Just wishing that I had to select a Tortola Shore Excursion

[Mom24Princesses]

I saw the request from a mom for what to do on Tortola. I wish I had that problem. When DCL announced that Tortola would be a port of call it was very bitter sweet. If I were picking a PoC that is what I'd pick - but there is no way for us to cruise anytime soon,
even in a 5 year plan.

BUT DH and I did spend a week in the VIs a few years back and I can share some insight on some of the locations of some of the Tortola Shore Excursions.

Tortola is beautiful. As I read about the exs I found few I did not think were great.
The ones that interested me most were: (We like beaches!!)
A Day at the Baths
Tour to Virgin Gorda
Snorkel at Norman Island
Virgin Islands Sail, Snorkel and Beach Adventure
Kayak at Peter Island
Jost Van D*ke Beach Day (JVD is very famous for the Soggy Dollar Bar! - you may have seen it on The Travel Channel or read about - you must "swim to shore" so your dollars are wet and they have a little clothesline to hang up the dollars to dry.)

Many of the others that did not leave Tortola sounded good too.
Below are a few pictures we made on our trip.

The Baths (not the best picture - amazing place!)
We spent a day here. Very much like a Shore Ex.

Norman Island - most beautiful water I have ever seen!
We came here to snorkel. This was the clearest, richest, most beautiful water I believe that we've snorkeled in and we've been to a lot of Caribbean snorkeling sites.

SAD NOTE - I saw on the Travel Channel that some rich American had bought the island and wants to put mega-estates across the top of the island. You may need to see this one before it is gone.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you for posting I am going to study this as I want to go to the baths.

 

[NancyIL]

Thanks for posting your beautiful photos! I had been thinking of doing an excursion to Virgin Gorda on my Royal Caribbean cruise in April...and seeing your photos makes me pretty sure that's what I will do.

 

[son3disfan]

Mom24Princesses...

Thanks for the GORGEOUS photos!

I think I'm the MOM that you are talking about...

Unlike you, we have never been to the Virgin Islands ( or anywhere else but Florida really..) We took our first cruise this past March -a very short 3 day-and got hooked into booking onboard. The price was so good on the 7 day, we had to do it! I know NOTHING about Tortola or the Virgin Island so I'm looking to get as much info as I can before we go. I really appreciate your feedback.

Because our group varies so much in age, I think it will be the Island drive and beach lunch for us ( any comments on that one??? Worth it for a first timer??) The Baths are breathtaking, but probably not doable with my group.

Thanks again. I love to hear other peoples experiences...

 

[sharen24]

Thank you so much for posting. I can't wait until September when I can see it for myself.

 

[jlawall]

I saw the request from a mom for what to do on Tortola. I wish I had that problem. When DCL announced that Tortola would be a port of call it was very bitter sweet. If I were picking a PoC that is what I'd pick - but there is no way for us to cruise anytime soon,
even in a 5 year plan.

BUT DH and I did spend a week in the VIs a few years back and I can share some insight on some of the locations of some of the Tortola Shore Excursions.

Tortola is beautiful. As I read about the exs I found few I did not think were great.
The ones that interested me most were: (We like beaches!!)
A Day at the Baths
Tour to Virgin Gorda
Snorkel at Norman Island
Virgin Islands Sail, Snorkel and Beach Adventure
Kayak at Peter Island
Jost Van D*ke Beach Day (JVD is very famous for the Soggy Dollar Bar! - you may have seen it on The Travel Channel or read about - you must "swim to shore" so your dollars are wet and they have a little clothesline to hang up the dollars to dry.)

Many of the others that did not leave Tortola sounded good too.
Below are a few pictures we made on our trip.

The Baths (not the best picture - amazing place!)
We spent a day here. Very much like a Shore Ex.

Norman Island - most beautiful water I have ever seen!
We came here to snorkel. This was the clearest, richest, most beautiful water I believe that we've snorkeled in and we've been to a lot of Caribbean snorkeling sites.

SAD NOTE - I saw on the Travel Channel that some rich American had bought the island and wants to put mega-estates across the top of the island. You may need to see this one before it is gone.

Thx so much for posting these amazing pics..........the Baths are wonderful after you do the hike.....thx again.......

 

[RLccweems]

Thanks for the info...the pics are great. The color of the water is so beautiful! I can't wait to go in June.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the info...the pics are great. The color of the water is so beautiful! I can't wait to go in June.

Looking forward to it myself in August.

 

[WIFamily]

We have signed up for Virgin Islands Sail, Snorkel and Beach Adventure for our upcoming April 17th cruise. Very interested if anyone has done this one on previous sailings with other ships.

 

[JJsmama]

The Baths (not the best picture - amazing place!)
We spent a day here. Very much like a Shore Ex.

Norman Island
We came here to snorkel. This was the clearest, richest, most beautiful water I believe that we've snorkeled in and we've been to a lot of Caribbean snorkeling sites.

Thanks for the info. Just booked my excursions. Is the photo above from the Baths side or Devils Bay side? I get claustrophobic so I don't want to go all the way through the caves between the two sides. (Dh and DS might.) I was planning to take the lesser used trail to Devils Bay. If the side you show in the pic is Baths side (which is near restrooms, etc) I might just stay there. I had read Devils Bay was nicer but that one is beautiful enough for me!

We have signed up for Virgin Islands Sail, Snorkel and Beach Adventure for our upcoming April 17th cruise. Very interested if anyone has done this one on previous sailings with other ships.

This is the one I am considering if I change from the 'Tour to Virgin Gorda.' Not loving that the transit time to get to Baths is 1 hour each way (ferry then bus.) At least the transit time on the snorkeling boat would feel more like part of the fun...??
I like the idea of a less crowded option with the snorkeling trip, but Ds8 is going to need a beach to rest on. Decisions Decisions...

 

[mom4fun]

We will be going in April. This will be our first time there and we selected tour to virgin Gorda that goes to the Baths. Do you think this would be the best on for us to do for first timer's? We are an active couple with a teenage son.