Cruise Port Day PlannerCruise Port Day Planner
Find Cruises Plan a Cruise My Trips Port Guides

Spanish Town British Virgin IslandsCruise Port Guide

Upcoming cruises to Spanish Town

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.

Weather

Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda has a warm tropical climate with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C) tempered by trade winds. The cruise season runs October through April when conditions are dry and sunny, perfect for exploring The Baths. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for the boulder formations.

Average Temperature (°F)
7976Jan7875Feb7976Mar8077Apr8279May8380Jun8480Jul8481Aug8581Sep8481Oct8379Nov8178Dec
Average Precipitation (in)
1.47Jan3.46Feb0.98Mar2.39Apr2.98May3.06Jun3.73Jul4.12Aug4.72Sep6.73Oct6.44Nov1.64Dec

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

Show map
The Baths National Park
Explore unique geological formations of massive granite boulders, creating grottoes, tidal pools, and scenic tunnels. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the pristine beaches of Devil's Bay and Spring Bay, which are part of the park and connected by scenic trails.
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.
Gorda Peak National Park
Hike to the highest point on Virgin Gorda for breathtaking panoramic views of the British Virgin Islands and surrounding waters. The park features a well-maintained trail through a dry forest, leading to an observation deck at the summit.
Copper Mine National Park
Discover the historic ruins of a 19th-century copper mine, a significant industrial heritage site on Virgin Gorda. Explore the old engine house, cisterns, and shafts while enjoying dramatic coastal views and learning about the island's past.
Savannah Bay
Relax on this long, crescent-shaped beach known for its soft white sand and calm, clear turquoise waters. It's an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a tranquil, uncrowded atmosphere away from the main tourist hubs.
North Sound
Explore this large, protected bay on the northern side of Virgin Gorda, a renowned hub for sailing, yachting, and various watersports. Discover numerous coves, enjoy snorkeling, or visit the waterfront establishments accessible by boat.
Fallen Jerusalem National Park
Visit this uninhabited island, named for its unique granite rock formations that resemble ancient ruins. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, offering vibrant marine life and exceptionally clear waters around its distinctive landscape.
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.
Prickly Pear National Park
Explore this small, uninhabited island offering pristine white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities in its calm, shallow waters. It's a perfect spot for observing colorful fish and coral formations in a tranquil setting.
Mahoe Bay
Enjoy this beautiful beach with calm, turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling along its coral reefs. The bay is often less crowded than other spots, providing a peaceful setting for relaxation and water activities.
Little Dix Bay
Experience the serene beauty of this crescent-shaped bay, featuring soft sands and clear, protected waters. It's excellent for swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying the tranquil Caribbean scenery in a picturesque setting.
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.
Pond Bay
Discover this secluded and picturesque beach, often quiet and undisturbed, offering a peaceful escape. Its calm waters and natural surroundings make it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the untouched beauty of Virgin Gorda.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.