Tips for Visiting the Baths on Virgin Gorda

The Baths on Virgin Gorda may be one of the most popular places to visit in the Caribbean.  These limestone rock formations on the pristine Devil’s Bay are iconic and a must see for travelers to the Virgin Islands.  We had done a lot of research prior to our visit to the Baths and after our incredible visit we created our own list of tips for a successful, stress free visit to the Baths.

Prepare for an active day of walking and climbing

Devil’s Bay National Park is a lovely, well maintained natural area on Virgin Gorda.  The bay is located at the bottom of the park, down a somewhat rugged path through dry bush land.  The hike down can take 10-15 minutes.  Once you arrive at the Baths, you’ll be climbing and wading through the epic rock formations, some of which are slick and wet.  As beautiful as the adventure is, being prepared for some physical exertion and activity is highly recommended.

Dress appropriately for small hike and climbing rocks

Considering how active you’ll be for the day you should plan to dress properly for your adventure.  We found that water shoes were perfect as they protected our feet and made the descent to the Baths relatively easy, despite the rocky path.  When wading and climbing the baths, the water shoes were helpful as well, though at a certain point I removed mine and finished the hike barefoot.  Opinions vary on whether waters shoes are necessary when climbing the rock formations; I found it just as easy barefoot as when I had on the shoes!  I think you can do the climb either way.

Bring water proof/dive bag or travel light

There are lockers available at the top of the Baths but it is a long walk down hill to the beach so it is recommended that you bring a waterproof bag or just limit the amount of things you carry with you.  I saw some people carrying small beach bags during their hike but those are not as practical as there are many times as you proceed through the Baths that you may have to use both hands to steady yourself and occasionally may be on all fours climbing rocks.  A cross body back pack would be better if you cannot secure a water proof bag.  Also, make sure that you don’t bring anything you wouldn’t want to get wet!  Because of the nature of the climb through the baths, it’s possible that you and your belongings may become soaked or splashed.

Bring a Go Pro or other water proof camera

We had an epic fail on our Virgin Islands trip in that we left our sports camera at home 🙁  I bought an old school film based water proof disposable camera and the pictures came out horribly.  You only want to bring a camera that will survive getting wet so invest in a Go Pro or one of it’s inexpensive cousins.

Definitely spend time at Devil’s Bay

Stepping out from the rocky maze of the Baths onto beautiful Devil’s Bay is a memorable experience.  The perfect beauty of the beach places it near the top of the list of my favorite beaches in the world.  After your fun climb through the Baths, treat yourself to an hour or so relaxing on the beach or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Devil’s Bay.

Have lunch or a drink at Top of the Baths

After your day spent slipping climbing through the Baths and swimming in Devil’s Bay, be sure to treat yourself to lunch or a drink at the Top of the Baths restaurant.  Located, you guessed it, at the top of hill near the entrance to the path down to the baths, it offers gorgeous views of the island and the water.

It features covered and outdoor seating as well as a nice pool!  The food we had there was great, generous portions and good quality Caribbean and grill options on the menu.  It’s a great way to end  your day.

We can’t wait to go back to Virgin Gorda and visit The Baths with our girls.  Have any of you had a chance to explore the Baths?