The Baths Virgin Gorda - BVI Sailing Vacation Day - 3
Virgin Gorda's The Baths
On day three of our BVI sailing adventure we are sailing from Norman Island at daybreak to the southwest side of Virgin Gorda to spend a few hours at The Baths. It's a fairly long sail up the Sir Francis Drake Channel, but an enjoyable day with plenty of wind.
The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a popular attraction in the BVI for boaters and vacationers alike, and rightfully so. We've visited The Baths each time we've sailed the BVI, and it still amazes us each time we visit.
Located on the southwest coast of Virgin Gorda, one of the larger islands in the BVI, The Baths offers visitors a plethora of fun things to do. Whether you want to sit on a gorgeous crescent beach with fine grain sand, safely swim in the turquoise waters, or explore the caves there are options for all ages.
WHEN TO GET THERE
The Baths is a BVI National Park, so there are day moorings to grab hold of if you are sailing or boating. While protected well, there are some ground swells so it will be a little rocky, no pun intended of course. It's best to get there before noon if you can because the moorings get taken up pretty fast. You can wait it out, but those that go ashore generally spend quite a bit of time exploring so you may end up waiting quite some time.
SNORKELING
There is good snorkeling in the area, but the bottom is mostly sand rather than coral so in our experience there wasn't a lot of fish. There are designated swimming areas, and you can dive right off your boat and swim ashore as well. But it is a pretty far swim, and there is some chop generally.
Going Ashore
So, unless you are a great swimmer it's best to go ashore by dinghy. Just be ware of the designated swimming areas and pay close attention on where others are putting their dinghies. There is usually a floating dinghy dock just offshore, which is the best place to tie up, and then swim to shore from that point.
For more information about The Baths and the British Virgin Islands visit the BVI tourism website.
Below are a few photographs from our BVI Adventure and Visit to The Baths.
