St. John to Virgin Gorda

[Cruzan]

So, we've booked a charter flight to Anegada from STT. Now, looking for a way to go to Virgin Gorda, no air charters this time, and spend pretty much an entire day there. As I look at the ferry schedule, it doesn't look too forgiving. Can you share the best way to go to Virgin Gorda, either from STT or STJ, and spend most of the day there?

Thanks!!!

[Gizzmo]

I was just passing by and saw your ?. Cape Air and Air Sunshine fly from STT to VG. To each his own but I would not make a day trip to VG. The bars at bitter end are great. The mineshaft at dark a must do and Dixies brandy shakes can't be beat. Savannah beach is Gods end of the earth, the Baths are overrated and the snorkeling, well ....sucks. My advice for what it is worth stay in STJ and make VG another adventure on it's own. ...Giz

[jmq]

If you go by day boat, go with a faster power boat that can cover the distance quicker. Maybe some who have done that with Lion In Da Sun, New Horizons II, etc. will chime in here. Unfortunately, none seem to offer the option of coming back late and checking back into customs the next day like Capt. Clark of White Wing daysail used to do.

The best public ferry options are on Thu and Sun, leaves STT Red Hook at 8, stops in STJ Cruz bay at 8:30, then direct to VG, departs VG at 3pm. It’s about an 80 min ride from STJ to VG. Check the Tortola cruise ship schedule to make sure the Baths aren’t overrun on the day you chose to go. The best BVI ferry information and schedules are here in the drop down box.

http://www.bestofbvi.com/info/info_bviferry.htm

[BPT]

We took the ferry once from St John to VG for the day. We had Mahogany Car Rental meet us at the ferry dock with a car. We had about 5 hours on the island. We enjoy ferry rides so the trip there and back was fun. It's a busy, full day but if you have not been then I'd say go and see if you like it. Then go back and spend a week or a month! Also, our first time to the BVI's was on Stormy Petrel. We went to the Baths, Cooper Island for lunch and Norman Island for a snorkel. That was in 1992. From that trip we fell in love with the BVI's! I was on Stormy Petrel again 2 years ago. Was almost the identical trip all these years later and it was just as awesome a day. Just my thoughts. We also used Lion in da Sun last year for a day trip to Jost and loved them as well.

[Lex]

The first time we went to VG was a day trip by ferry from STJ. We wanted to get a taste of VG, not just a brief trip into The Baths. It worked out really well. It was not only the least expensive choice, it also gave us the most time on the island. I also like to be able to move around on my own, rather than as part of a group. We liked it so much that we eventually went back for a week.