the colorful coves and granite boulders of The Baths in Virgin Gorda is the most notable experience you can have in the British Virgin Islands. It’s the must-see attraction of the British Virgin Islands archipelago. Massive smooth ash gray boulders of varying sizes rise from the sea’s crystalline waters, making a maze of sorts for travelers to wade or swim through. Climbing through the crevices and grottoes of The Baths isn’t terribly intensive, but the granite boulders can be slippery so swim shoes or sneakers are encouraged. Once you reach Devil’s Bay, the stunning beach clearing at the end of the rocks, you’ll find shallow clear waters perfect for a little light snorkeling or restful sunbathing.

Virgin Gorda Weather (When to Visit)

Because the British Virgin Islands enjoy a warm tropical climate, your Virgin Gorda travel plans don’t need to account for weather, with daytime temperatures in the mid-80s and evening temperatures in the 70s throughout most of the year. The busiest time of year (and most expensive) is the high season, from mid-December through mid-April. Then, of course, there’s the Caribbean hurricane season from June to November, but many travelers still plan trips during these months to take advantage of low rates.  Be warned that many hotels close during the summer months, due to the threat of hurricanes.

Best Virgin Gorda Area Beaches

The Baths, British Virgin Islands beaches, The Baths Virgin Gorda, Virgin Gorda beaches, things to do in Virgin Gorda, best restaurants in Virgin Gorda, best hotels in Virgin Gorda, best bars in Virgin Gorda, top beaches in the worldThe Baths

This iconic place should be on everyone’s list on essential things to do when visiting the BVI. The area is great for swimming, snorkeling and climbing. You can arrive by boat, swimming from Spring Bay or Trunk Bay or just through the trail from the Top of the Baths. Once there, you’ll find secluded sea pools separated by towering granite rock filled with crystal clear water.

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Leverick Bay, British Virgin Islands beaches, The Baths Virgin Gorda, Virgin Gorda beaches, things to do in Virgin Gorda, best restaurants in Virgin Gorda, best hotels in Virgin Gorda, best bars in Virgin Gorda, top beaches in the worldLeverick Bay

This is the less secluded beach in Virgin Gorda due to the Jumbies Bar, The Restaurant, Blue Rush Water-sports, Michael Beans, the stores and the pool. You will meet people, have a great time, enjoy delicious drinks by the beach and food too!

Savannah Bay, British Virgin Islands beaches, The Baths Virgin Gorda, Virgin Gorda beaches, things to do in Virgin Gorda, best restaurants in Virgin Gorda, best hotels in Virgin Gorda, best bars in Virgin Gorda, top beaches in the worldSavannah Bay

…is your dream Caribbean beach come true. Quiet, remote, clean and pristine. The water is crystal clear and shallow. The snorkeling is amazing, turtles, squids, corals, and Caribbean fish to discover.

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Devils Bay, British Virgin Islands beaches, The Baths Virgin Gorda, Virgin Gorda beaches, things to do in Virgin Gorda, best restaurants in Virgin Gorda, best hotels in Virgin Gorda, best bars in Virgin Gorda, top beaches in the worldDevil’s Bay

Devil’s Bay is one of Virgin Gorda’s most beautiful beaches. You can access to this beach from the water or on foot. The trail is a 15 minute hike through dry scrub vegetation and boulders from the car park at the Top of the Baths.  You can swim and snorkel, or just relax on the silky beach.

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This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Spring-Bay-300x169.jpgSpring Bay

This dreamy beach is perfect for snorkeling, chilling at the beach and the ideal spot for a beach bbq. You can bring your food to cook there ( there is also a large outside grill) and have the perfect beach day, but remember: leave only footprints! Keep Virgin Gorda crystal clean like its waters!

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Virgin Gorda Tours

Virgin Gorda may not be as well-known as other areas in the British Virgin Islands, but this 8.5-mile (13.6-km) island beholds comparable beauty that makes visiting the third-largest island an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Perhaps its most attractive feature is the geological wonder known as The This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Virgin-Gorda-Tours-300x212.jpgBaths, a set of rock formations that hide partitions of the south beach in giant beautiful alcoves. Swimming and snorkeling in the natural grottoes and pools while also discovering its many boulder fields and caves is as interesting as it is unforgettable.

A heaven for swimmers, divers, and snorkelers, Virgin Gorda also features Devil’s Bay, located near The Baths; Spring Bay, set a short distance away from Devil’s Bay; and the often secluded and romantic Little Trunk Bay. And once your done with your day on the water, one of the island’s large number of restaurants, bars, and resorts can serve as the setting for a relaxing evening.  Learn more about available Virgin Gorda Tours.

Best Virgin Gorda Area Tours & Activities

Day Cruise to British Virgin Islands from St Thomas or St John

Explore the British Virgin Islands during this full-day boat trip from St. John or St. Thomas. During this excursion, enjoy a breakfast boat ride to Virgin Gorda’s Baths. Explore the grottoes, arches, and chain of tidal pools formed by eroded rocks along the beach, then head to Diamond Reef to snorkel among schools of tropical fish on the living coral reef. Visit a local restaurant, The Top of the Baths for lunch (own expense), then head to Jost Van Dyke to enjoy some time swimming, lounging, or visiting some beachside bars. Breakfast, snorkeling equipment, and unlimited open bar on the boat are included.  Learn more about this Day Cruise to BVI.

Magic Mangrove Paddle in Beef Island Lagoon

Paddle through the mangrove forests of Beef Island on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak on a 1.5-hour excursion from Road Town. Known as the ‘nurseries of the sea’, these mangrove forests are a safe haven for juvenile marine life just learning to fend for themselves. Travel at a leisurely pace with your small group and local adventure guide, keeping an eye out for barracuda, baby sharks, stingrays and turtles. Use of all equipment is provided.  Learn more about this Beef Island Lagoon Tour.

British Virgin Islands 8 days catamaran cruise, inc. food
Tropical island hopping on a catamaran in The British Virgin Islands.
  • Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences
  • Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
  • See native wildlife in their natural environment

Learn more about the BVI 8 Day Catamaran Cruise.

Full Day Boat Charter and Snorkel Trip

28 Comments

  1. Robert M Doyle

    The Virgin Islands are stunningly beautiful! I love the baths. Amazing how those even exist around the world. Very fond of the Copper Mine Pointe too. I love old stone structures and ruins/remains of an earlier civilisation! Thanks again for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      The Baths are just amazing Robert. I too love to go to beach destinations with more to offer than just the sand, sun and beach. I enjoy seeing the history, the architecture, and just immersing myself in the culture. I can’t think of a better vacation, and Virgin Gorda British Islands has it all.

      Reply
  2. Jens

    Wow it looks really amazing there I have just rewatcht the pirates of the carribean movies with my Girlfriend the other day and we so want to go there now… 😀
    Definately on our travel bucket list now, thanks for this wonderful articel

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You guys will have to visit! You will have a wonderful time for sure. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  3. Eric

    Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands main attractions are rocks. I must say that it seems like there would be more to do than to just swim around the big ugly rocks. What type of wildlife or festivities goes on there and does any of that happen in the least popular time to go?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Well Eric, I think it is beautiful 🙂 Not just the “rocks” LOL! You will find an abundance of marine life which is great for snorkeling, a variety of birds and several species of turtles. It is most famous for The Baths. More of a destination for the beach and scenic lover for sure. Thanks for stopping by and visiting beach travel destinations.

      Reply
  4. David Carr

    Wow! That area is breathtaking! One of largest hesitations about traveling to a new area is not knowing what locations to check out or restaurants to visit. Thanks to this article, I have a new place to check out!!!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Great, and you can’t go wrong with the British Virgin Islands for sure. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. Dan

    I’d imagine that this is a bit out of my price bracket – but it’s a place that I’d like to visit one day if I could.

    Thanks for the detailed review.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      You are very welcome Dan!

      Reply
  6. Mandi Borgman

    Oh My! Can I go right now? This places looks amazing! Your article is beautifully written and I love the pictures! I Have definitely added the BVI to my travel bucket list! Just pure Awesomeness!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I am so glad you agree with exactly how I feel! Glad you enjoyed the read and thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations!

      Reply
  7. Eli

    What a great vacation place. It would be nice to spend our vacation here when classes end this year. I will show this blog post to my husband. He might consider as part of our itinerary. I’ll bookmark this page so I can show it to him later.

    Your site is totally great, very helpful and full of information needed to easily help visitors to this vacation site.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Glad you enjoyed visiting my site Eli. I think you and your husband would have a wonderful time in Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Skip

    Wow! That’s a lot of information! Looks like you have some experience with this place. You must spend a lot of time traveling. Have you ever been to Ireland? Honestly, that’s where my wife really wants to go next, do you have any articles coming out on that?

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I am glad you enjoyed reading about Virgin Gorda British Islands. And yes, I will be doing some reviews on Ireland very soon 🙂

      Reply
  9. Mick Krug

    I have heard from different sources that Virgin Gorda is the prettiest of the Virgin Islands. Your webpage shows it too. Plenty to do there. My wife and I have been to St. Thomas, St John and St Croix many times and love the Virgin Islands. We would love a trip to the British Virgins and take in Virgin Gorda and the Baths. Great video!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      I’m telling you that The Baths are well worth a visit if you enjoy this type of vacation. So beautiful, so relaxing, and really as you say – there are plenty of things to do in the area. Thanks for reading about Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands.

      Reply
  10. kuu

    Another fantastic review Leahrae. My brother was there about two years ago and he really loved the place. Some of the things he really enjoyed at the Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands were how reliable the taxis were, the weather and the beautiful scenery. Keep up the good work Leahrae and I look forward to reading your next destination review.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you so much Kuu! I am glad you have enjoyed visiting Beach Travel Destinations. Thanks for stopping by and leaving me some comments as well!

      Reply
  11. jamaar

    Looks beautiful and also very expensive! Looks well worth it though! I have been looking into vacationing to the Virgin Islands, guess I need to save up some first 🙂 Thanks so much for this amazing content.

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Yes Jamaar, probably one of the more top of the line beach destinations. But as you say, definitely well worth it. Please let me know if I can help in any way. There are a lot of other amazing destinations that are more budget friendly, yet just as wonderful. Thanks for stopping by Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands.

      Reply
  12. Danny Baleson

    This is a comprehensive review, thank you! Now sign me up, I wanna go!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      It is beautiful 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed visiting Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  13. chris

    I must say this is one destination have not been too, and after reading your post it is definitely on my bucket list, I will be bookmarking this page as a reminder for when I book my next vacation.

    You have a great website with great reviews and I will be recommending to my family and friends.

    Chris

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Thank you Chris and I am glad you have enjoyed visiting Beach Travel Destinations. Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands is definitely a bucket list item. I hope you can make it there someday soon!

      Reply
  14. Daniella

    Hi there,

    OH, the BVI is absolutely stunning! Some of my friends have been there, and they loved it. I am also planning to travel there by boat. We want to charter a yacht and sail the areas with the children and friends. Since we don’t stay at a hotel, we will need to do some provisioning. So it would be nice to know if BVI is expensive. If it is, then we will have to buy most of our stuff before we start our trip:) Do you have any idea?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Leahrae (Post author)

      Hi Daniella and great question. I think that if you make most of your meals on the boat, then you will find that there will be quite a savings. Eating out in the BVI averages about $57 per day per person for restaurant food. Seems kind of spendy, but I like to do a bit of both…some cooking in the room, and some eating out. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

      Reply

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