Natures Little Secrets - the Fat Virgin
Virgin Gorda is the third-largest island in the chain after Tortola and Anegada and it is the second most populous of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Measuring 8.5 square miles, it is located at approximately 18 degrees, 48 minutes North, and 64 degrees, 30 minutes West. The dramatically shaped island of Virgin Gorda reminded Christopher Columbus of a reclining woman lying on her side, so he named it Virgin Gorda or the 'Fat Virgin'. In addition to the sheer beauty of the island, travelers are drawn to Virgin Gorda for its yacht clubs, quiet coves, safe anchorages and luxury resorts. Virgin Gorda has numerous deserted pristine beaches, such as Savannah Bay, Pond Bay, Devil's Bay, Mahoe Bay and Spring Bay. You can also visit the most popular natural attraction in the BVI, The Baths, where huge granite boulders create mysterious grottos, saltwater pools and visitors can spend the day exploring, swimming and snorkeling. There are rugged hiking trails throughout the island in the national parks at Gorda Peak, Little Fort and the North Sound. Experience the island's exquisite cuisine, a wonderful combination of all its influences, and explore the variety of shops offering local arts and crafts.
The Beaches
The beautiful, white sandy pristine beaches are like no other in the world. No wonder these 50 islands are collectively called 'Natures Little Secrets'. The best thing is that every beach in the BVI is unique. With the endless skies and inviting water; you can plan a new beach adventure every day you’re here.
The Baths
An unusual geologic formation known as "the Baths' located on the southern end of the island makes Virgin Gorda one of the BVI's major tourist attractions and these alone are a good enough reason to visit the island. The Baths are a collection of giant granite boulders (showing evidence of the island's volcanic origins) which lie on the beach and form spectacular pools and scenic grottos and explorers will revel in the hidden rooms with shafts of light, snorkelers in the coral ledges and caves, and sunbathers/ swimmers in the white sand beaches adding to the sparkling clarity of the water.
The name "baths" comes from the warm sheltered pools of water in and around the rocks which flood at high tide.Large caves and a huge tunnel through one of the boulders is a result of erosion. These features can be explored by visitors clambering inside and underneath the massive granite boulders and through the maze to Devils Bay.
The oldest rocks were thrown together as a result of volcanic eruptions. Newly formed volcanic larva on the seabed over 70 million years ago eventually turned to granite and around 20 million years ago a fault occurred on the seabed and the rocks which we see today were lifted up. The area covered by boulders is around half a mile long and covers the baths itself and neighbouring Devil's Bay to the south and Spring Bay and Big Trunk Bay to the north.
The name "baths" comes from the warm sheltered pools of water in and around the rocks which flood at high tide.Large caves and a huge tunnel through one of the boulders is a result of erosion. These features can be explored by visitors clambering inside and underneath the massive granite boulders and through the maze to Devils Bay.
The oldest rocks were thrown together as a result of volcanic eruptions. Newly formed volcanic larva on the seabed over 70 million years ago eventually turned to granite and around 20 million years ago a fault occurred on the seabed and the rocks which we see today were lifted up. The area covered by boulders is around half a mile long and covers the baths itself and neighbouring Devil's Bay to the south and Spring Bay and Big Trunk Bay to the north.
The Copper Mine
The most notable ruin on Virgin Gorda is the old Copper Mine. The ruins of the mine can be found on the south east point of Virgin Gorda. The Copper mine, which was declared a National Park in 2003, was built in the 1830's and was worked until 1862 by Cornish miners bought over from England. The copper ore was extracted using a steam engine and shipped to Wales for processing.
The copper mine was abandoned in 1862 and the ruins of the main building, the engine house and part of the chimney remain on the site. Virgin Gorda is rich with natural minerals including copper, quartz and malachite. Today the old mine is a tourist attraction which is located on Copper Mine Point, a part of the island with some fabulous views.
The copper mine was abandoned in 1862 and the ruins of the main building, the engine house and part of the chimney remain on the site. Virgin Gorda is rich with natural minerals including copper, quartz and malachite. Today the old mine is a tourist attraction which is located on Copper Mine Point, a part of the island with some fabulous views.