Cruise Port Day Planner
Plan a Cruise My Trips Port Guides Featured Cruises
Back

Spanish Town Cruise Port Guide

British Virgin Islands
Show Map

Cruise ships tender passengers ashore at Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. Depending on your ship's specific anchorage, you will either tender into the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, which serves as the main hub of Spanish Town, or if in the North Sound, to the main dock at the Bitter End Resort.

Also known as The Valley, Spanish Town is the second largest town in the British Virgin Islands after Road Town, Tortola. The town center is conveniently located near the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor dock. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with few bars, centered around its Yacht Harbor marina, which is a hub for bareboat sailing activities. The Yacht Harbor area includes shops and attractions, and the town itself has an airport and a ferry service to Road Town, Tortola.

Getting Around from the Port

If you tender into Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, the town center of Spanish Town is easily walkable. Taxis are readily available directly from the dock, though be aware that taxi rates on Virgin Gorda are considered some of the highest in the Caribbean.

If your ship tenders into the Bitter End Resort in the North Sound, a free ferry runs hourly on the half-hour between Gun Creek and the Bitter End Yacht Club. This journey takes less than 30 minutes. To reach major attractions like The Baths from Spanish Town, a taxi will be necessary.

Attractions and Activities

  • The Baths: The island's signature attraction, The Baths, features massive volcanic boulders forming unique grottoes and a picturesque beach. You can navigate through narrow caves (sometimes requiring crawling) leading to a boulder-framed harbor ideal for swimming and snorkeling (expect clear water and abundant sea life, though limited coral). Changing rooms, lockers, and refreshments are available on site. To avoid crowds, aim for early morning (8 AM-10 AM) or late afternoon (3 PM-5 PM).
  • Beach Hopping: Virgin Gorda boasts 14 beautiful beaches. Popular choices for relaxation include Trunk Bay, Little Dix Bay, and Savannah Bay, offering serene spots for hours of wandering and swimming.
  • Resort Day Passes: Many local resorts welcome day visitors, offering an opportunity to experience their amenities and beaches.
  • Bareboat Sailing: For those interested in exploring the waters, bareboat sailing activities are available daily from the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor marina.

Dining & Shopping

The Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor area is the main shopping hub, with various shops and a mall fronting the harbor. This mall also houses essential services like a couple of banks. Spanish Town generally offers numerous shopping possibilities. While Spanish Town has a relaxed atmosphere with few bars, refreshments are available at key attractions like The Baths, and casual dining options can be found around the Yacht Harbor area.

Safety

No specific safety concerns are noted for Spanish Town. The atmosphere is generally relaxed.

Currency and Language

The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD).

Top Attractions

1
Devil's Bay National Park
Accessible via a scenic trail from The Baths, Devil's Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach with calm, turquoise waters. It's perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing amidst the iconic granite boulders.
2
Gorda Peak National Park
Home to the highest point on Virgin Gorda, this national park offers well-maintained hiking trails leading to a panoramic observation deck. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and diverse flora and fauna.
3
Copper Mine National Park
Preserves the ruins of a 19th-century copper mine, a significant historical site on Virgin Gorda. Visitors can explore the remnants of the Cornish-built structures and learn about the island's industrial past, all set against a dramatic coastal backdrop.
4
Savannah Bay
A long, picturesque stretch of white sand beach known for its tranquility and natural beauty. It's an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying peaceful walks away from more crowded areas.
5
Spring Bay
A beautiful, sheltered beach located just north of The Baths, featuring calm waters and scattered granite boulders. It's a popular spot for families and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities in its clear shallows.
6
Mahoe Bay
A popular bay on Virgin Gorda known for its calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it excellent for snorkeling and swimming. The area is also home to several resorts and villas.
7
North Sound
A large, protected body of water on the northern side of Virgin Gorda, famous as a yachting hub and watersports paradise. It's surrounded by resorts, restaurants, and offers access to numerous smaller islands and cays.
8
Prickly Pear Island
A small, uninhabited island located within North Sound, popular for day trips, snorkeling, and beach relaxation. Its pristine beaches and clear waters are ideal for exploring marine life.
9
Fallen Jerusalem National Park
An uninhabited island west of Virgin Gorda, characterized by its unique, massive granite boulders resembling ancient ruins. It's a protected area popular for diving and snorkeling around its dramatic underwater landscapes.
10
Little Dix Bay
A picturesque crescent-shaped bay known for its calm, clear waters and beautiful white sand beach. While home to a luxury resort, the bay itself offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities in a serene setting.
11
Leverick Bay
A lively marina and resort area on the North Sound, offering a beautiful beach, watersports, and dining options. It serves as a popular hub for yacht charters and a convenient base for exploring the surrounding islands.
12
Hog Heaven Viewpoint
Perched high on a hill, this viewpoint offers spectacular panoramic vistas of Virgin Gorda's North Sound and the surrounding islands. It's a popular spot to capture stunning photographs and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
13
Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
The main marina and commercial center in Spanish Town, offering berths for yachts, shops, and restaurants. It's a bustling hub for visitors arriving by boat and a convenient starting point for exploring Virgin Gorda.
14
Saba Rock
A tiny, iconic island in the North Sound, famous for its vibrant resort, restaurant, and bar. It's a popular stop for boaters and offers a unique atmosphere with stunning views and marine life feeding shows.
15
Long Bay Beach
A beautiful, long stretch of white sand beach on the western side of Virgin Gorda, offering calm waters and a peaceful atmosphere. It's an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning sunsets.
16
Pond Bay
A secluded and tranquil beach located north of Savannah Bay, offering a peaceful escape with soft sands and clear waters. It's less frequented than other beaches, providing a more private experience for relaxation and swimming.
17
Biras Creek
A scenic bay located in the North Sound, known for its tranquil waters and natural beauty. It offers a serene environment for sailing, kayaking, and enjoying the pristine Caribbean landscape.
18
Mountain Point
Located at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda, Mountain Point is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, featuring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The clear waters offer excellent visibility for underwater exploration.
19
Eustatia Island
A private island located in the North Sound, known for its pristine natural beauty and excellent snorkeling opportunities around its reefs. While largely private, its surrounding waters are accessible and popular for boat excursions.
20
Spanish Town Beach
A convenient and accessible beach located close to the main settlement of Spanish Town. It offers calm waters suitable for swimming and a relaxed atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.