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We'll be spending a week in St. Thomas in May for our honeymoon. We would like to take a day trip to the British Virgin Islands while we are there. We are trying to decide which island we should go to, Tortola or Virgin Gorda. We don't now alot about Tortola, but know that VG had the baths. What are the advantages of each island? Which island would you suggest? and why?
I would recommend going to BOTH! Go with Captain Nautica on their BVI trip and you will get to both places! Their trip is great and the crews are fantastic. It will be an awesome day. One you shan't forget on your honeymoon. And Congrats, BTW!
My husband and I were on Captain Nautica when we were there the end of December. The crew is great!! Unfortunately, we only stopped on Tortola for lunch (which by the way wasn't until after 2:00....make sure to eat breakfast before you leave STT) and then jumped back on the boat and headed back to STT. You snorkel around the Indians (off of Norman Island) with them and see the baths. You are at the baths for awhile and are able to walk on the beach if you want. They do not dock at any marinas and let you off the boats. They drop anchor in the water and make you swim to shore to see the baths. If you are not a strong swimmer, I would not recommend this trip.
Have also been wondering which daysail to choose. Will be our 1st time last week of March - 5 days in STJ and 3 days on STT, so we can go from Cruz, Coral, or even Red Hook.
Want to do the BVIs, not sure which itinerary to choose also - all sound good, although some indications are that the Baths are getting overcrowded. Want the post card beach and awesome snorkel experience. We like a few cocktails, but better food is more important to us, including our well traveled 12 yr old who is a huge Emeril fan.
Would seem logical to me that to cover greater distance, you might need to choose a power boat option from Red Hook or Cruz, but can go with a sailboat from Coral.
Much thanks for any additional input/pros and cons of each type.
The trips to the BVI have been hampered by the new regulations of Homeland Security. You can opt to take the larger CoastGuard inspected vessels - True Love, Limnos, Dancing Dolphin, etc. - who have a bit easier time with the regulations or one of the power boats which can "go fast". The reality of the situation these days is that there is no longer the easy re-entry into the US waters but a probably a long line at Customs in St. John which is going to cut your visit to the BVI short. Many of the daysail (6 passenger boats) have opted to spend more time on the water around St. John/St. Thomas and forgo the trip to the BVI which incurs so much time in the not fun Customs and Immigration offices. Just food for thought ....
Pamela.
One Captain indicated that the customs check in can be done the next morning at Cruz Bay so maybe time not so much an issue on return.
