Some dont. Smith's no longer runs this route. Entrance - $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. The beach is amazing, the boulders are something to behold and the water is crystal clear. It is an excellent place for the adventurous hiker but be sure to exercise caution when climbing the rocks because the landing sites aren't always easy to traverse. Find the travel options that best suit you. The cavernous surroundings are a result of molten rock seeping up into the existing volcanic rock layers. You will spend most of your time in The Baths amid and under the water, so get ready to get drenched. Do not forget to carry sunscreen. Otherwise, if your cruise ship is at Road Town Harbour, you'll need to take the ferry from Road Town to VG, and then the cab as CaribSurfer suggests. Cruise passengers can get from Tortola or St Thomas to Virgin Gorda Baths by taking the ferry on their own or booking an excursion either through your cruise line or through a 3rd party. Ferry is $30pp round trip, you'll want the 12:40 return ferry that gets you back at 1:10. Take an approximately 45 minute cruise along the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. This route will take you to the Baths (in the extreme southeast), to Spanish Harbour (near the middle), and eventually, after skirting the mountainous edges of Gorda Peak, to the most northwesterly tip of the island's road system, near North Sound. It just is not a terrain that I would want to try to traverse when my children were smaller unless it is something you are already accustomed to doing. Rates and schedules are available online. There are numerous tidal pools and private rock pools along the shore at The Baths. Small SUVs are typical in the fleets, some larger SUVs can be found as well. This is standing at the ferry terminal waitingyou can see how close the ship is. If you need a ferry from Road Town to VG, here's the schedule: http://www.bestofbvi.com/info/bviferry_tortola_vg.htm. Descending to The Baths. Once you arrive at virgin gorda you will be offered a taxi, all set prices, for 3 it was $4 pp each way. Visiting The Baths means spending most of your time near the beaches and water. We caught one inside. While some port exits can be very touristy with pushy sales as you exit, this was not like that at all. For someone looking to avoid the crowds, nearby Spring Bay has a somewhat similar topography and snorkeling and will be much less crowded, but there are no amenities there for day visitors. A fantastic location for snorkeling is the lovely Spring Bay, which is close to The Baths. DB & the Princess Spring Bay (or another spot) can be an option if the Baths are very busy and you have enough time available to delay your visit to the Baths. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-38502517', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Baths. I wrote an article on the 140th anniversary of the wreck of the Rhone, http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/lesser-antilles/208262-140th-anniversary-wreck-rhone.html. Large, smooth rocks rise from the crystal-clear water, forming a maze visitors can navigate by swimming or paddling. We could not enjoy the beautiful landscape and cool rock formations as we twisted through in a cattle line. Theres a direct ferry from St. John a couple of times a week. Although Poor Mans Bar has a few snacks, drinks, and food, its best to pack your favorite treats with you. Road Town city center is also a short walk from the cruise terminal. Here is an added tip. Every beach has something fun to look at underwater whether sea turtles grazing in the seagrass or vast fields of endangered coral splaying upward. I just don't want to be wandering around not knowing where I am going. If your cruise sells out of the experience and you cant book it, this is how you can still see it on your own. Map It - The Baths National Park. Take the time to stop by Sunny Caribbee on the walk back, that's a great little spice shop. More coves and fascinating grottos are created along the shore by large stones. What is a safe time to leave the Baths to catch the 12:40 ferry? Additionally, in Devils Bay National Park, there is a ton of incredible trails. They could be inside the gate or outside. What did you like about this post? The Cathedral allegedly got its name from the acoustics within the space, and from the colors of the lights that reflect off the boulders that create stained-glass effect. NATIONAL PARKS TRUSTOF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. And search for fascinating marine life beneath the oceans surface. Visitors can then take a ferry boat or water taxi to arrive in Tortola. If you are visiting or doing a yacht charter in the BVI, your itinerary must include The Baths on the Virgin Gorda. The Top of the Baths rests on a hill overlooking the British Virgin Islands and the dramatic boulders of The Baths. Mitsugirly--- that is great information. The Cathedral is the iconic shot that many have seen from The Baths; a few huge boulders that create a perfect triangular pathway. Thanks for this very helpful information. I will be in port at 7am, leaving at 3pm on NCL Escape. As little as 10% ($350 on a $3500 cruise) down can get your family of 4 booked on a 3 Night cruise on Disney Wish on the January 20, 2023 sailing with final payment due by October 1, 2022. Hours - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. We chose the Baths and we were not disappointed. I would suggest calling ahead first; some of the ferry schedules listed are not accurate because these islands are still recovering from Irma. There are lockers near the entrance but you will need coins for them. You will find captivating views of the water and rock formations as butterflies spontaneously flutter past you along the trail. Their taxi fares and ferry packages are documented on their site for easy reference. Upon arriving at the ferry terminal, you can purchase a Baths excursion which includes roundtrip ferry to Virgin Gorda and taxi to the top of the Baths entrance for $38 adults (12+), $28 seniors and children 5 11, and $8 for 0-4 year olds. The Baths' main entrance is located on the southern end of Virgin Gorda. Most ships dock in Road Town. You can then book a flight from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda's small airport. The water is warm and offers granite boulders to sun bathe, crawl or jump off (if your agile enough). I see amazing pictures of the smooth boulders and the maze like path they make as they descend to the ocean ALL THE TIME on Pinterest and could not wait to finally experience them in person. About a 30 minute drive from Tortola Pier Park lies a hidden gem off the beaten path Smugglers Cove. Speedys Ferries depart from Tortola or St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda. Besides, the beach isnt huge. You guys are great. At the end, reward yourself with a relaxing time on the beautiful beach at Devil's Bay, or some swimming and snorkeling. There are no paved paths for wheelchair access. Bitter End Yacht Club. During your weeklong charter, you will have many opportunities to tour some spectacular destinations, and you wont be disappointed by this well-known site. A day at The Baths is a fantastic bargain at just $3 for adults, $2 for youngsters, and free for kids under ten. Almost all cruise lines will offer an organized shore excursion taking you to Virgin Gorda from Tortola. Approximate time of travel. To explore this scenic location and have fun in the water, visitors to the BVI must remember to include the Baths on their itinerary. Day Trips: Visit Tortola and the Baths of Virgin Gorda, Bakers Cay Resort Review: The Ultimate Florida Keys Getaway, How to Get Cozy During Bonfire Season in Florida, 8 Reasons Why Cancun is the Perfect Place for an Adults Only Winter Retreat, All About Tortola and the British Virgin Islands. Be well, alashas http://www.youtube.com/user/honeymoon2. If you choose to drive, be sure to familiarize yourself with some rules of the road locally as signs may have different wording than youre used to seeing. How to get to the Baths and Virgin Gorda by yourself Getting to Virgin Gorda from the cruise: From the cruise ship, it was as simple as stepping off one boat and onto another. You have to pay a nominal fee to enter The Baths. 2. Round-trip adult fare is $30; one-way fare is $20. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Have a great trip, alashas http://www.youtube.com/user/honeymoon2. Just be sure to keep an eye on the return time for the ferry (its usually around 3:45 or so) and leave the Baths in plenty of time to get back. We took the "Speedy's" ferry this year; took the "Sensation" ferry last year. Read also: 10 Best Destinations For Luxury Yacht Vacations. To get to the Baths, we opted to use Speedys Ferries. Simply dont fight the flow and allow the water to move you back and forth. Let's take a looking at getting to Virgin Gorda to find out what's best for you. Therefore, bring water shoes so you can protect your feet. Moreover, it is a well-liked area where tourists can go to snorkel, swim, or just relax on the quiet, picturesque beaches and take in the view. Thank you in advance for your information! This might be the prettiest beach in the Virgin Islands. We took a leisurely walk to the ferry terminal about 10 minutes away along the main road, there were many others going along the same way from the cruise ship with us. Likewise, bring along enough clothing and other essentials to keep yourself dry. How do get to the baths(VG) from St. Thomas? Would like to see/hang out at the Baths. I found this not only a great outdoor experience, but a bargain as well. Onshore facilities include bathrooms and lockers, creating a safe and enjoyable experience in this unique environment. Taxi to and From the Baths National Park. It will be difficult to coordinate logistics in 5 hrs or less. You can use one ferry company to go and another to return as they have different schedules. An alternative nearby is Spring Bay National Park for similar beauty with less people. We stopped on this island and hiked all around the rocks and caves and it was worth it. The coastline is decorated with coral sands, which merge into the brilliant blue sea. We made it back to the boat with at least 60 90 minutes to spare before departure. A pirate at heart, his travels usually dont stray too far from a palm tree and an ocean view. My favorite is aboard MV Aquarius with Seas the Day Charters. I wrote a whole post about how much I loved this place and it's got some good tips for visitors. Exploring The Baths for a few hours is hot and dehydrating packing a few snacks can help save your day. We have a member in our group that doesn't have a passport. Can you bring snorkeling gear to use at the beach? The downward grading can be steep at some points with large steps and narrow with only one person capable of passing at times. Learn how your comment data is processed. bagdoc, thanks for clarifying your travel plans. One of the BVIs most stunning beaches is Devils Bay. https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Cruise+Ship+Pier,+Tortola,+British+Virgin+Islands/Road+Town+Ferry+Terminal,+Waterfront+Drive,+Road+Town,+Tortola,+British+Virgin+Islands/@18.4214195,-64.6199045,1102m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x8c0576acfe77f291:0x115ffa1119c98d05!2m2!1d-64.6126771!2d18.421946!1m5!1m1!1s0x8c057154dda309d9:0xba6b3099e7365e70!2m2!1d-64.6180028!2d18.4190015, Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Your options are almost limitless. There are places where the water will be waist high or so. It is a short walk up the hill to reach the parking lot and ticket office where you started. at a glance: Location: the southern tip of Virgin Gorda Cost: $3/person Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm-ish (not sure they actually close at 4) Swimming Conditions: calmer in the spring/summer, stronger currents in the winter Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, hiking Facilities: Bathrooms, lockers, restaurant, snack bar, souvenir shops, picnic tables Bring them with you and put them on while youre on the beach but protect your feet along the way. Alternatively, travel there by paddleboard, ferry, taxi, boat, or any combination of these, depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are six tips for first-timers: Cruise ships do not dock directly at the Virgin Gorda. Explorers go through rocks, crevices, wooden stairs, rope assists, and water pools before reaching The Baths. We don't want to take the cruise ship excursion. The ferry takes about 30 minutes and the taxi ride is about 15 minutes to the Baths. Without any doubt, the Baths are a geological marvel. Swimming, snorkeling, or other water sports can be enjoyed nearby. Entering The Baths from the parking lot requires a short loop hike to see all the points of interest the parks offer. Tourists are encouraged to bring their cameras because the area is well-known for its underwater photography. We went to breakfast, which was fairly peaceful because many people were already off the ship. Furthermore, as you begin the Devils Bay trail, you will find a small entry leading up to a stunning triangular pool with sunlit water made by three enormous boulders. Privacy Policy. 2023 Windward Islands All Rights Reserved, The Baths on Virgin Gorda (BVI): What You Have to Know. Its a huge white stretch of sand on the most beautiful water youve ever seen (and youre more than likely to have the whole thing to yourself). Taxi driver will take u to the baths and agree on a time to pick you up to take you back to the ferry (10 min ride each way). If your ship is on anchor, the tenders would drop you off in Road Town, but they don't take people off to VG, this is done by local boats. The US Dollar has been the official currency since 1959 and all major credit cards are accepted although you might have a hard time using your American Express so be prepared as it is not accepted in some places. Environmental Profile An in-depth analysis of the island of Virgin Gorda by the Island Resources Foundation. Get to The Baths early. Kenny Chesney Virgin Islands Guide: All of the Spots from the Songs, Virgin Islands Itinerary: How I Spent 2 Weeks Island Hopping the USVI & BVI, The Best Beaches (& Snorkeling Spots) on St. John, 14 Things to Do on Jost van Dyke (+ the Best Beach Bars), Things to Do on Anegada (the BVIs Least Visited Island), Glamping on Anegada, British Virgin Islands. Definitely worth a visit. If the Top of the Baths Restaurant and Bar is too busy for you, you can grab a quick snack and drinks at Mad Dogs Bar across the street. Go in knowing there will be a crowd unless you are their first thing in the morning (and a lot of people taking photos purely for Instagram). It's just like visiting any other port. One of the most stunning natural wonders in the Caribbean is The Baths. You should wear a bathing suit, sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and swim shoes for a day at the Baths in Virgin Gorda. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? You may find it hard to rent a car if you are under 25. The Baths are easily accessible from other parts of the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, with countless boat charters departing daily from both territories. (Although not expected, it is kind to tip your taxi driver.) Best beach/picturesque! Rhone is a 2 tank dive, and will probably be 9 am - 1 p.m. By the time you get to the ferry, then VG, then the Baths, your family may already be returning to the cruise ship. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. They can get pretty crowded during the day so most locals recommend visiting before 9 or after 3 although we started about 1 and it wasnt crowded at all. Introducing the M48 a new Catamaran Model from a Prestigious Shipyard, The Guide of Dos and Donts Aboard a Yacht, Caribbean Yacht Charter: the Full Price List, BVI Hurricane Season Everything You Have to Know. Boat Tour from the US Virgin Islands Several tours departing either St. Thomas or St. John visit The Baths on Virgin Gorda. Unique natural rock structures creates breathtaking photo opportunities, Part of our BVI snorkel cruise with Cruz Bay Watersports, the stop at the Baths was definitely one of the highlights. Terms of Service A hollow space was created as molten lava seeped up through layers of volcanic rock. Further, it gently slopes down to the Caribbean Seas clear, sheltered waters. So again, arriving as early as possible is best to enjoy the small cave fully. Depending on the time of year you sail, be mindful of ship time vs. island time. There may be a difference, and you don't want to be left behind. Right next to the Baths, Spring Bay is quite beautiful and a great stop either before or after the Baths. From Tortola to Virgin Gorda Two ferry companies run boats from the Road Town ferry dock to the Spanish Town ferry dock. The island's shape reminded him of a voluptuous woman, hence the name. For seniors, it was $3.00. Booking travel soon? Parking is available at the Top of the Baths restaurant. You can always email them for an updated schedule of ferry times in order to plan your trip better. You can arrange charter flights, as well as helicopter services. You will find familiar names in rental car agencies like Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, and Thrifty as well as independent agencies. The Baths can get very crowded during peak times. Speedy's (284/495-5240) comfortable, air-conditioned catamaran departs Road Town Monday-Saturday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. A waterproof bag for electronics is also handy. We send expert travel tips & guides that save you money, stress & FOMO: TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Getting to Tortola By Boat Several ferry services make daily scheduled trips from St. Thomas to Tortola and within the British Virgin Islands. It is about a 45 minute ride and I recommend getting the package that includes taxi service to The Baths. We were shepherded onto a smaller boat which then blasted off to Virgin Gorda Island at high speed. Park Opening Hours - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Marine Access - Moorings Permit required Entrance $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children, Parking Free parking at the Top of the Baths and park entrance, Website National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, Tours You can visit The Baths via a day trip, cruise ship tour, or boat charter from most Virgin Islands. Dont Forget Your Passport: Virgin Gorda is in the British Virgin Islands, and travelers from the US Virgin Islands must bring their passports to enter and exit the British Overseas Territory. The hike from the parking lot directly to the Baths is .5 km there and back. National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands, Browse all Tours Visiting The Baths from the USVI. The Baths at Virgin Gorda is a natural wonder, featuring boulders and caverns that make up a maze that leads to secret rock pools and the famous Cathedral Room, a natural pool inside a small cave. Despite the swimmable caverns, bath-like temperatures, and obvious natural pools between beach boulders, The Baths on Virgin Gorda derives its name from the geological term batholith. Specifically, underneath the island is the Virgin Gorda batholith, an intrusive igneous rock formation resulting from cooled magma. P.S. For the first part of the trail, youll most likely want shoes. With a stretch of pristine white shoreline lapped by calm waters, Savannah Bay is Virgin Gordas most charming beach. This does not coordinate with the cruise excursions. British Virgin Islands (BVI) vs US Virgin Islands (USVI): which is for you? Your email address will not be published. What is the best way to get to the Baths from a cruise ship? I was trying to research but unfortunately most threads are about if you can take your elderly mother or infant to the baths or reviews of the actual excursion. After arriving at Devil's Bay you can relax and swim for a bit before completing your clockwise journey to The Baths. Would like to see/hang out at the Baths. Once youre back at the top, stop in at the gift shop and get the obligatory souvenir t-shirt and Im telling you, that swimming pool is going to look so dang good you WILL jump in. When hes not writing guides for Travel Lemming, you can find him typing away at the local tiki bar for his site, OceanWide Explorers. Ocean Bliss Charters, company logo, and, are all service marks of Ocean Bliss Charters LTD. The huge boulders that descend in a mazelike fashion to beautiful white sand beaches and a tranquil turquoise bay are world famous. The Baths are actually a sandy wonderland with bright blue oceans. Catch a ferry to Virgin Gorda to gaze on a natural architectural wonder of The Baths and more on this exciting tour near Romney-Pier Park. No, there are no facilities at SB for day visitors, you would have to walk to the Top of the Baths. This fantastic natural wonder offers a plethora of activities, making it a must-see attraction during your trip to the Caribbean. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Its the perfect spot to grab a cold beer after hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the hidden passageways of the Caves. Adult Ages 13 and up. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-38503010', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ship excursion? Snorkeling around the tide pools within The Caves is also a worthwhile adventure. Do all the cruises stop dock in Road Town Harbor either offshore or at a dock? From what I read it was Jost Van Dyke or the Baths. The Baths are one of the most popular and well known places to visit in the British Virgin Islands. Now, let's work out your transportation to the island. If you take just a moment to read a few of the other threads just below yours you'll find tons of details on this. Make sure to pack Coral Safe cream. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Also, expect to see a lot of cacti! Yes taxis are lined up at the ferry dock at Virgin Gorda and will return to meet you at the Top of the Baths. There are ferry schedules online - if you just put VINOW in the search bar you can see them there. We were there in the high season, so it could be different when there are fewer boats. Speedy's also offers packages that include the taxi (same price) and a lunch at the Baths and Turtle in Spanishtown. You dont want to get left at the port, Ive seen quite a few sail aways where someone didnt make it back in time. The cavernous surroundings are a result of molten rock seeping up into the existing volcanic rock layers. There is no shortage of taxis which can provide you with easy transportation and even taxi tours. I'd find out how long the trip to the Rhone takes and how long the rest of your family will be at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The water was gorgeous and wading around the rocks was fun though it requires caution with the stong tide. The Baths are equally stunning underwater as they are above the surface, so youll want your snorkeling equipment. The bay is the best place to sift for sea shells, fossilized coral, and pieces of sea glass. We were there last week. We took a Speedy's ferry from the cruise ship and they put us directly on a transport to take us up to the national park. Travel Light a backpack or waterproof bag with water, sunblock, bug spray, phone/camera, ID, money/credit cards, and maybe snorkeling gear. Thanks for the info again. Click on a star to rate (you can leave feedback after clicking submit). A family of 4 would pay $32 for roundtrip taxi to the Baths from the Spanish Town ferry terminal or they could pay $150 for a 2 hour taxi tour of the island. Re: cruise ship port to baths 13 years ago Save I can get more specific if say what time you can leave and what time you must be back. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Saltwater swimming, sunbathing, and cool rum drinks can easily dehydrate you. (Sample pricing). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The ferry docks in Spanish Town (youll have to clear customs) and then youll need to grab a cab to the Baths (its not far though). The entire hike took us about two hours. Pretty places deserve to be shared with others - why not Write a Review! Drinking plenty of water much more than you think you need is important to stay safe in the Caribbean. We are going to the Baths, on our own, the week of March 4th. Gracias, How much is the Ferry from the port to Bath Virgin Gorda; I understand we also need a taxi once we are there. This place is a Virgin Islands institution. It is composed of enormous granite boulders that create stunning sheltered tide pools. Dont expect too many luxuries and be prepared for some unpaved road on the way but you can grab a bite to eat and a drink at Nigels Boom Boom Beach Bar. And hit Pusser's Pub for an English ale and check out their unique clothing line, If you have any difficulty at the port the gals at the visitor center are very nice. There's bars restaurants shopping. Look for specials on the website that may include a package deal with rental car for the day or taxi/shuttle service. Simply purchase round-way tickets for the 30-minute voyage to Virgin Gorda at the Speedy's Ferry terminal in Road Town, along with a ticket for the open-air taxis that will take you from Virgin Gorda's dock to The Baths. No problems at all. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-38522824', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Baths since you'll probably have to turn around to catch the 3:30PM ferry back to Road Town. After departing the beautiful beach, youll enter a labyrinth of underground passageways, tide pools, and grottoes beneath ancient granite boulders. The Baths are an iconic white sand beach dotted by massive granite boulders developed over thousands of years. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.

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