You've got mail.

Patrick, Could you pass the info that you shared with Kadi? I have some of the same type of questions regarding BVI excursions for my trip later this month.

Kadi,
"Must do's" on the island: snorkeling of course, hitting as many beaches as possible, shopping at Wharfside and Mongoose, burgers at Skinny Leg's or Woody's, and fine dining at any of 5 or 10 different nice restaurants (where to dine is another whole - and enthusiastically discussed - topic!).

Excursions to the BVI? Pricey yes, but of the 30 or 40 guests I've accompanied on such trips, virtually every single person has said they had a complete blast, and wanted to do the same thing again next trip down.

Walking into the Westin to use the pool? Don't know for sure, but I'm thinking not. Besides, with all the great beaches, why do you want to swim in a pool with 387 other people anyway? ; )

Best,

Which excursion to BVI Baths with a family which includes 15 & 17 year old girls who know how to snorkel??

I have to say our favorite is New Horizons II (at http://newhorizonscharters.com/)

Regan, do you think New Hor. ll is a better trip than Breakway? I understand they are owned by the same company. We also have teen girls and I want to make the right choice since it is a lot of money.

Debbie,
You can't go wrong either way. I haven't been on Breakaway, but they're similar boats run by the same company, with the only difference in itinerary being that New Horizons makes it's final stop at White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, an incredibly beautiful beach and home of the Soggy Dollar and their famous Painkiller tropical drink (not for the kids!), and Breakaway makes it's final stop at The Caves on Norman Island, which is a cool snorkeling spot, but no beach or bar (although the Willie T is just around the corner, and maybe they stop there too, although the 'T can get a bit risque', so keep that in mind).

Having just finished what may be the longest run-on sentence in the history of this forum, I guess I'd just recommend just giving them a call at 800) 775-1208 or (340) 775-6644 and chatting with them. You can make your reservations while you're at it.

Best,

Is there a website for breakway? Couldn't find anything on it? Thanks. Kadi

Hi All,

Thank you Regan on details regarding motor day trips to BVI. Can you also comment on Sailing Day trips to BVI departing from St. Thomas? We too have two teens we are bringing along on our 25th anniversary and want them to have the experience of a lifetime (week of 12-25-04), preferably a good catamaran trip or fun day sailor with the best stops for snorkeling.

Thanks in advance,

Doug

Hello Kadi,

Try http://www.newhorizonsvi.com
contact them and ask about their various boats/trips, including Breakaway.

Doug, you might also visit that same site, they have a great BVI trip. For a more private charter you can try http://www.sailvi.com or http://www.sailjester.com and also http://www.shagexcursions.com/

--Islander

Doug,
Sorry for the delay, busy today. I defer here to Islander's advice above, for despite being a sailor myself, I'm embarrassed to say I've never done any of the day sailing trips! (If I'm sailing in the BVI, it's on my own bareboat. : )

Pools at the any hotel are for paying guests and are normally posted. The same holds true for items such as the beach chairs but the beaches are always open to the public.

I avoid the pricey excursions to the BVI becuase I have children and the costs can add up. We hop the regular BVI ferry sometimes, but the time you can spend in the BVI can be considerably shorter doing it this way (takes longer to arrive at your final destination if you are going to V. Gorda, though Jost V.D. is not so bad).

Had you asked last year this time I might have suggested chartering a small, private powerboat such as Nauti Nymph with a Captn. But, today's gas prices make this a less attractive option, I'm sure. We once spent about $600 for a full day (8-4:30) on one of these and were able to make it to the Baths before the crowd of the more popular charters and then head over to JVD for lunch at Foxy's and an afternoon on White Bay. Not sure hwo this works, but upon arrival at the Baths, the passsengers jumped off and swam in while our Captn took our passports to Custom for us in the boat. When he came back, he wanted for us to swim back out....passposts stamped. I'm sue the bigger charter companies have a similar deal.

Anywho, I can''t imagine what he gas would cost now....but I remember gas being about 1/4 of our total bill.

regan,,,,how long is the trip? sounds like a fun thing to do with my friend when i go in december