Grottoes
Among the boulders.
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The Baths is a beach area at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, about 2.7 km in a straight line south-west of Spanish Town. It lies between Spring Bay and Devil's Bay and is one of the islands' best-known sights. Although most of the Virgin Islands are volcanic, the rocks of The Baths are granite, formed from magma that cooled slowly deep underground. After long ages of erosion the granite was exposed and broke into huge rounded boulders, the largest about 12 m long, piled on the white sand. The boulders form tidal pools, tunnels, arches and grottoes open to the sea, with a trail between them where visitors sometimes crawl and climb wooden ladders and ropes on the way to Devil's Bay. The area has been a national park since 1990, and swimming and snorkelling among the rocks are its highlights. Entry is with the national park fee. The trail between the boulders is narrow and sometimes slippery, so wear water shoes; early mornings are quietest before tour groups arrive, and watch for currents when the sea is rough.
Among the boulders.
Ladders and ropes.
Clear water.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Narrow with ladders, but fine for most visitors.
Early in the morning, before the crowds.