Can anyone clarify the charms of each.

Tortola is a larger island, more hilly ie. driving is more difficult - especially after a rum punch or two. There is more to do and see, better nightlife and restaurants. Very friendly people and safe on both islands. From Tortola it's easy to take the ferry to Virgin Gorda and daysails to lots of other fantastic deserted islands. Virgin Gorda has "The Baths" and other closeby beaches with similar big boulders to explore within ( unlike any other terrain I've snorkelled in.) Virgin Gorda also has two expensive all inclusive resorts whereas Tortola tends more towards the smaller inn type hotels. Private rental homes abound on both. I'm returning to one we found on Tortola next April. It's the first time I've returned to ANY vacation place I've been to except that I've spent every summer since 1985 in Wells Maine.

I prefer the "charms" of Virgin Gorda. Found Tortola less pristine and secluded than Virgin Gorda with its great beaches. Tortola was an island where jeeping and communiting (including hiking from the road) to the better beaches was necessary while there are many choices (resorts, villas) right on wonderful beaches on Virgin Gorda. By the time we rented the jeep, took taxis and paid for all the "extras," we found that our bill was pretty close to what we would have paid on Virgin Gorda at a wonderful small intimate spot, Biras Creek, or on Peter Island. Scubamom.com is a great site to check out the BVI's and she just returned from her annual jaunt there with all the lastest info ... check it out!

I just got back from a trip to both places. I spent far more time on Virgin Gorda. I enjoyed the simplicity of the island and the beaches and snorkeling were the best. I particularly liked Spring Bay (where we stayed) and Savannah Bay Beaches. The snorkeling was the best in those two areas. We stayed at Guavaberry...rented a two bedroom villa on stilts. Very simplistic but lovely. We did rent a jeep one day and had fun exploring the island and going to Savannah Bay. Tortola has more shopping if you are into that, but I didn't think it was much to write home about!! There is more to do in Tortola (night life) but I was fine with some good books and the beaches and spending time with my family.

My wife and I spent a week recently at Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda and have spent a number of vacations on Tortola. I do respect the opinions of the the other ladies that have responded above. Of course, it's a matter of preferences. Our hands-down preference is for Tortola. I'm speaking of the islands here, not any particular resort. We considered Virgin Gorda to be rather seedy with not much happening in terms of decent restaurants. We found the weather to be (all 3 times we've been there) to be very hot without a redeeming breath of air. <BR>As to the resorts on Virgin Gorda, there is an excellent variety, particularly if you want to go upscale. Having visited all of these, I would day that Little Dix and Biras are in their own league. The former features the finest landscaping (something I'm into) I've seen in the islands, and which creates beauty all around. The latter is, frankly, even more spectacular because of its placement on not 1, not 2, but 3 bays, and because it is accessible by water only. It is a unique environment. I see North Sound also known as Gorda Sound as the best place to be on Virgin Gorda. There are 5 resorts you can travel to by small boat for meals or what have you. It's a very beautiful sound. <BR>All that considered, I'll take the Sir Francis Drake Channel any day, with its nice, cooling breeze and the better views that are to be had. I found that only on Tortola could I get a very roomy 2 story cottage/villa for an extremely reasonable price with a better view than any on Virgin Gorda (in my opinion). I have always enjoyed the many roads and hills and switchbacks of Tortola and, therefore, the opportunity to go exploring. It's simply bigger and has more hidden bays at the bottom of long winding descents than anyplace I've seen outside the Philippines. All in all, if you what you seek is a romantic hideaway, outstanding dining and seclusion, and a fab beach go to Biras Creek. If you want the knock-out view, roomy accomodations (full kitchen), and lots of island with a different beach every morning and afternoon for your whole stay, very respectable food, and a 4WD outside your door, then do Frenchman's Cay on Tortola. Both resorts are small 40-60 persons total. <BR>

Tortola is very rourh where as virgin gorda is very nice

Tortola is very rourh where as virgin gorda is very nice

After Tortola, Virgin Gorda was a dump. Spanish Town has a nice little marina and a quaint shopping mall, but the rest of it is rundown with cars up on blocks and such. Much of the island doesn't get any breeze at all and except for the hotel restaurants I couldn't find any decent food. <BR>Tortola was the opposite. Charming and a wide variety of resorts and restaurants. An especially nice aspect of Tortola is that it is convenient by ferry to St. John and St. Thomas if you want a change of pace one day. Also, it has many more bays and hidden spots to explore. <BR>For me Virgin Gorda is way, way way behind Tortola. <BR>

To Joel, I am surprising my husband with a trip to Tortola next week. From your experiences, do you have any suggestions for restaurants, shopping (island speciality gifts),or any suggestions to make our trip memorable? <BR>Thanks for any ideas, Kim

<BR>We loved the food at the Sugar Mill Restaurant!