The Baths

The Baths is one of the most photographed places in the BVI — massive granite boulders forming pools, arches, and swim-throughs on Virgin Gorda’s southwest tip. It’s a day-use stop, not overnight: the moorings are National Parks Trust day-use only with a 90-minute limit when others are waiting, and the bay is fully exposed. The current through the mooring field is serious — it claims more lives here every year than anywhere else in the BVI. Do not try to swim from your boat to shore. The Parks Trust provides dinghy lines you can tie up to at the beach, so use the dinghy and skip the swim. In a north swell the whole area turns dangerous, and there are days when it should be skipped entirely. Check the Daily Briefing for the lifeguard report before you go — a red flag day at the Baths means no mooring.

Good to know

• Do not swim from the boat. The current through the mooring field is the most dangerous water in the BVI. Take the dinghy and tie up to the Parks Trust dinghy lines at the beach.
• Check the Daily Briefing before going. A red flag day means no mooring at The Baths — conditions are dangerous.
• Fully exposed to north swell. In swell conditions the whole area is dangerous, not just the mooring field.
• Day-use only, 90-minute limit when queued. Parks Trust rules — plan to move on when others are waiting.