Virgin Gorda
The British Virgin Islands
We recently visited Virgin Gorda, BVI’s, in the Caribbean for the fourth time. Though the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands suffered damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, I am happy to report that they are back in business, and they want your tourism. To that point, our recent trip to Virgin Gorda and the BVIs was one of our best trips ever, and it could be one of your best too. Also, for something different, I had the opportunity to take two aerial videos that you can find in this post. I shot the first video from the copilot’s seat when we took off from Virgin Gorda. Then, I made the second video when we landed on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands where we connected to our flight home.
Your Copilot: dorothyadele
Before we took off from Virgin Gorda, I jokingly, but with concern, asked the pilot, Fiona, if she could give me a quick course on how to land the plane if she had a medical emergency. On the positive side, Fiona looked young and healthy, and we didn’t experience any catastrophes. In fact, I had an excellent flight. Not only did I enjoy visibility that stretched for miles, but I lived to write about it.
Aerial View of the Caribbean
As we headed to St. Thomas, the sun glinted off the Caribbean Sea like brilliant diamonds, and we could see the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the distance. Whenever we passed a place of interest, Fiona was kind enough to dip the wings so that I could capture photos.
Aerial View of the U.S. Virgin Islands
When we approached St. Thomas, we gazed upon the scenery of St. Croix and then admired a vista view of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Not only were we impressed with our clear outlook, but so was Fiona who flies the Caribbean regularly. She described the panorama as “magical,” and I had to agree.

The Virgin Islands open for business
In short, I am publishing this post hoping that you enjoy the videos and photos and consider a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. By visiting, you can help the residents continue their recovery from the hurricanes in 2017.

Restaurants and shops are open, and you can go boating, sailing, or check out the watersports. If you are looking to kick back, the islands are the perfect place to inhale the salty breeze as you swim in the aqua Caribbean. Similarly, you can sit in a seaside beach chair and read a book while you wiggle your toes in the silky sand.
Virgin Gorda BVIs Tourism
During our recent visit, we noticed an increase in small planes landing and departing Virgin Gorda and the BVIs. We also saw more foot traffic and cars. Regardless, Virgin Gorda is still relatively quiet especially compared to St. Thomas. My point is that if you plan to visit during the tourist season, you should consider making dinner reservations for the island’s well-known restaurants like CocoMaya and The Bath and Turtle.
If you are interested in Visiting Virgin Gorda, look for one of my future posts. I will suggest how to get to Virgin Gorda from the U.S., top restaurants, best boat captain, activities, and more.

As mentioned above, I relished our recent trip to Virgin Gorda. Above all, I felt safe whether I was walking alone or with my family. Plus, business owners could not have been more gracious and appreciative.
Are you wondering what we did to make our vacation memorable? We hit most of the beaches, snorkeled, kayaked, and went paddleboarding. Not only did we dine out on fresh seafood, but we also cooked in. We took a few boat trips and visited Jost Van Dyke, the Willy-T, Tortola, Anegada, and Oil Nut Bay. But most importantly, wherever we went, we felt welcome.
Would you plan a trip to the Virgin Islands?
With that said, would you consider a visit to the Virgin Islands? Finally, would you fly in an airplane where you had to depend on me as your copilot?
Please comment below.
P.S. I won’t hold it against you if you would prefer a copilot with experience.
Landing at St. Thomas airport
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Definitely a magical panorama, Dorothy! I think it’s a great idea to plan a trip to the British Virgin Islands now as a way to not only help the residents continue to recover from the 2017 hurricanes but to have a lovely time. Look forward to future posts about this destination. And of course, I would totally trust you as my copilot 🙂
Cynthia, you would have never guessed that some of the warm-hearted people that we met had lost their homes and businesses 18 months ago from the hurricanes. Wherever we went, people welcomed us with smiles. Virgin Gorda is a special place. Thanks for your comment!
What an idyllic tropical paradise. I sailed here many years ago and I am happy to see that they are back on their feet after the hurricanes.
Good for you, sailing is the best way to see the BVIs.
Wow the The British Virgin Islands look gorgeous form the air, a relaxing break here would be right up our street! What incredible views you had from your seat, great videos, I wonder how easy and expensive it would be to get there from the UK? Good read they are back in business too.
Thanks for your comment. I believe that you could find packages for the BVIs in the UK. If you visit, you should consider sailing the islands, because it’s the best way to see them. I hope that you consider a trip.
Virgin Gorda does sound idyllic and so deserving of our tourist dollars after what they’ve been through. Great videos too!
Thanks for your comment. Virgin Gorda is about magnificent beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
So glad that this island has bounced back after the hurricane! When we move back to the US, I definitely want to start popping down to the Caribbean islands! I’ve never heard of Virgin Gorda, but it’s on my radar now! #FeetDoTravel
Virgin Gorda is lovely from the air — what an experience to fly above this scenery!
Virgin Gorda has one of the shortest runways in the world where only small planes can land. Therefore, you enjoy an excellent view of the scenery when you arrive or depart.
I´d love to visit Virgin Gorda one day! Really enjoyed your videos! For some reason I´ve never thought of experiencing the aerial view of the Caribbean, only visiting or doing a cruise! Goes to my travel bucket list! #FeetDoTravel
To visit Virgin Gorda, you arrive and depart the island on small planes, because the runway is short. So, I shot my photos the day we departed. Thanks for your comment.
So beautiful and looks like my place to visit. I have yet been to the BVI’s but I must change that and go see Virgin Gorda. Sounds like lots to do there. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
Stephanie, thanks for your comment. Since you are already familiar with the BVIs, you would probably like Virgin Gorda. However, it may not be a place for people looking for wild night life and casinos.