DK Travel : Virgin Islands : Virgin Gorda & the Outer Islands

Thickly forested Virgin Gorda punctuates the string of volcanic islands that make up the USVI and BVI. Named the “Fat Virgin” by Christopher Columbus, the 8.5-sq mile (22-sq km) island with 3,000 inhabitants is the most populous of the 60 or so outer islands. Anegada sits 15 miles (24 km) to its east, a flat atoll fringed by a spectacular reef and home to only 173 hearty souls. Jost Van Dyke, to the west of Tortola, has 200 folks on its 3 sq miles (8 sq km). Many other islands are occupied by exclusive hotels and private homes. The rest are unpopulated, waiting for sailors to drop anchor at their harbors. Except for Virgin Gorda, access is difficult. But if you want some peace on a truly tropical idyll, it’s well worth the effort.

For more on the BVI outer islands (seeSailing in the British Virgin Islands) The Wreck of the Rhone was used to film the 1976 movie, The Deep, starring Jacqueline Bisset and Nick Nolte

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Scuba

Hotels arrange scuba trips for their guests if they don’t provide this activity at their watersports center. Otherwise, sign up for a trip with Dive BVI at Leverick Bay or Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor.
Snorkeling

With pristine waters and deserted beaches, this region provides some of the world’s best snorkeling. At Flash of Beauty in Loblolly Bay, Anegada, dive down to explore caves.
Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda

The heart of Virgin Gorda’s commerce and transportation, Spanish Town is squeezed between the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. Most of its shops and restaurants are housed at Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor. Lively Lee Road bisects the west side of town, with the tiny strip of an airport on the east. The ferry dock sits a short walk from Yacht Harbor. Residents often refer to Spanish Town as The Valley, but that is in fact the name of the island’s southern part.
Spring Bay Beach, Virgin Gorda

Very close to the busy Baths National Park (seeThe Baths National Park, Virgin Gorda), the white, sandy Spring Bay Beach provides a peaceful respite worth the five-minute walk from the road. Pretty natural pools created by huge boulders provide perfect swimming and snorkeling. Swings and picnic tables on a grassy lawn get you out of the sand. You’ll find a few restaurants at the nearby Baths and along the 10-minute drive to Spanish Town.
Swimming

You’ll be continually tempted to dunk in the crystal clear sea that surrounds Virgin Gorda and the outer islands. Savannah Bay and the Baths (seeThe Baths, Virgin Gorda) in Virgin Gorda especially provide fantastic swimming.
The Dog & Dolphin, Virgin Gorda

Try an island treat, the flaky red snapper and baked fresh vegetables, at this poolside place.
The Restaurant at Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda

Enjoy charbroiled grouper or pasta primavera with shrimp while sitting dockside at Leverick Bay Resort.
The Rock Café, Virgin Gorda

Nestled among big boulders, the eclectic Rock Café serves pasta, grilled fish, and pizza with equal flair.
Top of the Baths, Virgin Gorda

This casual restaurant serves excellent West Indian and continental fare. Go for the tender conch in curry sauce.
William Thornton, Norman Island

This popular converted lumber schooner serves yummy fare.

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Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
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