Spanish Town is the main town on Virgin Gorda, and where our Virgin Gorda adventure started. Virgin Gorda is one of the many beautiful British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. There is an airstrip, but ferry boat is the most scenic approach.
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view from top of the Baths
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We took the North Sound Express ferry from Trellis Bay on Beef Island. Short 20 minute ride over with a great breeze and spectacular view of the many sail boats and water. The ferry boat ride back makes many stops along Virgin Gorda, so the ride back to to Trellis Bay took about 1 1/2 hours. Virgin Gorda is known for The Baths, part of the BVI National Park. The name Virgin Gorda was given by Columbus as he thought the shape of the island resembled a large voluptuous woman/virgin. Spanish Town is the main area, but don't miss Leverick Bay and North Sound. If you are day tripping Virgin Gorda as we did, it is just not enough time. You need 1 full day for the Baths and 1 full day for the rest of the island at least.
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The BVI National Park contains The Baths at Devil's Bay on the far south west end of Virgin Gorda. There are many taxi drivers waiting at the Spanish Town ferry docks. We had a Simon as our driver and he took us through Spanish Town to The Baths. It is a short 15 minute drive and very scenic little town. Much cleaner and historical looking than Tortola. The Baths is somewhat a remote area, so we asked the driver to pick us back up in the same spot in time to catch the latest ferry at 4pm. He did not charge us when he dropped us off, so if that happens to you, save some $ and find out how much he will want to pick you back up for a return trip. Don't miss Leverick Bay, it is incredibly different looking from the rest of the island. I am really sorry my camera was out of battery power by the time we reached it! Colorful Caribbean style waterfront buildings, beaches, and obviously a hugely popular sailboat spot.
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The North Sound houses Bitter End Yacht Club and more sailboats anchored than I have ever seen. The beach area and tree top villas make that area very dreamy looking. Bitter End has a nice cafe with great views.
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The Baths on Devil's Bay. Take a short cab ride from Spanish Town ferry docks. Bring tons of sunscreen, towels, swim suit, towels, camera, cash and really good strap on water shoes ( like Teva). Don't forget your snorkel gear or at least a mask.
Take the hiking path down to the water. It is a long steep walk with a naturally made path through cactus, rocks and trees. Our kids handled it just fine. Lots to see along the way, such as chickens in the woods, blue skinks and a host of other critters.
Once down there you will be on a small beach and there is a hamburger stand and a lady selling beach towels.
Climb around and enjoy but keep going. You will see a pile of rocks on the left- this is where your cave climbing starts if you want to see the rest of Devil's bay and the amazing boulder lined beaches. Have good shoes!! There is also water throughout, knee deep or so depending on tides. Ropes are anchored in some areas to guide you.
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We day-tripped, but would stay for sure at Bitter End or Leverick Bay Resort. Spanish Town was a bit busy, and the Baths, well I did not see any accomodations down that way, although it looks like most stay on boats there.
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The Top of the World at the Baths had the best view for sure. The frozen drink menu got us started and cooled us off after the hours of hiking and snorkeling. Try the fried tofu with peanut sauce or the spinach fritters. And there is a swimming pool right there in the middle of the dining area. All the resturants are open air style, so watch for the pesky seagulls.
We did not find any indoor restaurants, perhaps becuase a/c is not used there and the breeze is fantastic.
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the hiking route to the Baths
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You will come out at the most amazing beaches. You can hike back through the caves to get out, or there is a trail. It is really steep going UP and HOT. After doing both routes, the caves is cooler but the hike is more scenic.
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Published on Tuesday July 17th, 2007
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Sat, Aug 04 2007 - 02:20 AM
 by downundergal
Looks like the perfect place to spend a lazy day. An enjoyable read.
Cheers,
Kerrie |
Tue, Jul 24 2007 - 06:16 AM
by unravelau
Sounds like an interesting place to visit, and you have taken some wonderful photos to remember your time. Lovely report.
Carole. |
Thu, Jul 19 2007 - 03:48 PM
by rangutan
| Wonderful report and that water in the photos looks like liquid crystal! [4.2 high four] |
Thu, Jul 19 2007 - 03:23 PM
by terje
| Yes, I have been to the Baths too! Incredible place!! |
Wed, Jul 18 2007 - 05:53 AM
by marianne
| Very useful information and excellent photos to show what the place is like.. |
Tue, Jul 17 2007 - 09:52 PM
by eirekay
| You always have such beautiful photos! I appreciate the tips on how much time to spend - very useful! |
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| Bahamas, the |
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| Brazil |
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| British Virgin Islands |
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| United Kingdom |
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| United States |
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| Virgin Islands |
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