Easiest route from Tortola to a fun island?
Sep 8th, 2016, 06:41 AM
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Easiest route from Tortola to a fun island?
I am looking into traveling from Tortola to either Jamaica, Nevis or Antigua/Barbuda for a 5 day vacation after family wedding in late April next year. I love the beach but don't need to sit on it all day, prefer to be active... ride bikes, snorkel, kayak etc., and prefer not an all - inclusive. What would be the easiest to get to without having to go back to San Juan? I know most small flights are out of St. Maarten, but I've been there before as well as the USVI... Any other island suggestions would be welcome!!
Sep 8th, 2016, 08:05 AM
#2
You're pretty much out of luck, Getting to St. Martin can be a challenge.
Only 5 nights, I'd repeat another VI. LIAT has been know to take 3-4 days to get somewhere else.
As for active, Antigua is not more active really than St. MArtin or St. Thomas, Barbuda is not active at all!! Nevis is extremely quiet, and requires connections and ferries, so you'll loose time.
Jamaica might work, but choose wisely, it takes 2 hours to get to anywhere from airport, so again, 5 days not much time
I say split with another Virgin Island, leave the harder to reach ones for another trip
Only 5 nights, I'd repeat another VI. LIAT has been know to take 3-4 days to get somewhere else.
As for active, Antigua is not more active really than St. MArtin or St. Thomas, Barbuda is not active at all!! Nevis is extremely quiet, and requires connections and ferries, so you'll loose time.
Jamaica might work, but choose wisely, it takes 2 hours to get to anywhere from airport, so again, 5 days not much time
I say split with another Virgin Island, leave the harder to reach ones for another trip
Sep 8th, 2016, 09:33 AM
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I don't often disagree with blamona but it's not as difficult to get from Tortola to Nevis or Antigua as she implies.
Liat has several daily coin-stop flights between Tortola and Antigua. Flight time is about 1 1/5 hours.
To reach Nevis you have to do a connecting flight through either St. Martin or Antigua using either Liat or Winair. You probably can get there in about a half day of travel (plus airport time). You should know, however, that Nevis is going to be "quieter" than Tortola. Also, Nevis is not noted for having much snorkeling although it does have plenty of hiking.
FYI - You can't reach Barbuda without first going to Antigua and you should know it is a very, very, very quiet island, probably not at all what you are seeking so cross that island off your list.
If I understand you correctly, you'll be on Tortola for a wedding then have an extra 5 days. Personally, I agree with the others that you should visit one of the other BVI's or USVI's since they are easier and quicker to reach by either ferry or short island hopper flights from Tortola. You'll be able to snorkel, kayak, hike and ride bikes on any island so no real need to lose any significant time flying to Antigua or Nevis (and Jamaica is totally out of the equation due to the logistics of getting there). As for your "etc." - I'm not sure exactly what you mean by that in terms of "activities" but you'll probably find whatever that is on the other islands in the USVI's or BVI's.
Quite honestly, if I were you with only 5 days, I'd stay put on Tortola (you'll probably have to go back there or to St. Thomas to begin your flights home) and simply take day trips to several of the other islands in chain.
Liat has several daily coin-stop flights between Tortola and Antigua. Flight time is about 1 1/5 hours.
To reach Nevis you have to do a connecting flight through either St. Martin or Antigua using either Liat or Winair. You probably can get there in about a half day of travel (plus airport time). You should know, however, that Nevis is going to be "quieter" than Tortola. Also, Nevis is not noted for having much snorkeling although it does have plenty of hiking.
FYI - You can't reach Barbuda without first going to Antigua and you should know it is a very, very, very quiet island, probably not at all what you are seeking so cross that island off your list.
If I understand you correctly, you'll be on Tortola for a wedding then have an extra 5 days. Personally, I agree with the others that you should visit one of the other BVI's or USVI's since they are easier and quicker to reach by either ferry or short island hopper flights from Tortola. You'll be able to snorkel, kayak, hike and ride bikes on any island so no real need to lose any significant time flying to Antigua or Nevis (and Jamaica is totally out of the equation due to the logistics of getting there). As for your "etc." - I'm not sure exactly what you mean by that in terms of "activities" but you'll probably find whatever that is on the other islands in the USVI's or BVI's.
Quite honestly, if I were you with only 5 days, I'd stay put on Tortola (you'll probably have to go back there or to St. Thomas to begin your flights home) and simply take day trips to several of the other islands in chain.
