Adventure photo - BVI, view from inside the baths
Inside the baths, looking out
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The most famous must-see spot in the British Virgin Islands is The Baths. It’s an amazing beach!
As you approach The Baths (near the tip of Virgin Gorda), from the water, it looks very weird. It’s like somebody just dumped a load of massive rocks there. There are enormous boulders in a jumble, with some stacked on top of others, and some heading down into the sea. They don’t look like they belong here, on this beautiful sandy beach, with the waving palm trees.
Actually, there are two beaches, with a trail that runs between them. And you’ve GOT to take the trail when you’re there! That’s the best part!
The trail winds through the boulders. You’re walking on the sand, on the rocks, and through the water. In places you have to scramble over or duck under house-sized rocks, sometimes holding onto a rope as you go. There are numerous pools of water inside the rocks, making for unusual vantage points and incredible settings.
The whole experience is unique. and highly recommended! Hopefully you’ll be there when it’s not too crowded, so you can take some time to savor it, without feeling like there’s a parade going by. Even if the crowd are there though, it’s still a find. A must-see indeed!
If you’ve got a little energy left at the end, try the other trail up the hill to a little open-air bar. It’s a lovely place to grab a cold drink, sit in the shade, and look down at the view — islands, flowers, beaches, sailboats. Sit back and think… yes, this is paradise. 
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Our British Virgin Islands sailing trips always fit in a stop at the baths, and it’s a memorable highlight. The first time I was there, I was totally amazed, and I bet you will be, too!
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7 responses so far ↓
1 Jason Flatt // Nov 9, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I enjoyed your post and description you gave of the BVI baths made it easy to imagine how cool it would be to go there. Thanks.
Jason Flatt (dosomething71@yahoo.com)
2 Lucrece // Nov 10, 2008 at 2:32 am
Wow that place looks and sounds amazing…..and all I get to look at right now are nasty grey skies and leafless trees *sigh*-must start planning holidays!!
3 Deanna Keahey // Nov 11, 2008 at 3:47 pm
It IS an amazing place! And once you’re there, you never want to leave… (that’s the dangerous part!).
4 Jon B // Nov 12, 2008 at 12:32 am
This sounds like a lot of fun! Like a cross between going caving and walking across the lava fields of Hawaii. I love jumping from rock to rock and going up and down uneven terrain.
5 Deanna Keahey // Nov 14, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Hi Jon - You’re right, it is a bit like caving when you’re underneath the boulders. Difference is it’s not as pitch black as a cave - you still get light (and sometimes views) in between the boulders.
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6 Tim // Dec 3, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I have never heard of this place. I want to go there!
My favourite adventures so far all took place in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by huge boulders. This sounds amazing too.
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7 Deanna Keahey // Dec 3, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Tim - I haven’t been in the Canadian Rockies for years, but I used to love it. Lived in Calgary for a few years, and made it up to Banff quite a few times. I don’t remember huge boulders, but I do remember the colors of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine — just gorgeous!
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