toledo: Doesn't one leave from Charlotte Amalie and one from Red Hook? That is probably the biggest difference. I have been a staunch defender of day trips over ferries. The ferry is a stinky diesel segment of the public transportation system. The day boats are competitive- each one will try to have something to attract patrons. IMHO, there is only so much to do at the Baths. At least a day boat will let you tour the region and provide refreshments and conversation while you go!

Hey, but have fun on the ferry! 😉

Ok, I have to offer a differing point of view since I have been a fan of the ferries.

Conversation can be found on the ferries, as well. People are people - whether they are all visiting statesiders on the charter, or whether they are a mix of locals and visitors on ferries. Actually, I find the ferry passengers to be most interesting - once met a coule of backpackers from Switzerland....traveling around the islands without a plan. Also, met a couple from the states with whom we ended up hanging out for the day - having lunch with - and later vacationed with at their ski chalet back in the states. Can you only have converation with people who have all paid $110+ pp and are visitors? Also enjoy the locals who are on the ferry.....giving advice and welcoming us. BVI people are especially warm (yes, British overtones...but with an island mix it makes for a very cordial conversation)

I also found it easy to spend the day at the Baths and adjacent beaches. It is just like spending the day at any beach...'cept there is more to do becuase of the Baths. You can also walk up the hill and catch a taxi tour of the island....or just explore on foot. You aren't stuck at the Baths (as you might be if you visited on the charter).

Some people also may not want the snorkeling element of the charter. Some people are not fond of "group" activities and prefer to chart their own course.

I think either way is a great way to see and do....just different experiences and the decision is personal.

I must speak up for the ferry service as well 🙂

We'd gone twice (once out of STT, once out of STJ) to Virgin Gorda via the ferry - both times to see The Baths - ONLY THE BATHS (yes, we enjoyed it/them (?) that much!)

Before the initial trip, I'd researched going with either Limnos or New Horizons - both outfits always receive stellar reviews - BUT, we did not want or need what they offered : more stops - less time at The Baths, restaurant/bar stops, snacks & booze on the boat. We wanted to be able to stay at The Baths - to explore Devil's Bay and relax - not run to several places.

Many people like to see & experience different places (The Indians, The Caves, JVD, etc.) - then, the ferry service would not be the transportation of choice - but if you want to spend more time on only Virgin Gorda - the ferry will probably serve you best.

We actually enjoyed the ferry - and found that the ferry passengers were predominantly tourists going to The Baths -very few locals (too bad - that could have been interesting too). It was a bit noisy, perhaps a bit smelly when it first left the dock - but it was no big deal for the time we were on it. The trip to VG is gorgeous - lots of islands along the way - they give you a booklet with info on the BVI which has a nice map in it so you know what you are passing along the way.

As for the OP's question, I think it is not a matter of choice as to which ferry service you use - maybe when and where you are leaving from dictates the company - we had no choice... we met at the ferry dock at the designated time, got the tickets and got on THE ONLY FERRY GOING that DAY.

ENJOY!!!

Lisa

Ah, see everyone has an opinion! Isn't it wonderful! 🙂

So true, EE. And we're grateful for yours too. The good news is that there are at least 4 ways to island hop for the day - and there's someone on this forum to speak with praise for each one. Can't go wrong.

I, for one, am really glad to see some praises on the ferries. Not wanting to change the subject from Virgin Gorda to Jost, but we've decided to do the ferry to Jost rather than a day sail. Since the 2 men with us do little, if any, drinking and let's face it - us women can only do so much without hurling over the boat, we decided we're going to ferry to Jost. Also, the other couple are not great swimmers/snorkelers, and we just wanted to lime on the beach at White Bay for the day, visiting the famous beach bars. Since most of the sails going to Jost do not include lunch in the price, and the immigrations fee is also extra, we decided use the extra $75/person (difference of sail vs ferry pp) on something else.

One of us in the group is prone to sea sickness, and I don't think it will make a difference whether its the ferry or a sail boat/catamaran, he's gonna have to have to patch on!

Now when I get back from this trip - since this is our first to the VI's, I may have a completely different opinion!

With the 8-9 people that are going with us, what is everybodies opinion on this idea.

I have a BIG feeling that some of our group won't want to spend the money for a day trip on the New Horizons.

Now that I see that ferry's would be alot of fun, what's everybodies opinion on where we should go.

Water Island? Good snorkeling??

To Virgin Gorda for the baths? Can't spend all day there because after going through the Baths, what do you do???

Is there a ferry to Jost Van Dyke? Do we spend all day on the beach.

I've mentioned Craig before, but he just can't stand to be in the sun all day like that.

Looking for everybody to just be happy and see how beautiful it is.

Connie,

There are ferries to ALL of the BVI islands and also to Water Island. You mentioned that you didn't know what you would do on VG after the Baths -- the Baths are on a beautiful beach. You could spend time swimming....and you could also get a taxi tour of VG.

The ferry to Jost will drop you off in Great Harbour (where Foxy's is). You can stroll or taxi (land or sea taxi) to White Bay and you can also hike to the other side of the island to visit the Bubbly Pool, etc. If you are going in summer (I can never recall when anyone is going 🙁 ) you may not get much out of the bubbly pool since you won't have the swells to form the bubbles. But, you'll hike through the lavender field and you'll probably meet the infamous little red dog who leads visitors astray when they're looking for the bubbly pool. Though, one visitor recently blogged that the little dog actually has a shortcut to the pool, so perhaps he isn't such a stinker after all. You could also hire a boat on Jost to take you out to Sandy Spit for a picnic. There are boats that you can hire just for that. If you haven't seen Sandy Spit, look it up and your jaw will drop as it is the quintessential little sand island out of commercials. It is just off of the coast of Jost.

I have not yet been to Water Island, so I cannot comment on what there is to do. I've seen mixed reviews. Obviously, that would be the shortest ferry ride of them all.