A Few More??'s Re:The Baths

[CaribbeanCrazy]

I know it seems like every question that could have been asked...has been. But I tried using the search feature and could not find answers to my specific questions. So here they are....

 

1.For those of you that brought your snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel...not fins) did you just carry them in hand or did you wear them while you were going through the Baths? We didn't really want to carry anything with us. It seems to me we would want both of our hands free.

 

2.I understand that there is a small bar at the beach at the beginning of the Baths. I was wondering if there was a bar at Devils Beach? I would hope to have a drink AFTER I completed the trip throught the Baths. Kind of like a reward for making it through.:) Not to mention we will probably be thirsty!:D

 

3.Do most people go back the alternate trail...or do they go back through the Baths?

I guess that's it for now. I know as soon as I hit submit...I will think of something else!:(

 

CaribbeanCrazy

[twopaw]

My husband & I just returned from the Baths...WOW! We loved it! We didn't snorkel but did carry stuff with us. Honestly, I didn't think the walk thru the boulders was that difficult and I'm not athletic. I am however, a bit claustrophobic and a couple of times thought, hmmm, hope we're about there. Most people were asking how to get back without having to go thru the Bath boulders again, mostly beacuse it is one-way I think. We did take the alternate walk thru the vegetation back to the parking lot which was very pretty. No bars on Devil's Beach, we took water and were glad to have it. The beauty is just indescribable...wish we were there right now!! Have a fantasctic time...it's worth every step:)

[arlenez]

My husband & I just returned from the Baths...WOW! We loved it! We didn't snorkel but did carry stuff with us. Honestly, I didn't think the walk thru the boulders was that difficult and I'm not athletic. I am however, a bit claustrophobic and a couple of times thought, hmmm, hope we're about there. Most people were asking how to get back without having to go thru the Bath boulders again, mostly beacuse it is one-way I think. We did take the alternate walk thru the vegetation back to the parking lot which was very pretty. No bars on Devil's Beach, we took water and were glad to have it. The beauty is just indescribable...wish we were there right now!! Have a fantasctic time...it's worth every step:)

 

Did you book the tour through HAL or did you do it on your own with Smith's or Speedy's Ferry service?

 

Thanks,

[CaribbeanCrazy]

Thanks twopaw:) I can't wait to go!!!!

I wish I didn't have to wait another 9 weeks:(

arlenez,

We are going to go with Speedy's or Smith's. It will cost half of what the cruiseline is charging. This way we go when we want and come back when we want. Plus we can try and get there early before the cruiselines get there with the big crowds. I can only imagine that it would take away some of the enjoyment factor if you had to do this with huge crowds of people.

 

CaribbeanCrazy

[CaribbeanCrazy]

I'm still trying to figure out if the Baths are one way only.

DH and I want to have a couple of beers at the beach bar at the beginning of the Baths...after we go through them. So we thought that we would go through the baths to Devils Bay. Then we would relax for a few minutes..or maybe snorkel if conditions are right. Then we would head back to the other side to have a couple of beers and relax on the small beach there.

I'm just not sure how to go back. Do we have to go back the alternate path that would take us to the parking lot. Then we would have to go back down the path to the bottom of the hill. Or should we go back through the Baths in the opposite direction. Is this even allowed? Suggestions and opinions please!

 

Thanks

CaribbeanCrazy

[chocolatemaniac2]

Hi! We are chartering a sailboat and exploring the BVI's on our own. I have a question on the baths........

 

Those of you who are on cruise ships please answer........ what time are the ship's tours to the Baths? Are they usually in the am, pm, or does it vary? We can plan to arrive at any time and are hoping to plan our stop so that we can miss the crowds.

 

Thanks for you info!

 

Ruth

[CaribbeanBound]

1.For those of you that brought your snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel...not fins) did you just carry them in hand or did you wear them while you were going through the Baths? We didn't really want to carry anything with us. It seems to me we would want both of our hands free.

>>>Answer: carried them by hand in a mesh bag or wore them on our heads. Also carried a camera. No problem.

 

2.I understand that there is a small bar at the beach at the beginning of the Baths. I was wondering if there was a bar at Devils Beach? I would hope to have a drink AFTER I completed the trip throught the Baths. Kind of like a reward for making it through.

>>>Answer: no bar at the other end.

 

3.Do most people go back the alternate trail...or do they go back through the Baths?

>>>Answer: usually go back throuth the rocks (the same way you came in).

Did you book the tour through HAL or did you do it on your own with Smith's or Speedy's Ferry service?

>>>Answer: Speedys on our own.

what time are the ship's tours to the Baths? Are they usually in the am, pm, or does it vary? We can plan to arrive at any time and are hoping to plan our stop so that we can miss the crowds.

>>>Answer: Cruise ship paid tours are usually a 9-10am departure from Tortola. It really depends upon when the ship arrives. The smallest crowds would be before 10am and after 2pm.

COMPLETE REVIEW: TWO TRIPS TO VIRGIN GORDA

There is no need to prearrange any excursions here. Taxis line up at the pier to take you anywhere you want to go. Several passengers hopped into taxis and got the exact same tour that other passengers paid double for through the ship. Our sights were set on visiting Virgin Gorda. We got off the ship just after 8:00 am and walked 15 minutes to the red-roofed ferry terminal off to the left of the pier. Speedy's and Smith's both offer service to Virgin Gorda. However, only Speedy's could get us back before our 3:00pm departure. So we caught the 9:00 am Speedy's Ferry over and the 12:30 pm ferry back. Cost was $25 per person roundtrip, including roundtrip Speedy's Taxi service from the Virgin Gorda docks to The Baths. (You will not want to attempt to walk to The Baths from the dock). We brought our mask and snorkel with us. Rentals are available at The Baths for $10 plus a $30 deposit. We sat upstairs in the open air seating atop the ferry. Cool winds and great views. 30-35 minute ride each way followed by a 10-minute taxi to The Baths.

 

There is a $3.00 (adults) and $2.00 (children) entrance fee to The Baths which are part of the BVU National Parks Trust. A restaurant appropriately named “Top of the Baths” is nearby and offers incredible views of the surrounding islands. A 5-minute walk (350 yards in length) down to The Baths was rocky and uneven. At the bottom, single-use-only lockers can be rented for $2.50 each, via a token that can be purchased at the shop nearby. They are large enough to hold a beach bag or backpack. Tokens are also required if you wish to take a shower. The Baths are an incredibly fun experience. Here is a detailed map of The Baths at Virgin Gorda. The Baths were really fun to explore. Highly recommend water shoes, a water camera, and a swimsuit. A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters awaits visitors on the other side of the rock maze. While not the greatest snorkeling site for fish, the coral formations were interesting. A beautiful beach with crystal clear waters awaits visitors on the other side of the rock maze. The water was nice and clear. Visibility was easily more than 50 feet! We would have liked to stay another couple of hours, and look forward to another visit. Highly recommended!

 

On our second trip to The Baths, we opted to pay an additional $10 ($35 total) for Speedy's “Sun and Fun” package which also included lunch and rum punch at The Bath & Turtle. After visiting The Baths for four hours, our taxi driver returned for us at 1:30pm, as agreed, to take us into town to eat. The Bath and Turtle Bar and Grill, located in a small strip mall with a dive shop, bank, and a few other shops, has little atmosphere but they make it up with good food and friendly service. Our coupon indicated that we could spend up to $10/pp, but our waitress allowed $12/pp which covers most items on the menu. We enjoyed our rum punch with a lunch platter consisting of a Caribbean Jerk Chicken sandwich, coleslaw and potato salad. We shopped a little after our leisurely lunch, then headed for the pier. The pier is a short 5-minute walk across a parking lot, past a small grocery store, and beyond an old partially-fenced park. Our ferry was already at the dock when we arrived at 3:00pm. We promptly boarded and departed on time at 3:30pm, arriving back in Road Town at 4:05pm. We had no problem getting back to the ship before the 4:45pm cutoff. Highly recommended!

 

Secrets Of The Caribbean

http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/caribbean-secrets.html

[MsKatee]

I would like to know if there is a route to the Baths that does not involve going thru the waters and climbing over the boulders. I have a small foot problem but have wanted to see the Baths for years. If there is another way to get to the Baths I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks,

mskatee

[wwbill4]

For those who have been to the Baths our ship leaves at 1. Would we have enough time to get to the baths and back?

Thanks,

Bill

[tinkerbell1951]

For those who have been to the Baths our ship leaves at 1. Would we have enough time to get to the baths and back?

Thanks,

Bill

 

Personally, I would take an excursion offered by the cruise line.:)

[tinkerbell1951]

I would like to know if there is a route to the Baths that does not involve going thru the waters and climbing over the boulders. I have a small foot problem but have wanted to see the Baths for years. If there is another way to get to the Baths I would appreciate it.

 

Thanks,

mskatee

 

Hi Ms Katee ... I am not sure I understand your question. You have to take a boat from the ship to the Baths and at the Baths, you snorkel and/or hike (through the boulders and very very shallow water or a vegetation bath. Either way, you will be swimming at some point and preferably with fins. Does that help ?

[jannandjohn]

FROM NCL SITE EXCURSION BOOKING

 

Virgin Gorda Baths And Snorkel

 

Approximate Duration: 4 hours Adult Pricing From: $52

Cruise to The Baths and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Snorkel and discover the abundant marine life, relax on the beautiful white-sand beach or just rest on the large sun deck of the boat. Listen to Caribbean music and enjoy some rum or fruit punch on the way back to the shore. Note: Wear your bathing suit and bring a towel. Participants must be able to swim 50-100 yards from the boat to the beach as the boat does not pull up to land at Virgin Gorda. The walk over to The Baths is over uneven terrain and through small spaces.

[Dolfan-Neil]

The NCL Virign Gorda Highlights tour takes you to the baths too but you don't need to swim the 50-100 yards. You get the ferry from the boat and then take a "bus/taxi" to the top of the Baths. Then you follow on path and are on the beach where you can explore the cave.

 

It's worth the visit, although there are some tight spaces to fit through and your feet will get wet.