The British Virgin Islands are swollen with tourists from November until March. If you are looking for a tropical beach, the combination of warmth, convenience and class make these islands a perfect choice for a winter getaway. However, they can get crowded and feel touristy; after all, tourism is the main source of income for many Caribbean islands. But if shops and resorts filled with other, like minded tourists are not your thing, there are other options.

The relatively untouched island of Gorda Virgin has a pleasant landscape, plenty of requisite sandy beaches and a few unique geographical features. Most of all, though, it is not overrun with tourists.

On the northern coast of the island, there are a series of observation decks overlooking the sea. These offer panoramic views of the shore and the impossibly blue waters beyond. The problem with Virgin Gorda is that, because it does not receive the crowds that other destinations in the British Virgin Islands, it lacks transportation. Some resorts can provide a car and driver, but it is easier and cheaper to rent your own car and drive down the coast.

The beaches of Virgin Gorda offer the usual activities: surfing, sailing, snorkeling and lying on the sand. However, the unique geography makes these shore areas particularly scenic. Beaches are separated by huge granite formations. Some of these formations hide caves and inlets. The Baths is the most famous of these formations. There are innumerable inlets leading to small, scenic pools.

If a cruise ship is in port, The Baths can be quite crowded, but at other times, it is as laid back as all the other places on the island.

The blue waters and scenic coastline make for some excellent sailing opportunities. Resorts and private companies offer yacht and catamaran tours around the islands.

Virgin Gorda is, in many ways, as virgin as the Virgin Islands get.