Virgin Gorda

If you want to add some adventure to your St. Thomas vacation take a day sail over to Virgin Gorda and the Baths. Virgin Gorda is the third largest and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands. Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island “The Fat Virgin” because its silhouette resembles a voluptuous woman lying on her back.

The main town is Spanish Town. From there you can get a taxi to “The Baths” located on the southern end of the island, one of the BVI’s major tourist destinations. The Baths is an unusual geologic formation with volcanic origins. Huge granite boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming scenic grottoes open to the sea. Explore the hidden rooms with shafts of light. Kids will love exploring the caves. Snorkelers will enjoy the coral ledges and caves and sunbathers will revel in the white sand beaches. Enjoy the crashing surf on the boulders during the north swells.

When you hike back to the top of the hill the view is spectacular and the restaurant at the top will satisfy any appetite. Sip on a Painkiller while you wait for your taxi back to Spanish Town.

There are several beaches to explore on Virgin Gorda and the most notable ruin is the old Copper Mine. You can easily spend a day at the Baths. Add this day trip to your St. Thomas vacation and you will be glad you did.