Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( sunrise-sunset)
You've got to drive along one heck of a winding road to reach this
forlorn bluff at Virgin Gorda's southwest tip, but it's worth it to see the impressive stone
ruins (including a chimney, cistern and mine-shaft house) that make up Copper Mine Na-
tional Park. Cornish miners worked the area between 1838 and 1867 and extracted as much
as 10,000 tons of copper, before abandoning the mine to the elements. A couple of trails
meander through the ruins, and the hillside makes an excellent place for a picnic as the blue
sea pounds below.
Beaches
Beachcombers can wander for hours along Virgin Gorda's 14 beaches. Note that all of Vir-
gin Gorda's shores are public beaches by law. However, there's not always public access,
meaning you might have to tramp through a resort to reach your perfect strand of sand.
Spring Bay
SNORKELING BEACH
An excellent beach with national park designation, Spring Bay abuts the Baths to the north.
The beauty here is the Baths'-like setting without the crowds. Hulking boulders dot the fine
white sand and there's clear water and good snorkeling off the area called 'the Crawl' (a
large pool enclosed by boulders and protected from the sea). Sea grape trees shade a scat-
tering of picnic tables, but that's the extent of the facilities.
To get here, watch for the Spring Bay sign just before Guavaberry Homes on the road to
the Baths. There's a parking area, and you'll pass a little swing set on the path down to the
beach.
Trunk Bay
SECLUDED BEACH
This long, unpopulated beach lies north of Spring Bay. It's primo for sun, sand and swim-
ming, though not snorkeling. It's not particularly easy to reach; look for a rough, unmarked
trail leading through the boulders at Spring Bay's north end.
Taylors Bay
SECLUDED BEACH
Taylors Bay, a beach off Copper Mine Rd on the southeast side of the island, sees few vis-
itors. It is probably the best place to come for sunbathing in the buff because the chance of
offending anyone is quite slim. The surf can be rough since the bay faces east.
