When in the Virgin Islands one should plan a day on the blue water.
Blue Water There are a multiple options for a day at sea, and each have there pros and cons. So here is what we have learned from our experiences and some things to think about before you go shopping for a trip.
First you have to decide what you want out of the trip and where you want to go. Almost all day trips will include a snorkel experience, food, and beverages. However some trips are truly nothing more than a booze cruise and they pack folks onboard and keep the rum punches flowing - the day becomes a blur. We have always try to avoid that type of trip, but I am the first to exclaim “Damn that’s Good!” while enjoying a cold Rum Punch as I climb back onboard after a salty snorkel. The fresh air, exercise, and sun will also get any appetite stimulated. Food is important when you spend a day on the water when the beverages are being served freely. If you do not eat you may find yourself chummin’ to your embarrassment, and the other guest horror. It is finding a balance between fun, the adventure, libation, and culinary delights that will make the day. And of course the desired destination! If you want to get to the Baths in Virgin Gorda from STT on a day trip – the boat will have to have a motor and it will be use constantly. We have been lucky enough to have some wonderful day trips, but each were very different. Here is summary of some our favorites.
True Love The ultimate sail & snorkel day! The boat is a classic.
History The sail experience is unmatched, and I do not think you will find another boat which will equal True Love when
Under Sail. True Love does not leave US waters, so passports are not required and this will save you a little on BVI customs fees. The snorkel equipment on board is in good shape, but we always like to bring are own masks (personal preference). The boat will usually hit the small cays on the north side of STT. Lovango, Congo, Mingo, or Grass Cay (
Mingo I Think ) are not in the usual circuit for the big day sail operations, so there is a good chance you will find yourself anchored off a beautiful cove or cut with no other boats in sight. Since True Love is truly a SAILBOAT, your day may be governed by the winds. Instead of the cays mentioned before you may have to set sail for STJ. Definitely Honeymoon, and if the winds are real good Water Lemon Cay is within reach. Marcus who manages the boat is also a formally trained chef, so the food is a step up from the deli sandwich and potato chip lunch. Any way you look at it – It will be a great day on the water, plenty of refreshments, great food, and experience that takes you off the beaten path. If you are lucky and the winds are right with all sails raised you will have an experience that every sailor dreams of on the water. If you are with your sweetie you can even recreate the famous Grace Kelly & Bing Crosby
kiss from the movie High Society! Part of the movie was filmed on the boat. True Love would also be a great option for a private romantic sunset dinner or a small wedding reception. True Love goes out of Sapphire Marina.
Daydreamer Absolutely a beautiful Cat! The boat was specially built for day sails. There is a lot of deck space, both in and out of the sun. The sail usually consist of a sail/motor over to Honeymoon for your snorkel adventure, and once again all equipment is provided. Daydreamer provides a light breakfast on the way over to STJ with Sparkling Wine. (or what the heck – there is nothing like a Pain Killer at 0830) (
Yes Please ) They give you plenty of time to snorkel before heading over to Jost in the BVI. You must have proper ID so if you do not have a passport – now is the time to get one. There is a fee to clear customs in the BVI, which is not included in the day sail adventure. The crew radios the lunch orders into Foxy’s and while you are enjoying lunch, the crew will clear the boat and guest through customs. The lunch at Foxy’s, is not included in the price, but well worth the experience. Hopefully
Foxy will take the stage and play a few songs. After lunch, Daydreamer will motor around the point to
White Bay anchoring off a pristine white beach lined with beach bars. Soggy Dollar, Seddy’s (Foxy’s Son) or Gertrude’s to name a few. White Bay might be the bluest water I have ever seen. A short swim into the beach and drinks on shore are on you – Now you know why it is called “Soggy Dollar”. Daydreamer provides a light breakfast on the way over to STJ and snacks on the way back from Jost. Drinks onboard flow and you will not suffer from empty glass syndrome, however I do not classify this trip a booze cruise – but could be - if you really wanted it to be one. On the way back you have to clear customs in Cruz Bay, STJ before
motoring back to STT. Daydreamer also goes out of Sapphire.
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IMPORTANT:[/color] True Love and Day Dreamer have one major thing in common. The Captain and Crew receive a small per diem wage from the owner, but they survive off tips. They are there for your safety, as well as to insure that your day is perfect. Please make sure that you save some cash for a tip. Yeah I know it looks like they have the perfect job and live in paradise, but the day begins long before yours and ends much later as they prepare for the next group of island visitors in search of blue water and sun. Rule of thumb is 15% of the booking fee or 20% if the crew has made your day a lasting memory.
Powerboat Rentals
For the adventurous who want to be in total control of their destiny and just have to see
the Baths, snorkel
the Indians, or make the jump at Willy T’s for free drinks [color:"red"]
(sorry no pics please)[/color] this is the option for you. There are multiple agencies on the east end of STT. American Yacht Harbor is the home of two of the largest Nauti Nymph or Ocean Runner. Your adventure can be fairly pricey considering the cost of rental fee, plus upon your return you pay for the gas used. (When we went to the Baths & Indians we used $140 in gas) And of course all beverages and food are on you. My personal opinion is that a group of 5 is the break over point where cost for a day trip by a charter company vice going out on your own rental is cost effective. If you do not have a fairly strong nautical background you may want to consider hiring a captain for the day – It will run you approximately an additional $100 plus tip. Rental boats come in different sizes and motor configurations, but you want
big to go to Virgin Gorda. A 25 to 30 foot boat with 500 HP on the back can be quite a ride if the seas get up!
Remember the rental company does have a copy your credit card number. They do that just in case you slightly tap a rock, or the prop you dragged in the sand was damaged. Then the day can get REAL costly in a hurry – they seem not to follow the No Worries mentality when it comes to boat damage!
[color:"green"]A few things to keep in mind:[/color] 1) If they tell you it is too rough to go to Virgin Gorda – Believe Them! 2) Customs into the BVI and back into the USVI is your responsibility – do not skip it. 3) Would not recommend the boat driver walk (stagger) into customs smelling like the 12 Red Stripes he just finished. They will be more than happy to call the rental agency to have them come get you – and that ain’t free either. 4) There is very little protection from the elements, lots of sun screen and use the dry boxes for cameras for the afternoon Caribbean showers.
We have done all three of the adventures listed above and all offer a unique and different experience. We enjoyed each one! We have not gone on any of the big operations like New Horizons or Liminos so I cannot offer an opinion, but to say as we have crossed paths they seem crowded.
So if we could only choose one of the trips we mentioned above to do again…….
It would have to be:
the Winner Good luck on your adventure and we hope
no clouds darken the day.
If you are not totally bored my incoherent and grammatically incorrect ramblings and missed
Part 1 you can find it here
