Most ferries do not allow any food and drink on board. You may be rudely told this, I know we have been. You are not allowed to stand up or move around. The difference between public transportation and private is huge in the Caribbean.

We'd gone to Virgin Gorda two times via the ferry - once from St Thomas and once from St. John. We LOVED going that way -rather than with a private company as it allowed much more time at The Baths, rather than stopping at other locations (we were not interested in going to bars & restaurants they go to - and didn't need the rum punch and snacks the private outfits provide).

We always take bottles of water and little snacks but were not permitted to eat while on the ferry - no big deal - it's only an hour and a half ride.... and we'd eaten before we left.

When you get to Baths, you can eat there (there is a grill/snack bar down at The Baths - and at a restaurant called Top of The Baths - which is exactly that - up the hill from them.

The ride itself is very pleasant passing beautiful islands along the way. I believe that the ferry personnel had given out a map in a brochure about the BVI...

All in all, I felt it an excellent way to enjoy The Baths!

Suzi:

You have been twice. Did you do the ferry route or private tour route? It sounds like so much fun!

I have been on both of these trips -- the Limnose and also one of the speedboats that drops you off in the water. If you spouse has a disability -- I would suggest the speedboat because you are anchored in the water right where the baths are. She would not be able to walk through the baths as there are a lot of rocks and walking on areas that would propose a great problem for her. The speedboat provides "noodles" so she can float on a noodle and easily get to shore -- it is a very short swim or float. We had someone with a knee problem and this person was able to get to shore very easily. The Limnose was fun also -- but you take a taxi to the baths and have to hike down from the top. You are welcome to call me as well.

Kelly, if you mean by private boat the charters that take groups you should consider this. The ferry will take you to VG and that is it.

We have also gone twice, Limnos and New Horizons. I can't remember which took us where but the first time, trip was Baths (using taxi to trail to Baths), snorkeling at the Caves, than over to JVD and Soggy Dollar.

The other was VG Baths swim in, snorkeling (I forget), lunch Marina Cay and over to JVD and Soggy Dollar.

So that is really the difference. I am sure that if you just wanted to go to the Bath's the ferry would work. Haven't done it but wanted you to know that the charters/privates do not only do the Bath's. Caveat, I guess if you hired one for your group they would go to where you wanted.

We have been to the baths several times. The first time we were staying for two weeks on Virgin Gorda and took our own rental car and later a taxi. We hiked down first and couldn't wait to leave the second time. Our next excursion to The baths was during a sailboat charter out of Tortola. We swam in with our friends , looked around and were the first back to the boat.

The baths is a remarkable geologic site.. However we hated going there at the end because it had become overrun with tourists. ( and that was 5 years ago)

Bottom line is that the baths has become overused and damage has begun to show. It is sad to see that we can love something to death.

We will not return. I hope that the BVI government does something to preserve this once wonderful place.

I have done the public ferry to Virgin Gorda. My trip was one of the special ferry trips where a tour of Tortola is included. So, we took one ferry to Tortola from STT, toured, then caught another ferry to Virgin Gorda and had lunch. I can't recall if lunch was included, but I think so. Then to the baths.

The ferry from STT to Tortola was an older ferry on which we had to ride inside - smaller is size.

The ferry from Tortola to VG was large...and we also had to ride inside....but it was really nice and felt new. Seats like airplane seats, but larger.

I would like to try this public ferry again, but not the Tortola tour part.

I have also done the private charter. This was the best option that i have tried....but is pretty costly and best economics are realized when more people can go in on the price (economies of scale).

I would like to try one of these group charters since I haven't done it and I am so "pro" other options. But, since I have my young daughter with me, I do not want a charter that would have a snorkeling component like caves or Indians. I like Allan's suggestion of the trip that offers VG, Marina Cay lunch and then Jost for Soggy Dollar - but would like to do something without the snorkel part. That probably isn't an option.

Allison -

Just out of curiosity who did you end up booking with? We are toying between Limnos and New Horizons. We like the fact that New Horizons goes to Jost Van Dyke as well as the Baths. Any other opinions would be welcome.

Hi, After reading the posts, we decided to post with Limnos. I hope it's great. It's our first time there. Allison

Yes, we have done the private route twice. Not that much more expensive, and you can make your own itinerary. We did not want to waste time eating or drinking or stopping at the restaurants ( altho we would if we didn't have the kids!) first time we went with Stormy Petrol/Pirates Penny...awesome! With a private tour through the Baths. We borought our own coller with sandwiches and snacks. they provided the drinks. Also took us to little coves and caves and out of the way snorkel spots. 2nd time we took Flyaway Charters, and again took our own food and made our own itinerary.
Any way you go...your own private boat with Capt. or one of the larger boats with a set itinerary...you can't go wrong. Look at the prices and their schedules and decide. this year our party is small ( 2 adults and 3 teenage girls!) And we are trying to hook up to share Pirates Penny or Stormy Petrol with another group.

Thanks everyone for your help. We ended up booking our trip with New Horizon. We like the idea of going to Jost Van Dyke. Allison, this is our first time too! After reading Waterguys trip report, we are really excited about going.

Thanks so much for your posts - I am a little more at ease now.

CJ: WHich speedboat tour did you use? Thanks!