Tortola Excursion Reviews

[justmestace]

Did anyone happen to see how close (or far) to the port Colombian Emeralds is? Tortola..

 

[razorbackfan]

I was also on the Tortola cruise that just got back. Just typed this out for another DISer so I'll copy & paste:

In Tortola, we spent the morning walking around Road Town. It's very small and we felt like we saw everything in the 2-3 hours we spent there, including lunch. It's mostly shops that sell sounveniors. If you plan to have lunch in Road Town and are interested in local food, check out Midtown Restaurant and Roti Palace. The food was delicious!! Sunny Caribbee and Pusser's are the must-visit shopping places.

We did the Tour to Virgin Gorda excursion, which takes you to The Baths. There was a lot more walking/hiking than we thought so you really need to wear comfortable walking shoes. Watch out for your little ones too. There were several children who fell on cactus during the walks up and down from The Baths or cut their legs on the rocks in The Caves. The Caves also took longer to go through than I thought it would but Devil's Bay Beach is absolutely gorgeous. There is also a wonderful pool of water with fish and sea life inside The Caves. Overall, the time at The Baths seemed too short. After grabbing a snack at the bar and then walking through The Caves, we only had about 15 minutes to spend at the beach. But going to the The Baths was truly unique and beautiful!

We did the St. John Island Tour and it was great. We saw St. John's most famous beaches from up above and got some gorgeous photos. You also get about 20 minutes at Cinnamon Bay Beach and it was gorgeous. After the tour, we went shopping in St. Thomas on our own. Though there are shops at Havensight Pier where the ships dock, the best shopping is in Charolette Amalie. If you plan to buy jewelry, definitely go to the Shopping Seminar on the ship and get the coupons. I learned a lot about what St. Thomas has to offer and saved hundreds of dollars with them!

So...would you do the Baths on your own if you go again or would you stick with Disney's excursion??? We have the Disney excursion booked, but would like more time at the Baths and are contemplating going on our own. Do you know anyone that braved it and went on their own? Thanks

 

[ametaldiva]

I would wear sneakers, not a flip flops or opened toe shoes. The trek down isn't too bad but the trek back up from the Baths is rather grueling since you are going uphill. Once we got down to the beach, we change into water shoes or flip flops. I wore my water shoes on the way back up and that was a BAD idea. I should have dried off my feet and put my sneakers back on. It would have been much better. Someone on our excursion got a huge bloody blister on her foot so definitely wear sneakers!!

Hi Rebecca! That person with the huge bloody blister would be me. As of today I still have to wear flip flops at work. If you go to the Baths I would strongly suggest bringing sneakers and socks and changing into those for the hike back up the hill. Also, I thought that a swimsuit with shorts for a bottom would be a good idea - it WASN'T - I got the worst chafing of my entire life. By the time I got back to the top of the Baths I was NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. Hope this was not TMI for anyone, but I am just trying to help some folks avoid the situation I ended up in! Also, don't count on being able to wash your feet, shoes, or anything else off when you get back to the top - I asked FOUR different people where I could wash my feet and shoes off and I kept getting pointed in different directions. I won't tell you what I did (although anyone from the Disboards who was near me might recall a woman getting a little "redneck" out of sheer frustration and pain... lol), I just want everyone to be aware that there isn't anywhere to wash things off if you need to (not that I found anyway).

Also, as I believe Rebecca said in a previous post - this excursion was more strenuous than I thought it would be. It was not too easy to get through some parts of the Baths and after that the last thing you want to do is spend 15 - 20 minutes hiking up a hill in a wet swimsuit and sandals. Also, remember that if you decide to use one of the lockers (on the right, before you enter the Baths), that you will have to go back through the Baths or trek back down the pathway to the Baths (after going all the way back up) to get your things from the locker. I would NOT suggest using a locker - just carry whatever you need with you.

I would also like to note that I didn't feel the excursion was long enough - with all of the travel involved, by the time we got to the Baths and then the beach we probably only had an hour and half total (I would guess) between the two. It felt like as soon you got in the water at Devil's Bay that it was time to get out. If we ever go back I think we will do an excursion on our own if we can get more time at the Baths and Devil's Bay Beach.

In all, I do want to say that I thought the Baths and Devil's Bay Beach were absolutely beautiful and I am so glad that we went to see them. However, I now know what to do and not do for next time (if there ever is one)!

If anyone has any other questions feel free to ask!

 

[mommybunnyof2]

Thanks for all the great information about touring Tortola. We are doing The Baths excursion through Disney. Do you think crocs would be ok for the trek up? I really don't want to haul around four sets of sneakers.

 

[ametaldiva]

Thanks for all the great information about touring Tortola. We are doing The Baths excursion through Disney. Do you think crocs would be ok for the trek up? I really don't want to haul around four sets of sneakers.

Personally, I would wear sneakers. However, if you are used to wearing Crocs and you have "tested" them, or, in other words, worn them for long periods of time while doing extensive walking, also walking in them while wet - and your feet were fine - then I would say Crocs would be okay. I own a pair of Crocs and while they are comfortable, they are not comfortable enough and rugged enough (to me) to wear while trekking through the Baths or back up the walkway to the top of the Baths. I also think they might make walking too slippery in some places.

 

[amy2girls]

We were on the cruise last week- Awesome time!
Tortola- We did the sail, snorkle, beach- (1/2 day)good time, but not spectacular- the snorkling was good, but no great- only about 45 min. of beach time. Got back on the ship for lunch then went back out for some shopping around town.

St. Thomas - booked a private island, shopping and beach tour- Sunny Liston- this was very fun- went to ?Saphire beach- very nice!

Castaway- Awesome,Awesome, Awesome!!! So relaxing, great food, water a little chilly, kids had a great time on play structure! Rented bikes- very fun!

Sea days- tons to do- very fun!

 

[Evans Family]

What is the rotation on the cruise...i.e. when is formal night, semi formal night, pirates night etc.

Thanks.

 

[MrsG]

Hi Rebecca! That person with the huge bloody blister would be me. As of today I still have to wear flip flops at work. If you go to the Baths I would strongly suggest bringing sneakers and socks and changing into those for the hike back up the hill. Also, I thought that a swimsuit with shorts for a bottom would be a good idea - it WASN'T - I got the worst chafing of my entire life. By the time I got back to the top of the Baths I was NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. Hope this was not TMI for anyone, but I am just trying to help some folks avoid the situation I ended up in! Also, don't count on being able to wash your feet, shoes, or anything else off when you get back to the top - I asked FOUR different people where I could wash my feet and shoes off and I kept getting pointed in different directions. I won't tell you what I did (although anyone from the Disboards who was near me might recall a woman getting a little "redneck" out of sheer frustration and pain... lol), I just want everyone to be aware that there isn't anywhere to wash things off if you need to (not that I found anyway).

Also, as I believe Rebecca said in a previous post - this excursion was more strenuous than I thought it would be. It was not too easy to get through some parts of the Baths and after that the last thing you want to do is spend 15 - 20 minutes hiking up a hill in a wet swimsuit and sandals. Also, remember that if you decide to use one of the lockers (on the right, before you enter the Baths), that you will have to go back through the Baths or trek back down the pathway to the Baths (after going all the way back up) to get your things from the locker. I would NOT suggest using a locker - just carry whatever you need with you.

I would also like to note that I didn't feel the excursion was long enough - with all of the travel involved, by the time we got to the Baths and then the beach we probably only had an hour and half total (I would guess) between the two. It felt like as soon you got in the water at Devil's Bay that it was time to get out. If we ever go back I think we will do an excursion on our own if we can get more time at the Baths and Devil's Bay Beach.

In all, I do want to say that I thought the Baths and Devil's Bay Beach were absolutely beautiful and I am so glad that we went to see them. However, I now know what to do and not do for next time (if there ever is one)!

If anyone has any other questions feel free to ask!

Thank you so much for your honest review. We have booked this DCL excursion and I have "fussy" feet so this help is immeasurable to me. Thank you!!!!! I probably would have just worn water shoes for this excursion but I will happily bring my sneakers AND socks!!!! Even with sand on my feet, they would be more comfortable than watershoes or sandals.

 

[sunburnin]

Hi All!

Just back here from our vacation as well. We did the Beach, Island and Lunch tour (or whatever its called) and it was fun. Tour of the island for about an hour, about 2 hours at Cane Garden Bay including lunch time), then about a 45 minute tour back. If I recall we met on the ship at 9:30, departed the ship around 9:50, walked to the bus and left the port around 10:05, got to the beach around 11:30 ish??? Back on the bus at 1:30 and back to the boat by 2:30. Our bus driver, Karl, was very funny and entertaining and explains a lot about the island.

As mentioned earlier, they pride themselves on not having any "chain" restaraunts or shops. I was in tortola in 2002 and not much has changed - that's a good thing!

All that being said, for someone looking for just quality beach time, do this on your own and skip the tour. It will be cheaper and give you more flexibility with your time.

 

[sunburnin]

We took our passports to get stamped on Tortola. It was the first for the kids so a fun souvenier.

You have to go to the Customs House near the marina. From the ship and facing the island, it's to the left and probably a 10-15 minute walk tops. Past the shopping tents, past the government building, past a cute shopping area, and its in a small 2 story building on the water at the marina. Took 2 minutes to get the stamps. Very easy.

Note: do not go to the Goverment Building - big white center. That's not the right facility. Keep going past it to the marina.

 

[dizneykids]

Personally, I would wear sneakers. However, if you are used to wearing Crocs and you have "tested" them, or, in other words, worn them for long periods of time while doing extensive walking, also walking in them while wet - and your feet were fine - then I would say Crocs would be okay. I own a pair of Crocs and while they are comfortable, they are not comfortable enough and rugged enough (to me) to wear while trekking through the Baths or back up the walkway to the top of the Baths. I also think they might make walking too slippery in some places.

Here's an alternative we are trying based on reviews at Cruise Critic. We have contacted Patouche tours in Tortola, and for $80 pp including drinks and snacks, personal tour through the Baths and taxi to/from their boat, they catamaran over and approach the Baths from the water. You swim in to tour the Baths. So, when it's time to leave, you simply swim back out to your boat!

 

[aznaphrodite]

Did anyone happen to see how close (or far) to the port Colombian Emeralds is? Tortola..

Colombian Emeralds is close to the pier. I have the shopping map that I can e-mail you. Just PM me your e-mail address.

What is the rotation on the cruise...i.e. when is formal night, semi formal night, pirates night etc.

Thanks.

It's the same as other Eastern Caribbean cruises:

Sunday - Formal night
Tuesday - Pirate night
Thursday - Semi-formal night

So...would you do the Baths on your own if you go again or would you stick with Disney's excursion??? We have the Disney excursion booked, but would like more time at the Baths and are contemplating going on our own. Do you know anyone that braved it and went on their own? Thanks

If I went back again, I would probably do it on my own just because it was way too short. However, since it was our first time going to Tortola, I was much more comfortable going through the excursion.

I asked FOUR different people where I could wash my feet and shoes off and I kept getting pointed in different directions.

Also, remember that if you decide to use one of the lockers (on the right, before you enter the Baths), that you will have to go back through the Baths or trek back down the pathway to the Baths (after going all the way back up) to get your things from the locker. I would NOT suggest using a locker - just carry whatever you need with you.

I think others have mentioned there are showers where the restrooms are by the beach but they were out of order when we went and they didn't look like they have been working for a long time.

I forgot about the lockers! Yes! Don't use the lockers unless you plan to stay at The Baths beach (not go to Devil's Bay or through The Caves) or you'll have to go all the back down the hill to retrieve your stuff!

 

[ametaldiva]

Here's an alternative we are trying based on reviews at Cruise Critic. We have contacted Patouche tours in Tortola, and for $80 pp including drinks and snacks, personal tour through the Baths and taxi to/from their boat, they catamaran over and approach the Baths from the water. You swim in to tour the Baths. So, when it's time to leave, you simply swim back out to your boat!

I have been on Cruise Critic and heard about some of the places you can contact to do tours on your own - I just didn't feel comfortable doing that being as this was our first visit to Tortola and with all the transportation involved to get to Virgin Gorda I didn't want to take any chances. However, if there is a next time (and I hope there is), we will most likely do a tour that approaches the Baths from the water or we will be sure to be better prepared for the hike back uphill.

 

[SophiasDad]

We were on the Tortola Cruise as well. We are beach people and love spending the time while in port on the beach. Since it was Disney's first time on Tortola, and for us, we were going to take an excursion to the beach. The Ocean 7's beach tour was canceled due to beach erosion from a prior storm. The Jost Van Drake beach tour was another option but did not give us ample time to enjoy the beach. In addition, there was a 45 min. boat ride and then a tender into the beach. It was very expensive as well. We decided to go at it on our own and take a taxi to Cane Garden Bay. $6.00 each way. DS3 was free. $7.00 for chairs and $3.00 for an umbrella. The people were very friendly and the beach was great. Very little surf was great for DD4 and DS3. If it wasnt for the steady rain to come down about 2pm, we would have stayed on the beach as late as possible. We enjoyed the Tortola itinerary very much. We have been to St. Maartin numerous times and would choose Tortola over it. Combined with St. Thomas (Megans Bay our family's favorite beach ever!!!) and Castaway Cay its the perfect vacation!!! Just our opinion.

 

[JOANNEL]

Did any one do the Island tour on Tortola? I have My Mom 88 and sister 68 booked on it. I Hope they can do it by themselves since I am going snorkling.

 

[5lilfish]

Just how bad is the ride to Brewer's Bay? We've been to plenty of ports and none of the rides are what I would consider fun. Is Brewer's Bay even worse? Our party will include 2 toddlers....will we be ok holding onto them. I know the drive to Coki Beach in St. Thomas isn't pleasant but it's not bad enough to keep us from going back (we love the snorkeling from shore and hear Brewer's Bay is similar). Should we be ok?

thanks...
Jess

 

[Grumpyismyfavorite]

We were on the Tortola Cruise as well. We are beach people and love spending the time while in port on the beach. Since it was Disney's first time on Tortola, and for us, we were going to take an excursion to the beach. The Ocean 7's beach tour was canceled due to beach erosion from a prior storm. The Jost Van Drake beach tour was another option but did not give us ample time to enjoy the beach. In addition, there was a 45 min. boat ride and then a tender into the beach. It was very expensive as well. We decided to go at it on our own and take a taxi to Cane Garden Bay. $6.00 each way. DS3 was free. $7.00 for chairs and $3.00 for an umbrella. The people were very friendly and the beach was great. Very little surf was great for DD4 and DS3. If it wasnt for the steady rain to come down about 2pm, we would have stayed on the beach as late as possible. We enjoyed the Tortola itinerary very much. We have been to St. Maartin numerous times and would choose Tortola over it. Combined with St. Thomas (Megans Bay our family's favorite beach ever!!!) and Castaway Cay its the perfect vacation!!! Just our opinion.

We love, love, love Magen's Bay as well and think Castaway Cay is awesome. I'm excited to hear your opinion and think we will definitely have to take that route in August. Perfect vacation....here we come!

 

[codenamejack]

..

 

[aznaphrodite]

By the way, I've read that there are two paths down to the beach - an easy one and the Devil's Bay one. Which one did the tour take? And did you have to walk through any water? It seems like it might be hard to do that in shoes and socks.

Yes, there are 2 paths. The easier one (which the tour takes) goes down to The Baths. The harder one goes to Devil's Bay. What we did was take the easy path to The Baths, went through The Caves, and you end up on Devil's Bay. You then have to take the Devil's Bay path back up OR go back through The Caves, which is an additional 15 minutes, so most people went back up the Devil's Bay path.

 

[nicki.momof3]

We booked a dolphin encounter on our own (half the price of DCL excursion) so we have to take a taxi to get there. How easy are they to get once you get off the ship and how long is the ride. Also price per person??

Thanks