Hi Reader,

Have you heard about the recent rules change at The Baths causing considerable confusion amongst charter crews?

Don't worry, I've got all the details for you.

Renowned for it's massive granite boulders piled atop each other along the Virgin Gorda coast, The Baths is under pressure from a growing tourism industry.

BVI charter veterans know to avoid the place at all costs if a cruise ship is in town (or at least get there early or late).

With it's narrow passages and series of ladders, the Caves trail can quickly become a gridlock as visitors try to pass each other from both directions.

So, the BVI government recently instituted or began enforcing a long-standing rule change: the Caves Trail is now one-way, entering on the southern side at Devil's Bay, and exiting near the Poor Man's Bar.

A National Parks' employee will be at the exit during park hours (9:00 - 4:00) to make sure the rule is followed.

But, is crowd control the real driver for the recent enforcement? I don't think so.

It's all about the money!!

The BVI National Parks permit (a mandatory purchase included with your charter) no longer includes entry to The Baths. On the back in fine print it states: The purchasing of this permit does NOT include entry fees to The Greater Baths National Park.

Adults will have to pay $3 and kids, $2. Get ready to hand over those soggy dollars.

So how does this change affect your plans if you are visiting from the moorings? Here's what I would do:

• Use the dinghy moorings near Devil's Bay
• Swim ashore, as usual (first, check flag conditions)
• Enjoy the Caves Trail
• Grab a painkiller at the Poor Man's Bar
• Hike up to the Top of the Baths and the park entrance
• Pay the entry fee and hike back down to Devil's Bay, completing the loop
• Get out of there before cruise ship visitors arrive

Is it another money grab? Looks like it.

Is it a big deal? My advice: drown those negative vibes with an extra cold beverage. Don't let them work their way into your vacation in paradise!