Day trip to BVI
 

Which day trip from St.Thomas/St.John to the BVI did you prefer or would recommend and why? We only have time for one and I can't decide between the Baths and Jost Van Dyke. We leave mid-October.

Baths will be a lot farther - 3x/ Where on Jost would you go, and what are you looking to get out of the trip?

If you want to see one of the most incredible and unique (although crowded) beaches in the world, go to the baths! Good snrokeling and swimming under giant boulders and through grottoes... <BR> <BR>If you would rather get a feel for british carribbean culture and people, go to jost and visit the foxy's bar and the soggy dollar bar...both are a lot of fun. Plus, white bay is constantly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the carribbean. <BR> <BR>Both Jost and VG will be much different atmosphere from St. Thomas.

Thanks for the replys. I would love to do both but we don't have the time. We will be on St. John for 2 days before staying in St. Thomas so I don't known if more beautiful beaches is what we're looking for. Probably, fun, scenery and snorkling. I've heard both are great in different ways, which is why it is difficult. Are the Baths worth the extra time and is the reef in good shape there? How crowded in October.The day trip to Jost Van Dyke would be first to Foxys, than snorkle on Sandy Spit and then 2 hours on White Bay. The day trip to the Baths would consists of Spanishtown, the Baths to snorkle, Copper Island and than Peter Island to Snorkel. Or maybe we should just rent a boat ourselves. Thanks so much for any advice.

Check ou the "New Horizons II" that leaves from Sapphire Marina on St. Thomas. (Ph# 340-775-1171) I've been on this trip a BUNCH of times, and I always have a great time. They have four stops: Tha Baths for about 2 hours, then to Marina Cay for lunch, then to Guana Island for snorkeling, then they finish the day at the Soggy Dollor Bar on White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Great trip, lot's of fun. They only take 14 guests, plus the captain and a waitress. All the drinks are included on the boat, as well as snacks. If you book this trip, tell "Holly and Tim" (the owners) that Marty says "Hi!" <BR> <BR>Marty

THere is no snorkeling to speak of a the baths. It is a beach with a lot of boulders piled up so they make interesting grottoes. NIce, but not for snorkeling. THere is also no good snorkeling near foxies on Jost van dyke, though there is good snorkeling elswhere on JOst. <BR> <BR>Renting a boat is ideal, but very expensive. (daily powerboat rental). Only do it if you REALLY DO know what you're doing. The coast guard budget keeps getting cut back, so don't count on rescue out of US waters. BVI marine rescue is volunteer - dedicated volunteers, but not with enormous resources. (Visar)

Lulu, given the constraints on your time, I suggest two possible itineraries. #1 Ferry direct to West End, Tortola (the first stop most of the ferries make and some 40 minutes closer than Road Town). Rent a car at the Jolly Roger which you can walk to from the ferry terminal (200 yds). I think it is Avis that is at the JR. With the car, you have a wide range of excellent beaches at your disposal. I would start with Smuggler's Cove, less than a mile from the JR and a most excellent and hip beach. Then from there work your way up the North coast to some of the most scenic beaches: Long Bay, Cane Garden Bay, and Brewer's Bay. Depending on time, you can head up to the spine of the island and drop down to Josiah's Bay which is quite nice. The drives are as nice as the beaches. Trellis Bay on Beef Island near the airport is quite nice, also. Then take the South Coast road back to West End through Road Town. A hell of a fine day! <BR>#2: Give a call to Fly BVI at 800-I FLY BVI and check their departure/arrivals from Beef Island to Anegada. Anegada is the king of beaches... one continuous beach all the way around the island, with snorkeling around most of it and off-shore reefs. The Fly BVI package includes a very excellent lobster dinner on the beach plus taxi, etc. If you can coordinate with the ferry schedule it would be a fine day on a virtually deserted island. Be happy to give you more info if you should care to write direct. <BR>

We've done both the trips that you described and would recommend both, but the Virgin Gorda/Baths trip is really a much better trip if you can only do one, we think. The Baths are not to be missed , Cooper Island is great with good restaurant/food, and snorkeling off of Norman is good (Sandy Spit is beautiful but snorkelin there is terrible) Save the White Bay/Foxy's trip for you next visit. (You will be back I'm sure!)