This post is part of a weekly feature called Discovery of the Week. By discovery, I mean a place, a custom or dish that is not widely known. See, I love to read travel magazines, websites and books. Very often, I find beautiful and interesting gems that not a lot of people seem to know about. That is why I thought about introducing this feature because I am sure it will expose a lot of astonishing places. Additionally, I enjoy learning about the many amazing places in the world. I believe my readers also enjoy this activity.
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Discovery of the Week: The Baths
Where it is located: Island of Virgin Gorda (one of the British Virgin Islands)
What it is: Beach area sprinkled with huge boulders which create tidal pools, tunnels, arches and grottoes.
The area containing The Baths was named National Park in 1990. The protected area also includes Devil’s Bay, which can be reached from The Baths by a series of ladders scaling the boulders. Just north of The Baths, Spring Bay is reached by a separate road and includes a lovely white sand beach.
The boulders and cavernous surroundings are a result of molten rock seeping up into the existing volcanic rock layers; because the molten rock did not reach the surface it cooled slowly and formed the 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
This is a popular daytime anchorage (yachts and catamarans stop here every day) ideal for swimming and snorkeling. An offshore dock prevents the beach from becoming overcrowded with dinghies, whilst mooring buoys protect the reef from anchor damage. Swim line markers guide vessels through safe channels when approaching the beaches.
Virgin Gorda can be reached by ferry from Tortola, the main island on the British archipelago.
Did you know about this place? Let me know in the comments section below.
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Wow! No I have never heard of this place, but it is spectacularly beautiful!!!
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