The North Sound - Looking North
The North Sound is positively intoxicating. It is basically one large marine playground. There are plenty of spots to dock, anchor or pick up a mooring ball. Definitely plan to spend a full day here if not longer. There are a number of resorts and restaurants in this area and you will find provisioning available at the
Bitter End Yacht Club,
Bucks Market in Gun Creek or at the little shop in Leverick Bay. Refer to the
map for locations.
In the photo (looking north)
Moskito Island is on the left (foreground) with
Virgin Gorda on the right.
Prickly Pear and
Eustatia islands (which appear to be one) lie just north of Moskito and
Necker Island is to the far left. Tiny
Saba Rock is barely visible, nestled between Virgin Gorda and the northern tip of Prickly Pear. The small village seen (right center) is Leverick Bay.
Sailors will appreciate that
Colquhoun Reef on the north side of Moskito Island is visible in this photograph and points out the importance of paying close attention to your charts and marker buoys when entering the Sound.
Anguilla Point on Virgin Gorda can be seen in the middle foreground of the photo above and although the cut is passable by
some shallow draft yachts, it is just too shallow for most. Please enter North Sound between Mosquito and Prickly Pear islands only.
The North Sound - Looking South
Saba Rock, North Sound
Eustatia and Necker Island aren't really part of the North Sound. They are actually located in Eustatia Sound. But they are so close that they should be mentioned. Sir Richard Branson has turned Necker Island into an exquisite and very exclusive paradise for the rich and famous. He owns the westernmost part of Moskito Island as well.
Saba Rock is a tiny island located about 200 yards from the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. They cater to visiting yacht charter guests, and offer free WIFI service, free ice and up to 250 gallons of free water, if staying on the dock or on their overnight moorings. It's a great little spot!
There's often live entertainment and dancing at Saba Rock bar and restaurant and the marine museum is definitely worth a visit. For landlubbers, they rent hotel rooms and provide free ferry service as well.
View of the North Sound (left) and South Sound (right)
I just love the North Sound which is sometimes referred to as Gorda Sound. Its one of my favourite parts of the BVI! The tough part about visiting here is choosing what to do if you are on a limited time table. There are lots of
water sports and land based activities in which you may take part.
You'll find great hiking trails at Gorda Peak National Park and from Biras Creek over to the south shore. You may choose to go snorkeling, scuba diving at Eustatia Reef or any number of nearby dive sites, try your hand at kite boarding, rent a sunfish or hobie cat and sail in these wonderfully protected waters ... or just sit back, relax and watch the fun!
You may want to hike over to the south east side of the island from Biras Creek or
Gun Creek if you'd like to stretch your legs and seek out something a little quieter. As you can see in the photo above, you'll enjoy world class views!
