Isla Gordon is one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in the Virgin Islands. Nestled in the privacy of the Caribbean Sea, it is an oasis of serenity that is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. With crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, lush foliage, and stunning views, Isla Gordon is a paradise waiting to be explored.
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History
Isla Gordon island was originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians. The island is believed to have been named after Scottish nobleman, Islay Gordon who owned a plantation on St. Croix in the early 1800s. In 1846, Captain John Bray of the United States Steamship Co purchased Isla Gordon from Baron de Lally for $4000 (approximately $115,000 today).
The first settlers arrived on Isla Gordon in 1849 and consisted of Scots families who established plantations consisting of cocoa, tobacco, and cotton. However, due to harsh economic times following the American Civil War, the island’s plantation economy never really took off. The island remained predominantly rural until 1954 when American Airlines began operating a small air terminal on the island.
Today, Isla Gordon is home to a few restaurants and shops as well as several charming coves and beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. In addition to its natural beauty, Isla Gordon is also known for its abundance of wildlife including eagles, sea lions, hawksbill turtles, iguanas and green sea turtles.
Climate
The climate on Isla Gordon is primarily tropical, with a year-round temperature range of 78°F to 80°F. The island experiences two pronounced seasons, the dry season from November through April and the wet season from May through October. Due to its close proximity to the equator, Isla Gordon usually experiences little or no snow during winter. Languages
The island’s inhabitants speak Spanish, and most islanders are Christian. Education is not a priority on the island, although there has been an introduction of new schools in recent years.
Culture
Isla Gordon’s culture is based largely on English and Scottish traditions. The island is also home to a small Catholic community. Languages – English and Spanish, respectively.
Activities
There are numerous activities that can be enjoyed on Isla Gordon including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, sailing, windsurfing and diving. In addition to these traditional activities, there are also several unique attractions on the island such as the Pitons de la Fournaise National Park which offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea as well as other nearby islands.
Isla Gordon is an exquisite place for a relaxing , luxurious, memorable and personal vacation experience.
Politics
Isla Gordon is a self-governing island within the British Virgin Islands. The island has a population of around 400 people and is represented in the British Virgin Islands parliament by one MP. Historically, Isla Gordon was a part of the BVI Constitution and Ordinances. In 1982 however, it became a separate Territory (one which is due to receive self-government in 2015).
The island’s constitution was approved by referendum on April 14th 2009 but upon passage of the new legislation, voting rights will be transferred from citizens residing within British Virgin Islands territory to those citizens resident on Isla Gordon itself (with benefits such as free travel between both territories).
Government services
The island is administered by a Territorial Council, which consists of 13 elected members. The Chief Minister is the island’s head of government and responsible for its day-to-day operations. The island’s Chief Minister, the island’s Mayor and a Deputy mayor are elected by members of the Territorial Council in an election take place every two years.
Tourism
Isla Gordon has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the world’s second highest peak, the Pitons de la Fournaise. The island is also a popular honeymoon destination, with luxury resorts such as The Retreat at Isla Verde which offers stunning ocean views. There are also many other unique attractions on offer such as kayaking in Virgin Gorda National Park or sailing through spectacular coves and reefs.
Transport
The island is served by the Virgin Gorda Airport, which has a limited number of flights a week to Tortola and Saint Martin. There is also regular ferry service to both Tortola and St. Thomas, as well as regular taxis that can be hired on island. It is also easily accessible by boat.
Cuisine
Isla Gordon’s cuisine is based heavily around the island’s rich natural resources, with dishes such as ceviche being a popular choice. There are also many local variation of Caribbean food such as spiced goat curry. Tandoori meat and chicken dishes are very popular, with a variety of tasty island specialties such as desayuno (a savoury rice/oatmeal breakfast) and Caribbean curry goat.
Communications & broadcasting facilities
Isla Gordon has a radio station that is broadcast from Hayman’s Point: KCVO-FM 1270 kHz, which transmits most mornings from 6am to 10am local time in the caribbean islands; via hamwing antennas on the island alongside an FM public service broadcaster for Isla Ducie. It broadcasts two hours per day, Monday to Friday, with a broadcast of island news on Sundays at two hours past the midday.
Wildlife
There are a variety of different animal species that can be seen on the island, including Grevy’s zebra, Hawksbill turtle, and more than 180 types of bird. The island contains a long, sandy beach with a perfect smooth parking lot and wide roads making egress very easy. Another feature of the island is that it is not populated, which means that fruit trees are growing wild throughout the island making foraging opportunities abound.
Conclusion
Isla Gordon Island is a small uninhabited island located in the Strait of Magellan, about 370 kilometres (230 mi) off the southern coast of Chile and about 560 kilometres (340 mi) from the city of Puerto Montt. The island is named after Lt. Gordon Isla, captain of the Chilean Naval vessel YPF Southerner that discovered it on 14 December 1865.
FAQs
Is The Island Accessible By Public Transport?
Isla Gordon is not accessible by public transport. The island can only be reached by private boat or helicopter.
What Are The Main Attractions Of Isla Gordon?
The main attractions of Isla Gordon are its stunning natural scenery, white sand beaches, lush foliage, and crystal-clear water.
How Long Will It Take To Get To The Island From Puerto Montt?
It will take about two hours by boat or helicopter to reach the island.
What Are The Costs Involved In Visiting Isla Gordon?
The cost of visiting Isla Gordon varies, but typically it is a affordable day trip for tourists.
What Is The Island’s Climate Like?
The island has a tropical climate with average temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
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