Opinions on visiting BVI from STJ?

[STJ-lovin' Aggie]

We will be in STJ next week and are interested in a day trip to BVI, at least to see the Baths. It will be our only off-island excursion in a week-long stay.

In your opinion, is it better to take the Inter-Island ferry, which would allow us options of going only on Sunday or Thursday but provides no constraints on where you go, or should we book a trip from a captain-manned boat that goes to specific destinations such as Baths, snorkeling off BVI, Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke, etc?

How much time at Baths should we allow?

Also, has anyone ever booked the Bad Kitty (Calypso) or Breakaway Charters for a BVI trip, in particular, or can recommend another?

Thanks in advance!

[waterguy]

I've done breakways sister boat NH 2 had a great time

[alw1977]

We did the Breakaway trip back in 2007 and I really enjoyed it. It was a little larger than I typically care for, but still really fun. I would have preferred to be on the NH II boat, but it was booked for a private charter that day.

I am glad I saw the Baths, but it's a long ride to Virgin Gorda and frankly, I think it would be a bit boring to take the ferry and hang out on the beach there all day. It was great to get to Jost, Marina Cay and a snorkel stop on the same day as the Baths. Not sure about Bad Kitty, but that boat looks very cool.

[JJShaw]

Hi,
We took Bad Kitty this past April for a trip to the Baths, Normans Island, snorkel the Indians and then to Soggy Dollar. The thing we didnt like about it, was we felt like we were rushed thru the Baths along with the other stops all day. We had very little time at each place. Hubby said he felt like cattle being herded..lol If I had it to do over I would not do this trip. We were dissapointed for what we paid because we felt rushed at each place. I think I would choose another trip that didnt try to make so many stops in one day. Last Yr we sailed with Capt Clark and throughly enjoyed him and never felt rushed at all we even checked back in with Customs the next AM ..BTW, The crew on BK was wonderful, we did enjoyed that part of the trip...but...as they say...live and learn.

[lpowmacback]

We have taken the ferry from STJ two times and loved both! The ride is somewhat long- but it's quite scenic and we enjoyed it.

Both times, upon arriving at the dock in Virgin Gorda, we took a taxi to The Baths. We had plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling and exploring (make it a point to go over to Devil's Bay which is a short, easy hike from The Baths... the color of the water is nothing short of spectacular - and the feeling is surreal!

This time, when we go back to STJ in January, we plan on taking the ferry over to Jost.

[Chet]

Years ago our friends booked a day on Lion In Da Sun with Capt Alvin. They asked about the baths and Capt Alvin said it was a long way, not much to see there, and would take up most of the day. We dove the Rhone, went to the Caves and Indians, then spent some time at Tectite (Capt Alvin taught the NASA folks to dive). We had a very relaxing day in and out of the water and saw some spectacular things.

[Taghan]

We took our first trip with New Horizons II. This was the right choice for us being the first time, it allowed us to get to multiple locations and see a good amount. We went to the Baths, Marina Cay and Jost.

[piscesgirl0314]

We took our first trip with New Horizons II. This was the right choice for us being the first time, it allowed us to get to multiple locations and see a good amount. We went to the Baths, Marina Cay and Jost.

I agree with Taghan...we've done a couple of different excursions and this was by far my favorite. On a side note...when you stop on Jost, you have to swim to the island from the boat...there isn't a dock...We had our little girl with us, in a life jacket...it was a little challenging for her but she did it with no complaints...