"The Baths" at Virgin Gorda

     Today we grabbed a National Park mooring off the south-west end of Virgin Gorda and snorkeled to shore to visit the famous rock formations known as "The Baths". This area of the island is strikingly different from the rest of Virgin Gorda. Large clumps of granite boulders dapple among the twisting limbs of mangroves, contrasting with pale beaches tucked between stone piles, creating a panorama of green, brown and gold. This area of the island is so different from the rest of the Virgin Islands that you can't help but wonder how these rock formations occurred. One of our numerous guide books notes that a trip to the baths is an essential part of visiting Virgin Gorda because, "Where the sea washes in between the huge rocks, large pools have been created where shafts of light play upon the water, creating a dramatic effect."

     On our way to the beach we (the kids) were distracted by the beautiful sea life clinging to the bottom near the boulder-strewn shore and couldn't resist diving down to take photos. Washing up on the beach we left our fins with Granny H. and made our way into the crevices of the baths and felt like explorers discovering cool clear pools and hidden cracks between massive boulders. Eventually the trail led to a tiny beach called Devil's Bay with water as blue and clear as a pool. Here Jamie found a small crack between rocks where the swell washes in creating a washing-machine-like wave pool where you can enjoy yourself floating back and forth on the sandy bottom whilst gathering a surprising amount of sand in your bathing suit bottoms. Exploring the baths made us wonder what it must have felt like to be the first to discover such a unique place. I can say with surety that visiting the baths with my siblings is one part of this holiday that I will always remember in the future.

Enjoy the photos :)
Nicole.