Virgin Gorda swimming or walking - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

slotaddict · 07-10-2007, 03:47 PM

I will be going to Tortola on my next cruise. Never been there before. We would like to do the Baths.

I understand that you have two options either walking the trail that takes about 30 minutes.

Or swimming. Has anyone done it by water - How far is it - Any info you can give me is appreciated.

Cruise Planner · 07-10-2007, 04:28 PM

The Baths are actually in Virgin Gorda and you'll need to take a water taxi to get there - takes about 45 minutes each way. Once on Virgin Gorda, you'll have to take a taxi to the drop-off area above The Baths. The walk down the trail will only take about 10 minutes, but it's quite a trek back up the trail afterwards. When you get down to the beach, you can either walk around to different parts of The Baths or swim. It's quite a treat to walk around as you have to climb over and around huge boulders to get to other parts of the beach.

It truly is a wonderful place to visit and I highly recommend it.

Here's a place you can check out for the price and times of the water taxi service; Smiths Ferry Website - The Fastest & Most Convenient Way to Travel in the Virgin Islands

Pete

slotaddict · 07-11-2007, 10:33 AM

Pete thanks so much. Its difficult to envision the first time. Thanks for your help.

zydecocruiser · 07-11-2007, 01:13 PM

Speedy's is another ferry service.
Speedy's & Virgin Gorda Transport: Ferry Service, Boat Charters, Tours and Car Rentals in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

I've both walked and swam in. I prefer swimming. Last time I went with Patouche.
Patouche - Extreme Machine - the Baths - April 6, 2006

2tallkids · 07-30-2007, 11:14 AM

Wow! those pictures were great. I'm not sure that my son and husband would like to swim in, but it looks the way to go!

Stephanie

zydecocruiser · 07-31-2007, 01:24 AM

Oh well. I honestly think it is faster and easier to swim in, and a whole lot faster and easier to swim out than to climb up the steps (can't really call them stairs).

There is some stuff at the top you will miss (maybe), but all things being equal (they never are), by swimming in, you get to spend more time at the Baths.

I do think it is one of the must see places however you get there.

zydecocruiser · 07-31-2007, 01:28 AM

Oh well. I honestly think it is faster and easier to swim in, and a whole lot faster and easier to swim out than to climb up the steps (can't really call them stairs).

Also, life belts, jackets, whatever, are available for those who desire.

There is some stuff at the top you will miss (maybe), but all things being equal (they never are), by swimming in, you get to spend more time at the Baths.

I do think it is one of the must see places however you get there.

But as always, your mileage may vary.

zydecocruiser · 07-31-2007, 01:28 AM

oh well, oops about the almost double post...

jimswims · 01-13-2008, 02:38 PM

We are going to be back in Virgin Gorda on our cruise this year and will be returning to the Baths. We orginally booked the snorkel and swim Baths tour but there was a problem and got re-assigned to the "walk down" to the Baths tour.

It was a great day but walking down the trail in August was very, very HOT! We are going to book the swim tour this year. The Baths was a great place and we are really looking forward to returning.

Annieeee · 01-13-2008, 02:44 PM

Hi,

I was in Tortola last year and took the ferry to Virgin Gorda. Here is hopefully a helpful map that someone drew of the Baths. I loved it and hope to go back someday.

Have a great time. By the way we walked down to the trail and through the boulders.

Map of The Baths

Annieeee