NCL Excursion to Virgin Gorda Baths (Tortola, VI) - March 2022

[SANDPEBBLES]

Please be aware that this excursion has some challenges which I will note, but it is super fun!  The day started early – we were at the Escape Theatre around 7:15.  I had a fanny pack and a light backpack.  You will want to have both of your hands free because getting through the baths requires climbing down ladders and using ropes to get around.

 

You begin by boarding a pretty nice boat with comfortable seats and a/c in the main cabin.  If you choose to climb to the upper deck to enjoy the fresh air, you can do that too.  This boat ride is not for those who suffer from motion sickness.  Please take something before the excursion if you are prone to getting queasy.  We had a passenger throw up, and I felt so sorry for her.  The boat speeds along at a good clip and there is a lot of bouncing around.

 

Once you arrive at your destination, there is a place to get snacks, etc. before you begin the fairly long descent down a hill to the baths.  Make SURE you wear shoes with strong grip that can also do water.  I have an excellent pair of water shoes that were flexible but kept me from slipping.  The terrain is extremely uneven stone so you have to step carefully to keep from falling.

 

Eventually, you reach the Virgin Gorda Baths which is a maze of volcanic boulders.  You will be climbing down narrow ladders, walking through water, and using ropes for balance as you walk over the formations.  It’s totally beautiful in there and lots of fun.  Just be careful and keep your hands free.

 

At the end of the baths, you come out on a beautiful beach called Devil’s Cove.  We stopped there for about 25 minutes so people could swim; then, we continued our hike to a second beach where we all relaxed until it was time to start back.  Pam got a cold Diet Coke from somewhere so they must have been selling drinks.  I was looking at the pretty beach and did not pay attention.  You end up hiking back up the same uneven terrain to the boat.  Going back up was easier for me.  Then, of course, you have the boat ride back. Great fun!