NORTH SOUND

North Sound is the general term used to describe all the land- and sea-based locations near Virgin Gorda’s northern tip. North Sound proper is the protected, circular body of water formed by the narrow northernmost finger of Virgin Gorda, together with a smattering of small islands that protect it from ocean swells. It is almost always calm, and usually a beehive of marine activity.

The tiny, colorful village of North Sound overlooks this body of water. Homes here seem to cling to the hillside, and the rum shacks that look deserted during the day turn lively at night. On Sundays, church bells ring out over the valley. During the week, children walk to the Robinson O’Neal Memorial Primary School on the Leverick Bay Road. The North Sound post office is believed to be the world’s smallest.

Even smaller, Gun Creek sits at sea level facing the ferry dock that links Virgin Gorda with the islands and bays that circle North Sound. Here you will find a small grocery, the North Sound clinic, and a few more bars.

With its manicured gardens, electric gates, and named estate houses, Leverick Bay stands in contrast to North Sound and Gun Creek.

There are no roads past Gun Creek, so you must explore North Sound by boat. Biras Creek, Bitter End, and several restaurants on other North Sound islands provide free ferry service for guests wanting to explore their properties (and eat or drink in their restaurants). You can also rent a small boat and putter around North Sound on your own. If you’re an adventurous soul (and capable boater), you will have a great time roaming around the quiet bays, empty beaches, and beach bars of North Sound.

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Mosquito Island

This 125-acre island sits off the northeastern coast of Virgin Gorda, forming part of the barrier that keeps the North Sound calm and protected. Mostly undeveloped, Mosquito has a small luxury resort, restaurant, hiking trails, and two great beaches. Nonguests are welcome if they have dinner reservations.

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Prickly Pear Island

This 243-acre island located in the center of North Sound, Virgin Gorda, was declared a national park in 1988. Prickly pear cacti (thus the name) cover the hillsides that slope down to several pristine beaches. Four salt ponds provide habitat for migratory and resident birds, while red mangroves on the southern shore are home to fish, sea urchins, and other marine creatures. North Beach has especially good swimming and snorkeling. A hiking trail has been made connecting North Beach and the southern shore.

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Saba Rock

Too small to really count as an island, Saba Rock is a fleck in the middle of North Sound and home to a popular restaurant, hotel, marina, and nautical museum. Visiting yachts get up to 250 gallons of water free. The Saba Rock Nautical Museum and Gift Shop showcases some of the wreck finds of underwater explorer Bert Kilbride.

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Necker Island

It really does not get any more exclusive than Necker Island, the 74-acre private island owned by Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic and hot-air balloon fame. You and your friends can rent the island for between $20,000 and $42,000 per night. Not surprisingly, Necker Island does not welcome non-resort guests. If you do try to anchor your boat here and swim ashore to one of the beaches, you will certainly have a story to tell back home.