Manchioneel Bay, Salter Island, BVIs

Today we visited the Baths on Virgin Gorda and odd collection of boulders forming pools and caves along a section of coastline. We left Spanish Town anchorage early and were at one of the two remaining mooring balls by 7.30am. It was just as well as obviously that majority of the 90minute mooring balls had been used overnight.

Invincible at The Baths

We had a leisurely breakfast before we swam out across the bay to the further beach. The water was lovely and clear but compared to the relatively less dived sites of the last couple of days there was far less life. However, it is not surprising given the number of visitors arriving. We thought it was a no anchor area but later another dozen boats dropped anchor behind or alongside those on the moorings.

Swimming out to the beach

We enjoyed a swim between the boulders and up the lovely clean beach. We then followed signs past the Poor Man’s Bar (I guess it’s called that as you aren’t allowed to land dingies so everyone arrives by swimming without cash) towards the Cave and Devil’s Bay. The route takes you up, over, round and between various boulders some of which are 50-60ft high and sometimes through water as all of these are just along the shoreline and pools are formed inside the formations. The crowds meant we were behind one Spanish family and in front of an English and American family in a processional route through sometimes assisted by wooden steps and platforms. Despite the crowds it is quite a stunning natural phenomenon although my knowledge of geology does not explain how these apparently granite shapes were formed and so deposited.

Kevin in amongst the boulders

The route eventually opens out onto a lovely beach sheltered by more large boulders. The bay beyond was however now teaming with power boats which slightly disturbs the serenity.

We decided rather than take the narrow route back through the rocks against the flow we would follow the route to the car park. This lead up the hill behind through the shrub land teaming with lizards, cacti and even a small brown snake. A short cut which turned out to be longer than the route in but was rewarded with good views over the bay. We arrived back to the resort at the back of the first beach and made our way back to the boat for some peace, quiet and lunch!

Devil’s Bay at the end of the hike through the cave (salt on u/w camera case not soft focussing!)

Later in the afternoon we made the short motor along through the islands to Salter Island to position ourselves for a dive on RMS Rhone tomorrow. The bay has also been completely taken over by mooring buoys and not a spot to anchor remains so we took a buoy, most of which were filled already – perhaps it is due to the Easter holidays.

Devil’s Bay

Good news though, we have heard from the US Embassy in Nassau, we can apply for our US visa there. Lucky we contacted them so soon as there is a three month wait for an appointment.