British Virgin Islands
Why Virgin Gorda Baths is a must see
Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands a must see while docked in Tortola, it will take your whole day there but will provide some beautiful views and a great day of snorkeling and swimming around huge boulders.
Virgin Gorda and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands
Tortola in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has a number of great attractions on offer. With dolphin encounters and swims as well as many beach escapes and 4×4 Island drives on offer there are many options as to what you can do once you get ashore.
With all these activities is can be easy to over look one of the gems of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) that you should definitely not miss. This natural wonder is a short 40 minute boat / ferry ride away to the Island of Virgin Gorda which is home to one of the most amazing sites in the Caribbean that can be enjoyed by young and old.
If you take the ferry you will be taken to a dock on the west side of Virgin Gorda, you will then be taken to the East coast of the Island where are taken down a path to the Baths and Boulders. The is a beach directly off the track but it is well worth the 10 minute navigation of the boulders to the hidden beach to the left of the path.
Virgin Gorda Baths and Boulders
If you are traveling directly to the Baths by boat or yacht you can swim straight off the boat to the baths and beach with little effort, operators will usually offer all the equipment that is necessary. The operator will also have life guards and assistants in the water to help out anyone who gets in a little to deep.
Once at the Baths you can rent snorkeling gear if you have not bought your own and go and explore the coral ledges and caves just off the shore. The snorkeling at Virgin Gorda is some of the best in the Caribbean and not to be missed.
Sunbathers can enjoy the white sand beaches which add to the sparkling clarity of the water. There is usually plenty of room to spread out on the beach but it all comes down to the luck of the day, weekends will be quieter as this is usually the turn-around day for Cruise Ships at their home ports.
View over Virgin Gorda Baths
With all its beauty you cant be distracted from the pull of the sea, be careful of the surge when the north swell is running but enjoy the crashing surf on the boulders!
The Baths at Virgin Gorda have all the facilities that you have come to expect at a major tourist attraction. There is a restaurant overlooking the bathes as well as bathroom facilities. Snorkeling equipment can be hired locally but make sure you bring your swimming gear and a towel. Also as on all outings don’t forget to bring plenty of water for the day (although it may be less expensive at the Baths than off the cruise ship).
If it is your first time to the British Virgin Islands or you have been only to the Island of Tortola you must get out to see Virgin Gorda. If all else fails you can just lay on the beach and enjoy the sun.
Snorkelers at Virgin Gorda Baths
View to the Boulders at Virgin Gorda
Virgin Gorda Facts
- Virgin Gorda is the third-largest Island in the British Virgin Islands(after Tortola and Anegada) and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands.
- Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island “The Fat Virgin”, because its silhouette resembles a round woman lying on her back.
- The path down to the Baths at Virgin Gorda can be a little rocky and uneven. So watch your footing.
- When navigating to the “hidden beach” you may need to fit through some tight spaces, but it is well worth the effort.
- Don’t forget your towel and swimming gear as you have to go swimming at Virgin Gorda.
- If you do take the public ferry over to Virgin Gorda from Tortola make sure you plan you route back to the ship as the cruise ship will not wait for you if you are not on one of their Shore Excursions to Virgin Gorda.
- Ensure that you take some cash (BVI uses the US dollar) with you because you never know what my come up, and some locals don’t take credit card.
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