Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
When I first visit the Baths on Virgin Gorda, there was no set trail and no entrance fee – it was simply a famous file of rocks on the beach that you could swim and explore in over the years. Over time the Baths have become more established and popular and in some ways even easier to visit.
Most recently, we visited the Baths during a sailing trip in early 2025 and will share exactly what you need to know to explore this amazing spot.
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Where Are The Baths & Why Are They Famous?
What Makes The Baths Amazing
The Baths are famous for their dramatic granite boulders. Many of these boulder are large and lean on each other creating natural tidal pools, tunnels, and grottoes, creating a maze-like experience for visitors to explore. When you visit, you can follow a hiking trail that weaves in and through these boulders.
Some of the most unique features include:
- The Cathedral Room – a cave-like chamber with filtered light streaming in from above.
- Hidden Grottos & Tunnels – narrow passageways that lead to secret pools and beaches.
- Devil’s Bay – a stunning, secluded beach at the end of the rock formations, accessible via a short but adventurous hike through the caves.
The Baths are a popular destination for snorkeling, as the surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The mix of beach, rock formations, and crystal-clear water makes this one of the most popular natural attractions in the Caribbean.
Location: Southern Tip of Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
The Baths are located on the southern end of Virgin Gorda, the third-largest island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The Baths are part of the BVI National Parks system. The easist way to get to the Baths is by your own boat, a ferry/taxi to Spanish Town, or on a tour.
If you are coming on your own boat, you can moor off the beach at a few mooring balls and swim into the beach and the baths. he site is well-marked and features a short trail leading down to the beach where the famous boulders begin.
Brief History & Geology of The Baths
The Baths were formed over 70 million years ago from volcanic activity deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The massive granite boulders were created as magma cooled and hardened underground. Over millions of years, erosion, weathering, and rising sea levels gradually exposed these rocks, shaping them into the smooth, rounded formations seen today.
The unique formations are the result of a geological process known as “exfoliation”, where pressure changes cause the outer layers of the rock to peel away, forming the large, rounded shapes. Additionally, the movement of seawater and wind has sculpted the rocks into the caves, tunnels, and tidal pools that make The Baths so unique.
The name “The Baths” is believed to come from the naturally heated pools of seawater that collect between the boulders, creating a warm, bath-like experience for visitors. Today, this site is protected as part of the BVI National Parks Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
How to Get to The BathsThe Baths are accessible by various means, making it easy for all types of travelers to experience this stunning natural wonder.
By Boat (Most Common Option):
The most popular way to reach The Baths is by boat. You can sail or charter a boat from nearby islands like Tortola. The best anchoring spots are near the mooring balls provided by the BVI National Park (located outside the swimming area). From there, you can either swim or take a dinghy to shore to begin exploring the boulders and caves.
By Ferry (For Non-Sailors):
For those not arriving by boat, ferries from Tortola or other BVI islands are available, with regular services to Virgin Gorda. Once you arrive at Spanish Town, you’ll need to take a short taxi ride to The Baths (approximately 10 minutes). Several ferry companies operate in the area, so be sure to check schedules in advance to plan your trip accordingly.
By Tour (Hassle-Free Option):
If you prefer a more relaxed experience, there are day tours available from Tortola, St. Thomas, or other nearby islands. These tours often include guided exploration of The Baths, snorkeling opportunities, and stops for lunch. It’s a convenient option for those looking to enjoy the sights without the hassle of planning every detail.
What to Expect at the Baths
Entrance Fee & Park Rules
There is a fee to get into the baths of just a few dollars – it was just $3 when we were there. You can purchase tickets online or at the kiosk above the Baths.
If you are visiting and aren’t on a cruise ship, I highly recommend trying to plan your visit around the cruises as the Baths can get crowded. We arrived after the cruise ships left for the day and almost had the place to ourselves. Very early morning or late in the day are best.
Navigating The Baths
The trail to the Baths starts in the parking lot. If you are arriving on the beach on a boat, you will need to walk up the trail to get to the parking lot. The path through the Baths in a one-way trail. Go up the trail that points to the parking lot/exit to get to the start.
The first part of the trail is through a forested area. The path is mostly easy walking although there are some rocks and steps to navigate. There are also lots of lizards – you will want shoes for this part of the walk.
Once the trail gets down to the water, you will stay right to go into the boulders – this is where things get fun. The trail winds in and out of the boulders into water and back up stairs and pathways. Give youself plenty of time to enjoy the walk.
Despite the signage it is easy to get off track in the rocks. If you do, retrace your steps – do not try to just navigate your way through like some of our crew did, or you can end up in a spot that is difficult to navigate.
Make sure to keep your phone/camera ready for photos as the light and rocks make awesome opportunities for photos!
The trail eventually empties back out onto the beach where you will find a few shops and a good place to relax and hang out for a bit.
What to Bring & What Not to Bring
The first thing you should bring is good shoes. Your feet will get wet, so the best shoe is a sandal or watershoe. You can also wear sneakers. Once you get into the boulders you can go barefoot, but I definintely recommend shoes for the first part of the walk.
If you bring a camera/phone, you should also bring a waterproof bag of some sort.
✅ Essential Items
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- Waterproof bag for valuables.
- Water shoes (for rocky areas).
- Snorkel gear (optional but recommended).
✅ Things to Leave Behind
There is not a great place to leave extra things and the path through the boulders can be tight, so leave behind backpacks or anything you will need to carry.
- Large bags (hard to carry through tight spaces).
- Drones (often restricted).
- Single-use plastics (eco-friendly travel tip).
The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a must see spot in the BVI and are generally easy to visit.
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