TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Cane Garden Bay disappoints

We use to look forward to the sunsets in CGB and dinner at Myetts. But on a recent visit we were disappointed with Rymers. In our opinion, CGB is catering to the cruise passengers by putting out beach umbrellas and lounge chairs while ignoring exposed nails, missing boards and lighting on the dingy dock.

I do not disagree with you but suspect the dinghy dock is not owned by the business's. While it would be in their best interest to keep the dock in good condition I doubt they are willing to spend money on it.

When we were down in December the dinghy dock was in such poor condition we strongly considered not going ashore at night. We did and survived but the condition of the dock must be hurting business.

I rarely stop at CGB. Pretty much a better spot for the land tourist than boat tourist. From the water it appears to be exactly what one would expect for a Caribbean beach, so I don't discount its appearance. But it never fails to disappoint me in several ways. So many better options when on the boat, but if on land it is one of the best options.

The best reason, cause Mal is there!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

It is one of the only places that has consistent music this time of year. We are planning to stop and see Mal and Candace and get a little caribbean/calypso groove on.

Rhymers has been providing chairs and umbrella's since the 70's, way before anyone else did. And there were no cruise ships then.

I can see all points of view here..and thank my friends who we love to see in CGB..it is the centre of entertainment and some very good music, and half decent food, on Tortola's north shore. I was on the dinghy dock last week and it was in better shape than I remember it. We avoid it like the plague when the ships are in and enjoy it when they are not. We love Rhymer's for breakfast..The Elm for bar b q and The Elmtones of , right now, Cave and his pan playing bud..terrific. There are good pizzas at Paradise and always good food and entertainment at Myett's. We all wait for Quito..but..I guess I'm saying dont just write it off..

I love it . ..especially the music.
If crowds are not your thing I suppose one could always check the cruise ship schedule and avoid it on those days..I usually just take my chances.
Our decision on when to go is usually based on swell.

....re the dock..a little caution is certainly warrented , but .part of the reason I love BVI so much is the imperfection .....

Still absolutely love it....

I absolutely LOVE CGB and we always stay there a few days prior to our charter. Gotta take the bad with the good but the good is good enough for us.

Spent a week on CGB recently - had a great time - Elm rocked even without the Elm Tones -Malcolm's posts will fill you in on the great steel pan alternative! Had fun at the Paradise too! Really - beer pong on CGB - have to say that was a first! However, they serve up awesome pizzas - Myett's had some great entertainment - Rymer's breakfast was brill as always - wi fi there is free and easy to hook up to. Missed having Quito to dance to but hopefully that is a temporary situation! Tony's (Stanleys) still serving up great food, drinks, love the beach bar! All in all…no complaints!!! Love me some CGB!!!

The dock is a government dock but rarely repaired by them. Scott and I actually repaired it several times ourselves this winter. Quito has repaired it many times for years as has many restaurant owners along the bay I imagine. It needs to be replaced as every time a swell comes in it causes boards to loosen and break free. I doubt you will see a new dock for years.

As the song says "i love your perfect imperfections". I agree with others, check the crews schedule and avoid the crowds.

Bla Bla Bla about the dock! If this bothers you then you probably need to be on the cruise ship where everything has handles, rails and handicap ramps. Shoot, just beach your dingy if you have a problem with the deck. We had dinner at Myett's our last night before leaving and all the food was outstanding.

Harley

One of the main reasons we pull into CGB is to catch a taxi to Bananakeet for Dinner!

I second that with emphasis!

I've never been there. Tried once and it was too rolly...the surf was up-I didn't even know there was a beach as it was under water. Just have never made it back....some day!

you might be a little more sympathetic to the condition of the D-dock, if you saw what happens in a north swell. It can be a serious DUI/BUI trap, i admit.

I am with you Linda....Am so missing it right now, has been too long.....college tuition has really put a damper in my expendable pocket <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

this article is what inspired our first trip to the BVI. Especially this quote:

"Cane Garden Bay. It is a crescent-shaped harbor that is home to several nice beach bars, restaurants and a few choices of accommodations. This is the Cane Garden Bay that Jimmy Buffett sings about in Manana. Find time to catch entertainer Quito Rymer at Quito's Gazebo. He is the island's best-known entertainer and plays original acoustic and reggae songs."

Yes, things have changed since 2004 but I cannot imagine a trip to Tortola without several visits to CGB!!

What she said.

I saw an article in Caribbean Travel & Life in 2001 after our booked Italian Cruise for my 50th was cancelled due to 9/11. The article had a picture along CGB with people standing in waist deep water hoisting a cold one. I told Belinda, "This place looks like something we'd like. Let's try it!" We've gone to the BVI's every year since. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

I wish I was on CGB right now !

Charmaine, my wife and I really enjoyed looking at your pics, simply stunning! How can one not want to visit CGB after seeing your amazing pictures.

BTW when I was a kid we spent a summer in Sidney,NS. Great memories Lake Bradock?, Fishing off the pier in St Ann's Bay, Cheti Camp Bagpipes

Thank you ! Was it the Bras D'or Lake? Cape Breton is beautiful !!
Would love to be on CGB right now but the exchange on the dollar isn't so good right now . Next year !!

That is a great story....

Just back from a glorious Sunday on CGB..checked the dinghy dock..not one board was missing..enjoyed eggs benedict and bottomless mimosas at Myett's and then the beach bar for $3 beers..lots of locals and lots of empty space..old style CGB!

In 1986 I was booked on a Western Caribbean cruise on Holland America .Then their new brochure came out and the Noordam doing the Eastern Caribbean had a new port of call... Tortola. They had a photo of Cane Garden Bay and it sold me , I had to go. I called my travel agent to see if I could switch and the rest is history.
We took a taxi to Cane Garden Bay and sat in front of Rhymers for the day. I have seen a lot of changes over the years but what has not changed is my love for this beach and community and as long as I can I will keep going back. I have met so many lifelong friends here who share my sentiment .

A bad day in CGB beats working anytime...I will take it warts and all.

All this CGB talk is killing me. It has been my favorite since 1989 when I first met Quito. February can't come soon enough.

Wishing I was gonna see you this year Norma but we are down in March <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Everything changes over time, nothing ever stays the same. As I always say....the Good Ole Days start today.

Quito's dance floor is just not the same without you, Kim. Not tomention the IRS. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

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

"A bad day in CGB beats working anytime...I will take it warts and all."

What Warlock said. Wish I was in CGB now. I remember being there in '84 and it has changed, but it still beats just about anywhere else (outside of the BVI).
Lew

In 84 Rhymers used to have a few outdoor tables with swings to sit on. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

My "favorite place on earth" used to be those swing/hammock/chairs @ CGB. I was so sad when I saw them missing. You know, the ones on the deck that looked out to the bay...

At Elms.

...actually, I thought they used to be at (then) Stanley's??

Still one inside The Elm on the deck overlooking the beach..