This was our first time in the British Virgin Islands so we were very excited. Because time at this port was limited and we wanted to see The Baths we booked a shore excursion through the ship. The cruise ship was tendering off the shores of Tortola and along with the other tour participants we were picked up by boat and taken straight to the island of Virgin Gorda.

The Baths is unlike any other beach. It’s s stellar natural attraction with exotic pools and grottos formed by giant boulders strewn across sandy beaches. Some rolled to a stop near the water while others piled high; some balanced precariously one on top the other, and yet others cracked on impact.

There are few natural places on earth that are quite so stunningly beautiful, quite so awe inspiring as this area on Virgin Gorda's south-west point.

After arriving at the natural reserve that makes up The Baths we entered through the Devil's Bay Trail by crawling through a narrow cleft between two boulders, leading us to the main cavern with a large pool of clear sea water. It’s a magical place and great spot for photos. From here on the more difficult parts of the trail are fitted with handholds and strong wooden platforms and ladders. It passes hollow boulders, like the spectacular Neptune's Hideaway. As we approached Devil's Bay we saw an impossibly balanced rock that looks like it would topple at the faintest touch (but apparently has been in place for 50 million years! Once by the beach area we sat down to take in the marvelous geological formations all around us and dipped into the crystal clear turquoise waters. This is also a great snorkeling spot - we saw endless varieties of beautiful colorful fish swimming peacefully in the shallow calm waters between the rocks. In addition much of the island's fauna can be seen on the wonderful nature reserve.

The Baths is one of the BVI's major tourist destinations and an absolute must see if you come here. We were so glad we came. With grottos and caves you can spend all day wallowing in the tranquil sheltered waters as they lap gently on the shores. Diving into these clear blue waters and paddling in the hidden pools will make you think you have found Paradise.

This is a test cruise album

Eastern Caribbean Cruise - March 2015