My family and I went on a cruise for my birthday. When our ship docked in Tortola, we took another boat to the Virgin Gorda and a shuttle to The Baths. It was a self guided tour, so it was a little frustrating that we had to figure out how to get through The Baths ourselves. We didn't have any time to enjoy the water and it was pretty crowded.

Taking a cruise line excursion isn’t necessary (as with many ports) for those with an adventurous spirit who are willing to hail a cab, ask questions to strangers when necessary, and use your best judgment.

If cruising to Tortola, print out the latest Tortola-to-Virgin Gorda ferry schedule and bring it on the cruise. When your ship docks at Tortola, you’ll get off the ship and walk to the end of the dock (again, as with many ports). From here you’ll make your way to Speedy’s Ferry building. Keep in mind – this is a small tourist island. Stop and ask for walking directions and you’ll have no problem finding the way. The ferry building is a 10-15 minute walk, past the famous Pusser’s Outpost (home of the Painkiller drink) and in a light yellow/cream colored stucco building along the water. A round-trip ferry ride was $26 per person in August 2016. Inform the ferry staff at the port and/or onboard the ferry that you’d also like to purchase a ticket for the taxis to The Baths from the port of Virgin Gorda – this was $8 per person round-trip. The ferry ride to Virgin Gorda is 30 minutes and somewhat rough, though the views from the upper deck (sea spray and all) were scenic and camera-worthy. The mountainous islands of the Caribbean are beautiful.

When the ferry arrives at the port of Virgin Gorda, you’ll follow the crowd to large open-air taxi buses and find yourself among a mixture of smart adventurers like yourself, and cruise passengers who paid more than double to travel the same route you just did. Pat yourself on the back, sit back and enjoy the ride along prickly cactus-lined dirt roads to the most majestic piece of Heaven on Earth: The Baths of Virgin Gorda. Before making your way down the paths to Devil’s Bay and the Baths, ask your taxi driver what time the last few taxis depart for the port of Virgin Gorda to get back to your ship on time.

A few notes about navigating through Devil’s Bay and the Baths: wear clothing that can get wet. You’ll need a lightweight and water-safe backpack to carry your snorkel gear (I also carry a neoprene purse), large ziplock bags to keep a towel dry inside your backpack, water-proof bags for your cellphone and any other essentials, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, water-safe camera, and most importantly sturdy water shoes for swimming (Teva sandals are great). The pathway to/from the Baths is composed of rocky paths and stairs, steep at times, and can be slippery. There are 2-3 small areas in which you’ll need to crawl in order to navigate between the boulders. Take your time or else you’ll end up with softball-size bruises and scrapes on your legs. The snorkeling opportunities here are incredible. The pictures you’ll take are once-in-a-lifetime. Pause for a few moments as tour groups pass through and listen to the fascinating story of how the Baths were formed, then enjoy the shoreline all to yourself once the groups leave.

At the top of the Baths and entrance to the park (it’s actually a British National Park, immaculately maintained!) you’ll find a beautiful pool, breezy outdoor patio restaurant, gift shops, bar, and restroom facilities. Take in every moment you spend here at the Baths and resist the urge to take anything with you except the pictures – this helps ensure that generations ahead of us have the opportunity to experience nature’s beauty as we have. Enjoy!

This is an absolute must see! One of the best excursions ever. No words can describe the unique beauty of The Baths and the water.
We travelled from St.Thomas on The Bad Kitty. This exceptional tour includes at least four stops in the British Virgin Islands. (Passport required)