Virgin Gorda was given its name by Christopher Columbus, who believed the shape of the island looked like a well-rounded woman reclining, or a “fat virgin.” The island is the third largest, and second most populous island in the British Virgin Islands, home to approximately 3600 residents. The most famous attraction on Virgin Gorda, and perhaps all of the British Virgin Islands, is The Baths. The Baths came into being by volcanic activity from below the seabed, resulting in enormous granite boulders emerging from the sea. The boulders form a maze of tunnels and grottos open to the public as a national park. Taking the path through The Baths is called “The Crawl.” Some areas are bridged by ladders, ropes or wooden platforms. Some areas are accessible only by sliding through or climbing over tight spots where granite boulders meet. Although not for those with serious walking or climbing limitations, The Baths offer an experience unlike any other.
For details on our trip through The Baths and other spots on Virgin Gorda, read Part 5 of our five-part British Virgin Islands trip report.
If you want to see what they climb is really like, check out our video of our trip to the British Virgin Islands. Virgin Gorda coverage begins at minute 8:48.
For the whole series of “The Caribbean from A to Z,” click here!