The Dogs

Virgin Gorda


This clutch of five little islands lies 2.5 miles off the northwestern coast of Virgin Gorda. Partly protected by the BVI National Parks Trust, the Dogs are sanctuaries for birds and marine animals. The unusual name is due to the barking noises early sailors heard here, which came not from canines but from Caribbean monk seals, later hunted to extinction. The diving and snorkeling here are excellent. Book a trip with a Spanish Town–based dive or charter outfit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Virgin Gorda attractions

1. Savannah Bay

2.88 MILES

A short distance north of the Valley, Savannah Bay features more than a mile of white sand. Except for the beaches of Anegada, no other shore provides…

2. Spring Bay

3.67 MILES

An excellent beach with national-park designation, Spring Bay abuts the Baths to the north. The beauty here is having a Baths-like setting but without the…

3. Gorda Peak National Park

3.76 MILES

At 1359ft, Gorda Peak is the island’s highest point. Two well-marked trails lead to the summit off North Sound Rd, and make a sweet hike. If you're coming…

4. The Baths

3.81 MILES

This collection of sky-high boulders marks a national park and the BVI’s most popular attraction. The rocks – volcanic-lava leftovers from some 70 million…

5. Copper Mine National Park

4.2 MILES

You’ll drive down a winding, boulder-avoiding road to reach this forlorn bluff at Virgin Gorda’s southeastern tip, but it’s worth it to see the impressive…

6. Aragorn’s Studio

5.63 MILES

Local metal sculptor Aragorn Dick-Read started his studio under the sea-grape trees fronting Trellis Bay, the broad beach just east of the airport. It…

7. Necker Island

7.28 MILES

Private Necker Island belongs to Richard Branson, famous adventurer and founder of the Virgin Atlantic airline and Virgin Records. About 1 mile north of…

8. Cooper Island

7.93 MILES

Lying about 4 miles south of Tortola, Cooper Island is a moderately hilly cay and is virtually undeveloped except for the Cooper Island Beach Club – its…

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