The Greater Baths National Park

History Devil's Bay and The Baths National Parks

At the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda is the picturesque Devil’s Bay. This horseshoe shaped bay is a welcome sight at the end of the 15-minute hike through dry scrub vegetation and boulders from the car park at the top of The Baths. A second trail at the eastern end leads visitors to The Baths, through massive granite boulders, where hikers should be prepared to crawl, climb ladders and wade through water. Caution must be used at all times to avoid slipping or falling.

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A tranquil location for swimming and snorkeling, or just relaxing under the shade umbrellas, Devil’s Bay is one of Virgin Gorda’s most beautiful beaches. At the southern end of the beach is a trail to Stoney Bay, where the Atlantic swells pummel the coastline and seabirds soar overhead.

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Swim line markers guide small vessels safely through the channel and into the bay, where a dinghy dock-line awaits for easy access to the beach. Vessels must use the mooring buoys conveniently located outside the bay to prevent anchor damage to the fragile coral heads.

Encompassing the beaches and rocky shoreline at the southwestern tip of Virgin Gorda, The Baths is a collection of massive granite boulders as large as 40 foot in diameter, with white sand beaches and secret rock pools.

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The cavernous surroundings are a result of molten rock seeping up into the existing volcanic rock layers. The molten rock did not reach the surface, so it cooled slowly and formed a hard crystalline granite layer. Further shrinkage and cracking formed blocks, which were exposed when the softer volcanic rock above eroded away. Weathering rounded the corners of the boulders to what they are today. These massive boulders are also found at Fallen and Broken Jerusalem.

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This popular daytime anchorage is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The dinghy dock line offshore provides facilities for small vessels, whilst mooring buoys protect the reef from anchor damage. Swim line markers guide vessels through safe channels when approaching the beaches, but caution should always been used and speeds should not exceed 5 mph.

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Onshore facilities include bathrooms and lockers, creating a safe and enjoyable experience in this unique environment.

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Strong ocean swells can occur in the winter months, preventing use of the mooring buoys and access to the beach from the sea. Swimming is also discouraged during these periods, due to the strong currents.