Hello everybody. First trip to the BVI and first post! Have been reviewing the boards the last couple days and wanted to reach out with a few questions of my own. Chartering a MarineMax 382 out of Hodges Creek May 25-29. Thanks in advance for your help!

1) Flying into STT and land at 3:30 PM. Will it be a fire drill to make the 4:15 Tortola Fast Ferry with two checked bags or should we plan on catching the 5:00 out of Red Hook? I will be reaching out to Kevin beforehand.

2) We will be getting into Road Town after 5:00 PM would it be wise to grab a bite nearby before making the ride over to Hodges Creek as I understand there is nothing within walking distance.

3) Unfortunately we only have a five day charter (downside of a small business). Sleeping aboard the night before departure so should get an earlier start. We would like to visit Norman Island, The Baths, Cane Garden Bay, and Jost Van Dyke. Considering stops at Sandy Spit, Guana Island, and Marina Cay. I understand most people on here recommend a trip to Leverick and renting a car, but was maybe thinking mooring/docking at Spanish Town and renting a car there to save time? Dinner/Drinks recs are also welcomed!

Welcome Reynolds. We don't normally sail. We are land based. Will be back down in October. But I'm sure you will get plenty of feedback. I'm sitting in Baton Rouge right now. What kind of business do you own?
Anita

Kevin will know and take good care of you but Red Hook sounds most likley. I would dine in Road Town..for casual, great Italian we like Capriccio..it is right across from the ferry dock and cab stand so it could not be more convenient for you..

Anita-
I own the Interstate All Battery Center on College Drive.

Will bank on that! Many Thanks

Reynolds, I just sent you a PM.

1 - I doubt you will be able to make the 4:15. Consider ditching the checked bags, if you can. You probably won't need or use well over half of what you bring. Unless there is some specific piece of equipment or something like that, you probably don't need to check anything. Camera, credit cards, passport, hat, sunglasses, a good pair of flops and a pair of shorts and couple t-shirts are all that's really needed.

2 - Mal's suggestion is a good one. There are obviously several other options in Road Town as well.

3 - My personal recommendation is to hit Guana and Sandy Spit and skip Marina Cay. Given how limited your time is, I would probably recommend that you skip renting a car on Virgin Gorda for this trip. Hit the Baths by boat early morning and enjoy more time in the water and relaxing. Do the car rental and explore Virgin Gorda next trip when hopefully you can have a bit more time.

Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong! The best thing you can do is just try not to plan too much and don't try to cram too much in. If you want a vacation where you feel rushed constantly moving from one thing/place to the next, go to Disney World! There is too much to see in the islands in one trip, even a long one! Slow the pace and enjoy! Excited for you and hope to hear about your trip when you get back!

Reynolds and Cajunlady, I am sitting in Baton Rouge also and will be on a Moorings 50.5 starting several days before you. Stop by for a cold one if you see us, will be flying a large LSU flag. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

We also will be starting a few days before yall (17-25) and flying a large LSU flag on a marinemax 484. Our crew will be from Mandeville, Baton Rouge , and Marksville. I hope we all cross paths and are able to meet up!

I didn't know there were so many LSU peeps going to the islons. Sorry we will miss everyone. Our trip is not until October. Maybe we can all get together in BR for a cold one and share trip reports.

Good plan! May contact you after our trip and when LSU Baseball season is over.
Out,
HH

Regarding Spanish Town: We always get a slip there and take a cab to the Baths. Some will tell you that it gets hot in the marina if you don't have air conditioning, but we don't mind the heat so much.

We've never taken a mooring ball outside the marina. There are not too many balls to be had. And I believe some TTOLers have said that it can be pretty rough there, especially with the ferries going past.

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