Do not try to go to Virgin Gorda. you will spend all of your time trying to get the ferry and then trying to get home. We were on a Catamaran for a week and spent three days on virgin gorda.

Go swim with the Dolphins on Tortola. Or go to the tropical arberitum or take an around the island tour. I like Tortola much better than Virgin Gorda. The best place on Virgin Gorda is the Reef and it is right on the water. Cruise boats stop there daily.

Stay on Tortola this time. Go to Virgin Gorda on your next trip. Believe me....there will be a "Next Trip." No one can go just once!

We spent a few hours on Tortola last year.

While waiting at the docks for just the right taxi driver to take us on an island tour, we ate foods the locals were selling from tables set up at the dock. You don't want to miss the meat stuffed turnovers...I don't remember what they were called, but they were really good...I think my 18 year old ate 3.

We paid $50 USD for a 1.5 hour taxi ride around the island (that was all the time we had before our dolphin appointment). It was the best tour I've ever taken. The driver was native to Tortola and he explained absolutely everything...from vegetation to Pirate history to local customs. He stopped at the best photo spots & at the outdoor market across from Pussers so we could grab some souvenirs. It was great!!! Just ask the taxi drivers at the dock to take you on a narrated trip around the island. They will tell you which drivers do it.

Then we went swimming with the dolphins. This had to be the single best experience of our entire trip. There is no way to put into words the way you feel when God's creatures of the ocean accept you so freely and welcome your touch and play. It was well worth the money we spent. Be sure to buy the video tape. You will need to plan this in advance. It books full quickly. We weren't on a cruise, but I've heard they really promote it to their passengers. You may want to consider the dolphin swim first and then taking an island tour with your remaining time.

Our entire day was a huge success and will never be forgotten.

thanks so much for the tips - we have decided to stay on Tortola, but we weren't sure of what to do there - i guess just being in the caribbean is good enough!

Kelly: God willing the Dolphin "Discovery" is closed. The resort that it was attached to closed a few months ago and I believe they shipped the dolphins out. Not to start anything, but there are some pretty strong feelings around here about the whole project.