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My husband and I are going to St. Thomas the week of June 22-29th for our 10yr Anniversary. We are wanting to go see the Baths on Virgin Gorda and do some snorkeling. I looked into the private charters and they are way too expensive for just the 2 of us but the group day trips see like they don't spend enough time at each location to enjoy them. I would love to find another couple or 2 that will be there the same time we are that would be interested in going in with us to to split the cost of the private charter? Or can anyone recommend a reasonably priced reputable charter for us? Or a good group daytrip that isn't too crowded? Thanks!
Hi Nyela, welcome to the VInow message board. The Baths are beautiful, great choice for something special to do during your anniversary trip. Private day trips are around $500-$1000+ for the boat (depends on boat and itinerary and length of trip), plus gas, entry/exit fees into the British Virgin Islands, lunch and drinks though some trips include them, tip for captain and crew. So for two people it will add up. You might email a few of the private boats that you liked and let them know you'd be interested in sharing the boat with another couple - they might have other customers interested in doing the same and can arrange it. A group trip will be maybe $125-$150 per person ball park, plus the entry/exit fees, etc. They typically have a set itinerary, something like heading to the Baths first, then stopping to snorkel, then stopping for lunch, and then White Bay on Jost before heading back to the USVI. It allows enough time to see and experience a bit of each stop. More of a tour rather than the freedom you get with a private trip. Take a look at the BVI trips we have on the site, https://www.vinow.com/stthomas/activities/bvi-excursions/. And send a few emails and see if the boats you like can line you up with other couples. Have a great visit.
Nyela, if you aren't able to hook up with other couples on one of the private boats, you can also take a ferry from Red Hook on Thurs & Sun. It departs 8AM and returns at 3PM, 90 min each way so you only get 5.5 hrs on VG. But that's enough time to visit the Baths, Devils bay, and either hire a taxi for a tour of the Valley area and see Spanishtown, or enjoy a lunch at the Mineshaft Cafe with the spectacular panoramic views. The ferry is $90pp round trip, taxi fares are very reasonable. The Baths are worth the effort! If you do go take a look at the Tortola cruise ship schedule as that can make for a very crowded experience when the tours are there...
There are no great options for the Baths from STT as mentioned. Next trip, consider spending a few days on Tortola or VG prior to staying on STT, that's a great way to enjoy two very different experiences!
Also post your dates on the STT forum on tripadvisor - quite an active forum and you may get a bite there.
The ferry option is the least expensive option and offers you the most time on VG as of course there are no snorkel stops en route.
