Marina Cay, Trellis Bay, or Scrub?

First have to say as a newbie to TTOL, I cannot be more impressed with the knowledge base and generosity of those in the know sharing their experience--thank you.

I think I have my itinerary set (Mon 6/29 -Wed 7/8) but am having trouble deciding on where to overnight on Sat 7/4. Currently planning on leaving VGS Sat morning, hitting the dogs, then overnighting somewhere that makes it easy to get to Monkey Pt early for an afternoon snorkel. Am trying to decide between Marina Cay/pussers, Scrub/, and Trellis Bay/last resort.

Our itinerary is Mon 6/29 evening start, Tues 6/30 Norman(+caves), Wed 7/1 Cooper (+indians,cistern), Thurs/Fri 7/2-3 Leverick (+bbq/baths), Sat 7/4 ??? (+dogs), Sun 7/5 CGB (+monkey pt), Mon 7/6 JVD (+sandy cay), Tues 7/7 Peter (+a peaceful beach day), Wed 7/8 RT and heading home.

any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Marina Cay

Unless you want another night on the dock at a nice but expensive resort, I'd go with Marina Cay too. Scrub would be nice if you want to be on the dock and have access to the resort.

At Marina Cay you can snorkel diamond reef, swim right from the boat and enjoy drinks or a meal ashore. It's not what we come to the BVI for.

We like Scrub for what it is - a resort with a two level infinity pool, hot tub, a fun little slide going into one of the pools, a couple good restaurants, and options for pampering typically found at high end resorts. It's a good place for the kids to (respectfully) let loose a bit while we get some relaxation time sitting by the pool and not worrying about the boat. Although we do go to the BVIs primarily for the sailing, beach bars and local culture, we do find Scrub a nice mid-way stop to mix things up a bit. BUT, we also like Marina Cay and I'm not saying you should necessarily choose Scrub over Marina Cay. Just depends on what you like and are after.

Matt

since we have two teenagers aboard it sounds like Marina Cay is the right call. Wondering if there are other changes any of you would make to the itnierary besides this choice?

We're going to stay at MC for the June FMP at Trellis this year, it gets pretty tight in Trellis on FMP nights. If you want to get a good spot there, you need to be really early and waste a day on the water.

We've done all three, but prefer Marina Cay because of the ability to swim. There's a good current through the mooring field and room to anchor.

Cheers, RickG

Or....you can have the best of both? Get there early enough to grab a ball at Marina Cay, snorkel Diamond Reef, and maybe go to Pussers for a couple of painkillers....then...since you're so close...and you would have a slip reserved...head over later in the afternoon and enjoy Scrub if it appeals - the kids would probably love the pool slides, the women on board would probably love the nice showers, etc.

It seems I'm often in a TTOL minority on subjects like this. We've always enjoyed staying at Trellis Bay.

• We like a very calm anchorage for sleeping. Our one time at Marina Cay we had a very rocky night. Trellis is always flat.
• We docked at Scrub when our teenage nieces were aboard, and they enjoyed the pools. And certainly the showers and other facilities there are nice. On the other hand, the dockage is pricey.
• We always looked forward to hearing Al the Singing Chef at the Last Resort. He no longer performs there, but TTOL'ers have said some very positive things about the recently re-opened restaurant.
• We like to wander the shoreline on Trellis, visiting the shops and taking a walk out to Sprat Point.

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

It's best to wait and see the weather. Trellis can be hot and buggy and dinghies might go off wandering. Marina Key can be rough but not more then a handful of days a year. The docks at scrub can also be rough making for a noisy night. Just depends on which way the wind is blowing and how strong.

I would suggest between your choices Marina Cay. My experience at Trellis is a bad first impression. We pulled into the mooring field and there were several unkept boats either anchored or moored that looked like they had been there for years. It had the appearance of a run down neighborhood. My whole crew voted to leave and find another anchorage which we did. We never made it to shore to visit the shops or restaurants so I can't comment on that.

WayneC, I agree with your impression of Trellis Bay. On our first trip we moored there overnight and did not enjoy it. Early June and hardly any shops were open. Our last trip this early April we stayed at Marina Cay and had a much better experience. Live music at the bar on top of the hill with pain killers and a pleasant dinner in the restaurant. The mooring field was quiet, not too rolly except when the ferry went by and that wasn't much wake.

We've been to all 3 and they all offer something different. Marina cay is typically our first choice. We have been to trellis a number of times too. It is worth a stop to visit the shops. Aragorn's studio has a lot of unique items. But you can't do everything in one trip, so I wouldn't put too much thought in to it.

Actually, Al has been performing at the "new" Last Resort every Thursday this year. He has also been doing a regular gig at Myett's on Mondays.

As well as other appearances around Tortola.

I love Trellis Bay.

I vote for Marina Cay. Beautiful spot.

Yep. No doubt about it. The anchorage at Trellis Bay has that run-down, trailer-trash sort of look to it. Lots of neglected boats, some that make you wonder how they stay afloat.

Still, there are lots of days when the mooring field at Marina Cay will be very rolly while the anchorage at Trellis Bay is quiet and peaceful. The shops and restaurants on shore at Trellis Bay are also--to me and my wife, at least--very well worth it. Even when we have moored at Marina Cay we usually take the dinghy over to Trellis Bay for a visit.

If you can get past the "wrong side of the tracks" look to the anchorage, in my opinion Trellis Bay is very definitely worth a visit. If you're only going to be there one night, I might choose Marina Cay, but my best advice is to find time for both.

(Never stayed at Scrub Island, so I cannot comment on that.)