British Virgin Islands

    The islands and atolls that make up the British Virgin Islands are closer than you think
to Puerto Rico, especially the sister island of Culebra, where my boyfriend Omar and I
pushed off for a week of exploring our neighboring islands.
    We departed from Culebra at 8:07 a.m. in strong seas with an initial destination of St.
Thomas. With ocean swells reaching 8 to 10 feet, our seamanship was tested, but little by
little we inched our way across open waters on the most difficult part of our journey, aside
from the inevitable journey home. Upon arrival, we fueled up, stocked with provisions, and
continued on to our initial destination of Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
    Water traffic is a bit tricky in the Virgin Islands where large yachts, sailboats, cruise
ships and our 21 foot open fisherman all share the ocean en route to paradise. The
beautiful trip concluded with our arrival to Village Cay Marina in Road Town on the southern
end of Tortola where we quickly found a room and meal. Shortly thereafter we made our
traditional visit to the scenic Cane Garden Bay, one of the most scenic, popular beaches in
the Caribbean. Word to the reggae wise, don’t miss this opportunity to purchase music at
reasonable prices. After exploring every corner of Tortola, we decided to move to Kelly’s
Guest House at Soper’s Hole Marina, the main port on the island. That night we were
treated to the mouth-watering Italian ice cream “Gelato” in Road Town and made our way
to Apple Bay.
    Considering the full moon reflecting above, the world famous Bomba Shack was next
on our list. Celebrated for its “Full Moon” parties, a get together attended by residents of
neighboring islands, including Puerto Rico, where revelers feast on Mushroom Tea made
in giant pots. The tea is not sold but tips are accepted. Later that evening a reggae roots
band named Quito’s played live music at Quito’s Gazebo Restaurant in Cane Garden Bay.
There we met people from visiting from Puerto Rico as well and we danced, drank and had
an awesome time together. After wrapping up that night we stayed at a hotel on Cane
Garden Beach.
    After waking to another beautiful day we had a hearty breakfast and continued on our
journey to our next destination, Virgin Gorda. Fortunately, the ocean had calmed down a
bit so our trip was pleasant. Upon arrival to Yacht Harbor Marina, we rented a room and a
truck for exploring the island. We decided to visit the eastern side of the island first where
we took a charter to Saba Rock, located on the West side of Virgin Gorda in front of Bitter
End Yacht Club. The small island has a hotel with an oceanfront bar and restaurant, where
we had lunch and a few Painkillers. Don’t forget to visit ‘The Baths’ and the 400 year old
copper mines, which are being preserved for future generations.
The next day we pushed off again to visit the smallest islands on the south Eastern side of
the island and we began with Cooper Island, the third island if you’re traveling from Virgin
Gorda to Tortola. Later that day we visited Peter Island as well, a little more populated with
yachts and sailboats anchored in its bays.
    Our last night in the BVI we decided to camp on Norman Island, better known as
treasure island. There we visited a Pirate Ship Willy T’s, don’t miss it! The food is not out of
this world, but the company is on the floating restaurant, where you’ll meet people in the
bar and listen to interesting stories from cruisers traveling down island. The island itself is
excellent for snorkeling due to its abundant sea life.
    The following morning we had to return to our own island paradise in Culebra. Although
its sad when vacations end, the most important thing is having fun. (Note: Tirsa Perez and
Omar Jimenez are seasoned cruisers with years of traveling by sea. It is not
recommended that you partake on such a journey without proper knowledge of the
surrounding islands and suitable equipment for such a trip.)