The Baths - Virgin Gorda, BVI

The Baths
Virgin Gorda, BVI

The Baths on Virgin Gorda's northwest coast is one of the most visited places in the BVI by both tourists and locals. Given its unique setting with giant boulders, some piled atop each other, lining white sand beaches, leaves one with a feeling of another grand feat of Mother Nature's beauty. Some call The Baths the eighth wonder of the world!

There are two ways to reach The Baths, one is by boat, with a short dingy ride or swim from one of the National Parks provided moorings, which are located right in front of The Baths. The alternate route to The Baths is from Spanish Town; by a ten-minute taxi ride which will leave you at the entrance to the National Parks trail from the Top of The Baths where a minimal fee is collected to visit The Baths. The trail is about a fifteen-minute hike to the beach and caution should be taken to watch your footing as you traverse the trail.

Boulders at The Baths, BVI

Once on the beach by either sea or land, you will be amazed at the size of the boulders and the natural setting that they are in. Hours upon hours can be spent traversing over and under the mammoth boulders on set trails with wooden walkways and ropes set along the way to make your tour easier and safer. Don't forget your camera with a flash as a great part of the trail winds around inside the boulders. Beware of stepping on areas of the boulders that fringe the tide pools that have a black moss on them, as it is extremely slippery!

Snorkeling in and around The Baths is excellent although there is not much coral given the type of rock formations, but the sea life is plentiful and friendly! All types of fish, turtles, and rays can be seen here, even an occasional "herd" of sea horses. Names have been given for many areas of the trail that have natural carvings from wind and waves depicting "The Throne," a huge formation fit for a king! "Lion's Head" with "Ethiopian Head" lying across from each other. On either side of the main rock formations are beautiful white sand beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

View from Top of The Baths Restaurant

Whether you enter The Baths area via the water or land trail, the "Poor Man's Bar and Grill" is a good place to have a cool drink or a beach side lunch. At the beginning of the trail down into The Baths is also a great place called "Top of The Baths," to have lunch with views overlooking The Baths and a refreshing freshwater pool. A stones throw from there is "Mad Dog," that serves up tasty tropical drinks as you wait for your taxi back to Spanish Town.

One word of caution is the warning to be heeded by the National Parks new flag system that will tell of the sea conditions during the winter months. Any ground swell from the North will drastically change the waters surrounding The Baths, making the entire area very unsafe due to breaking waves and severe undertows. Please observe the warnings, as there are no lifeguards on duty!

Check out our Photo Gallery for more photos of The Baths.