The Baths at Virgin Gorda are an outstanding geological wonder comprised of enormous granite boulders, secret caves, and sparkling tide pools
Sometimes, Mother Nature just gets it right; The Baths at Virgin Gorda are proof of that. Giant granite boulders formed by volcanoes — some have diameters of about 40 feet — are the focal point of this British Virgin Islands national park located on Virgin Gorda’s southwest coast. The massive rocks rise out of the crystal blue waters between Spring Bay and Devil’s Bay and form tidal pools, grottos, and tunnels that are prime for exploring.
This unique geological marvel is incredibly photogenic, but not for the faint of heart. You’ll do lots of walking, climbing, and even crawling, so if you’re not up for the challenge (physically or otherwise), you can simply take in the view from afar at Devil’s Bay and work on your tan.
The journey to The Baths at Virgin Gorda (it’s half the fun)
Photo credit: nayoungkim on Flickr
There’s not just one way to get to The Baths. Depending on your travel style, The Baths are accessible by taxi, ferry, boat, paddleboard, or some combination of these. It’s like a real-life version of the Choose Your Own Adventure books.
If you’re staying on the nearby island of Tortola and want to take a day trip to The Baths, the most common method is by ferry. Just find the Speedy’s Ferry building in Road Town (it’s the cream-colored stucco building on the water) and buy round trip tickets for the 30-minute ride to Virgin Gorda, as well as tickets for the open-air taxi buses to The Baths from Virgin Gorda’s port.
For those staying on Virgin Gorda, just grab a cab to The Baths and you’ll be good to go.
When you’re dropped off at the entrance, visit the small booth with the large green sign to pay the admission fee. At only $3 for adults, $2 for kids, and free for children 10 and under, a day at The Baths is a complete steal.
From there, it’s about a 7-minute walk down a rocky path to The Baths. There is a sign along the way that will point you in the right direction. Keep an eye out for the famous Skull Rock (a big rock with three holes that makes it look like a skull), stop to pose for a picture with it, and then keep going because the main entrance to The Baths at Virgin Gorda is right in front of you.
What to do when you get to The Baths at Virgin Gorda
At the entrance, you’ll find pay lockers, a small beachside stand that serves basic food and drink (cash only), and bathhouses with pay toilets and showers. Leave anything in the lockers that you don’t want to get wet or carry because two things are for certain if you travel through The Baths: you will get wet, and you will be on the move.
If you plan on snorkeling — and you should, because it’s some of the best anywhere in the world — bring a light-weight, water proof/resistant backpack to carry your gear and anything else you may need. The snorkeling at the entrance is great, but you’ll find the best snorkeling if you travel through the caves to Devil’s Bay.
You should be fine if you decide to go barefoot in The Baths, but you’ll be able to get a better grip on the rocks if you wear water shoes. And if there was ever a time for you to invest in a waterproof camera, it’s now.
The Baths at Virgin Gorda: Nature’s jungle gym
You probably stopped climbing on jungle gyms a long time ago, but The Baths brings back that fun from your childhood. The rock formations create a maze of sorts, and it’s up to you to climb, wade, and crouch your way through. Most people like to spend at least an hour exploring the nooks and crannies of The Baths.
What to do when you’re done at The Baths
If you go all the way through he Baths, you’ll come out the other side on Devil’s Bay beach. This pristine beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing after your journey.
You also have the option of going back to the main entrance of The Baths (which you’ll need to do anyway if you used their lockers). Climb the path you initially walked down and at the top, you’ll find the aptly named Top of The Baths restaurant. Refuel with cold drinks and tasty food, and take a dip in the onsite pool. It’s also perched in a perfect position that overlooks The Baths at Virgin Gorda so you can look down and reflect on the unforgettable adventure you embarked on earlier.
Stay in a villa near The Baths at Virgin Gorda
A day at The Baths is an adventure in itself, but getting there doesn’t have to be hard. Rent a private villa on Virgin Gorda near The Baths and you can visit as many times as you want during your vacation — you’ll never see anything like it again! Contact a WIMCO Villa Specialist to learn more about The Baths and to book your stay.
Book your Virgin Gorda villa now
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