We will be there in two weeks, and have inquired about the same thing. Apparently, a day sail to Virgin Gorda does not work because of the travel distance. We checked with a couple a companies, and they only use powerboats to get to The Baths in plenty of time to explore and then get back at a decent hour.

Hopefully, someone will have more positive information..

It is true about the distance. We were really wanting to sail over to The Baths and spend the night and come back the second day - thought that would be fantastic, but no one seems to offer that service. We've decided that Power Boat would be an okay compromise, and I'm really hoping to get a great recommendation on here. Fingers crossed it works.

How about taking the ferry from STJ to Virgin Gorda, spend the night, take the ferry to Tortola, spend the night or stay for the day, then take the ferry back to STJ.
On Tortola, there are some nice beaches to visit: Smugglers' Cove, Brewers Beach, Cane Garden Bay.
Here are some sites that might be of help:

http://www.bestofbvi.com/info/bviferry_stj_vg.htm (Ferry Schedule)

http://www.fischerscove.com/hotel/accommodation.html (Hotel on VG)

http://www.bareboatsbvi.com/british_virgin_islands.html (Info & photos of BVI)

Hope this will help. Our family will be there in exactly one month.

Tom

book a day trip on the" bad kitty "out of St John.. It is a great day and plenty of time at the baths to go thru them.Also go to cooper island for lunch and norman island to snorkel and white bay on yost to relax on beautiful beach and have painkillers .First stop is to clear passports at Virgin Gorda. boat is motorized catamaran and travels between stops quickly.. .. It is worth evey penny..

We took the Ferry to Virgin Gorda Three years ago and went to Little Dix Bay as we had already visited the Baths on a trips before. We had a great day on the Beach and walking on the beautiful Grounds. We then had Lunch at Little Dix and was given White Glove service. When you sat down in the open air Pavilion, the waiter gave you a cold towel to wipe your face. The cost was $25 each for Lunch but so worth it.. I may be a Little bit prejudiced as we had visited Little Dix 29 years before on our Honeymoon. Enjoy the Virgin Gorda, it is a nice trip.

I agree with boodles. I just got back from St John. We took a trip to the Baths on "Bad Kitty". I have been to the baths several times. This trip was the best. Bad Kitty had a smooth ride and got there quickly allowing more time to look around. It also takes you just off shore and you get to swim into the Baths. I really enjoyed that. Much better than hiking down and then back up the trail.