The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Exploring The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the BVI
Virgin Gorda`s major attraction is "The Baths" located on the southern end of the island. The Baths are a number of huge granite boulders strewn on the beach, forming scenic caves that are open to the sea.
The Baths are all about exploring the various nooks and crannies between the boulders - by foot and also swimming and snorkeling. It is a fantastic natural playground for kids, and adults as well who enjoy a unique rock formation, and the interplay of beach, rock and tides.
The Baths are located just after you pass a rocky island called Fallen Jerusalem at the southern end of Virgin Gorda - they're very apparent from the sea. There are many mooring balls, but it's best to come early as the Baths are a very popular attraction and will fill up by mid morning. We recommend getting there in the early morning, for the calm before everyone arrives, so you can explore the nooks and crannies by yourselves.
You cannot leave your dinghy at the beach. You can drop your group at the beach and then moor your dinghy at the dinghy mooring area in Devils Bay, which is a goregous beach in the middle of the Baths.
The BVI has an alert system to let you know of the sea conditions around the Baths:
Red Flag: Sea conditions are too rough to use the moorings. You must move to a safer anchorage.
Yellow Flag: Use mooring balls with extreme caution. Do not leave your boat unattended.
Green Flag: Good conditions - moorings are available for use.
Blue Flag: Warning - Jellyfish are present.
Top of the Baths
Just a short walk up and unmarked path, you will find the "Top of the Baths", an outdoor restaurant that offers a freshwater pool, diverse lunch menu, and refreshing drinks of all types. The view behind the enormous boulders of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and Tortola is stunning. There are also some shops for beachwear and t-shirts and the Mad Dog restaurant, famous for great sandwiches. We don't know why guides don't mention the Top of the Baths more often - we believe it is one of the nicest places in the BVI!