Traveltalkonline.com Forums


BVI Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors BVI Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,433
Posts310,110
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
Todd 40
jazzgal 40
Member Spotlight
Tom
Tom
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,370
Joined: August 2000
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
LONGISLANDSHARON, Sca2la
Who's Online Now
6 registered members (mark37, 5 invisible), 1,046 guests, and 59 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Baths By Land Or Sea #114452
12/14/2016 12:11 PM
12/14/2016 12:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
Okla
ScurvyD Offline OP
Traveler
ScurvyD  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
Okla
Planning an upcoming charter, and want to stop at the baths of course. I'm thinking that a car to the baths from Leverick, incorporating a dinner at Hog Heaven might be fun. Anyone have a preference in doing the Baths from sea rather than land?


I'd like to be a jelly fish, cause jelly fish don't pay rent.
BVI Sponsors
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: ScurvyD] #114453
12/14/2016 12:28 PM
12/14/2016 12:28 PM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62
TN USA
IslandGator Offline
Traveler
IslandGator  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62
TN USA
I'm a "by land" vote without question. It opens up other options as well (Copper Mine, Savannah, Mahoe) if the Baths don't go as planned. Hog Heaven is a great dinner stop as is Leverick and seeing the illustrious host, Nick. smile


~Eric
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: ScurvyD] #114454
12/14/2016 12:30 PM
12/14/2016 12:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199
Devon, UK
salica Offline
Traveler
salica  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,199
Devon, UK
Unless your party consists of very strong swimmers then going by car is the preferable option. Get there early, or late so that you miss the crowds. Enjoy the walk down to the beach, have a drink and/or food at Top of the Baths or Mad Dogs on your return and you have the car at your disposal to see the rest of Virgin Gorda. Don't forget to take your National Park certificate with you or else you will have to pay again to enter the area. There are lockers available at the beach to leave anything you don't want to carry through the Baths themselves should you wish to use them.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: salica] #114455
12/14/2016 01:21 PM
12/14/2016 01:21 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 507
OU Sooner
G
ggffrr11 Offline
Traveler
ggffrr11  Offline
Traveler
G
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 507
OU Sooner
Hog heaven/hog heaven >> any idea on taxi ride cost from either Spanish town to Hog heaven or from Leverick Bay? What does a rib dinner/lunch run, money wise? thx, rrs

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: ggffrr11] #114456
12/14/2016 01:38 PM
12/14/2016 01:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
Okla
ScurvyD Offline OP
Traveler
ScurvyD  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
Okla
I got a quote from virgingordatours.com on a tour going from Leverick to the Baths, dinner at Hot Heaven and back to Leverick for $150 total for our party of 6. Sounded like a bargain to me. I'm sure our own car would be cheaper, but we don't want to worry about having too many sundowners and driving.


I'd like to be a jelly fish, cause jelly fish don't pay rent.
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: ggffrr11] #114457
12/14/2016 01:46 PM
12/14/2016 01:46 PM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta Offline
Traveler
RickinAtlanta  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,609
Woodstock, GA
Quote
ggffrr11 said:
Hog heaven/hog heaven >> any idea on taxi ride cost from either Spanish town to Hog heaven or from Leverick Bay? What does a rib dinner/lunch run, money wise? thx, rrs


I always have ribs for lunch and it is around $16 for the ribs and two great sides. I don't think there's any difference in lunch/dinner prices as portions are equally sized on the one menu. Of course the Cruzan and Diet run the tab up just a bit. Another great dish is their Conch in Butter Sauce, extremely tender!

Last edited by RickinAtlanta; 12/14/2016 01:50 PM.
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: RickinAtlanta] #114458
12/14/2016 02:46 PM
12/14/2016 02:46 PM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
maytrix Offline
Traveler
maytrix  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
First few trips we did it by sea and then aside from 1 trip only have done it by land. Skipped it all together a number of trips too.

I think land is far more preferable. No time limit to worry about on the mooring balls (although most people seem to ignore that anyway unfortunately) and no having to swim in under poor conditions. You also get a great view of the island and can stop at many other places.

When we visit by land, we tend to spend two nights at Leverick. Thu/Fri typically. Thursay, dinner at Coca Maya and then Friday the Leverick BBQ. While out visiting the Baths, we often stop at Hog Heaven for a snack on our way back. Baths we usually have breakfast.


Matt
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: maytrix] #114459
12/14/2016 03:07 PM
12/14/2016 03:07 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
NB, Canada
Call_me_Ishmael Offline
Traveler
Call_me_Ishmael  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
NB, Canada
Definitely by land. Rent a car at Leverick and see the whole island of VG and not just the baths. It's really spectacular. Its worth the trip just to have a beer at Hog Heaven.

I never liked visiting by sea. Swimming in can be downright dangerous when there is a surge, and landing a dinghy (back in the days when that was allowed) was also a pretty exciting and potentially dangerous proposition.

Also, something nobody ever seems to talk about, those moorings have a very high maintenance requirement because of the heavy winter surge. I've seen them in pretty bad shape, and I've heard of at least one incident over the years where someone picked one up and everyone lit out only for the line to part and the boat to wash ashore and sink. Basic seamanship would suggest someone competent remain onboard to avoid trouble. Not much fun sitting on a rolly boat while everyone else is onshore IMHO.

Last edited by Call_me_Ishmael; 12/14/2016 03:10 PM.
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Call_me_Ishmael] #114460
12/14/2016 03:12 PM
12/14/2016 03:12 PM
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
Okla
ScurvyD Offline OP
Traveler
ScurvyD  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 251
Okla
Going early or late to avoid cruise shippers being a good idea. What time are they usually there? 10-3 ?


I'd like to be a jelly fish, cause jelly fish don't pay rent.
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: ScurvyD] #114461
12/14/2016 03:29 PM
12/14/2016 03:29 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
NB, Canada
Call_me_Ishmael Offline
Traveler
Call_me_Ishmael  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
NB, Canada
Yeah, to avoid the cruise ship crowd I'd recommend going between 8-10:30 or after 3:30. If you're in Leverick and driving you can see if there's a cruise ship in North Sound or Spanishtown and time your trip accordingly. Cruisers also come over from Tortola, but in smaller numbers in my experience.

Don't forget your national park card/receipt on the boat, or you'll have to pay admisson (again) to the Baths at the top of the hill.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Call_me_Ishmael] #114462
12/14/2016 06:15 PM
12/14/2016 06:15 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
hallucination Offline
Traveler
hallucination  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
Last time we were there, some 4 person excursion boat dropped off a mother father and their two infants at the east entrance. When Linda and I got there there were trying to get in. the father was one the verge of a panic attack, and his wife was stranded on the barnacled rock. I took the baby from the father and took him in, he was BONE WHITE. Linda went out to the rock and brought the other baby back in, then helped her back to the beach. we entertained the kids while the family got over their stress. If you are fairly strong swimmers, the devils bay entrance is much easier. but NEVER attempt it in any swell. remember my dingy painter rope ladder idea as you might be tired by the time you return to the dink.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: hallucination] #114463
12/14/2016 06:46 PM
12/14/2016 06:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 507
OU Sooner
G
ggffrr11 Offline
Traveler
ggffrr11  Offline
Traveler
G
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 507
OU Sooner
I remember, back in the days of the fiberglass/wooden dinghies, we approached the baths from the East entrance. My wife was on the front of the dinghy (maybe doing some coaching). As we came into the beach, she stepped off in what appeared to be shallow water. She was wearing her "going shopping clothing and hat". One moment later, all I could see was her straw hat. When she surfaced, I yelled, "Who gave the order to abandon ship?" It seems to me, it became a long afternoon.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: ggffrr11] #114464
12/14/2016 11:39 PM
12/14/2016 11:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 207
East Tennessee
Annoddddd Offline
Traveler
Annoddddd  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 207
East Tennessee
Land!

First time was by water and never again.

Rent a car through Leverick and you can enjoy Hog Heaven and other places mentioned above. We also like to stop at a grocery to pick up any needed items. Leverick store is good but don't have some things.

We like to have breakfast at Top of the Baths (and we pick a non cruise ship day) and then walk down past the gift shop and on down the trail.

It's always a great time!

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Annoddddd] #114465
12/15/2016 09:25 AM
12/15/2016 09:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200
Oklahoma
LivinLarge Offline
Traveler
LivinLarge  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 200
Oklahoma
Ditto everyone else --- LAND !!! We have done by sea twice and will never do it again.


Allan
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: LivinLarge] #114466
12/15/2016 09:51 AM
12/15/2016 09:51 AM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
denverd0n Offline
Traveler
denverd0n  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
Definitely by land, and remember to bring the Park Service paperwork that you get as part of the charter. That way you don't have to pay again to go down.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Call_me_Ishmael] #114467
12/15/2016 01:14 PM
12/15/2016 01:14 PM
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 272
Va Beach
Kmon Offline
Traveler
Kmon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 272
Va Beach
I think most of the tourists that come to the Baths on the large (20 passenger) safari taxis are coming from the big cruise ships in Tortola. Speedy's ferries send special boats when necessary. We just returned from VG yesterday were staying at Guavaberry. From our cottage we could see when the taxis arrived. At least once a week, 5 taxis arrived by 8:15 AM with over 100 people <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Kmon] #114468
12/15/2016 02:06 PM
12/15/2016 02:06 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
NB, Canada
Call_me_Ishmael Offline
Traveler
Call_me_Ishmael  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 133
NB, Canada
Man, that's a lot of ppl coming on the ferry. Lot of changes with the new dock and cruise ship deal in Tortola. Not too many of those changes for the better either, IMHO.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Kmon] #114469
12/15/2016 02:06 PM
12/15/2016 02:06 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 507
OU Sooner
G
ggffrr11 Offline
Traveler
ggffrr11  Offline
Traveler
G
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 507
OU Sooner
ports.cruisett.com > has a list of cruise ships in Tortola and STT for each day through the next six months

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Call_me_Ishmael] #114470
12/15/2016 03:15 PM
12/15/2016 03:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 30
M
mollster Offline
Traveler
mollster  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 30
5 years ago we went in by dingy ... it was a perfect day so no problem with swells etc ... biggest issue was trying to get ourselves heaved back into the dingy after a couple of wobbly pops ... we put on quite a show for anyone looking out from the beach. 5 years later we go by land and enjoy the top of the baths after our trek thru this incredible wonder.



[Linked Image]
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Call_me_Ishmael] #114471
12/15/2016 03:15 PM
12/15/2016 03:15 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
Dirichlet Offline
Traveler
Dirichlet  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,318
MD, USA
I was there once when a ferry (from a cruise ship) dropped off about 100 people. They all went in a single-file line through the baths, never allowing other people to filter back the other way. We had to wait about 30 minutes for them to clear so we could get back to the beach... avoid at all costs when cruise ships are around. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

Oh, and I've gone by sea every time. I've never had a problem. I aim to get there no later than 9am, motoring if necessary from my previous night's mooring/docking/anchorage. On several occasions I've left the Bight (Norman Island), motored up to the Baths, then sailed up to Leverick... no problem, mon <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Last edited by Dirichlet; 12/15/2016 03:18 PM.

... DIF all the time...
[Linked Image]
Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Dirichlet] #114472
12/15/2016 11:27 PM
12/15/2016 11:27 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
DanS Offline
Traveler
DanS  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,421
New Jersey, USA
Quote
I was there once when a ferry (from a cruise ship) dropped off about 100 people. They all went in a single-file line through the baths, never allowing other people to filter back the other way. We had to wait about 30 minutes for them to clear so we could get back to the beach


We had the same issue once. We were at the point where you climb a narrow staircase up one side of a rock and back down the other. I shouted to the other side asking the people to please hold up for a moment so the two of us could get through in the opposite direction, but they kept coming. Finally I just rudely squeezed/pushed my way through.

Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: DanS] #114473
12/16/2016 10:35 AM
12/16/2016 10:35 AM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
denverd0n Offline
Traveler
denverd0n  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 308
Tampa, FL
Quote
DanS said:Finally I just rudely squeezed/pushed my way through.

I beg to disagree with you. YOU were not the ones being rude. It was the people who refused to hold up a few moments to let you get by who were being rude. You simply did what you were forced to do, given their rudeness.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: denverd0n] #114474
12/16/2016 12:55 PM
12/16/2016 12:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
hallucination Offline
Traveler
hallucination  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,018
annap, MD/BVI-Nanny Cay
That's why we call them "[censored]". Like a floating Walmart on black friday.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: hallucination] #114475
12/16/2016 01:20 PM
12/16/2016 01:20 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
C
Cleobeach Offline
Traveler
Cleobeach  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
we were at the Baths twice during a 10 day trip in February and both days it was absolutely overrun with excursions. There was at least on cruise ship anchored off of VG (Costa line?). So the advice to monitor the cruise ships is sound.

One of the two days we were there, the rescue service was busy plucking people out of the water and we saw one man unconscious (potential drowning) that was being worked on by EMTs as well as a group of young Australia sailors who swam in and had a very, very rough time. When the swell is up, it is no joke on the "Baths" side.

Re: Baths By Land Or Sea [Re: Cleobeach] #114476
12/17/2016 12:33 AM
12/17/2016 12:33 AM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
aarpskier Offline
Traveler
aarpskier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 304
Rockford, Michigan
Bareboat with crew of 11 in June 2014. Bareboat with crew of 6 in June 2015. Missed this year, but back again with crew of 11 in June 2017. One of the main reasons we charter in June? No cruise ships! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1