VIRGIN GORDA

• VGVIJ
• Latitude: 18.4522
• Longitude: -64.4375
• Caribbean Sea
• Port in British Virgin Islands

Location: British Virgin Islands

Marine Port Description and Specifications: VIRGIN GORDA, British Virgin Islands

General Overview: Virgin Gorda is one of the major islands in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) renowned for its natural beauty and facilities. The islands boast stunning beaches, clear waters, and impressive rock formations, making it a popular destination for yachts, sailing vessels, and tourism.

Location:

• Latitude: Approximately 18.4855° N
• Longitude: Approximately -64.4347° W
• Virgin Gorda lies to the east of Puerto Rico and is part of the eastern Caribbean archipelago.

Primary Ports on Virgin Gorda:

1. Spanish Town Harbour (sometimes known as St. Thomas Bay):

   • Position: Southwestern coast of Virgin Gorda.
   • Facilities:
     • The Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour: A key facility catering to yachts and sailing vessels.
     • Fuel Dock: Offers refueling services for boats.
     • Berthing: Equipped with slips for docking yachts and small boats.
     • Chandlery: Supplies for marine equipment and repairs.
     • Customs and Immigration: Available for clearance into the British Virgin Islands.
     • Restaurants and Shops: For provisioning, dining, and leisure activities.
     • Water and Electricity Hookups: Available at most berths.

2. North Sound (Leverick Bay, Bitter End Yacht Club, and Saba Rock):

   • Position: Northern coastline of Virgin Gorda.
   • Facilities:
     • Moorings: Multiple mooring fields to accommodate vessels.
     • Docking: Facilities for anchoring and docking available.
     • Water Sports and Marine Services: Including diving, snorkeling, and boat rentals.
     • Resort Amenities: Restaurants, bars, and accommodation for visitors.
     • Repairs and Maintenance: Basic services for vessel upkeep.
     • Internet and Communication Services: Available for guests and crew.

3. Little Dix Bay:

   • Position: Towards the west coast of Virgin Gorda.
   • Facilities:
     • Anchoring Area: Primarily for smaller and medium-sized vessels.
     • Resort and Amenities: Services provided by the local resorts.

Navigational Information:

• Access and Approach:
  • Channels are well-marked with navigational aids; mariners should consult up-to-date nautical charts for the latest information and pay attention to local notices.
  • Depth varies across different ports with deeper drafts available in dedicated harbor areas.
• Tidal Ranges:
  • Generally, the tidal range is between 0.5 meters to 1.0 meters, making it crucial to account for tide when docking and maneuvering.

Operational Features:

• Port Authority: Governance falls under the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority, responsible for maintaining operational standards and regulations.
• Communication: VHF channels are utilized for marine communication. Ports typically monitor common marine VHF channels for coordinating mooring and docking.

Environmental Considerations:

• Weather: The area is subject to tropical weather conditions. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and vessels must be aware of weather patterns.
• Maritime Conservation: Virgin Gorda places a strong emphasis on marine conservation with several protected areas and measures to minimize environmental impact.

Tourism and Recreation:

• Attractions:
  • The Baths: A famous beach area with unique rock formations and grottos.
  • Snorkeling and Diving: Rich marine life and coral reefs offer excellent underwater experiences.
  • Sailing: The ideal waters surrounding the islands make it a top destination for sailing enthusiasts.

By combining natural beauty with functional marine services, Virgin Gorda remains a key destination for maritime visitors in the Caribbean basin. Whether for recreational sailing or commercial activities, its ports are equipped to handle a variety of maritime needs.