Tuesday, May 2nd
We were up early at 6:10 when the engines fired up. As had become our morning ritual, I grabbed my latest book and headed up to the top deck to enjoy the trip to our morning destination. This morning, we motored and sailed to “The Dogs.” The Dog Islands is a small collection of six uninhabited islands between Tortola and Virgin Gorda. We grabbed a mooring ball at Great Dog and set up for Breakfast.
We had a couple of local islanders watching out for us over breakfast – – (goats!). Inquisitive minds still want to know – – how did the goats end up on the uninhabited island?
After breakfast, we had our first opportunity of the day to snorkel. The South Side of Great Dog has various rock ledges, over hangs and tunnels to support the coral and fish life. The day was overcast, so I don’t think we had the best conditions for visibility. I thought the snorkeling was ok…Marcus enjoyed it.
When we were all back on board, we headed over to Diamond Reef, off Great Camanoe, between Marina Cay and Scrub Island. As we moored at Diamond Reef, the skies had cleared, the sun was out! Learning’s from today:
- Legend says a couple on their honeymoon got in a fight and the woman threw her diamond out into the ocean – – it may (or may not) remain at the bottom of the ocean.
- Sotheby’s International Realty is carrying the listing for the sale of Scrub Island – Price is available “upon request” – – if you have several spare million, and you’re in the market for an island – I’m happy to move their and run the hotel for you.
- I really, really need to invest in an underwater camera
We were warned the current at Diamond Reef can be strong, and the reef area is shallow. Marcus was in first to check it out…and I’m pretty sure he snorkeled the entire area before he came back requesting the GoPro. In the meantime, I sat on the back of the boat with my feet dangling in the water. The water was so incredibly clear and filled with amazing, brightly colored coral and incredible sea life. It was easy to spot hundreds of sergeant majors, parrot fish and a tarpon (who was every bit of 4 feet) darting around under the boat. Once Marcus was back, and promised not to abandon me if I got in the water to snorkel, I had the opportunity to snorkel the area myself. It will be impossible to convey the beauty that this snorkel was. The snorkel at Diamond Reef takes the #1 spot on my list.
There were a limited number of moorings at Diamond Reef, so as soon as everyone was back on the boat, we headed over to a mooring, just off of Marina Cay for lunch. Dom, once again, knocked it out of the park. Lunch today was a Caribbean Meat Pie, served with a salad. Amazing views for lunch!
After lunch, we sailed over to Cane Garden Bay on Tortola. Tonight was our first opportunity to dine ashore. The sail over to Cane Garden Bay was incredible! There was enough wind that both sails were up – the sun was shining brightly and we could relax, taking in the beauty of the islands as we sailed past Beef Island Airport, past Little Camanoe and Guana Island along the North Shore of Tortola, around to the NW side of Tortola where we picked up a mooring at Cane Garden Bay.
Our crew loads into the dinghy and heads to shore for provisioning. We had an opportunity to jump in the water for a swim/float – – current was strong, so no one strayed too far from the swim line. Painkillers all around before heading to our cabins to get ready for the evening.
We all loaded into the dinghy and headed to shore in time for a BVI happy hour. We had an hour before our dinner reservation, which was plenty of time to drink our way down the beach. With $3 Rum punches and a passing shower, we ducked into Tony’s Welcome Bar while the rain passed.
We made our way down to Myett’s for dinner, where we met the rest of our boat mates for dinner. Marcus and I ordered Conch Fritters to start, entrées were coconut shrimp for him, and herb chicken for me. Food wasn’t great – Marcus’ shrimp was actually pretty good – otherwise, not mentioning.
Headed back to the dinghy dock and waited for Capt Rich to pick us up and return us home. Once on board, it was night caps all around – – and I believe this was the night I learned how to play dice! Thank you Barb for teaching me how to play! Other than our dinner at Myett’s – this day, overall was one of my favorite days from this trip.
Flip Flops & Time Off - Adventures in Travel & Every Day Life 