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Best Cruise Excursions in Tortola on a Day in Port

By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: January 22, 2024

Included on many eastern Caribbean cruises, Tortola offers plenty of cruise port excursions to choose. From beautiful beaches and mountain drives to shopping or sipping rum, there’s something for everyone. 

Here are our recommendations for cruise excursions on your day in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Take a Shore Excursion to Tortola Beaches

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If you’re looking for the perfect tropical beach, many cruise ship excursions head to the north side of Tortola for some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Laid-back and picturesque, these soft sand beaches offer swimming, snorkeling and in winter, surfing.

Apple Bay is located on the north-western end of Tortola. It’s a great beach for surfing or boogie boarding especially in the winter months. 

Cane Garden Bay isn’t a secluded hideaway but it’s not to be missed, either. Nestled against a lush green hillside, the sand is like sugar and the water, calm. It’s also close to the port so you could find other cruise passengers enjoying the beach and the few restaurants and bars.

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Brewers Bay beckons you to its hidden shores on the north side of the island. Accessible by taxi or car, it’s a haven for locals and those looking for something off the beaten path. Not filled with tourist-y restaurants, you may want to bring water and a snack.

Taste the Local Food in Tortola

Cultures come together in the BVI to create a flavorful mélange of Caribbean cuisine . Tortola food tours are fun shore excursions. Locals love their roti, a flatbread stuffed with barbecued meat and folded like a burrito.

Fragrant spices include curry, allspice and hot peppers and they are used in abundance. Feel daring? Try curried goat meat soup (tastes like chicken of course).

Fresh seafood and just-caught fish plus colorful tropical fruits round out the culinary experience. Close to the port, the main thoroughfare in Road Town, Main Street, is dotted with lively restaurants, cafés and open-air bars.

Stop in for lunch and try a fresh fruit rum punch, one of the most popular (and potent!) drinks on the island.

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Go Shopping in Tortola

St. Thomas this isn’t. And for sure not St. John’s, USVI . And you’re in the British Virgin Islands not the US Virgin Islands. Prices will be a bit higher here. 

Tortola is smaller and less touristy but there’s wonderful shopping that’s walking distance to the port. You’ll find most of the shops along and just off of Main Street, which parallels the waterfront. Wander the little side streets and you’ll find art galleries, spice stores and of course tropical clothing boutiques.

If you like to cook, be sure to take home some local spices and a Caribbean cookbook. Several stores sell only spices, hot pepper sauces and condiments. Where are these shops? Your nose will lead you there, once you’re in the vicinity. (Hint: Sunny Caribee is one of the popular spice stores.)

Wickhams Cay: Near to the marina and not far from where the tender will dock, this new waterfront development has yet more stores to burn up your cash or credit card.

Crafts Alive Village: This “village” recently opened at the lower end of Road Town to replace the tent vendors. Rows of brightly-colored tiny “houses” with gingerbread trim (sort of like enclosed kiosks), comprise this new shopping area. Here you’ll find unique and beautiful arts and crafts, handmade in the British Virgin Islands.

Chances are your ship will offer shore tours for those who just want to shop for souvenirs, too. 

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Historic Sights in Tortola

Sage Mountain National Park: This first National Park in the British Virgin Islands was established in 1964 to preserve and regrow what was lost through decades of deforestation. Sage Mountain, at a stunning 1,716 feet, is the highest point in all of the Virgin Islands.

On a clear day, there’s a breathtaking view of neighboring islands including St. Croix. A dozen trails begin at the parking lot for the hike to the summit and through the park. The easiest way for this excursion is to hire a taxi from Road Town or rent a car to reach the park, located in the center of the island.

Old Government House Museum: Located in Road Town, this historic building is just a short walk from where your ship’s tender will dock. Originally the Governor’s residence from1880 until 1996, you’ll find an interesting display of British memorabilia, maritime antiques and original furniture. A nice detour when strolling along Waterfront Drive.

Virgin Islands Folk Museum: From the dock, head towards downtown Road Town along Main Street. Moved to its historic second location in 1993, the museum is located in the Penn House built in 1911. The West Indies-style house is a showcase for artifacts dating from over two thousand years ago, belonging to the Amerindians, the first known inhabitants. Old photographs, pottery and carvings highlight life on this island and surrounding area.

More Cruise Excursions in Tortola on Your Own

On an eastern Caribbean cruise, there’s always a nearby island to visit. From Tortola, take a ferry boat across the bay to Virgin Gorda, also in the British Virgin Islands.

Visit the mysterious Baths formed by giant boulders that seem to have dropped from the sky. Explore winding caves, snake your way through narrow passageways and take a dip in one of the hidden, crystal-clear pools.

After wandering through the caves, head up the stone stairs to the souvenir store before returning to your ship. Available by cruise excursion or on your own.

If you’ve always wanted to play with Flipper, Tortola has a cruise excursion over to Dolphin Discovery and just jump into the water. Watch as the trainer and dolphin go through their paces.

Then, you’ll get onto a platform in the water and have 30 minutes to interact, play and even get your photo taken while getting a kiss from a dolphin. Life aquatic isn’t cheap; tickets for adults and children are over $100 each. But it’s an amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tiptoe through the tulips at J.R. O’Neal Botanic Garden, just a short walk from the harbor, across Waterfront Drive. Just kidding about the tulips, this is the tropics, after all.

A walk through this 4-acre garden leads you through a wide range of indigenous vegetation, from cacti to herbs and orchids. Learn about the plants and trees native to this area or sit in the shade under a massive banyan tree.

Meander along the paths past fountains and exotics ferns and take a break from the blazing Caribbean sun. A small admission fee is charged.

Your day in Tortola will go by quicker than you’d like. Choose the best Tortola shore excursion for your time in port before you leave home so you don’t miss a thing. 

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I'm the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world without flying. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath...stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.

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Excursions & Tours

The Baths Discovery

Jost Van Dyke Escape

Unique Treasures of Tortola

Scenic Mountain View Tour

Tortola Beach Day

Coast-Line Exploration

Beach Escape to Spring Bay

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Tortola excursions are a perfect way to experience the British Virgin Islands' unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with visits to pristine beaches and historical sites. Tortola excursions also offer a variety of water sports and hiking trails, catering to adventurers and nature lovers looking for an unforgettable Caribbean experience.

The tropical island of Tortola forms part of the archipelago that makes up the British Virgin Islands. Tortola, the largest of all the British Virgin Islands, is comprised of beautiful blue waters, sandy beaches, and rocky mountains. This combination of natural beauty makes the island of Tortola a traveler's paradise, where you can experience dolphin encounters and sail on a pirate-style ship. Book your Tortola excursions today and be ready to explore Torotola when your cruise ship docks.

THE 10 BEST Tortola Shore Excursions

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2. Tortola Private Tour and Snorkeling in the most beautiful beaches

3. Private Full Day or Half Day Charter - 34' Nor-Tech

4. Historical and Beach Tour of Tortola BVI

5. Shore Excursion: The Tortola Unique Treasures Tour

6. Mount Healthy National Park Private Hike Tour in Tortola

7. Experience the British Virgin Islands through and unforgettable Tour

8. Full-Day Charter in Tortola British Virgin Islands

9. Private Under the Sea Snorkeling Adventure!!

10. Shark Bay ( Batcave) National Park Private Hiking Tour

11. Virgin Islander Tour

12. Shore Excursion: Jost Van Dyke Island Beach Escape

13. Private Art & Culture Tour in Tortola Virgin Islands

14. Family Snorkel Safari. ️Private boat!

15. Private British Virgin Islands Full Day Charter 36' MV Poseidon

16. 5 Hour British Virgin Islands Full Private Experience

17. Full-Day Charter Virgin Gorda British Virgin Islands

18. Full-Day Charter To The Baths Virgin Gorda British Virgin islands

19. Private Full Day or Half Day Charter - 37' Midnight Express

20. Tortola Private Beach Hopper Tour

21. Private tour at British Virgin Islands

22. Private Tour Pottery Experience at British Virgin Islands

23. Private Tour to Mount Healthy National Park

24. Full Day Private Catamaran Tour in Road Town

25. Private Tour Sail in Virgin Islands National Park

26. Private Tour Historical and Beach Tortola

27. Private Tour ecret beaches and enjoy Snorkel

28. Private Tour Hull Bay Farm & Beach

29. Beach Excursion in Tortola and sightseeing in Fahie Hills

30. Private Tour Art & Culture in Tortola Virgin Islands

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Island beach break, tortola, british virgin islands.

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• 4 hrs Estimate Duration

Start with a scenic drive and photo stop on your way to enjoy one of Tortola's beautiful beaches. Swim in the crystal clear waters or just relax on the beach. Choice of beach is subject to change depending on sea and weather conditions. You'll be brought back to your ship or you can be dropped off in the downtown area.

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NCL Excursions for Tortola

By first_carnical , February 25, 2015 in Tortola

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first_carnical

We are going to be on NCL cruise in March/April and will be in Tortola from 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. only. I am trying to decide if I should book an excursion from the ship, because if very limited time, but there are no reviews for most of NCL excursions. Has anybody been on any of them and can write a review or tell me if any of them are good?

Thanks in advance.

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I can't help with the NCL excursions, sorry. But I can tell you there are drivers at the dock offering different island tours at very reasonable rates. Tortola is a beautiful island with great views, and you could include a beach stop if you'd like.

We've been in port from 7 - 1 and that doesn't allow you to do a lot and the island tour works well. You can also do a little shopping near the port after, we like the clothing at Pusser's (in the back of the pub) and the spices at Sunny Caribbee (dot coms).

The new port is scheduled to be completed by April so not sure if you'll be tendering or docking. But you'd have time for a 1 or 2 hr tour and a walkabout at least.

We did NCL'S tour in tortola due to the dock repair , it being a Sunday when we were there, and we had OBC to spend. Not sure of the correct name but it was the land and sea tour. We loved the boat tour, and the island part was good. Crazy roads there.....Beautiful island

Thank you for the reply. I noticed that you were in cabin 8108 in April 2014. That is the cabin we are staying in, but for 10 days :-). We also have the cabin next to us (8110), which is supposed to be connecting and that's where my parents and our oldest son will be.

How was it?

Hi, I can't help with the NCL excursions, sorry. But I can tell you there are drivers at the dock offering different island tours at very reasonable rates. Tortola is a beautiful island with great views, and you could include a beach stop if you'd like. We've been in port from 7 - 1 and that doesn't allow you to do a lot and the island tour works well. You can also do a little shopping near the port after, we like the clothing at Pusser's (in the back of the pub) and the spices at Sunny Caribbee (dot coms). The new port is scheduled to be completed by April so not sure if you'll be tendering or docking. But you'd have time for a 1 or 2 hr tour and a walkabout at least.

Thank you for your reply, blue_water. I have been reading a lot of your comments about Tortola, so I definitely want to see the island, but I am worried about short time, so I am thinking of taking the ship your. When you say the prices at the dock are reasonable, can you give me examples? What would an island tour cost from one of those taxi drivers?

nw gardener

I did the Virgin Gorda baths excursion with NCL [not the sailing one] with the Pearl in early Feb. and decided on a ship excursion because of the dock construction [it still looks at least 2 months from completion]. Tendering was slow because of wind [only could use one side of the ship] , and the process was not terribly organized. I don't know when we would have gotten off without a priority tender ticket for the excursion! So other than the long wait period, I am glad I did it because the baths were great.

NCL used a Speedy ferry to take us over, transferred to open safari type of bus to drive us to the top of the baths, then walk down the path to the baths [not a difficult walk for me], then enjoy!! for 2 hours, then sadly back to the ship. 1 hr trip over with ferry and bus/1 hr back. The slow tendering process ate up the extra time I thought we would have to explore Tortola after the excursion, so I will have to go back :) If the dock was complete, you could diy your trip, with a short time and tendering, an excursion might be best. I believe my excursion was $69 if memory serves me.

Thank you for your reply, blue_water. I have been reading a lot of your comments about Tortola, so I definitely want to see the island, but I am worried about short time, so I am thinking of taking the ship your. When you say the prices at the dock are reasonable, can you give me examples? What would an island tour cost from one of those taxi drivers?   Thanks.

Yes with the temporary tendering process time becomes more of a concern and as nw gardner said the ship excursion may be the better choice. Normally the DIY option is faster but if the dock is still not completed the tendering will eat up some time.

I'm surprised the ship offers an excursion to VG with this time in port but that's good.

We haven't cruised to Tortola in some time but take land vacations there so I don't recall the tour prices but someone else may be able to help. I do remember they were a very affordable option. If you just hire a driver for a private tour the hourly rates are $55 - $110 for 1 hr or up to $170 for 2 hrs depending on the number of ppl. But if you're going to VG you probably won't have time for a tour of Tortola on this short day. So as nw gardener said you'll need to return!

Thank you for the reply. I noticed that you were in cabin 8108 in April 2014. That is the cabin we are staying in, but for 10 days :-). We also have the cabin next to us (8110), which is supposed to be connecting and that's where my parents and our oldest son will be. How was it?

We had no problem with room 8108, but it was only one night that we were in that cabin. On another sailing our adult children had that room or one right near there that was also fine. Close to O'Sheehans which is great.

We are doing NCL excursion in Tortola this month--and we can count our total # of cruiseline-sponsored excursions in our years of cruising on one hand! LOL But with the short time we're there and the tendering, we thought it best.

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Road Town, Tortola

ShoreExcursions.com offers an excellent variety of independent shore excursions in Tortola.

Explore the Captivating Wonders of Tortola with Unforgettable Shore Excursions

Discover the beauty and adventure that await you on the shores of Tortola with our exceptional shore excursions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, awe-inspiring landscapes, and thrilling activities that make this Caribbean gem a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking relaxation, our diverse range of experiences has something to captivate every traveler.

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit: Thrilling Water Sports and Outdoor Escapades

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the turquoise waters that surround Tortola. Dive into a world of wonder as you snorkel alongside colorful marine life, or feel the rush of adrenaline as you paddleboard through pristine bays. For the more adventurous souls, set sail on a thrilling sailing expedition, where you can explore hidden coves, navigate sea caves, and witness breathtaking sunsets that will leave you in awe. Our shore excursions provide endless opportunities to embrace the spirit of adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Immerse Yourself in Rich Culture and History: Enchanting Heritage and Local Experiences

Delve into the vibrant history and culture of Tortola with our immersive excursions that offer a glimpse into the island’s fascinating past. Visit historical landmarks such as the historic Fort Recovery, where echoes of the island’s colonial heritage can be felt. Indulge in a vibrant local market experience, where the aroma of exotic spices fills the air and local artisans showcase their talents. Immerse yourself in the warmth and hospitality of the locals as you uncover the hidden stories and traditions that make Tortola a truly enchanting destination.

Relax and Rejuvenate: Tranquil Beaches and Serene Escapes

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find your own slice of paradise on Tortola’s pristine beaches. Our shore excursions offer the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and soak up the sun on powdery white sands. From tranquil bays framed by swaying palm trees to secluded coves lapped by crystal-clear waters, you’ll discover a sanctuary of serenity where time seems to stand still. Indulge in a refreshing dip, bask in the warmth of the Caribbean sun, and let the worries of the world melt away.

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Situated in the eastern Caribbean, are a group of islands known as "Natures Little Secrets". The British Virgin Islands are a group of four islands, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and Anegada. The main cruise port is based on the island of Tortola, in the territory`s capital, Road Town. English is the main language spoken and you may be surprised by some shops on the island selling UK branded candies and groceries as well as the famous Pussers Rum. Visit a local bar or restaurant and try local delicacies such as a Roti - a wrap filled with various meats or vegetables in a spicy sauce washed down with a Carib – the local beer served on the island. Tortola is made up of steep hills leading to unimaginable views of neighboring islands, wall murals, and turquoise blue ocean. Enjoy surfing or relaxing at the picturesque Cane Garden Bay. Various marinas fringe the island where rain is no stranger to the island all year round. An island with more than 23000 people and the most inhabited of the group of islands, you will find yourself in the mecca of the sailing world. Interisland ferries can be taken to visit the neighboring islands. Virgin Gorda, which translates to "fat virgin", is named after the shape of the island according to Columbus. Dotted with beautiful tropical flowers, luxurious houses, and exclusive resorts, this island is quickly becoming an up and coming playground for the rich and famous. There is Necker Island nearby, the private island owned by Virgin`s Sir Richard Branson, which hosts annual tennis tournaments. This island is also home to the Baths - a natural wonder of rock formations where you can walk through the structures and climb atop for wonderful photo opportunities.

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, then head towards Anegada. Home to flamingoes and conch style formations just offshore, this island is situated north of the group of islands and is almost untouched by tourism. Jost van Dyke is a small island with stunning white beaches and offers various fun beach bars. Foxys, famous for its New Year and Full Moon Parties lies just off White Bay beach on this tiny island. From frozen drinks such as a Bushwhacker to the famous Painkiller, pick your cocktail and enjoy the rum. Cruise to Norman Island, where Robert Louis Stevenson was inspired to write the classic Treasure Island children’s book. Snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing, as well as sailing, are extremely popular activities to do whilst visiting any of these islands. There is a fascinating wreck dive to the sunken HMS Rhone situated, which is easily accessible by boat. Fun Fact: Tortola driving is on the left-hand side of the road just like the UK. Many cars are imported from US therefore driving can be quite an experience on the island!

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Shore Excursion: Jost Van Dyke Island Beach Escape

• Boat Trip to Island
• Food and Drink
• Tortola Cruise Ship Pier, 49 De Castro St, Road Town, British Virgin Islands
• Full meeting details will come through on your ticket.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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• You'll start at Tortola Cruise Ship Pier Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• Pass by Tortola Jost Van Dyke Jost Van Dyke
• You'll return to the starting point

• B6956AGscottp 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Tour operator never showed up - Very Frustrating We waited at the port for an hour and they never showed up. We tried calling their number several times an no one picked up. We also checked with multiple other tour operators at the port and none of them were familiar with this group. Very frustrating. Read more Written February 13, 2024
• Mary F 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceeded every expectation Delighted to share that this tour exceeded our expectations with breathtaking scenic views from the comfort of an air conditioned van driven expertly by Kevon Brewly. Kevon, a native of Tortola was knowledgeable about the history and heritage of the island and he spoke loudly enough for all to hear. His kindness to the entire group did not go unnoticed. He was always willing to capture some group pictures for us too. As an added note, my husband left his cell phone behind on our exit from the van and when he realized it, returned to the departure site and was helped by the clerk to contact Kevon who returned immediately and brought the phone back. Kudos to this young man who made our short time off the cruise ship in Tortola so special. Read more Written June 10, 2023
• Crwydrgi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent intro to the island when you’re short of time A previously booked excursion on Tortola had been canceled at short-notice, but our last-minute arrangements with Wow-A-Tour ran very smoothly. We easily found the meeting point at the cruise port and were introduced to our driver. He did an excellent job of navigating the narrow and extremely steep roads that are so typical of this mountainous island, while simultaneously sharing his encyclopaedic knowledge on every aspect of its history, geography and economy. And all this with a characteristic laid-back ease made the more remarkable when you become aware that cars on this British overseas territory with its UK-style “keep left” roads are anomalously left-hand drive models imported from the US. As he said, you get used to it! With about ten of us in a comfortable minibus, we drove slowly past the essential sights of Road Town before stopping at the ruins of the oldest free black church surviving in the Americas. We drove up past the murals on Fahie Hill, on to the highest point at Sage Mountain for our complimentary drink, stopping briefly by the stone windmill in Mount Healthy National Park, before taking a breathtakingly scenic drive along the west coast back to Road Town. At times we felt we could have stopped more frequently or for longer, but the whole point of this tour is to pack in as much as possible in a short time - and it certainly succeeded in that. At exactly three hours it still gave us time for a leisurely stroll though Road Town revisiting the sights we had driven past earlier. Read more Written January 16, 2023
• Marianne L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great overview of the island. Great intro to Tortola! We only had 5 hours in Tortola and had never been to this island so we wanted a overview ...and our driver was great. Small bus and we went around and over the entire island...stopping at senic picture spots for pic time. He was able to answer all our questions and gave us a great historical perspective on the island' s development. Loved this tour..perfect for first timers. Read more Written November 28, 2022
• michonneyoung 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Experience that Should Not Be Missed My mom, sister and I had the chance to go on this excursion on Thursday, March 12 with Ramdat. By some weird circumstances, we ended up being the only ones to book this excursion from our cruise ship, the Norwegian Encore. In spite of this, we were still provided a large and comfortable shuttle van for our excursion. Quick side note: It was very easy to locate our meeting place and arrive at the van for our tour. From there, we were given some of the history of Road Town before venturing up higher into the hilly mountainsides. The roads on Tortola are quite the experience. They are steep and narrow and it's often hard to believe that they're two-way roads. Ramdat was a very skilled and patient driver though and I felt at ease throughout our journey. While driving across the island, he did a great job of sharing information about the history and culture of BVI. He provided us with various anecdotes, answered our questions and constantly checked in on how we were enjoying our experience. He also stepped in as our photographer at times so we could have some group shots of the 3 of us. Overall, this was a great excursion to introduce us to the wonders of Tortola. We would definitely recommend this to others. Read more Written March 22, 2020

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The Baths at Virgin Gorda – Excursion Review

The Baths at Virgin Gorda is a great shore excursion option during a stop in Tortola. Part adventure hike, part photo tour, and part beach break, exploring this natural wonder is truly a unique experience.

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Excursion review: the baths at virgin gorda.

When on vacation, the Princess wants to do, see, and experience as much as possible. I too like to experience a new port of call, but to me, sometimes that means just relaxing on a beach. After all, it is a cruise vacation!

The Baths at Virgin Gorda was a great shore excursion option to satisfy both of us during our recent stop in Tortola onboard Norwegian Escape . Part adventure hike, part photo tour, and part beach break, exploring this natural wonder is truly a unique experience.

Our visit 8 years ago

We first visited the Baths about 8 years ago during our second cruise together as a couple. Since the details were a bit fuzzy, we took this opportunity to visit the The Baths at Virgin Gorda again. Our recent stop at this picturesque locale reminded us of why we enjoyed this place so much.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda are easily accessible from your cruise ship via a ferry ride from Road Town, Tortola. You can choose to book an organized excursion through the cruise line or simply take the ferry over to Spanishtown on your own. Speedy’s and Smith’s are two ferry services offering trips over to Virgin Gorda every couple of hours. Given our time in port and the ferry schedule, we chose to play it safe and book the organized tour through Norwegian Cruise Line.

View of Tortola from the ferry

After an approximately 35 minute ferry ride followed by a 10 minute bus ride, we arrived at The Baths at Virgin Gorda with about 2.5 hours to explore and enjoy the area.

Arriving at The Baths

The path down to the baths at virgin gorda.

When you first arrive at The Baths at Virgin Gorda , you are located about 300 meters above sea level. From here, you can get some great panoramic shots of the neighboring islands and boulders below from the Top of the Baths Restaurant . After your day down at the Baths, you may want to stop in for a bite to eat or a drink, or perhaps utilize the free Wi-Fi for social media posts like we did. A few shops can also be found here, including a local art gallery and your typical souvenir shop, as well as a restroom.

Top of the Baths Restaurant

After taking a needed restroom break, you are greeted with two options: a path to Devil’s Bay and a path to the Baths. We suggest taking the main path down to the Baths, which is about a 10-15 minute walk depending on how many pictures you stop to take during the descent. This path through the desert-like terrain should be manageable for most, with natural stairs guiding you down to the beach. Be sure to capture a photo of the skull rock formation along the way.

Path down to The Baths

When you finally arrive, you are greeted with a beautiful white sand beach with large granite boulders strewn throughout the Caribbean Sea creating a small perimeter where you can enjoy a quick swim. You do need to be careful as the tides can be rough though. During our visit, the “red flag” was up when we first arrived at the beach, indicating it was not advised to swim or snorkel. Even if you plan to continue along the path to Devil’s Bay, be sure to pause for a few minutes to admire the beauty and take a few selfies of course.

The Baths beach

Additional restrooms can be found at the beach, as well as lockers and the Poor Man’s Bar. Keep in mind that if you do plan on continuing along the path to Devil’s Bay, you will have to back track to pick up your belongings from the locker later. While you could relax and enjoy the warm waters at this beach, this is only the beginning of the adventure at The Baths at Virgin Gorda .

Heading to the Devil’s Bay Trail

Making your way to devil’s bay.

After taking in the sights at the beach, follow the signs to Devil’s Bay Trail. Before embarking along the cavernous path, be sure to grab a few photos of the “shelf” boulder. Now, the journey begins as you enter by crawling through a narrow cleft opening. Keep in mind that you do need to be somewhat agile to make it all the way through the Baths.

The “shelf” boulder

Along the way you will encounter varying water levels depending on tide, slippery rocks with rope handholds, ladders, and narrow openings between boulders that you will need to maneuver. Water shoes are recommended. We personally like our Columbia Drainmakers .

DB enjoying the water

Take your time and don’t worry about the crowds as they will also be in awe of the natural beauty of the caverns and sea pools. If you are like the Princess and can’t swim, you can make it through the path with water that is less than knee height. However, for those who love to swim, take advantage of these natural pools especially in the opening right before Devil’s Bay.

Sea pools and “anvil” formation

There are plenty of nooks and crannies to discover, so be sure to explore them all. You can easily make it through the path in 30-45 minutes stopping along the way to take as many pictures as we did. Do have your imagination and camera ready as there are several formations that are said to resemble a lion’s head, an anvil, and more.

The Princess stopping for some pictures along the way

Once you reach Devil’s Bay, you are greeted with more amazing views. After capturing the beauty on camera, now is your time to relax, snorkel, or swim in this area that is protected by the natural rocks.

Luckily, by the time we made it to Devil’s Bay, the swimming conditions had improved, and now it was only a yellow flag advisory. So, while the Princess relaxed on the beach, I spent the next 45 minutes floating in the refreshing, lukewarm water.

Devil’s Bay

As the morning wore on, more and more travelers were making their way to this beach. Although we had to wake up early, we were thankful for our 7am arrival in Tortola, as we were able to beat the crowds to The Baths at Virgin Gorda and enjoy a relatively quiet morning.

The beach at Devil’s Bay

Knowing that we had to be back for our bus pick-up at 10:45am, we decided to begin our walk back slightly after 10am to allow some time to peruse the gift shop and capture some panoramic views from The Top of the Baths Restaurant.

While you can venture back through the boulders and retrace your steps back to the top, the most direct route is a separate dirt path directly from Devil’s Bay to the parking lot, making a full circle from beginning to end. While still an uphill climb, this path is easier (and drier), and walking at a leisurely pace, it takes only about fifteen minutes to get back to the top.

The path back to the top

Once back to the parking lot area, we dried off, rinsed out our water shoes, and made another quick restroom pit stop (as there are no restrooms located at Devil’s Bay). With a bit of time to spare, we headed over to the restaurant’s patio area to grab some photos and utilize the Wi-Fi for a few minutes before hopping a bus for the transport back to the ferry.

View from the patio at Top of the Baths Restaurant

With an action packed morning including some thrills, pictures, and even some beach time, we were happy to relax during our ferry ride back to Tortola. The ferry ride did take slightly longer on the return trip, approximately 45 minutes, but still left us plenty of time to explore Road Town upon our return.

Overview of an Excursion to The Baths at Virgin Gorda

All cruise lines stopping in Tortola will offer a beach break to The Baths at Virgin Gorda , but as mentioned above, you can also get there on your own via local ferries. The cruise lines use the same ferry companies but have chartered service. Once on the island of Virgin Gorda, it is about a 10 minute cab ride through Spanishtown to reach The Baths. If you purchase the excursion through your cruise line all additional costs are included, but if you choose to venture there on your own, the cost of a taxi ride is about $6-8 a person each way, and there is a $3.00 entrance fee to the Baths.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda  are a great departure from your typical beach break. You can experience all the Baths have to offer in an action packed morning and still have time to see some of the sights in Tortola later in the afternoon. You can choose to swim, explore the terrain, or just relax at the Top of the Baths restaurant which has a patio and a pool during your visit.

What’s Missing

Booking the tour through the cruise line does limit how much time you get to spend at The Baths at Virgin Gorda (Although, we did not feel rushed). Depending on how long your ship is docked, you may want to head there on your own to maximize your time at the Baths. While you can find some websites with details on the different rock formations, you are on your own once you get to the Baths. There are a few staff members to assist travelers climbing over the boulders in the more difficult locations, but there are no guided tours.

Main Takeaway

This was our second trip to The Baths at Virgin Gorda, and we are glad we visited the beach again. It is certainly an exciting time and one of the best things to do in Tortola on a cruise . The excursion is ideal for families and solo travelers alike. The beaches are small, so getting there early is recommended. The best part is, you can still find time to explore the main island of Tortola if you do a morning excursion. Also, if you must see The Baths at Virgin Gorda , but are not traveling to Tortola, there are ferries that run from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda. Albeit, they are limited, and the total travel time one-way is 1.5 hours.

Have you visited The Baths at Virgin Gorda during your stop in Tortola? Did you venture through the caves and boulders to make your way to Devil’s Bay? Drop us an anchor to tell us about your experiences at The Baths at Virgin Gorda or any other activity you enjoy to help your fellow cruisers make the most of their visit to Tortola.

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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