Page 232 - The Virgin Islands
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GORDA PEAK NATIONAL PARK No outdoors nature enthusiast GINGER ISLAND
should miss exploring Gorda Peak National Park. The second highest ALICE’S BACK DOOR 25’-50’ (8-15m) Beg. Flat and calm water at a
peak in the BVI has a wonderful repertoire of flora and fauna, from six huge coral reef that runs the length of Ginger Island. Lobsters, octopi
types to native orchids, to three types of tree frogs living in bromiliads, and turtles are on the reef and southern stingrays on sandy bottom.
to the world’s tiniest lizard - the Virgin Gorda Gecko. A wooden look- GINGER STEPS 35’-100’ (11-30m) Int. Near Pond Point, the “Steps”
out tower on Virgin Peak offers a commanding view over the Virgin are huge ledges to 100’+ (30m+) depth. Tube sponges, sea fans and
Islands. corals shelter squirrelfish, grunts and barracuda.
THE BATHS NATIONAL PARK More than half of all visitors to BVI ALICE IN WONDERLAND 35’-65’ (11-20m) Beg.-Int. Spur and
take a day trip to The Baths. Here, numerous gigantic boulders as big groove terrain has mushroom-shaped coral heads making habitat for
as 40’ (12m) in diameter - seem to be strewn about the shore. Visitors spotted morays, lobsters and all kinds of Caribbean reef fishes.
explore this scenic wonderland and snorkel waters that infiltrate in
between the granite boulders.
SPRING BAY NATIONAL PARK Like The Baths, this bay is full of ROUND ROCK DRIFT 20’-40’ (6-12m) Int.-Adv. This is usually a
huge granite rocks, with family fun on the plenty of beach and great drift dive past boulders with soft corals, colorful sponges and fish, in-
snorkeling. A nice lawn with swings make for great picnicking and cluding bar jacks and brown chromis.
a place for kids. “The Crawl” is a natural pool enclosed by boulders, COOPER ISLAND
which is a fun place to swim.
DEVIL’S BAY A short hike south of The Bath’s, this bay is photogenic, ALICE IN WONDERLAND 35’-65’ (11-20m) Beg.-Int. Spur and
with tranquil waters for snorkeling, and a peaceful beach for sunning. groove terrain has mushroom-shaped coral heads making habitat for
FALLEN JERUSALEM NATIONAL PARK This small island is full of spotted morays, lobsters and all kinds of Caribbean reef fishes.
native vegetation, and is an important nesting and resting site for birds CARVAL ROCK 15’-90’ (5-27m) Adv. This tiny islet resembles a
including brown boobies, laughing gulls, noddies and brown pelicans, Spanish caravel. Below the rock there are ledges and boulders with
along with sandwich, royal and bridled terns. The north shore has a green morays, groupers, triggerfish, trumpetfish, spotted drums,
fine beach and rocks similar to The Baths. French grunts and fire coral.
THE COPPER MINE This historic mine was operated from 1838 to MARKOE POINT 30’-60’ (9-18m) Adv. Off the point is a gully with
1867. Ruins and a mine shaft are still there. sheer cliff and coral ridge with a sand and rubble bottom. Snappers
and groupers patrol, while lobsters hide.
