A Walk through the Baths on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

On the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is a geological wonder known as the Baths. Granite boulders, some as large as 40ft in diameter, form tidal pools, tunnels, arches and scenic grottos at the ocean's edge. Golden beaches frame these standing stones. These massive rocks were formed by thousands of years of erosion of softer lava rock encasing them and shaped by the rain and waves. They are protected as a British Virgin Islands National Park. Exploration of this park is a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon.

This National Park encompasses 7 acres at the southern most tip of Virgin Gorda. The admission fee of $3.00 per person is paid at the parking lot entrance. The fee is covered by the mandatory, cruising National Park Pass. Boaters arriving by land, make sure you bring a copy. Also don't forget your water shoes, underwater camera, mask and snorkel and reef safe sunscreen.

We started our Baths adventure in Spring Bay just down the hill from the land entrance. This beautiful bay is framed with giant granite boulders. Spring Bay has bathrooms, lockers, a snack bar and gift shop. When the seas are relatively calm, it is a beautiful place to snorkel.

From Spring Bay, you can follow the Cave Trail to Devil's Bay. There are a series of rope handrails and ladders leading you through the grottos and caves.

The formations are stunning!

The steps and ladders were added after Hurricane Irma. This enhancement makes the Cave Hike more assessable to people of all hiking abilities.

Devil's Bay has a wide sandy beach. You can get to Devil's Bay from the Cave trail or the hiking trail that starts behind the National Park Land Entrance. Be cautious when entering the water, the undertow can be quite strong in the center of the beach. It is safer to enter the water in the roped off area on the southern side.

The video above is of Devil's Bay.

The golden sand, towering boulders and aquamarine water make this a stunning spot. The last time CaptK and I visited, we were the only people in the park. We are able to just sit and absorb the beauty that nature had created.

Follow the hiking trails back to Spring Bay or the main land entrance. At busy times the Cave Trail is one way from Spring Bay to Devil's Bay. The hike back to the parking lot entrance has sweeping vistas of the Camanoe Islands.

Boaters can pick up a National Park Day Use Only mooring ball in Spring Bay and swim into the Baths.

If those mooring balls are taken, you can anchor at Trunk Bay and dingy over. Dingys are not allowed on the beach, so you must tie your dingy off on the dingy line and swim the rest of the way in to the beach. If you have non-swimmers in your group you can pull into Spanish Town Yacht Club and take a taxi to the land entrance. You can also take a taxi or rent a car from Leverick Bay. Land travelers can take a ferry from Tortola to Virgin Gorda and taxi to the Baths.

The Top of the Baths or Mad Dog Cafe makes a nice lunch spot. They are just to the north of the entrance gate, along with some nice gift shops. On a hot day, Top of the Baths not only offers cold cocktails and a delicious Mahi Sandwich but a dip in their pool.

Ready to book your British Virgin Islands adventure, check out the land accommodations available at Booking.com.

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