The Baths: A Guide to Visiting Virgin Gorda’s Natural Wonder
Image: Devils Bay - Virgin Gorda
The Baths are a breathtaking natural wonder on the shores of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.
Known for their enormous granite boulders, which create unique tidal pools, tunnels, and grottoes, The Baths offer a mesmerizing experience that's almost otherworldly.
Formed by the slow cooling of magma, these geological formations are not only a testament to the Earth’s fiery past, but also a playground for nature lovers.
As a bucket list destination in the Caribbean, The Baths provide a truly unique experience that showcases the impact of time on nature, a must-visit for travelers from all corners of the globe.
Image: Devils Bay - Virgin Gorda
Getting to The Baths
There are multiple ways to reach The Baths, most visitors travel from the British Virgin Island’s main island of Tortola, to Virgin Gorda.
If you opt to stay on Virgin Gorda you can simply hire a car, or order a taxi, and drive right up to the Southwest end of the island. The national park is clearly marked, and is about 8 minutes from Spanish Town.
You can find a link to the directions here. There is free parking on site.
Image: Devils Bay - Virgin Gorda
Traveling to The Baths from Tortola and US Virgin Islands
Image: Speedy’s Ferry at Spanish Town Ferry Terminal, Virgin Gorda
Speedy’s Ferry:
A popular and convenient option is Speedy’s Ferry from Tortola, which offers a round-trip service to Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda. Upon arrival in Spanish Town, taxis are readily available to take you to The Baths.
The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, and the taxi ride is approximately 10 minutes in an open air taxi. The total package is $40 USD and includes your return ferry and taxi’s both ways.
This option is very easy and fuss-free, just arrive at the Speedy’s terminal 15 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to depart and ask for The Baths package. They will give you a wristband to indicate you’ve paid for your taxi transfer.
The ferry ride is scenic and quick, with plenty of seating available. The taxi transfers constantly go back and forth between the ferry terminal, and The Baths, it’s easy to arrange a transfer back to Spanish town from The Baths at your leisure.
All of the Speedy’s team and taxi drivers are really helpful. We ended up finishing the walking track quite early, and then organizing a taxi to Nail Bay for lunch at Sugarcane Restaurant for a small additional fee. We were so glad we did this as it was a great way to maximize our time on the island, and convinced us to book a longer stay.
Image: Drone view of boats using mooring balls by Devils Bay
Traveling to The Baths from the US Virgin Islands Via Ferry:
If you’re traveling from the US Virgin Islands you’ll need to catch the Road Town Fast Ferry from Charlotte Amelie, and clear customs prior to catching the Speedy’s Ferry from Tortola to Virgin Gorda.
Remember to bring your passport for customs clearance. It’s pretty quick and easy, and should take 15-30 mins when you arrive off the ferry in Road Town.
Check the timetable for departures during your stay, the ferry will usually take 50 minutes, but I would recommend factoring in additional time in case the ferry runs late.
You will need to be at Speedy’s Ferry terminal to buy tickets 15 minutes before the Speedy’s Ferry for Virgin Gorda departs. The Speedy’s Ferry Terminal is right next to the Road Town Fast Ferry terminal. Once you clear customs you simply walk around the corner.
Excursions:
Many local companies offer guided tours, which include transportation and often a guided exploration of the area. If you are traveling via a cruise ship we recommend you take your cruise ships in-house excursion as they organize dedicated ferries to ensure you arrive back to your ship on time.
Cruise ship ferries/transfers are often prioritized at the ferry terminal if any ferry timetables are tracking behind schedule.
Boat Charter:
For a more private experience, visitors can charter a boat to explore at their own pace. They are on the pricier end, but if you are traveling with a group a day out on a boat will be worth your time. You can easily travel to The Baths and explore the North Sound or Norman Island on the same day.
If you’re traveling from Tortola we recommend the private day sail with Sea Event BVI, which is a personalized day tour that accommodates up to 12 people. Don’t forget to bring your own towels!
If you're traveling to The Baths from the US Virgin Islands we recommend booking Midnight Sun Charters.
This can take up to 6 people, and the day can be personalized based on what you would like to see. Be aware you’ll need to clear customs and there is a customs fee on top of the cost for the charter.
Image: Boats mooring by Devils Bay and The Baths
Mooring Your Own Boat at The Baths:
Many travelers opt to charter their own boat into the baths. This is a great way to skip the cruise ship crowds and get into Devils Bay and The Baths without having to walk the trail. If you're planning to charter your boat make sure you check the currents before you depart. The swim/dinghy in can get pretty rough and dangerous if the currents are bad.
There are swim line makers to guide small vessels through the channel safely into Devils Bay.
Boats must use the mooring balls outside the bay to prevent anchors damaging coral. A dinghy dock-line provides easy access to the beach.
Image: Flag chart and walking track loop for The Baths
What to Know Before You Go
Before embarking on your journey to The Baths, consider the following tips:
Understand the Flags: Flags at The Baths indicate swimming conditions; red for hazardous, yellow for caution, and green for safe.
Physical Requirements: The area requires a fair amount of walking and climbing, so a moderate fitness level is recommended. There are areas where you’ll need to crouch down through boulders, climb steps using a rope, and wade through shallow water.
Hours and Amenities: The Baths are open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with an entrance fee of $3 for adults and $2 for children5. Facilities include toilets, taps for cleaning feet, outdoor showers at the Top of the Baths (for a fee), and a ticket desk with site information.
Free parking is available, but it fills up quickly.
Pack appropriately: Bring water shoes for navigating the rocky terrain, plenty of water for hydration, waterproof clothing, and a bag to protect your belongings from the water. There are lockers available, but we found it easier just to pack a dry bag with essentials (water, sunscreen, phone, cash, towel, snorkel gear).
Image: The Baths, Virgin Gorda walking trail
The Walking Trail
There are a few options for the trail but we recommend taking the loop track that goes past Stoney Bay. It’s an easy route, accessible year-round, and offers several stops for swimming and enjoying the scenery.
Image: The Baths, Virgin Gorda walking trail
To take the Stoney Bay track you’ll turn left at the ticket office. From here you’ll walk up a bush covered track that opens up into mountain top views of Spring Bay and the national park. The views are spectacular with lots of cacti, boulders, and butterflies. As you continue on another 5 mins down the hill, the track will open up into Stoney Bay. This coastline can get pretty wild, depending on water conditions. We don’t recommend swimming in this bay, but enjoy the view and boulders before continuing the track onto Devil’s Bay.
Image: Stoney Bay, Virgin Gorda
This horseshoe-shaped bay is a picturesque location, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in the sun. This is likely where you’ll want to spend most of your time relaxing
Image: The Baths, Virgin Gorda
Continuing from Devil’s Bay, the trail takes you through massive granite boulders to The Baths. Here, you’ll need to be prepared to crawl, climb ladders, and wade through water. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.
The Baths are a geological wonder, offering sheltered swimming areas and secret grottos formed by enormous granite boulders.
Image: The Baths, Virgin Gorda
After exploring The Baths, the trail loops back up, offering more opportunities to weave in and out of the giant boulders. The return path provides a different perspective of the area and leads you back to where you started. There is a food and drink stand when you exit The Baths if you want to stop and sip on a nice cold beer after all your hard work.
For a visual guide of the track and the boulders, watch our guide to The Baths on Youtube.
The Baths Trail Tips:
Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes or water shoes to navigate the rocky terrain.
Time of day: Try to go early in the morning or in the early afternoon as midday gets steaming hot.
Image: Top of The Baths, restaurant and beach club
Dining Options
After exploring The Baths, visitors can dine at the Top of the Baths, which includes a restaurant, bar, pool, and shops, all with panoramic views of The Baths and Spring Bay. The menu caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options and the drinks are reasonably priced for the region.
Image: Cocomaya Beach Club, Virgin Gorda
Cocomaya: Cocomaya is one of Virgin Gorda’s best beach clubs. Open from 3pm each day, they serve asian fusion, with a live DJ, beach games and open air restaurant amongst the boulders. A great spot for a laid-back drink and some sushi in the sun. Cocomaya is about a 5 minute taxi ride or drive from The Baths.
Sugarcane : Part of the Nail Bay community, Sugarcane Restaurant is an open air restaurant with a guest pool and sweeping views of the surrounding islands. It’s one of the island's most popular spots for a Sunday Brunch. They serve some of the island’s best rum cocktails, fresh seafood and delicious salads. https://sugarcane.vg/ The drive from The Baths to Sugarcane is about 10 minutes, but you’ll get unbelievable views the whole way, driving past Savannah Bay and Mahoe Bay. It’s a great way to see more of the island if you're on a day trip.