"Crowds" means a different thing here than it does in Colorado. I've been here for 7 years, and, while there are always people there, I've never seen it, what I would call, "crowded". I think that using as trip like NH II or Captain Nautica is the best way to do it, as they are both fast boats , get you there quick, and give you more time (not less) to explore and have fun. Book with one of them and you will be happy. Limnos is good, too, but not as much time at the Baths, due to a slower boat.

Thanks Marty…

About the time on the beach at the Baths

- The ferry leaves St. John at 8:30, arrive VG at 10:00. I assume 30 minutes is the total time for going through immigration, taking taxi and walking to the Baths. So, The actual time to arrive at the Baths is around 10:30am. The returning ferry from VG is scheduled at 3pm. That means I should leave the Baths at 2:30pm. Thus, the total time at the beach is about “4 hours”

- For NH II, departure time from St. John is at 7:45 am. Based on what you said that they have a fast boat, I assume 1hr and 45 minutes is the total time from St. John to VG + immigration process. So, 9:30 am should be the actual time I will arrive at the Baths. The departure time from the Baths should not be later than 11:30 am because there are 3 more stops (Marina Cay, Snorkeling at the Guana Island, and Jost Van Dyke) before arriving St. John at 4pm. Thus, the total time on the beach at the Baths is at most “3 hrs or less”

So, I think when you say “give you more time”, you mean the total time on the beach at the Baths and JVD, right?

This is what I think about the good and the bad for both options

FERRY

*Good:
- Cheap… only about less than $60 for transportation ($50 R/T + Taxi)
- More time at the Baths.
*Bad:
- Worst (crowded) time of the day and week (10:30-2:30 on Sunday)
- Fun time (4 hrs) = travel time. (4 hrs R/T)

NH II

*Good:
- Arrive at the Baths earlier than most of the day trippers (This is a big PLUS)
- Not limited to only Thursday and Sunday
- Total fun times more than travel time.

*Bad:
- Quite expensive: $165 {$125 for the day trip + $10 for (expected) tips + $30 for lunch at the Marina Cay (I saw the menu and it’s 20++ for an entrée)}..........(and this is a big MINUS)

What do you think about my comparisons? Is it fair enough?

So, If the only thing I care is “the Baths”, should I pick the Ferry? (because it’s much cheaper and you said on your last reply that it should not be too crowded)

Thanks for reading my long message. Your opinion is important to my decision because you actually live there. And of course, other opinions are very very welcome.

🙂

Colo Boy

PS: the reason I care about the Bath so much is that there is no other places on earth visually quite like it. Correct me if I am wrong.

If money is a consideration, go with the ferry. The "crowds" aren't going to factor in for you...besides, you can always go where there aren't people.

If fun is your goal, go with NH II or Captain Nautica. This is my choice, as you get to see/do more, and you will have guides to give you some good info.

The Baths is (are? sounds plural, so it should be 'are', but it is a place so should be singular,'is'...Hmmmm....) gorgeous. Regardless of how you get there, you will be pleased with your day.

There are only 3 batholithes on the planet. One is in Turkey, one underwater, and one on VG. Go. However you do it, just go.

Just a note about New Horizons II. I haven't taken the trip but was told it takes about 45 minutes to get to the Baths from STJ. They drop you off and go take care of the immigration stuff. So you would actually make it to the Baths around 8:30. Anyone taken the trip to verify this?

Anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to get there, depending on the seas. You'll spend about an hour and a half at the Baths

We did NHII on 1/21/05. A brief stop in STJ after leaving STT. It does take about 45 min. to get to Virgin Gorda. About an hour and half there that flies by in what seems like 30 minutes. Then to Pusser's (good food) for lunch on Marina Cay ( they like to call it Cuervo Island), then snorkeling off Guana Island for about an hour, Then to Jost Van Dyke's Soggy Dollar for about an hour and a half. Then back to STJ to go through customs.

We did New Horizons last February. Unbelievably fun time. If you're not as concerned about the cash, definitely do it. All the other stuff besides the Baths made the trip worth it. And the crowds at the Baths were intolerable, even at the hour we were there. I actually couldn't wait to leave.

This is the timetable from NH II

-Leave St. John National Park at 0745, return at 1600
-Spend 1 to 1.5 hr in baths
-1 hr for lunch at Marina Cay, not included in price of cruise but expect $8-12 for the cafe's there.
-Guana 1 hr
-Jost van Dyke 2-2.5 hr
20-30 min ride back to St John's
Max people on boat - 18. Average day 16-18 people

know what you want, know what they offer

choose wisely

😉

Johny

We just did the new horizons II trip last thursday and just returned home yesterday. It was a fantastic day and was worth the money. The "hostess" who welcomed us to the boat gave us the tour of the Virgin Gorda baths and did a fabulous job. She helped us get thru the cruise ship passengers who were going thru alone and were not prepared properly. Though you could spend alot at lunch you can keep your bill under 15. Drinks are free on the boat and well prepared. Do not forget the 20 dollars for customs and if you book on line and pay cash you save some off of the cost. This was a wonderful trip.

Also keep in mind that the crew on these boats work for tips. They are paid like waiters and waitresses. When my husband and I went on the New Horizons Day Sail to St John, we gave them a $40 tip. We also tipped $40 to the crew on Captain Nautica.

So, that means the total cost for the NH II 8hours trip could easily end up over $200, or about $25/hr.

cheers....
😉

Johny

Hello John,

It is worth it! You get to go to 4 of the islands in the BVI.
If you look on a map, you will actual see most of the islands. My husband and I looked at all the trips and this one is the best
value. You get to swim, snorkel, eat, drink,laugh and ride in a
powerboat.The best part you get to see one of the wonders of the world. The famous "Baths".

Have fun what ever you decide to do. Life is very short and you can't take it with you.

59 more days....

The Baths trip does sound awesome, but expensive. Are there companies that leave from STT? Does that even make sense?Any help would be appreciated. How far in advance do I need to commit?

We booked our trip with NHII 2 weeks ago and we won't be in the islands until the beginning of April. We reserved our date with a credit card but they don't charge your card till you take the trip.
You can pay with cash or credit. Do a google search USVI charter boats and you will have your pick. They all cost about the same money. A power boat gets you there alot faster and maybe will beat the crowds!!!

Have fun what ever you decide to do.....

We just did the NHII trip last Wednesday 2/9. Can't say enough great things about this trip! The captain (Dave) and Kate "the deck mate" were fantastic. If you want to have fun, not worry about anything, do this trip! Kate kept the painkillers flowing (they have plent of other drink options too, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). If you book online, there's a 10% discount. They only take your credit card number online to hold the reservation. When you pay on the day of the trip, they also give you another $5/person discount if you pay in cash.

The NHII is a fast powerboat, got us to the Baths earlier than any other boat. We did encounter a cruise ship group, but Kate was an excellent at the traffic control! No worries on this trip. I'd highly recommend it! It's a great way to see multiple islands in one day.

Most of the day boats leave from St Thomas and stop by St John to pick up passengers there. While New Horizons is one option, there are others.

Limnos is a power catamaran, carries about 40 passengers or so. They are all-inclusive: serve cold cuts for lunch and a signature rum punch. It is probably the most competitive, cost-wise, with the ferry.

Pirate's Penny and Stormy Petrel are sister boats that take 10 passengers max. They have an open bar with premium liquor, but you pay extra for lunch at Cooper Island. More upscale alternative, but you have to swim into the Baths.

The difference between a ferry and a day trip is the difference between taking a bus to get somewhere and a limo with food, drinks and stories along the way. On a day trip, you will see a larger view of the Virgin Islands. You balance what you want with what you want to pay.

And I second the reminder that crew on these boats are working for your tips. Many are college students and young folks struggling to make ends meet. On a $100 dollar trip, a twenty for the crew (if the service is good) will give you good karma! 😉

this sounds great...i hear so many good things about new horizons....one question is it a sail or power boat? oh also is the first leg of the trip bumpy ..worry about seasickness thanks