usvi-on-line
Public ferry or charter to VG??
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ColoradoMom
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:48 pm
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
Public ferry or charter to VG??
I've been to the Baths before on a boat that left from the Westin (I think, this was 11 years ago!) and it was fun but very rushed. We only just got there when it was time to get back to the boat. I'd like to go again, this time with my sons and have more time to explore. Would taking the public ferry that leaves at 8:30 and returns at 3:00 be a better option?? Thnx
My wife and I and our 3 kids took the ferry a couple of years ago. The ride over is a little bit slower and longer, but we got to spend more time climbing the rocks and relaxing on the beach and snorkling. We had burgers and beers(parents 
) on the beach and went up top to the restaurant for desserts.
) on the beach and went up top to the restaurant for desserts.
This is a stray from what you were asking but I thought that I'd give you my observation: I was there last week and it was so packed that it wasn't even enjoyable. Imagine 40+/- people in front of you making the trek back from the final beach destination, another line forming on the opposite end waiting for you to move along on the mutual trail, the beach area and bar/restaurant filled with wall-to-wall people, boats and dingys everywhere; crazy & hectic. Maybe it was just the day but I'm thinking not. Ali~
STJ - I "get it"
Wow, I can't imagine that. Sounds NOT enjoyable.b-as-u-r wrote:This is a stray from what you were asking but I thought that I'd give you my observation: I was there last week and it was so packed that it wasn't even enjoyable. Imagine 40+/- people in front of you making the trek back from the final beach destination, another line forming on the opposite end waiting for you to move along on the mutual trail, the beach area and bar/restaurant filled with wall-to-wall people, boats and dingys everywhere; crazy & hectic. Maybe it was just the day but I'm thinking not. Ali~
When we stay in Guavaberry we usually go to the Bath one time and that is about 7 in the morning. Wonderful to be all alone. You can hang around, do the trek over to Devils bay, snorkel and swim until say 9.30 - 10 when people start to show up. Then you go home
On our visit last July, we took the ferry, I believe it took about an hour and a half to get over. We dont mind the ferry so no biggie- I find it relaxing. We noticed that when we arrived all of the private boat tours were there and it was a little crowded, that being said we also noticed most of the people on the private boats were gone long before we had to head back to the ferry giving us some quiet time as well. It was a great day - unfortunately it was the day my camera broke - after taking just 4 pictures! Oh well... have to go back 
Our first trip to VG was a day trip by ferry from STJ. It was not only the least expensive way to get there, but actually got us significantly more time on the island than any of the alternatives. It also allowed us to move about on our own, at our own pace, rather than as part of a group. And we liked being able to taste a bit of the flavor of the island, not just swim into the Baths then leave. It worked out great and we decided that we wanted to spend a week there. The only constraint is that the ferry only runs twice weekly---Thursday & Sunday.
Going through the caves at mid-day in mid-March would be much like going to Trunk Bay at the same time. We enjoyed staying on VG and went through the caves several times. It's very different to be in the caves alone than it is as part of a group filing through together. Even during peak season, if you're on your own, you can hang out on Devils Bay, and wait for the crowds to move out and get into the caves before the next group files in.
It's a short taxi ride from the ferry to the Baths. We spent some time in the caves, some time at Devils Bay. Top of the Baths and Mad Dog's are wonderful places to get something to eat and drink.. We got an early taxi back so we'd have time to poke around Spanishtown before catching the ferry back to STJ.
Jeez bd---
I also destroyed a camera on our first trip into the caves. Doesn't take much water to fry one. Not necessary for it to be submerged. One of the most beautiful spots on the planet and no camera. My wife was kind enough to allow me to use hers some of the time, but with strict limits about where I could go if I wanted to use it.
Going through the caves at mid-day in mid-March would be much like going to Trunk Bay at the same time. We enjoyed staying on VG and went through the caves several times. It's very different to be in the caves alone than it is as part of a group filing through together. Even during peak season, if you're on your own, you can hang out on Devils Bay, and wait for the crowds to move out and get into the caves before the next group files in.
It's a short taxi ride from the ferry to the Baths. We spent some time in the caves, some time at Devils Bay. Top of the Baths and Mad Dog's are wonderful places to get something to eat and drink.. We got an early taxi back so we'd have time to poke around Spanishtown before catching the ferry back to STJ.
Jeez bd---
I also destroyed a camera on our first trip into the caves. Doesn't take much water to fry one. Not necessary for it to be submerged. One of the most beautiful spots on the planet and no camera. My wife was kind enough to allow me to use hers some of the time, but with strict limits about where I could go if I wanted to use it.
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ColoradoMom
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2010 10:48 pm
- Location: Boulder, Colorado