Seasonal· Virgin Gorda· Virgin Islands (BVI, USVI and Spanish Virgins)
Winter North Swell (North Sound entrance)
18° 30.7′ N · 64° 22.6′ W · approximate
In the winter months, long-period north and northwest ground swells roll in from the Atlantic onto the north-facing shores: they can close the Baths moorings, make Fallen Jerusalem and Eustatia Sound untenable, and pile up seas off the North Sound entrance.
Practical
Coordinate is the North Sound entrance (marinas.com inlet position). The NPT warns that strong ocean swells in the winter months can prevent use of the Baths mooring buoys and beach access from the sea, with swimming discouraged; NPT red flags at The Baths, Spring Bay and Devil's Bay mean stay off. Fallen Jerusalem's north shore and Eustatia Sound are exposed to Atlantic ground swells; Bronco Billy at George Dog can be undivable in winter. Swells are well forecast: check the National Weather Service San Juan coastal waters forecast (shown on bathsflagstatus.com); on October 20, 2026 it called for a long-period north-northwest swell with seas 4 to 6 ft, occasionally 8 ft, in the Anegada and Virgin Gorda zone. Plan Baths visits for calm days and keep Savannah Bay, Eustatia and the north-shore stops for settled weather.
Best for
Timing Baths visits and exposed anchorages in winter
Season
Winter months; north swells also occur in autumn (one was forecast on October 20, 2026)
Nearby
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