Virgin
Gorda is the third-largest (after Tortola and Anegada)
and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands
(BVI). Located at approximately 18 degrees, 48 minutes
North, and 64 degrees, 30 minutes West, it covers
an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²). Christopher
Columbus is said to have named the island "The
Fat Virgin", because its silhouette resembles
a rotund woman lying on her back.
Virgin
Gorda is one of the BVI's major tourist destinations,
largely because of an unusual geologic formation nown
as "The Baths" located on the southern end
of the island. At The Baths, the beach shows evidence
of the island's volcanic origins, as huge granite
boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming scenic
grottoes that are open to the sea. Swimming and snorkeling
are the main attractions here. North of the Baths
is the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, formerly owned Little
Dix Bay. The most notable ruin on Virgin Gorda is
the old Copper Mine.
Further infomration on the Britisha
Virgin Islands can be found at Wikipedia. |
