We have bareboated 8 times but have never made it out Anegada.

We have two families with four 16-17 yr old boys & going out with a 4500 cat from Moorings.

I think the boys would get a kick to visit Horseshoe reef & lobster hunt. I also read that snorkeling at loblolly/fob is amazing. Also Cow wreck.

Just confirming that doing any of this is something we can’t do by dingy by ourselves?

I got a quote for Kelly 1/2 day for $75pp
Half day 3-4hrs
Sea Tour- Visit The Famous Conch Island, plus snorkel at the Horseshoe Reef known to be the best snorkel in the BVI, Lobster Hunt & Dive for Conch to be showed how they are cleaned.

We are going at beg of August. Isn’t lobster hunting closed then?

This doesn’t inc Loblolly/fob or cow wreck though. The full day tour inc iguanas, museum& bars. The kids won’t appreciate the museum or the bars.

Should I see if we can just add on the snorkel at FOB or cow wreck? Or do this on the first day of arrival?

If so which tour company would you rec? Kelly or sherwin?

Thanks for your advise.

I have done 3 Kelly tours and will do the 4th a week from today with 16 people on 2 boats with Kelly. The quality of the tours (which have all been good) has mainly weather and current related but some of the best snorkeling ever and the flamingos are incredible in flight for someone from Washington DC who only sees pigeons in flight.

I am in the Kelly camp and have a good relationship with him personally...others will chime in from the Sherwin camp. I have heard good things about Sherwin as well. Kelly is more well known so has more reviews (a little like Moorings). It truly is a great time and is definitely something that you should do..

I would skip the land tour...do it yourself (if at all) but if the flamingos arent on the ocean you will see them from the taxi to Loblolly at the overlook albeit from far away.

Never heard about snorkeling at Cow Wreck and we are definitely going to try FOB next week for the first time based upon this Forums recommendation. The day after the Kelly trip we plan to snorkel Flash of Beauty, lunch at Big Bamboo, and then end up at Cow Wreck.

I strongly suggest bringing noodles from Moorings base for the snorkel trip with whomever you go for every person. It makes it a lot easier as you can literally snorkel for hours out there. you will bring these and your gear on the boat as gear isnt provided.

I wouldn't consider doing the dinghy by yourself (or at any time) although 2 times ago we saw a dinghy out at the Conch Island. Last time we actually saw 2 Moorings power cats anchored in the Horsehoe reef area which is redlined.

Your kids will definitely enjoy this activity

All IMHO

I have agree with bailau. Sherwin is newer than Kelly. So Kelly has the reviews. Personally I don't think will will go wrong with either. Cow Wreck is a great beach for the bar scene and swimming. Not so much for snorkeling. Loblolly and especially Flash of Beauty are great snorkeling spots. I second the advice of the noodles. If at FOB you have to have their Bushwhacker. Best on the island. And if hungry, definitely the roti there as well.

I recommend doing the land tour yourself. Call Dean Wheatley (284-544-3703) to rent a vehicle. He will meet you at the dock. Great guy with lots of island knowledge.

Have a great time. We will be there in just a few days!!

Thank you for the advice. The boys are all water polo players and surfers so they would laugh at the idea that needed floatation assistance. The moms on the other hand would never scoff at the some added help.

Looking forward to hearing about your trip once you are back.

+1 for Dean Wheatley. He has always looked after us very well. Email below if that helps.

Dean & Henrietta Wheatley <dnhvillarentals@hotmail.com>

I hear you...my kids are competitive swimmers. Yet in the middle of the ocean on a reef with potentially strong currents and no lifeguards they have noodles...plus as they get separated they are easier to spot..

Not to mention Kelly has beer on the boat and boats don't t have meaningful shade.

You can leave noodles in boat.


+1 for the wives...😁

Sherwin, he is trust worthy has a valid trade license and his boat is insured,

August Lobster season is closed was late last year went to the 15th but probably not this year. Conch season also closes on the 15th August.

If coming at end of August most places will be shut down but BIG BAMBOO (great snorkelling) and ANEGADA BEACH CLUB will still be open and perhaps ANEGADA REEF HOTEL.

Peter, janeoc stated beginning of August. I have to assume the same applies that some places will be closed. I totally missed that part of the post. Most shut down for August and September, correct?

See you in a few days sir!!

We have gone with Sherwin a few times. Great guy, great host and includes beer. Definitely Sherwin!

I missed beg I thought mis spelling of end , but no everything will be open beginning of August, well except Lobster season, mid August onwards places begin to shut down

I’ve only gone though Sherman, for both a half day cruise and deep sea fishing. I just know that I will always use him first. He was great

Jumping on this older thread. Heading to Anegada in about a week. I emailed Kelly tours and waiting for a response. Only in Anegada for the day, so debating boat tour vs renting a car or taking a taxi to loblolly/FOB.

I assume horseshoe reef only accessible by boat?

Anyone have Sherwin’s contact info?

I will get you sherwin's contact in a moment. Sherwin is a great guy to go out on the reef with.

Here is Sherwin's FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/Team-Work-Charters-1022815607860462/?__tn__=%2Cd-k-R&eid=ARAuP8XSmmPBFuYwIpOqwtgxdSBxINaQZDLA5-E-c0nSUa665zSHPEEA8Lu1YLtbpAIJbOUYP-ECKzJ-


284-440-3243 or 284-547-624

Thanks for the contact info. I heard from Kevin from Kelly's and they are available. Any comments on taking the charter vs. DIY in front of FOB?

Kelly is better reached by facebook or text....

https://www.facebook.com/AnegadaTours/

My commentary re:Kelly is above and still valid IMHO. If only in Anegada for a day and haven't been before and will snorkel elsewhere in the islands I might suggest rent a jeep or take taxi and go to Flash of beauty in the AM to snorkel and skip boat tour. Those that dont want to snorkel can be dropped off at Loblolly (you can also snorkel there). Those that snorkel can walk to Loblolly after snorkling and meet up. In the afternoon take the car to Cow Wreck Beach and enjoy the sunset at my favorite bar at the end of the world

All IMHO

I have been with Kelly 4 times. I was with Kelly 3 weeks ago with 2 boats and 14 friends. Kelly always entertains. I schedule my trips to Anegada around Captaincies Kelly's Schedule. Check out his instagram at: Anegada_Tours_BVI I have never been out with Sherwin.

The amount of times I hear boats calling for Kelly in the morning after he has bumped them for a better gig or even just didn't bother to turn up is a lot, so if you want it confirmed and want a T Top for some sun shade then Sherwin it is.

I’m in the Sherwin camp only because I have never gone out with Kelly. sleepychef’s comment would concern me. But as bailau says, he had a great time with Kelly. I also concur with bailau on skipping the land tour and follow his lead. Rent your vehicle from Dean Wheatley (284-544-3703 or dwjeep@hotmail.com).

I think Peter's comments (aka SleepyChef) must also be framed with the context that Sherwin works for him at the Wonky Dog if I am not mistaken. I certainly respect his opinion and since the board has been on a "conflict of interest" kick lately thought that should be pointed out.

I dont think you will go wrong with either Kelly or Sherwin...

Thanks all. Just to confirm, I am considering a 1/2 day boat tour with Kelly or Sherwin OR a DIY land tour. I am not considering a guided land tour. Snorkeling is a big consideration.

Anyone know if Horseshoe Reef is reachable by land?

Also, which place has the lobster dinner right on the beach? Was there the last time and don't recall which restaurant....

We have gone with Sherwin twice. No hesitation recommending Sherwin

Horseshoe Reef is NOT reachable by land...I wouldnt do a land "guided tour" at all but do suggest renting jeeps or a taxi and doing the tour yourself

Lobster at Potters or Wonky Dog is excellent...

Thanks.

Are the lobsters served outside on the beach? That's what I remember...

Yes...maybe these pics will help jog which place you went to. Both are on beach in Setting Point as well as Anegada Reef, Neptunes and Lobster Trap. Wonky Dog now has an upstairs section.

https://www.caribjournal.com/2017/07/28/best-places-eat-lobster-anegada/

It was Anegada Reef. Thanks for the pic!

A land tour can be done on your own.

Great...try Wonky or Potters...same great view

Dinner on the beach can be a pain if the sand fleas are biting. Wonky Dog has a new 2nd story deck for dinner with a view that can't be beat.

First time out with Sherwin in May this year.

1. On-time departure - check
2. Trip to Conch mound - check
3. Flamingos on the eastern shore - check
4. Snorkel on the horseshoe reef - check
5. Dive for conchs - check
5. Get conch out of shell lesson - check
6. Best fresh conch ceviche ever - double check (Sherwin's secret recipe)
7. 2nd trip to conch mound to deposit our empty conch shells. - check

Will we use Shewin again - double check

We're on Anegada in November and have inquired with Kelly about a day tour for 6 adults. He's requesting the payment up front, I'm always leery of sending that much money. I presume he then wouldn't cancel on us as someone had previously posted that he had done?...

I have done 4x with him and he has never asked for money up front...I would ask him why unless he will be busy and wants to make sure you dont drop out. Gumption mandates pre payment for his Necker tours because he doesn't want to be left standing without clients who drop out

We paid at the end of our tour with Kelly last May. Fun trip and he was nice but we may try Sherwin next time.

Shilo - check your messages for our experience with Kelly.
We took Sherwins tour last Feb.
Will take it again next January. It was the highlight of our stay on Anegada - we loved it!

I would trust Sherwin to pay in advance. But he never asked. We always paid him afterwards.

Definitely would not want to pay in full way ahead. Perhaps a $100-200 deposit for group would be reasonable.

What ever happened to Garfield? It's been a few years, but we did the tour with him on several occasions. We always enjoyed him.