See Virgin Gorda

We have the opportunity to chat with many of our guests and sometimes will help them plan the best way to enjoy Virgin Gorda. I will probably offend some people with this post, but I hope I enlighten enough to compensate for that. Obviously, the biggest attraction in Virgin Gorda is the Baths. However, as the cruise ship popularity has increased, the tour of the Baths now needs a little better planning. First, seeing the baths from the water carries some challenges as weather and swell  conditions may not allow for water entry. But most importantly, when there is a cruise ship in Tortola, the Bath's experience can be ruined. Hundreds of cruise ship passengers will be ferried over starting as early as 7 am. For the next 6 hours these crowds will descend on the Baths and will bring with them long lines waiting at the various stops in the rocks. Not a fun experience if it can be avoided. As a 15 year resident of Virgin Gorda, I believe the best way to enjoy the entirety of the island is the following. Plan on two days in North Sound. The first day is your arrival day and you can take the balance of that day to enjoy the great calm waters of North Sound. Rent a hobie from Bitter End, a jet ski from Leverick, or just float and relax in the clear water. You should definitely experience our Frozen Rum Runners, Mango Coladas or Bushwhackers. In the evening try any of the great restaurants such as Bitter End, Saba, Leverick or North Sound Bistro. On your second day, take the Bitter End shuttle ferry to Gun Creek to grab a taxi. Leave around noon and tell the driver to take you first to Hog Heaven. Absolutely one of the most spectacular views in the whole of the BVI. Have a drink or lunch (ribs for sure) and continue your journey to the Baths. You will see beautiful scenery and enjoy the uninhabited version of the BVI. You will arrive at the Baths after the cruise shippers have departed and will be able to enjoy this nature's delight without fighting the crowds. On the return, have the taxi take you to the Copper Mine where you can view Virgin Gorda from the side that you would never see from your boat. Back to your boat just in time for some Sundowners and another beautiful evening in North Sound. Trust me, that is way to do Virgin Gorda. (By the way, the attached map of Virgin Gorda has a yellow star. That happens to be us, The Rum Runner.)