We landed on Tortola the evening of 19 May. Dad and Colleen met us at the airport even though by now we feel very at home in the BVI and know the little path leading down to the beach from the airport. The sticky heat felt wonderful and my skin was happy to have a break from being continuously dry and flaky even with loads of moisturiser in England. We walked down to the dinghy dock together, went back to the yacht to wait for Andre's parents flight to get in.
The next morning we got to go on a helicopter ride over the islands which was just amazing. If you're ever in the BVI, you must make the time to do this. We went with Antilles Helicopter Services. We got some beautiful photos and video (which I'm still editing).
From Trellis Bay after the heli ride we went on to Guana Island for lunch. There is actually a rock sticking out over the sea which looks so much like an iguana when you're approaching. From here we went on to Brewer's Bay, Tortola where we snorkeled, kayaked and some tried out the stand up paddle board.
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| Conch blowing competition! |
The following day the divers got to go on their first dive at Brewer's East while the rest of us snorkelled. We had lunch at the beautiful White Bay with sundowners at Foxy's. We even spotted a southern ray right under the pier before getting back into the dinghy.
Now here's something funny and a warning too: Don't go on hammocks after enjoying sundowners! (This was on a walk along the beach at Foxy's.)
Posing on the hammock:
Oh so relaxing...
Let's put our feet up... whoops!!
Keep your feet firmly on the ground when hammocking!
On Wednesday there was more diving at Rainbow Canyon, Peter Island where the guys also managed to get a lion fish. These beautiful fish unfortunately destroy the reef fish and coral as they are not native to this area. They have no natural predators and so just multiply becoming a problem in the BVI. Wednesday evening we enjoyed sundowners on the beach at Pirate's Bight which they have now completely renovated and looks amazing.
Thursday morning the guys dived at Ring Dove Rock before we went on to Tortola where Marietjie and I went to swim with the dolphins. Always a great experience.
The next morning the guys did two dives on the RMS Rhone, the Royal Mail Steamer which stranded off Salt Island in 1876. I wrote more about it in a previous post which you can find here. Marietjie and I snorkelled above the wreck. The water was rather choppy which didn't make it all that comfortable but worth seeing the wreck from above. You can watch a video of a previous dive the guys with Simone did at the Rhone.
The evening was spent at Leverick Bay to watch the Jumbies show.
The following day the guys did a dive at Cow's Mouth, Virgin Gorda while us girls snorkelled there and then went on toe Eustasia Island where we spent the night.
Saturday morning it was time for the Poker Run. A well known cigarette boat race for charity. It was a hot day, loads of people, many coming across from nearby Puerto Rico. We spent some time before the race on land at Leverick Bay admiring the boats showing off their engines and blaring music! There was quite a party atmosphere. Before the race was about to start we made our way back to Madiba. We had an absolute prime spot - affording us to be in some heli shots taken from the air as well! From the boat we were able to see the dock and the boats pass towards the start of the race. There is not that much to see as they race actually starts but lots of white water as the boats speed away. Apparently Prince Harry joined a leg of the race, but must have been well protected as we weren't able to spot him.
From Leverick Bay we went on to Long Bay, Virgin Gorda for the night where we enjoyed another beautiful snorkel.
On Sunday the divers went for another two dives, one at a dive site called Broncho Billy at George Dog, and another at Coral Gardens where there is the plane wreck. Again Marietjie and I got to snorkel above the wreck, following the divers all the way from above. I've made a video of a previous dive here.
From here we went on to Trunk Bay where we spent the night. This was near The Baths. We also went in to Spanish Town to fill the tanks and get some groceries here. I always enjoy nosing around foreign grocery stores.
Early the next morning dad took us to The Baths. Good thing we went so early too as we were practically the only ones there and so were able to get lots of good photos without other tourists in our shots! On our way back a tour bus arrived at the top and people flooded the little beach. Luckily we had all our photos and were on our way back to Madiba by then.
After visiting The Baths the guys did two more dives that day. Busy diving holiday but they loved it! First one was Ginger's Backside. I know, strange name!! And the second was called Cistern Point. These were more new dive sites Andre had not done on previous trips.
For lunch we went to Cooper Island which is another of my favourites. Really pretty and calm little bay, with lovely snorkelling. The restaurant here has also been renovated or was perhaps just in the process of being renovated when we were here previously as it looks really nice now. They even have a camera underwater and when you sit in the restaurant bar you can then watch the fish live as they swim past the camera.
Another two dives on Wednesday: first was the wrecks Fearless and Willy T off Peter Island and after that they did Randy's Reef nearby. We spent the night at Great Harbour, Peter Island, another favourite snorkelling spot, where we were so lucky to see a ray jumping out of the water. My first time seeing that!
Early the next morning I was on a mission to see the big five, well two. I did the same here before: jumped in early on the day before we're due to leave the islands to go for a last really good snorkel, searching for turtles and rays. And as before I got to see a big turtle practically as I got in the water. I followed him for quite a while, he was really peaceful and not at all bothered by my being there. As I turned, right beneath me was a big spotted eagle ray. They're so beautiful. It too was very relaxed, I suppose with not anyone else in the water yet, they were calmly enjoying their early morning breakfasts and not in a hurry anywhere. After a while the spotted eagle ray swam off and next there was a southern ray. A successful early morning snorkel!
We sailed to Trellis Bay where the airport is as we had to leave the next day and had dinner at The Last Resort on the little island in the bay there. The next morning we had a last snorkel all around this little island where we spotted more rays among other fish.
Ended off walking up the beach to the airport with Sir Richard Branson behind us on his way to his private plane. We wished we could have joined him in his more comfortable and faster means of transport!
Another amazing holiday with our family on Madiba in the BVI. (12 days and 11 dives- a dream for the divers and just as perfect for the non-divers!)
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