Message: Is it possible for an older person that doesn't walk really great get to Virgin Gorda and the Baths? My mom is going with us and she can walk ok but her knees are not that great. She also gets out of breath easily so we have to take it slow. She can ride a stationary bike for about 25 minutes at home and walk around the block but just slow.

Any suggestions? Does a sail boat go over there?

hi patty, sorry it has taken so long for someone to reply. i have not been myself but my best friend has so i've called her. she says that your mom will not like the hike through the baths. that there is alot of uneven ground, that there is a small ladder up some rocks and at one point a rope which you will use to walk up a steep rock.
however right next to baths is spanish town. mom could hang there. or there is an easy path from sp. town to the beach for mom and where your walk through the boulders ends. she said there may still be picnic tables on that beach. or she said your mom could stay on the "top" while your group makes a loop through the rocks.
boats do go there but they moor out and you must swim into the beach.
hope this helps

Thank you so much for the response. It sounds like it is really not a good idea for her to go there. She would not be able to make it. And if we went over by a boat she would have to swim to the beach. I don't know if she could do that either.

Thank you so much again.

no problem patty - my friend did say there are shops and a bar or sandwich place in spanish town. in other words a place your mom could hang out while you did the baths if that would mean the rest of your party could still go ...

Patty,
Another suggestion. Spring Bay Beach, which is the next beach over from the Baths, is gorgeous. It's at the end of a road from the main highway on the south side of the island. I suggest visiting that beach with her. If she's OK on her own, you could drop her off in a shaded spot while you go the Baths (or one of your party can stay with her -- don't know if she can be unaccompanied in those conditions). If you do go to the Baths -- go very early or very late in the day.
jim

Would you suggest renting a car while in Virgin Gorda or is it too small of an island not to bother?

We are still undecided between doing this and renting a car in Tortola. There just doesn't seem to be too much to do in Tortola.

If you are with someone who has difficulty walking, I would rent a car in either Virgin Gorda or Tortola. I've rented cars on both islands and it is the best way to get around and explore. On Gorda, you'll "discover" beautiful crescent beaches along quiet roads, some fun local restaurants, and a few towns with shops of interest. In Tortola, the roads can be a little intimidating (some twists and turns around the mountains) but there are a number of larger and smaller beach destinations such as Cane Garden Bay (full amenities, restaurants, chairs), Discovery Bay (some amenities) and Smugglers Bay (limited amenities). Roadtown has a small area of shops, especially the Caribbean Spice Company, but there is some traffic and noise. There is another nice shopping area at West End, where there is a ferry to St. John. On a non-beach day you can take the ferry right to the shopping district of St. John which is more extensive than either Roadtown or West End.

rossbdo,

We are coming in on a cruise and will be going to St. John the next day. We've rented a car there and we really enjoy that.

I'm just confused now as to rent in Tortola or Virgin Gorda now. We obviously can't go to the Baths so should we just stay on Tortola and rent the car there or is Virgin Gorda that much nicer that we should rent from there instead?

Thanks

Since Virgin Gorda is approx 45 minute boat ride from Tortola, I would recommend you get a cab at the ferry dock at Leverick Bay. The reason for a cab is that is is inexpensive and the cab drivers take pride in the island and will take you on a tour of this beautiful island- no extra charge.... Only 2/3 of this island has roads. The driving can be a bit scary, since the island is mountainous. The roads are VERY narrow,steep, winding and lots of times you are driving right along the cliffs....also you have to remember that you drive on the other side of the road. Many times in some areas you cannot see what is around the bend, so I leave this kind of driving to a local. There is also a great place to have lunch called Top of the Baths...if I remember correctly also no hiking required, right at the end of the island at the end of the road . The view is breathtaking, and there is a pool for you to use as well. Your cab driver will drop you off there and will return to pick you up at the time you decide. Since the roads start at Leverick Bay, you will see most of the island, you will also get to see some of the baths from the top of the baths. There is a trail that starts there, but I would n ot recommend it. It is not paved, can be steep in places, and takes a while to get down....don't forget you also have to get back up! The Baths also have some ladders to climb. If you want to see the baths, then I would recommend a glass bottom boat tour, you will access the baths from the beach and you will not have to hike a trail.

Tortola is much easier to drive, so renting a car would be a wise choice. You can also walk in the town, since everythng is concentrated in an area.

Thank you very much. That's surprising that Virgin Gorda is more difficult to drive than Tortola? I would have thought since it was a lot smaller it would have been easier to drive. That's good to know. So Tortola is an easier drive.

Thank you