It all depends on what you are looking for. Each of the islands has their own attraction and charm. If you provide a hint as to what you are looking for perhaps people could give you some direction.

if you are looking to sit on a beach and really relax, i vote for JVD. you can visit the soggy dollar and have the original pain killer, walk over and have lunch with seddy at the one love bar, visit ivan at his stress bar and make a last stop at foxy's before hitting the ferry back over to stj....white bay is one of my favorite places to sit and stare out at the beautiful scenery when i visit stj.

I have spent a couple of weeks on Tortola, and it is nice and the British feel is interesting. But, in my opinion St. John is so much more beautiful. I've never spent more than a day on Virgin Gorda and that was only a short van ride from the marina to the Baths for a hike thru the rocks and water. Everyone talks about the Baths. Maybe it's good to see it once. I have seen it 3 times due to being with other people who wanted to go there, and we were sharing the boat. Once was enough for me. For some people it is a fun adventure. Taking a boat there you are then going near other good snorkeling areas like the Indians. But, you can see the Indians without going to the Baths.

On the other hand, if you want a nice relaxing day on a little island, Jost is a good idea. Going to all the places already mentioned is a fun thing to do. In fact, someday I think we will spend a few days there. Foxy's has never had much going on there most times we have been there. My brother got to hear Foxy play one time when he was there. We will be on St. John for two weeks the end of May, and I hope to maybe take the ferry over to Jost for a day. Usually, we stop at Jost while out on a boat for the day. Having a painkiller on Jost at the Soggy Dollar where it was originated is a good idea.

Here's another tip. Do you really want to spend a day shopping in STT? We did this the first year that we went to St. John. Again, maybe like the Baths this is something that everyone needs to do once. But, I remember deciding that I would never again take a day away from St. John to go back over to STT to shop. We are going for our 8th visit so I realize that is different. About the only time I shop now is if I'm in Cruz Bay early for dinner and just look around a little or look a little in the small shops in Coral Bay. If you like hand-painted, artistic clothing look for Sloop Jones clothing in the shops on St. John. You can also visit their own place out on the East End where they have a much bigger selection than any of the shops in town.

jess116000, If you want a sampling of several places in one trip check out New Horizons 2. A good size speed boat that will take you to the Baths with open bar and a snack (the boat will anchor and you swim or snorkel in), then a quick snorkel stop elsewhere if time permits, Lunch at Pussers Marina Cay and finally drinks at the Soggy Dollar on White Bay. If you want to relax try a daysail or ferry to one place and spend the day. We have done both and all are good depending on what appeals to you. Info on day trips click on St Thomas above then BVI excursions or St John then daysails. Either way time well spent!

If this is your first time down, I'd suggest something along the lines of what Scubado's suggested. Take a speed boat "tour" of the BVIs. They typically hit Jost/white cay, Gorda (although I have to say I'm not terribly impressed by The Baths), and then another powerboat tour of maybe Norman/Peter, etc. Then, next time you come down (oh yes, you will be hooked...mainlining VI) you can spend more time on whichever BVI you liked the most.

I'm pretty much with "Rose" on the shopping thing on STT.

Also, take a look at Anegada.....TOTALLY relaxation and NO shopping etc) as a place for a daytrip. This will shoot the shotgun approach, of seeing a few places in one shot, but you can charter a flight for a day from Beef Island, tortola, for $500 which includes lunch, and an island tour.

I like the macro approach first, and then (mainlining thing) on your second trip micro in on the island (don't EVER forget St. Croix either) you really likes.

'e gonna' be hot, meh son!

thanks alot for all the wonderful info!! we would like to charter if we could find some ppl to join in with us. if not, we will do the ferry to BVI. i like the idea of Jost...souds like a wonderful place. The baths also look nice, but im getting mixed reviews about it not really being worth it! i appreciate all the info...as it will really help as i plan my vaca in July. Cant wait! thanks again!! happy easter!!

Both Jost & the Baths are great daytrips, you won't be sorry whichever one you choose. On the Jost trip you'll probably be taken to a good snorkeling spot or 2 on the way, then to Foxys and finally to White Bay to visit the Soggy Dollar, other great beach bars and the wonderful beach there -- there are few places more beautiful (my opinion of course.) The Baths really is an amazing place, the rock formations and the hike through them is something you should try -- if not on this trip, a future one. Enjoy your trip!