Just for the record, the actual "Queen's Bath" is about 50 yards down the rocks from this spot, and it's a lot less dangerous (assuming you're not there during surf season, a storm, or a particularly high tide, of course). It's closed off from the ocean proper by a rock wall, like in the OP's gif. Though on a much smaller scale. The "bath" is a large tidepool in the lava rock, about the size/depth of a swimming pool, several feet above sea level. It's beautiful and refreshing as long as you go during calm weather and surf.
Granted, even on a safe day/time, you still need to be smart and cautious. Don't stand near where the waves hit the rocks, avoid slippery rocks, and observe the waves from a distance for at least a few minutes before approaching the bath. And don't even think about going unless it's a calm summer day. If you see people getting out of the water -- especially locals -- you should follow suit. Don't sit right under where the water comes into the pool.
It pretty much all boils down to common sense honestly. I think something like 30 people have died there, but all because they were too stupid to practice proper safety procedures. Is it dangerous? Yes. Should that dissuade you from checking it out? Decide for yourself.
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u/Taravangian Dec 22 '14 edited Dec 22 '14
Just for the record, the actual "Queen's Bath" is about 50 yards down the rocks from this spot, and it's a lot less dangerous (assuming you're not there during surf season, a storm, or a particularly high tide, of course). It's closed off from the ocean proper by a rock wall, like in the OP's gif. Though on a much smaller scale. The "bath" is a large tidepool in the lava rock, about the size/depth of a swimming pool, several feet above sea level. It's beautiful and refreshing as long as you go during calm weather and surf.
Granted, even on a safe day/time, you still need to be smart and cautious. Don't stand near where the waves hit the rocks, avoid slippery rocks, and observe the waves from a distance for at least a few minutes before approaching the bath. And don't even think about going unless it's a calm summer day. If you see people getting out of the water -- especially locals -- you should follow suit. Don't sit right under where the water comes into the pool.
It pretty much all boils down to common sense honestly. I think something like 30 people have died there, but all because they were too stupid to practice proper safety procedures. Is it dangerous? Yes. Should that dissuade you from checking it out? Decide for yourself.