BVI: The Baths & White Bay Tour with Swim & Beach Bars

Summary

Swim through The Baths’ caves then unwind at Jost Van Dyke

You’ll squeeze through ancient boulders at The Baths, swim in Devil’s Bay’s clear water, then spend your afternoon drifting between beach bars at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Taste local cocktails like the Painkiller and fresh lobster quesadillas with your toes in warm sand. This tour leaves you sun-soaked and smiling long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at The Baths was the light — it slipped between those massive granite boulders in thin gold stripes, making the water glow almost green. Our guide, Andre, kept us moving just ahead of a big group (he knew every shortcut), so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. Sometimes I’d stop and just listen to the echoey drip of water or touch the smooth rock walls — they’re cool even when the sun is brutal outside. Andre told us how these rocks were formed ages ago, but honestly I was more focused on not slipping on a patch of sand (I didn’t fall… this time). We ducked into Devil’s Bay for a swim and yeah, it really does look like those travel photos — except you can actually hear people laughing and smell salt in the air.

After that hike and swim, we got back on the boat and headed for White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. You can see all these little bars lined up along the sand from way out — Soggy Dollar Bar is easy to spot because everyone’s wading in with their drinks held high. The first Painkiller cocktail hit me right away (it’s way stronger than it looks), and someone handed me a lobster quesadilla from One Love that was so good I stopped talking mid-sentence. There’s music everywhere but it’s never too loud; you just sort of drift from one spot to another. At some point I lost track of time — which probably means I was doing it right.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after all that moving around, but there’s something about sitting in wet sand with rum in your hand and watching boats come and go that makes everything slow down. Li from our group tried ordering in broken English-Creole and got a huge laugh from the bartender — no judgment here. If you’re thinking about a day trip to The Baths & White Bay from Tortola or St Thomas, don’t forget your passport (customs is quick but they do check) and bring some cash for fees. Honestly, I still think about that first glimpse of turquoise water between those rocks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore The Baths and White Bay Beach

• Guided tour of The Baths
• Hike to Devil's Bay and swim
• Anchor at White Bay
• Lunch at beach bars
• Sip Painkillers at Soggy Dollar Bar

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this BVI tour?

Yes, a valid passport is required for this international excursion.

Is lunch included on The Baths & White Bay tour?

No set lunch is included, but you can buy food at several beach bars like Soggy Dollar Bar or One Love at White Bay.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, beverages are included with an open bar on board during your trip.

How much are customs fees for this tour?

$85 cash per person is required for customs fees.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkel gear is included as part of your day trip experience.

How long is the hike at The Baths?

The guided path through The Baths is about 1.8 miles including stops at Devil's Bay.

Can I join this tour from St Thomas or Tortola?

The tour operates from both Tortola and St Thomas; check pickup options when booking.

How many people are on each trip?

A maximum of 12 people per booking keeps groups small.

What’s included

Your day includes light snacks, beverages from an open bar, snorkel gear for swimming stops, plus a captain and mate guiding you through The Baths’ caves before anchoring off White Bay where you can swim ashore for lunch at local beach bars before heading back in the late afternoon.