blue_water

Even better for you! Enjoy!

“Secret Sands” is the name of the cruise line excursion to Smith Bay Park/Lindqvist Beach. Much better going on your own if you don’t mind grabbing a lunch/drinks and laying on a towel as only restroom facilities for non-excursion folks. But if open Lindqvist is arguably the most gorgeous beach on the island. Perhaps you can check the SBP site, or better yet ask if the park is open on the TripAdvisor STT forum for a quick answer!

That depends on where you go, of course. For snorkeling, there are only a few beaches I know of with limited amenities. STJ offers some other options if you get away from Trunk and Cinnamon, but choices are even more limited now unfortunately… The growth of the cruise industry is obviously a huge part of this, but the uptick in land visitors since Covid-19 also impacts these islands…

I would look at a private charter if that is an option. There are several listed on the VINow site, but look now as you are very close

5 ships can be a real pain or not a problem, depending on their size. But yes, the beaches with amenities will be more crowded for sure. But I love your idea of going to Lindqvist/Smith Bay on your own! I’ve read the snorkeling can be very good there, and Lindqvist is arguably the most gorgeous beach on the island… Sapphire has a coral area and a seagrass area and all the amenities folks look for, and is our favorite STT beach. But Lindqvist is a great choice on your own on a big ship day. Just grab a lunch and enjoy the beach and water while your fellow cruisers are being herded back to the ship. Taxis do stop in, and you can also just wait by the road as well.

Yes I understand. 😄 And I meant to add that you would lose the bar service going off too far too… We highly recommended staying in one of the nicer condos at the SBRM property. My wife still laughs at me because I thought the sound of the waves at night was too loud! 🤷🏼

Sapphire actually does have a lot of space to get away from the busier area, whether to the right (as you face the sea) by the seagrape trees, or to the left by Crystal Cove and beyond to the Sapphire condo in the distance. Agree that Sapphire is one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve visited in the Carib, mainly for her gorgeous water colors and island views…

That’s a first for Sapphire! There is a rental center catering to anyone who comes - no matter if you are staying at one of the 3 Sapphire condo properties or elsewhere on STT, or day trippers coming off a cruise ship. So that doesn’t make sense…We hope the cruise lines haven’t entered into a contract with the board!!!

Yes. And check out the shop at Pusser’s Road Town Pub!

Actually it’s a very neat experience…Unique for Caribbean ports. I usually recommend the Baths if time allows. Time does allow, but it is just the tight port time means a lot of people there at the same time…

Our top pick is always Sapphire Beach. We are looking for those gorgeous water colors and island views with music and amenities.

Perhaps, depends on the ferry schedule. But I would probably just enjoy Tortola as the Baths will be crowded…

not an option really, too far...You can check on a water taxi from CGB to White Bay or Great Harbor...

How long are you in port?

Happy to see that Dune_Fine gave you some ideas, she spends more time on VG than we do. I wanted to mention Leverick and the BIYC in the North Sound, not sure how much you want to drive, but that is an area very few cruisers from Tortola see (and Hog Heaven). If heading there just be sure to check the cruise ship schedule for VG - I'd check that whatever your itinerary is...I would also skip the Copper Mine but we've also been there, and if interested definitely do that. Savannah Bay is a must IMHO!

Sounds like an NCL cruise? But regardless it is an early day... But you have 6 good hours to see the beauty of Tortola and the islands from up high on a shared tour offered at the port, or with a private tour like Arnold's. Many day visitors with more time miss that because they are drawn to White Bay or the Baths... Stop for lunch at one of the off-the-beaten path spots...

The difficulty swimming in depends on the condition of course...When we've been there the conditions were absolutely horrible. A couple of strong swimmers were exhausted from fighting the rip tide, mainly. But of course you will know better as you arrive...

To get you started, we'd probably just use a taxi and stay in the Valley area on a cruise stop and head to Savannah Bay for snorkeling or just to enjoy the beautiful beach; then off to the Top of the Baths. If really busy we'd head over to Spring Bay instead. Then over to Mad Dog (or head to Hog Heaven if riving that far north). Our favorite lunch spot was the Mineshaft Cafe at the Copper Mine..."It's all in the Juice, Mon!"...That closed unfortunately. But the rental gives you more choices, perhaps check to see if Little Dix is serving lunch to day visitors...you should get more recs from the ta post..

Independent outfits? Aristocat, Kuralu, Patouche…

Not speaking for negn, but just a comment on going to the beaches on your own… Taxis are very reliable in the BVI, just as in the USVI, and I would not have any concerns about getting a taxi back. When we’ve stayed at Myett’s in Cane Garden Bay we would see several taxis returning to take folks back to the ship. If going to Brewers Bay, taxis will stop there to pick up folks. More often than not your driver will give you a time that he/she will return for you. Beaches less visited by day visitors like Smuggler’s Cove could be an issue, that’s why I’d not recommend going there unless you rent a Jeep, or have a driver who will definitely return. But for CGB and Brewers, which are both gorgeous beaches with a different vibe, you would be perfectly fine! If you want a busier vibe with a bit nicer facilities and rentals, CGB is a larger bay with several beach bars/hotels. If you prefer that “old Caribbean” feel with just one beach bar (Nicole’s) and restroom, then a brewers Bay is for you…Just beautiful…😄

Definitely go on your own to take advantage of the most time on Virgin Gorda. And I highly recommend the rental option. Since you are not looking for a beach day, seeing more of Virgin Gorda would be an excellent option. You have done well on your research, kudos! 😉 To get the most current feedback on the best itinerary for you I would pose that question on the BVI forum on TripAdvisor. You can post directly to the Virgin Gorda forum, but you may get more views by posting on the BVI forum…your choice. Taxis are a good option if you are staying in the Valley area (Baths, other beaches, and Spanishtown). But having a rental you can see more of the island than just the Valley area… But great choice, enjoy your day!

Definitely Los Cinco Soles. Their vanilla is pure and does not contain coumarin, which most Mexican vanillas do. We winter near Playa and our chef friends (mainly bakers) always request this vanilla. They also love the “clear” version fur use on white cake… Their shop in Playacar closed so now we have to buy it when on Coz, or at their shop at the airport. They also deliver to the US free, not sure about Canada… Be aware, however - you may walk out of their amazing shop with more than you planned!

Trunk and Cinnamon Bay are also beautiful, and a self-excursion is the way to go for STJ. Very easy and safe, and you enjoy much more time going on your own versus through the ship. Hundreds of your fellow cruisers do this everyday. The cat sail sounds very nice, you can’t beat a day on the water with a nice itinerary!

Sapphire is always our recommendation. The bays are home to 3 (actually 4) condo properties. However unlike Secret Harbor, which is home to the Secret Harbour Resort and other condo properties, Sapphire offers the options of hanging by the bar/restaurant with most visitors where the sandy water entry is, or finding a spot under seagrape trees near the rocky, reef entry area. Also gorgeous water colors (and great snorkeling) provided to you by the seagrass and coral, plus beautiful island views. Sapphire is an amazing spot to rent a condo, or just visit for the day!

Yes, the National Park is a major draw of course…This is a beach club that is replacing what was there previously, and I think it is a great option!