Tortola - On our own vs. DCL excursion

[cmh314]

We are taking an Eastern Carribean on the Magic in April. When we are in Tortola we (myself, DH, DS 10 and DD 8) would like to visit The Baths. I am trying to find out as much as I can about doing this excursion on our own vs. as a ship excursion through DCL. We did a Western last year and booked our excursion to Stingray City in Grand Cayman on our own. We really liked having the flexibility to schedule an early excursion first thing when we could get off the ship to maximize our time on the island, smaller tour group and of course saving some money too. My concern with doing The Baths on our own is that I know there is a ferry involved, so we would not to cut it too close with leaving to head back to the ship. Our ship is scheduled to be in port 7:30am to 5:45 pm.

I am interested in any feedback from anyone who has done this excursion through DCl as well as those who have done it on their own. For those who used DCL - how long did you end up actually getting to stay at The Baths (not including your travel time back and forth) and does the excursion typically leave first thing when the ship docks or later in the morning? Also, it looks like there are two DCL excursions that go to the Baths. A Day at the Baths which is listed as a 5.5-6hr excursion and A Tour To Virgin Gorda which says 4-4.5 hours and is considerably less $. I'm trying to see if there are any differences between the two beyond how long you would spend at the Baths. According to the descriptions the longer tour says you're there for 2 hours and the shorter tour says 3 hours which doesn't seem right. Is that an error in the descriptions? Any other differences between the two?

For those who have done it on their own - how did you get to The Baths, did you schedule it in advance or just show up for the ferry day of, and how long did you need to allow to get back to the ship.

All feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

My understanding is that "a day at the baths" includes lunch and "a tour to virgin gorda" is without lunch.
The cost of the first is twice as much as the second and the only difference I see is the lunch.
I think that the time difference is because the one that includes lunch has a lunch hour allotted.

I initially booked the first (with lunch) and cancelled. I spoke with my husband and we did a side by side and determined the above information regarding lunch.
I logged in a few days later and I booked the latter.
I board tomorrow on the Wonder. If you bump this thread, next week after I return (next Sunday night), I will be happy to lay out my experience/s.

 

[catshaw]

Bumb

 

[jennifermcb]

We stayed in Tortola in June of 2015 and took a day trip to the Baths. We booked one which included lunch, and the lunch was just fabulous I think the trip was chartered through a group called "Speedys" but I can't be sure as a friend booked this particular excursion.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

We are taking an Eastern Carribean on the Magic in April. When we are in Tortola we (myself, DH, DS 10 and DD 8) would like to visit The Baths. I am trying to find out as much as I can about doing this excursion on our own vs. as a ship excursion through DCL. We did a Western last year and booked our excursion to Stingray City in Grand Cayman on our own. We really liked having the flexibility to schedule an early excursion first thing when we could get off the ship to maximize our time on the island, smaller tour group and of course saving some money too. My concern with doing The Baths on our own is that I know there is a ferry involved, so we would not to cut it too close with leaving to head back to the ship. Our ship is scheduled to be in port 7:30am to 5:45 pm.

I am interested in any feedback from anyone who has done this excursion through DCl as well as those who have done it on their own. For those who used DCL - how long did you end up actually getting to stay at The Baths (not including your travel time back and forth) and does the excursion typically leave first thing when the ship docks or later in the morning? Also, it looks like there are two DCL excursions that go to the Baths. A Day at the Baths which is listed as a 5.5-6hr excursion and A Tour To Virgin Gorda which says 4-4.5 hours and is considerably less $. I'm trying to see if there are any differences between the two beyond how long you would spend at the Baths. According to the descriptions the longer tour says you're there for 2 hours and the shorter tour says 3 hours which doesn't seem right. Is that an error in the descriptions? Any other differences between the two?

For those who have done it on their own - how did you get to The Baths, did you schedule it in advance or just show up for the ferry day of, and how long did you need to allow to get back to the ship.

All feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

"how long did you end up actually getting to stay at The Baths (not including your travel time back and forth) and does the excursion typically leave first thing when the ship docks or later in the morning?"-- We arrived in St. Thomas around 11 am. Our excursion time was 11:50. We had a roughly 45 minute ferry ride and approximately 3 hours on the island itself.

"Also, it looks like there are two DCL excursions that go to the Baths. A Day at the Baths which is listed as a 5.5-6hr excursion and A Tour To Virgin Gorda which says 4-4.5 hours and is considerably less $. I'm trying to see if there are any differences between the two beyond how long you would spend at the Baths. According to the descriptions the longer tour says you're there for 2 hours and the shorter tour says 3 hours which doesn't seem right. Is that an error in the descriptions? Any other differences between the two?"-- It's still my understanding that the only difference between the two was that one had lunch provided and the other did not. We did the one without lunch. It's my understanding that the one with lunch arrived to the island shortly before ours did and left before ours did too.

Hope this helps.

 

[bethann2103]

I am looking for this information as well. We tried to book "Virgin Gorda Tour" tt23 and it was full (Jan 30th fantasy) however the other Bathes excursion tt04 you can not click on and it says price pending. We want to go regardless if we go with DCL just trying to find the easiest way.

 

[Autism Mom]

I am looking for this information as well. We tried to book "Virgin Gorda Tour" tt23 and it was full (Jan 30th fantasy) however the other Bathes excursion tt04 you can not click on and it says price pending. We want to go regardless if we go with DCL just trying to find the easiest way.

 

[Autism Mom]

Bethann2103, we are on the January 30th as well and wanted to book something but were unable too, they cancelled our other excursion. I am hoping we can find something.

 

[stacecakes]

I am in the midst of the same process for my family( me, DH, DD8, DD5) for our April 9 Fantasy trip. There have been a few threads touching on this over the past few days ( our 90 day was Saturday so I've been on topic since then). This is where I've gotten with my research:
DCL offers two different excursions: Virgin gorda tour and a day at the baths. I cut and pasted the text from each description into a separate document to compare, the only material difference was the "stop for lunch at Top of the Baths restaurant". SO value-wise, not sure that a meal offers $60ish dollars of added value (I always feel like I overeat on cruises anyway). SO while I had initial gone for the "day at the baths" for what seemed like extra time, it seems from the descriptors that the extra time is sent at lunch, not the baths. Both summaries say you'll have about 2 hours to explore. So when I went int cruise activities to switch over to the "tour of virgin gorda", a window popped up showing the "tour" running from 8:30-12:30, and the "day" running from 9:30-3:30. SO it looks like the tour would be more of a half day, leaving you with the afternoon either on deck or in port to do your own thing.

Further research led me to speedy's ferry services, which under their "specials" tab, offers:

• Tortola to Virgin Gorda on Speedy's Peacemaker
  or Speedy's Unforgettable – Virgin Gorda's very own Special Ferry Service
• Leaves Road Town at 9:00 am every day
• Returns to Road Town at 3:30 pm (on Sundays at 4:30 pm)
• Extended schedule on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays – last departure is at 5:00 pm from Virgin Gorda
• Taxi ride to the world-famous Baths for a day of sunand fun, with return trip to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
• Lunch at Virgin Gorda's No. 1 hot spot The Bath & Turtle, set in the midst of the best shopping on the islands. With the best selection of burgers, fish dishes, pastas, salads and pizzas

• All inclusive with lunch(includes complimentary Fruit or Rum Punch)
• Adults $48.00, Children under 12 $40.00
• Don't settle for anything less!

this seems very similar to the "day at the baths" DCL offering for roughly half the cost. Some reviewers seem to imply that the DCL tour actually takes the Speedy's ferry but do't hold me to that, it's secondhand information. Other reviews indicate that if you don't want the lunch offering the cost drops to about $40 for adults. The speedy's dock is a short walk from the cruise ship. they also indicate that you can buy passage on the ferry that day withour reservations if you're more a spur-of the moment person.

Even further research led me to Patouche charters, which offers full day trips to the Baths and another small island in the area on a catamaran for up to 16 pasengers. Their response to my inquiry for more information after reading what was available on their website, added this:

"Sure we can schedule a trip to The Baths that day. I will meet you at 0830 outside the gate to the cruise ship pier (10 min walk from ship). We will then board "Maverick" our 36' power catamaran for the short ride across the channel to our first snorkel spot at Cooper Island. Fabulous snorkeling at one of our favorite spots, then we go over to Cooper Island Beach Club for lunch.
After lunch we then go to The Baths (after the rest of your cruise ship pals leave), I lead you on a guided snorkel and walking tour of The Baths and then you have at least an hour or so to explore on your own before we then head back to Tortola arriving where I picked you up nolater than 400 pm.
Cost for the day $125 p.p. incl beverages on board (Water, soda, bottled beer and our special rum punch), snorkel gear and of course my personal attention
Does not include lunch ashore and crew gratuity.
Hope this helps email back with another questions and/or book online
kids are $50 off. your ship does not show up for some reason, no charge and refund of deposit. 50% deposit at time of booking, remainder day of trip"

We have decided to go with Patouche. It's the same amount as what we were willing to spend on the full day DCL excursion but we feel like we're really getting a full day's worth of adventure out of it with the more personalized, small boat feeling and the opportunity to see two locations rather than one. Also I like that the catamaran will take us straight to the beach at the baths so we don't have to take a taxi from the ferry pier and hike down from the road. The mooring is about 50 yards out and we will snorkel in. There lies the risk with using an outside vendor that DCL won't wait for us if we are late but a planned 4:00 return for a 5:45 all aboard gives me enough wiggle room to feel confident.

and that's my research thus far. Haven't done it myself yet but I've done what I can to collect as much info as possible for my own decision from these board and beyond. ope it helps you!

 

[Muskegon78]

I am in the midst of the same process for my family( me, DH, DD8, DD5) for our April 9 Fantasy trip. There have been a few threads touching on this over the past few days ( our 90 day was Saturday so I've been on topic since then). This is where I've gotten with my research:
DCL offers two different excursions: Virgin gorda tour and a day at the baths. I cut and pasted the text from each description into a separate document to compare, the only material difference was the "stop for lunch at Top of the Baths restaurant". SO value-wise, not sure that a meal offers $60ish dollars of added value (I always feel like I overeat on cruises anyway). SO while I had initial gone for the "day at the baths" for what seemed like extra time, it seems from the descriptors that the extra time is sent at lunch, not the baths. Both summaries say you'll have about 2 hours to explore. So when I went int cruise activities to switch over to the "tour of virgin gorda", a window popped up showing the "tour" running from 8:30-12:30, and the "day" running from 9:30-3:30. SO it looks like the tour would be more of a half day, leaving you with the afternoon either on deck or in port to do your own thing.

Further research led me to speedy's ferry services, which under their "specials" tab, offers:

• Tortola to Virgin Gorda on Speedy's Peacemaker
  or Speedy's Unforgettable – Virgin Gorda's very own Special Ferry Service
• Leaves Road Town at 9:00 am every day
• Returns to Road Town at 3:30 pm (on Sundays at 4:30 pm)
• Extended schedule on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays – last departure is at 5:00 pm from Virgin Gorda
• Taxi ride to the world-famous Baths for a day of sunand fun, with return trip to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
• Lunch at Virgin Gorda's No. 1 hot spot The Bath & Turtle, set in the midst of the best shopping on the islands. With the best selection of burgers, fish dishes, pastas, salads and pizzas

• All inclusive with lunch(includes complimentary Fruit or Rum Punch)
• Adults $48.00, Children under 12 $40.00
• Don't settle for anything less!

this seems very similar to the "day at the baths" DCL offering for roughly half the cost. Some reviewers seem to imply that the DCL tour actually takes the Speedy's ferry but do't hold me to that, it's secondhand information. Other reviews indicate that if you don't want the lunch offering the cost drops to about $40 for adults. The speedy's dock is a short walk from the cruise ship. they also indicate that you can buy passage on the ferry that day withour reservations if you're more a spur-of the moment person.

Even further research led me to Patouche charters, which offers full day trips to the Baths and another small island in the area on a catamaran for up to 16 pasengers. Their response to my inquiry for more information after reading what was available on their website, added this:

"Sure we can schedule a trip to The Baths that day. I will meet you at 0830 outside the gate to the cruise ship pier (10 min walk from ship). We will then board "Maverick" our 36' power catamaran for the short ride across the channel to our first snorkel spot at Cooper Island. Fabulous snorkeling at one of our favorite spots, then we go over to Cooper Island Beach Club for lunch.
After lunch we then go to The Baths (after the rest of your cruise ship pals leave), I lead you on a guided snorkel and walking tour of The Baths and then you have at least an hour or so to explore on your own before we then head back to Tortola arriving where I picked you up nolater than 400 pm.
Cost for the day $125 p.p. incl beverages on board (Water, soda, bottled beer and our special rum punch), snorkel gear and of course my personal attention
Does not include lunch ashore and crew gratuity.
Hope this helps email back with another questions and/or book online
kids are $50 off. your ship does not show up for some reason, no charge and refund of deposit. 50% deposit at time of booking, remainder day of trip"

We have decided to go with Patouche. It's the same amount as what we were willing to spend on the full day DCL excursion but we feel like we're really getting a full day's worth of adventure out of it with the more personalized, small boat feeling and the opportunity to see two locations rather than one. Also I like that the catamaran will take us straight to the beach at the baths so we don't have to take a taxi from the ferry pier and hike down from the road. The mooring is about 50 yards out and we will snorkel in. There lies the risk with using an outside vendor that DCL won't wait for us if we are late but a planned 4:00 return for a 5:45 all aboard gives me enough wiggle room to feel confident.

and that's my research thus far. Haven't done it myself yet but I've done what I can to collect as much info as possible for my own decision from these board and beyond. ope it helps you!

Do you think the timing for either tour works ok with the ship schedule? On our cruise the Fantasy is scheduled to dock at 8:00. We would only be considering the Speedys tour due to our kids ages

 

[Muskegon78]

I am in the midst of the same process for my family( me, DH, DD8, DD5) for our April 9 Fantasy trip. There have been a few threads touching on this over the past few days ( our 90 day was Saturday so I've been on topic since then). This is where I've gotten with my research:
DCL offers two different excursions: Virgin gorda tour and a day at the baths. I cut and pasted the text from each description into a separate document to compare, the only material difference was the "stop for lunch at Top of the Baths restaurant". SO value-wise, not sure that a meal offers $60ish dollars of added value (I always feel like I overeat on cruises anyway). SO while I had initial gone for the "day at the baths" for what seemed like extra time, it seems from the descriptors that the extra time is sent at lunch, not the baths. Both summaries say you'll have about 2 hours to explore. So when I went int cruise activities to switch over to the "tour of virgin gorda", a window popped up showing the "tour" running from 8:30-12:30, and the "day" running from 9:30-3:30. SO it looks like the tour would be more of a half day, leaving you with the afternoon either on deck or in port to do your own thing.

Further research led me to speedy's ferry services, which under their "specials" tab, offers:

• Tortola to Virgin Gorda on Speedy's Peacemaker
  or Speedy's Unforgettable – Virgin Gorda's very own Special Ferry Service
• Leaves Road Town at 9:00 am every day
• Returns to Road Town at 3:30 pm (on Sundays at 4:30 pm)
• Extended schedule on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays – last departure is at 5:00 pm from Virgin Gorda
• Taxi ride to the world-famous Baths for a day of sunand fun, with return trip to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
• Lunch at Virgin Gorda's No. 1 hot spot The Bath & Turtle, set in the midst of the best shopping on the islands. With the best selection of burgers, fish dishes, pastas, salads and pizzas

• All inclusive with lunch(includes complimentary Fruit or Rum Punch)
• Adults $48.00, Children under 12 $40.00
• Don't settle for anything less!

this seems very similar to the "day at the baths" DCL offering for roughly half the cost. Some reviewers seem to imply that the DCL tour actually takes the Speedy's ferry but do't hold me to that, it's secondhand information. Other reviews indicate that if you don't want the lunch offering the cost drops to about $40 for adults. The speedy's dock is a short walk from the cruise ship. they also indicate that you can buy passage on the ferry that day withour reservations if you're more a spur-of the moment person.

Even further research led me to Patouche charters, which offers full day trips to the Baths and another small island in the area on a catamaran for up to 16 pasengers. Their response to my inquiry for more information after reading what was available on their website, added this:

"Sure we can schedule a trip to The Baths that day. I will meet you at 0830 outside the gate to the cruise ship pier (10 min walk from ship). We will then board "Maverick" our 36' power catamaran for the short ride across the channel to our first snorkel spot at Cooper Island. Fabulous snorkeling at one of our favorite spots, then we go over to Cooper Island Beach Club for lunch.
After lunch we then go to The Baths (after the rest of your cruise ship pals leave), I lead you on a guided snorkel and walking tour of The Baths and then you have at least an hour or so to explore on your own before we then head back to Tortola arriving where I picked you up nolater than 400 pm.
Cost for the day $125 p.p. incl beverages on board (Water, soda, bottled beer and our special rum punch), snorkel gear and of course my personal attention
Does not include lunch ashore and crew gratuity.
Hope this helps email back with another questions and/or book online
kids are $50 off. your ship does not show up for some reason, no charge and refund of deposit. 50% deposit at time of booking, remainder day of trip"

We have decided to go with Patouche. It's the same amount as what we were willing to spend on the full day DCL excursion but we feel like we're really getting a full day's worth of adventure out of it with the more personalized, small boat feeling and the opportunity to see two locations rather than one. Also I like that the catamaran will take us straight to the beach at the baths so we don't have to take a taxi from the ferry pier and hike down from the road. The mooring is about 50 yards out and we will snorkel in. There lies the risk with using an outside vendor that DCL won't wait for us if we are late but a planned 4:00 return for a 5:45 all aboard gives me enough wiggle room to feel confident.

and that's my research thus far. Haven't done it myself yet but I've done what I can to collect as much info as possible for my own decision from these board and beyond. ope it helps you!

Also, would you guess that there is still tipping that needs to be factored in for the taxis and for lunch?

 

[stacecakes]

Also, would you guess that there is still tipping that needs to be factored in for the taxis and for lunch?

If the speedy's tour is scheduled aslisted above 9-3:30 I think you'd be able to do it. Our Port hours are 7:30-5:45. That should be plenty of Buffer time on either side for you to get to andfrom the speedy's dock back to the ship. I would bring a few dollars for tips, and in case you want to order anything additional with lunch. I noted that the e-mail from Patouche was careful to include that price did not include tips, which is a crafty way of indicating that tips were expected I'd plan on doing the same on the speedy's excursion I still think you'd be saving money over DCL. If you don't like the times this "special package" offers you, you can go to the speedy's site and just check out the regular ferry crossing times and plot your own adventure, but that brings in more variables into pay (organizing your own taxis, etc) and I try to keep things simple when I can and leave the planning to those with experience.

 

[Muskegon78]

If the speedy's tour is scheduled aslisted above 9-3:30 I think you'd be able to do it. Our Port hours are 7:30-5:45. That should be plenty of Buffer time on either side for you to get to andfrom the speedy's dock back to the ship. I would bring a few dollars for tips, and in case you want to order anything additional with lunch. I noted that the e-mail from Patouche was careful to include that price did not include tips, which is a crafty way of indicating that tips were expected I'd plan on doing the same on the speedy's excursion I still think you'd be saving money over DCL. If you don't like the times this "special package" offers you, you can go to the speedy's site and just check out the regular ferry crossing times and plot your own adventure, but that brings in more variables into pay (organizing your own taxis, etc) and I try to keep things simple when I can and leave the planning to those with experience.

The time looks great and the prices are much better. As long as we get on the 9:00 ferry I think it will be perfect

 

[Joannarl1]

I wanted to know if you felt you made the right decision. I am in the same predictment as far as the dcl tour vs patouche. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Joannarl1]

I am in the midst of the same process for my family( me, DH, DD8, DD5) for our April 9 Fantasy trip. There have been a few threads touching on this over the past few days ( our 90 day was Saturday so I've been on topic since then). This is where I've gotten with my research:
DCL offers two different excursions: Virgin gorda tour and a day at the baths. I cut and pasted the text from each description into a separate document to compare, the only material difference was the "stop for lunch at Top of the Baths restaurant". SO value-wise, not sure that a meal offers $60ish dollars of added value (I always feel like I overeat on cruises anyway). SO while I had initial gone for the "day at the baths" for what seemed like extra time, it seems from the descriptors that the extra time is sent at lunch, not the baths. Both summaries say you'll have about 2 hours to explore. So when I went int cruise activities to switch over to the "tour of virgin gorda", a window popped up showing the "tour" running from 8:30-12:30, and the "day" running from 9:30-3:30. SO it looks like the tour would be more of a half day, leaving you with the afternoon either on deck or in port to do your own thing.

Further research led me to speedy's ferry services, which under their "specials" tab, offers:

• Tortola to Virgin Gorda on Speedy's Peacemaker
  or Speedy's Unforgettable – Virgin Gorda's very own Special Ferry Service
• Leaves Road Town at 9:00 am every day
• Returns to Road Town at 3:30 pm (on Sundays at 4:30 pm)
• Extended schedule on Mondays, Wednesdaysand Fridays – last departure is at 5:00 pm from Virgin Gorda
• Taxi ride to the world-famous Baths for a day of sunand fun, with return trip to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour
• Lunch at Virgin Gorda's No. 1 hot spot The Bath & Turtle, set in the midst of the best shopping on the islands. With the best selection of burgers, fish dishes, pastas, salads and pizzas

• All inclusive with lunch(includes complimentary Fruit or Rum Punch)
• Adults $48.00, Children under 12 $40.00
• Don't settle for anything less!

this seems very similar to the "day at the baths" DCL offering for roughly half the cost. Some reviewers seem to imply that the DCL tour actually takes the Speedy's ferry but do't hold me to that, it's secondhand information. Other reviews indicate that if you don't want the lunch offering the cost drops to about $40 for adults. The speedy's dock is a short walk from the cruise ship. they also indicate that you can buy passage on the ferry that day withour reservations if you're more a spur-of the moment person.

Even further research led me to Patouche charters, which offers full day trips to the Baths and another small island in the area on a catamaran for up to 16 pasengers. Their response to my inquiry for more information after reading what was available on their website, added this:

"Sure we can schedule a trip to The Baths that day. I will meet you at 0830 outside the gate to the cruise ship pier (10 min walk from ship). We will then board "Maverick" our 36' power catamaran for the short ride across the channel to our first snorkel spot at Cooper Island. Fabulous snorkeling at one of our favorite spots, then we go over to Cooper Island Beach Club for lunch.
After lunch we then go to The Baths (after the rest of your cruise ship pals leave), I lead you on a guided snorkel and walking tour of The Baths and then you have at least an hour or so to explore on your own before we then head back to Tortola arriving where I picked you up nolater than 400 pm.
Cost for the day $125 p.p. incl beverages on board (Water, soda, bottled beer and our special rum punch), snorkel gear and of course my personal attention
Does not include lunch ashore and crew gratuity.
Hope this helps email back with another questions and/or book online
kids are $50 off. your ship does not show up for some reason, no charge and refund of deposit. 50% deposit at time of booking, remainder day of trip"

We have decided to go with Patouche. It's the same amount as what we were willing to spend on the full day DCL excursion but we feel like we're really getting a full day's worth of adventure out of it with the more personalized, small boat feeling and the opportunity to see two locations rather than one. Also I like that the catamaran will take us straight to the beach at the baths so we don't have to take a taxi from the ferry pier and hike down from the road. The mooring is about 50 yards out and we will snorkel in. There lies the risk with using an outside vendor that DCL won't wait for us if we are late but a planned 4:00 return for a 5:45 all aboard gives me enough wiggle room to feel confident.

and that's my research thus far. Haven't done it myself yet but I've done what I can to collect as much info as possible for my own decision from these board and beyond. ope it helps you!

 

[SundayGirl]

I wanted to know if you felt you made the right decision. I am in the same predictment as far as the dcl tour vs patouche. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

My family and I (a group of 16 adults) chartered the catamaran from Patouche on our stop at Tortola last Tuesday with the Fantasy. We paid $1500 excluding tips and are generally glad we did because we were able to accommodate the needs of elderly grandparents. We met our 'captain' at 8:30am just beyond the shops and restaurants and took us about 15-20mins to walk to where the catamaran was docked.

We spent the morning snorkling at Cooper Island then had buffet lunch at The Loose Mongoose at a neighbouring island as the restaurants on Cooper were closed for the season. The buffet was ok, but overpriced at $22 per person for what was basic and limited BBQ fare with rice, the service was practically zero but we left a tip as we did not purchase any drinks since we still had alot left from the supply provided by Patouche. We then spent the afternoon at the Virgin Gordas, the catarmaran docked at Devil's Bay and those who could swam a short distance into the bay to explore the rock formations which were a little tricky to navigate on our own at first, but there were a few arrows in chalk on the rocks. We only spent an hour or so there as the grandparents were waiting back on the catarmaran, but the crowds of fellow cruisers had long gone so we pretty much had the cave to ourselves so we felt like we had enough time and it had been a long day. It took us about one hour to get back to the ship and we arrived over an hour before the all aboard time.

All in all a good experience, Patouche are friendly and we got pretty much what was advertised, but don't book expecting to be hand held unless you are specifically promised this. Our 'captain' dropped us off at the islands and we were pretty much on our own as to getting to the snorkling location at Cooper and exploring the Virgin Gordas.