USVI-On-Line

We've done the daytrip to the Baths and to Jost & Foxy's. I was considering doing the ferry to Tortola. It doesn't seem to take long to get there and its not too expensive.

What's the deal once you get there? What is there to do and see? Would it be kid friendly?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

I have been researching this too as I have wanted to day trip to Tortola. The concensus seems to be that you need a car to get around as it is a bigger island. Think it could be done by taxi if you had some kind of itinerary set. Cane Garden Bay looks fun, but on cruise ship days gets ridiculously crowded. I have seen pictures. Check out b-v-i.com for some excellent info on Tortola and all of the BVI's. Lots of good beach and restaurant recommendations. I also ran across a taxi service but never inquired further, mcleantours.com.

Tortola is very big and "busy" - kind of like STT. I've been there for carnival a few times, but have never stayed there overnight. (It's quite a carnival - it's in August, I believe) Cane Garden Bay is cute - we've been there on a charter sailboat a few times.

But, if you go - definitely check out Roti Palace in Roadtown. The best roti I have ever had in my life, along wtih homemade hot sauce. The lady that runs it is so sweet. It's up a big flight of stairs, and looks a little dumpy, but I'm telling you it's not to miss.

You need a car. Period. The best deal is the Hertz at the Jolly Roger in Sopers Hole/West End. Otherwise you need to take a taxi to and from Road Town. Call ahead and confirm that there will be someone there to meet you. The Jolly Roger is a great place for a drink and a bite.

I would do a Smugglers Cove, Bomba Shack, Cane Garden Bay, Brewers Bay loop with a finish at Sage Mountain before returning to West End. There are places to eat at Smugglers Cove, Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay. Like most of the BVIs, beach bars are the norm.

Kid friendly? If they like beaches!

The roads into and out of Brewers Bay can be hairy. If it's wet be careful. Hairy, I mean more challenging than St. John.

I would also buy a round trip ticket. The ticket sellers at West End are crazy and will do whatever it takes to sell their ticket. Each ferry line has their own ticket sellers.

Cheers, RickG

Thanks all - esp. RickG - for the low down. I suspected it was bigger/more STT like but I like to see something different each trip. I'll have to dig a bit deeper and see if its what I want to do. Renting a car would be no problem and actually my preference. Don't like depending on taxis.

I just wonder if there are other better options (other than Virgin Gorda or Jost) that I am not thinking of. I am so STJ centric I guess I need to get to googling!

flip-flop wrote:I just wonder if there are other better options (other than Virgin Gorda or Jost) that I am not thinking of. I am so STJ centric I guess I need to get to googling!

Depending on your budget, you could get an air charter out of STT for Anegada. It's a beautiful island and will blow you away. Imagine a beach longer than Cinnamon Bay with a bar/restaurant on each end and only one villa? I've always wanted to stay at Lavenda Breeze - http://www.lavendabreeze.com/. We have friends, that we met island hopping, that love to stay at Cow Wreck Beach.

Cheers, RickG

ohhhhhhhh that sounds tempting. perhaps something that hubby and wife could do leaving gramma with the kiddos. She is usually VERY gracious and takes them on for a day and an evening or two while we are traveling...why do you think we take her. That's how we got to St. Barths while in St. Martin.

This all reminds me I need to get my passport renewed it expires in July!

The air charter is about $600 from STT round trip. It gets reasonable when you split it four ways. Imagine Anegada in less time than it takes to get to Red Hook. 27 miles of beach and no people. Christine and I have not been back since they killed the scheduled Clair Aero flight out of Tortola. $60 round trip was a deal.

Cheers, RickG

I wonder if there are any flights out of STT that aren't private charters for less? I think we paid $140 pp out of SXM to St. Barth's. Too bad you aren't coming for THanksgiving this year RickG ... we could split a 4 way easily. $600 might be a little steep for 2 for a day.

Maybe closer to our trip I'll start harrassing random forumites who are traveling when we are

flip-flop wrote:Too bad you aren't coming for THanksgiving this year RickG ... we could split a 4 way easily.

So naughty...

RickG wrote:

flip-flop wrote:Too bad you aren't coming for THanksgiving this year RickG ... we could split a 4 way easily.

So naughty...

I am unintentionally naughty I SWEAR...I am a nice girl. I gotta review my posts better in the future.

Ya, I'll get the comment from NoTanLines/Christine around 7 tonight while she's catching up on the day's forum traffic: "So, you were flirting with your forum girlfriends again today?" Yep, feel free to chime in baby!

Now, back to work!

Cheers, RickG

A little flirting never hurt anyone. . . that said, please don't beat me up Christine. We live too close I know you could find me if you needed to!

RickG,
Do you have any more information about that private charter? I MIGHT consider it. I have yet to find a way to get to Anegada and back the same day from either STT or STJ. Last time we were there, we stopped at the kiosk in Cruz Bay for some information. The only flight from STT left at 5:00 in the afternoon which really was no help. There is no way to make the ferry from Tortola without overnighting each way. Any ideas??

flip flop,

We will likely be back on STJ the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving. We are lucky enough to go twice this year. Been saving my pennies. Keep us in the back of your mind if the times coincide. What a cool day trip that would be!!

Brenda - lucky you with two trips! I wish we could swing it. It's more a matter of leave than anything at this point!

Unfortunately we leave the day after Thanksgiving! Mary Beth is arriving that day, not sure if they would be interested at all but I thought I'd let you know.