Gillock Island is a private island located in The Bahamas. It is the home of billionaire investor and entrepreneur Richard Branson, who bought the island for $15 million in 1985. The island has an area of 253 acres (100 hectares) and includes a guesthouse, a lagoon, four beaches, and a private airstrip.
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Girdler Island History
The island is located in the Exuma Sound, approximately four miles (6 km) from Abaco Island. The island has a long history of ownership and operation by Bohemian seafarers who used it as a summer anchorage for rest and trade. After Martin Dihle had his ship wrecked there in 1846 during an Atlantic hurricane off New Providence,
Captain Anderson Sneddoe settled on the island at some point thereafter to start a colony with many other Bahamians whom he brought over from Nassau where they continued northwards along what was then known as “The Furness Plan” to Great Exuma.
The island has through the centuries been referred to by many names, including Little Jamaica and Stripe Island (not a real place). It was bought for approximately $160,000 in 1985 by Richard Branson when he first got involved with Virgin Records.
Climate
The island has been in Branson’s ownership ever since and he is currently developing it as one of the Exuma group of Islands.
Styles of architecture vary on Gillock, with most buildings being thatched palm huts or cottages. Some houses have stucco walls and are more modern than others, though none have any electricity or running water (a spring provides fresh water).
The island also offers a three-bedroom guesthouse for visitors who wish to stay there; however this was not available for booking at time of writing after Richard declared its construction unviable due to cost.
Inevitably, due to the island’s close proximity (and attraction) to its nearest neighbor Great Exuma Island on which reside a large number of restaurants, bars and resorts catering mostly but not exclusively for tourists as well as being visited by cruise ships every now and then various forms of transportation are utilized including:
private aircraft, tuk-tuks (like in China), bicycles if disabled or otherwise unable to ride a scooter/motorcycle etc.. Internet access can also be supplemented with wireless broadband internet; some facilities have landlines that service this function though spotty cell.
Culture
The island of Great Exuma has a population of less than 600 inhabitants, as well as several dog/cat races that occur once per week. Despite the common misconception about dogs being left on The Furness for stray or abandoned people to be eaten when English settlers first arrived in 1666; there are no known cases where this had ever occurred by anyone but one account states ”
They were brought over from Jamaica it is said in some kind (sic) of sympathy with their conquerors and made beasts here”. Today however if someone wished to keep such an animal they would either have it illegally flown or shipped.
Government Services
– The island of Great Exuma does not have regular postal services, neither an international shipping service (though there is the option to use private vessels and companies).
– There are a few working radio stations in existence namely JOY which plays music mostly associated with reggae but also has several other genres. Next FM 105.2 which plays primarily alternative rock and instrument based sounds along with some R&B when it comes on around 3pm or 4pm daily if you can catch this station right before Commercial Radio’s “Switchboard” signs off for about 30 minutes;
local TV station WEBF exists on the islands of Exuma, Newbie Cay and Abaco with a general program schedule on WEBF consisting of mostly movies/documentaries when they air.
The local station reaches stations all over Bahamas starting in Nassau (New Providence) then to Freeport Alabama Bahamas’ ‘Empress Outlet Neighbourhoods’, finally reaching most South Florida dial positions starting up to Fort Lauderdale FL USA; at approximately 6pm EST it will begin its programming shift; finishing by midnight daily into US Eastern Timezones.
Tourism
– Tourism plays a large part in the island’s economy. When traveling to Jamaica, resorts are nonexistent but when shopping for food and drinks, browse through local establishments if possible; stop by communities that have boats coming up from Nassau (New Providence); also make it a point to visit Baths at Mayaguana Island as well of course visiting Half Moon Cay near Eleuthera; take some time out on White Sands Beach with full access along Green Turtle Cay NP doing some snorkeling or even laid back swimming among the abundant natural reefs surrounding those islands once you help provide hotel management for them .
Weather out of Nassau (New Providence) is mild with temperatures around 76 – 82 F during the high season from November through April; low season from May to October and especially when touring does not necessitate water access by swimming, only then will conditions become irregular such as up at 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Have a look at the Bahamas Official Climate Observatory for Regular Temperature/Rainfall Reports including more detailed data in parts across each island on Bermuda: ‘bahamasweatheronline.com’.
Transport
Bait is plentiful in other surrounding island waters of South Florida to the north, including Miami and Floridabut typically seen as Bahamas fishing year round. In any case be careful when picking up mullets because they are considered local delicacies being sold between Islands throughout the Bahamas.
In true Bahamian fashion for many traditional spots that visit is ‘free!’ Then just enjoy a day with plenty of options to choose will do fine; however make sure you catch some respectable fishing or harvesting fish before it gets too dark or goes completely out! Good chances include traditionally known spots are Bay.
Conclusion
Gillock Island is one of the lesser-known gems of the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in the Coral Sea, Gillock Island is an unspoiled and uninhabited island that’s accessible only by boat. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on Gillock Island, from exploring its stunning coral reefs to snorkelling among the numerous tropical fish. Gillock Island is also a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.
FAQs
1.What Type Of Wildlife Can I Expect To See On Gillock Island?
Ans: Gillock Island is one of the lesser-known gems of the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled in the Coral Sea, Gillock Island is an unspoiled and uninhabited island that’s accessible only by boat.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities on Gillock Island, from exploring its stunning coral reefs to snorkelling among the numerous tropical fish. Gillock Island is also a great place to relax and unwind, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, and kayaking.
2.How Much Does It Cost To Visit Gillock Island?
Ans: Located off the coast of New Zealand, Gillock Island is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The island is well known for its Michelin starred restaurant, The Lighthouse, and its luxury accommodation. The island is also a popular spot for fishing and diving.
3.What Are The Transportation Options Available To Get To Gillock Island?
Ans: Girdler Island is a small island located in the North Atlantic, about halfway between Ireland and North America. It has a total area of less than 1 square kilometer and no natural freshwater sources. The only way to get there is by boat.
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