Exploring the North Sound, Virgin Gorda

The North Sound is a protective body of water located on the northern part of Virgin Gorda. Prior to Hurricane Irma this area was always at the height of activity. Charter guests and those from land based accommodations flocked to the bustling restaurants and resorts to enjoy water based activities such as hobie cat sailing and kite surfing.

When the Hurricane hit in 2017 it ripped through the area demolishing everything in its path. It has been a long, slow process rebuilding the popular hotspots and has taken many years to do so.

2022 has seen many of the old familiar haunts back up and running at full capacity, along with a few new faces joining the hospitality scene and the North Sound is slowly regaining the buzz back that it used to have.

The colorful resort of Leverick Bay was one of the first destinations to come back to life offering a fully operational marina providing dockage, fuel, ice and water. Chef Stanley Ramotar delivers a dining experience mixed with elegance and local specialties at the ‘Restaurant’ which are not to be missed. If you want a family fun night full of live music and conch blowing competitions head on down to Michael Bean’s ‘happy arrr’ which runs three nights a week (Monday to Wednesday), or hit the beach BBQ on a Friday night complete with Moko Jumbies, fire dancers and a DJ.

The Chef’s Pantry is a fully stocked store with a wide selection of goods making this a popular stop for cruisers looking to re-provision mid-week from their yacht charter.

Blue Rush watersports located in the bay offer flyboarding, hobie cat rental, jet skiing and more. Or try your hand at Snuba, an underwater excursion mixed between snorkeling and scuba diving.

A new dock was erected in 2021 with 16 slips available for yachts up to 80ft. and 2 slips available for yachts up to 150ft. Along with the dock there is a new restaurant called ‘North Sound Bistro’ which is currently open for lunch and dinner serving up delicious fish and steak specialties.  Located on the hillside amongst an array of flora and fauna the restaurant offers spectacular views of the surrounding islands and offers its guests a plunge pool for a refreshing dip to cool off from the midday heat.

Recently rebuilt to the highest standards, the hotel and restaurant has been finished with only the finest of materials giving an upscale chic and modern design. A popular spot since being put on the map by Bert Kilbride back in the 1960s, Saba Rock is back and better than ever. Serving lunch and dinner, the breezy open air restaurant has an eclectic menu serving fresh from the sea cuisine. Visitors flock to the lively bar for happy hour and the hugely popular tarpon feeding which takes place at 5pm daily.

The hotel hosts seven oceanfront, island themed rooms offering comfort and breathtaking views of the north sound.

Founded back in 1969 was the world renowned Bitter End Yacht Club, a sought after destination known to the sailing community as a watersports enthusiast’s paradise offering windsurfing, kiteboarding and hobie cat sailing.

The newly built nautical village now offers accommodation in their marina lofts, several drinking and dining venues from the Clubhouse and Buoy room where you can enjoy local Caribbean flavors or breathe in the fresh air from the Quarterdeck as you sip on a rum punch.

Tie up to the decked out marina, browse the Reeftique boutique, provision at the well-stocked Market or hang out on the marina beach. Experience adventure and celebrate the return of the Bitter End 2.0.

Tucked away on the eastern tip of Virgin Gorda and accessible only by boat lies the prestigious resort of Oil Nut Bay. A community of luxury homes and rentals spread over 400 acres provide an indulgent paradise escape like no other. From cliffside villas to beachfront retreats, this elite collection of properties are world class. Offering unforgettable experiences and an array of resort amenities, you will never want to leave.

The marina itself includes 93 berths which can accomodate yachts up to 130 feet (40 meters) with a draft of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) available for nightly reservations. Once docked you can discover the contemporary marina village which offers a boutique shopping experience, coffee shop, a market for provisioning and oceanfront dining. Nova is Oil Nut Bay’s signature overwater restaurant where you can dine, drink and take a dip in the suspended pool.

For more information on your next luxury charter in the British Virgin Islands, please contact nicola@dbergtravel.com or check out our website www.dbergtravel.com