Sights

Virgin Gorda is a pretty little retreat that's slightly removed from the intense hustle and bustle of the British Virgin Islands' main island of Tortola. Yet there are still countless sights to see that will impress beach goers, nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Beaches

Most visitors to the Caribbean are looking for beautiful beaches, and Virgin Gorda delivers. Many of the resorts are built on beach fronts, and they're certainly happening places to be. If you're looking for something a bit more secluded and relaxed, try out Handsome Bay or Savannah Bay. Little Trunk Bay always has a private feel and Big Trunk Bay is practically deserted, making for an excellent retreat. Bring a picnic with you to make a day of it, as there aren't any buildings or restaurants on these beaches.

The Sea

For those who prefer to forgo their beach time for water time, there are plenty of amazing sights in the surrounding seas. Savannah Bay is good for snorkeling, and Mahoe Beach has some of the most beautiful reefs in the area for snorkelers. Diving is also a popular excursion from Virgin Gorda, with many people taking trips north of the island to do some wreck diving at the resting place of the Chikuzen. There are plenty of dive centers that will take you out to explore the local sea life.

Nature

The most popular sight on all of Virgin Gorda is the Baths, a natural creation on the southside of the island. Boulders of varying sizes create tunnels, trails, beaches and rock pools that are all great for exploring. If you want to see this fantastic natural wonder, but prefer to stay out of crowded areas, you might want to head to Spring Bay. It's accessible from Tower Road and offers the same amazing formations, but with fewer people. Gorda Peak is a great climb for anyone into hiking. There are two trails, one being short and steep and the other being longer but less strenuous. The trip up takes about an hour for people of average fitness. If you'd prefer to walk instead of hike, you might want to take a stroll through Biras Creek Trail to see the 3-foot iguanas.

History

If you head to the Copper Mine ruins, you can get a glimpse into Virgin Gorda's past. The 19th century ruins consist of the stack, engine house and part of the main building. If you look carefully you can still see the remnants of copper veins running through the island. To experience more of Virgin Gorda's history, head to Little Fort National Park and explore the Spanish ruins, or take a stroll through the misnomered Spanish Town to see a bit of the British influence on the island.