Things to do in Tortola?

I was told to avoid the Baths as they are very crowded and not that impressive.

I don’t know. It’s on my bucket list. I’ve seen videos saying « overcrowded« and don’t find it that bad...
 
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We did the Beach Express to Beef Beach. We went earlier this year and enjoyed it. It was a newer excursion at the time, added after the hurricane did damage to other areas. They had tents selling food/drinks/souvenirs. We didn't buy anything. Had inflatable water trampoline that my dd enjoyed, was an extra charge($5 I think). Nice sand, gentle waves. Had bathrooms and outside showers to rinse off sand. I would go back.
 
Outstanding snorkeling. If you can book a small group sailing (ie not via DCL) to the Indians, there are often turtles.
 
So we are booked for the Baths, but I am getting concerned that my husband may not be able to manage them. How physical are they?
 
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So we are booked for the Baths, but I am getting concerned that my husband may not be able to manage them. How physical are they?
Very. And they can be claustrophobic. If your spouse is at all unsteady or challenged, you may want to check out YouTube for videos.
 
4 X 4 Beach Adventure (TT13) we did this tour while at Tortola and loved it. A little history of the island and scenic views/photo opportunities and then a nice beach area, not very crowded at all. I would do this one again. At the beach there is some food to purchase (local grilled stuff) and beach chairs to rent.
 
Frequent BVI vusitor here.

There are so many great experiences throughout the BVI's, but as a ship visitor with a limited time frame, you should base it on what your interests are.

First, FWIW, the Baths ARE a great, very unique experience. Unfortunately, yes, when visited with cruise ship excursions, they are crowded and IMO, not fully experienced/appreciated. There is also a certain amount of physical effort, my wife (we are young "seniors" - never thought I'd have to say that, lol ) with a bad knee and back is unable to go through, though when chartering there, we can visit the outer area and beach by tender. Not really feasible off the ship unless you find a private vendor.

As a pp states, snorkeling by the Indians is great. Again, that's if you're a snorkeler. Otherwise. . . .

For first-time visitors with DCL, a great excursion is the Tortola by Land and Sea. It is a combo of a power catamaran overview of the nearby islands and the Sir Francis Drake channel, and an open-air bus tour of a great portion of Tortola. In the past, the caramaran left right from the main dock area of Tortola, and left you over on the West End, near shops, Soper's Hole marina, and Pusser's bar / restaurant. Unfortunately the West End suffered a lot of damage from Irma in 2017. When we were there this November, the Land and Sea tour was adjusted to be a round-trip to the main dock area of Roadtown. They claimed that the West End was going to be operational around January, but not sure if that will be the case. No matter, really, you can visit the Roadtown outpost of Pusser's right across from the parking lot where you catch the open-air bus if having a Painkiller is on your list.
If you're lucky, you'll catch the catamaran with David as your guide. Super knowledgeable, personable, and funny.
Score yourself points by knowing that, in the Islands, they pronounce his name Day-wid.
The bus portion will impress you with the switchback twists and turns both up and down the trip, with constant great views around every turn, occasional photo stops, and hopefully a stop at one of the small "lookout" bars for great photos as well as a Painkiller... . . You see my preferences, lol ?

Anyway, that's my input for now. Dedicated beach afficianados can find stuff up their alley as well.
 
We did the half day excursion to Jost Van Dyke beach and it was amazing! I highly recommend it! The beach was beautiful, you can walk down the beach for the original Painkiller if you’re so inclined, plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas and not overly crowded. It was perfectly relaxing! Try for the morning excursion if you can.
 
We just got back from cruise to Tortola. My wife has limited walking capability and uses wheelchair for anything over short distances. Been there and done that as far as beaches go. We used a taxi from inside the 'approved' area for a two hour tour of the island and were very satisfied.
 
We did the half day excursion to Jost Van Dyke beach and it was amazing! I highly recommend it! The beach was beautiful, you can walk down the beach for the original Painkiller if you’re so inclined, plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas and not overly crowded. It was perfectly relaxing! Try for the morning excursion if you can.

We did this as well. Relaxing and a beautiful place. Highly recommend.
 
We did a snorkelling day with Aristocat Tours. They were amazing and the day snorkelling was awesome. We stopped in 3 spots. I would do that again in a heartbeat.
 
So on our last cruise something went in his back, he had never had problems before. Now he's having problems with his shoulder and I'm afraid that he may end up with surgery. He see's the Dr on Monday. I think the taxi thing sounds good, and very well may be what we do. I think that I will wait till after the Dr appointment to cancel and go from there.
 
I second the poster who suggested Aristocats Charters. Hands down one of the best things we've done at any stop. We liked it so much, we've done it twice. Great crew, small ship, good food and drink and super easy from the port. If we're in Tortola again, we'll do it again. You can find a lot of additional reviews on Tripadvisor.
 
I was told to avoid the Baths as they are very crowded and not that impressive.

We went on our own to the baths. Caught the first ferry and had the first beach 100% to our selves for a good 30 minutes. A non-stressed non-crowded trip thru the baths, and then to the other beach. Got there about the time the crowds started getting dropped off at the second beach by boat. Very beautiful, super easy to do on your own.
 
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