Baths on our own?

[tidygirl]

We will be in Tortola Easter Sunday 8:00-5:30 would like to go see the Baths on our own versus the cruise ship, but is there anything going on at either place like parades etc. that would make it extremely busy or should we just book through the ship would rather not get left! Best suggestions to get there on our own?

[Tampa Bay Irish]

We did the Baths on our own a few years back. It can be done. You have to have a lot of time in port and you have to know the ferry schedule. You also have to take a cab from where the ferry lands in Virgin Gorda to the actual Baths. Since our time in port is short this cruise, we are going on a ship tour. You may also seek out other local vendors. We inquired to Patouche.com but they were already booked that day. Patouche gave us a couple of other names but by that time we had already booked through Carnival. Good luck.

[blue_water]

We will be in Tortola Easter Sunday 8:00-5:30 would like to go see the Baths on our own versus the cruise ship, but is there anything going on at either place like parades etc. that would make it extremely busy or should we just book through the ship would rather not get left! Best suggestions to get there on our own?

 

 

Many places are just closed on Easter Sunday but the ferry schedule is still running and we would definitely go on our own.

 

You will have the Speedy's ferry departing Road Town at 9AM, and there are return ferries at 1PM and 4:30 PM. The 4:30 is the last ferry back so that would be more risky. WIth the 1PM return you'd have 3 hrs on VG. But you would want to get in line by 12:30PM for the 1PM return ferry as everyone else with the same idea will be there with you and you don't want to miss the return. But if you stop for shopping or a bite in Spanishtown you can see the ferry from there and make your way over before the line gets too long.

Now Smith's ferry may offer a 2:15 and a 4PM return, you'll have to check at the ferry dock when you get there. But to maximize your time on Virgin Gorda you can take one ferry over and another back for $40pp rather than $30pp.

 

When you arrive at VG just hook up with a driver to take you to the top of the baths or spring bay and make arrangements for the driver to return to take you to the Mineshaft Cafe or even Savannah Bay if time allows. Otherwise the drivers will return when it's time for your ferry of choice.

 

And do check with Joe at Patouche dot com to see if their cat sail is available.

 

When you return to Road Town you will find some nice small shops near the cruise dock including Sunny Caribbee, a nice spice shop.

Edited February 11, 2014 by blue_water