I've heard folks mention The Baths @ Virgin Gorda, BVIe. Why? Anyone been there? What can you tell me about The Baths? <BR> <BR>Going to St. John in a coule of weeks. With all the beaches and snorkeling right off shore, is it really worth it to book a day sail or 1/2 day sail to go snorkeling, or should we just do our snorkelin from the beaches and save the $$?

It all depends how long you have. The baths are a unique rock formation, but <BR>you have much to do in St. Johns with great snorkeling. If you have lots of time on your hands---do it. BVI is great, but so is St. Johns. Relax and enjoy. Don't try to do too much. Its already at your doorstep.

The Baths is truly a natural wonder. Take a gorgeous white sand/topaz water Caribbean beach, then toss several dozen huge volcanic boulders on it. What you get is a watery maze of caves and grottos among the rocks, with shifting blue-green light filtering in to brighten shallow pools of water. Follow the trail through the caves, up a few rocks (some with ladders and hand-holds to help your way)and some sand tracks, and you will find yourself on another superlative beach. <BR> <BR>Of course, this wonder has been discovered. I hear that on cruise ship days its an absolute mad-house, complete with beach vendors and black-socked tourists. The secret is to arrive on a non-cruise-ship day, or to go in the early morning or late in the afternoon. If you are lucky enough to have this site to yourself, you will never forget it.

Just got back from St. John last week. We did the baths trip on our last full day. We really enjoyed it, but I have to say a big part of that was the boat we picked. If you do it, go with Pirates Penny. It only takes 10 to 12 people, so you have lots of room. We saw other boats with like 40 people, and it looked cramped. You get free drinks, full bar, and they give you a great tour of BVI & USVI, plus you stop for lunch on a cool little island, and snorkel on another. $100 a person. Enjoy you trip. PS:We booked at the Gallows Point's store. <BR>SDT <BR>Atlanta, GA

I agree with CMB. You already are in <BR>paradise. Stay there and relax and <BR>enjoy what is available on St John. <BR>Sherri

The Baths are interesting and can be a fun day "at sea" with a stop there, lunch either on the boat or on an island (Cooper) and a second snorkling stop. It has become almost a "must" and can be a good day. Unfortunately the Baths are becoming too busy and will be forever changed so my inclination is to go before it is beyond redemption ... my first exploration was 20 some years ago and my most recent left me surprised to see the t-shirt vendors et al on the beach with some dramatic changes in the quality of the water and beach there!!! Is it worth it? I think just to get a taste of the BVI's and some wonderful snorkling (especially if you stop at the Indians) and a change of pace and scenery, it is worth it ... and I love St. John!!! Betcha if you don't you will come home wishing you did and questioning your own choice!!! Only you can tell after you do it if it is worth it for you!!!