I’ve been on the island of Tortola for 36 hours and truth be told, I don’t know why anyone would want to leave.
It all started with an invitation from the British Virgin Islands Board of Tourism to join 20 other travel writers and photographers in the BVIs for five days touring the islands, including a stop at Richard Branson’s Necker Island for a sneak peak at the upcoming Kite Jam (taking place March 2010) and to learn a little more about the islands and the plans for new development.
A flight to San Juan and a cheap flight to Tortola and I was on the island before dusk. I met up with three other journalists on the press trip before boarding the Cape Air flight to Tortola. Cape Air flies every hour to Tortola from San Juan. Bonus: The flight is only 28 minutes, so get your camera out and bide your time in the air with some of the most magnificent views of the islands.
A good night sleep at Maria’s by the Sea in downtown Tortola and I woke up bright and early for a day of sailing. The tour started at Sunsail Fleets, where 144 charter boats and catamarans are docked every year. Our beauty came straight from South Africa and was complete with three bedrooms and a full working kitchen (not a bad way to start the day)!
We sailed to Norman’s Island, where it’s said Blackbeard’s treasure chest is buried. (Note to gold seekers: I dug in the sand a little bit and all I found was a few gold-flecked seashells and one piece of green glass). Ask for Rupert when you’re there – he’s the island manager and has many good stories to tell of Blackbeard’s hidden treasure. Rumor has it the island will eventually host a hotel, but for now, it’s a day trip for water-lovers staying on Tortola.
After a Caribbean-style lunch of rice and beans, and BBQ ribs, we headed to “the caves” – a formation of rocks that open into caves and underwater crevices for snorkelers, scuba divers and swimmers to discover. As a first-time Caribbean diver, I was captivated by the world beneath me. Fish in every color, reefs of all sizes and underwater caves provided guidance as I made my way into their world. When I came up for air, I was inside one of the oldest caves in the world, and surrounded by school of fish and coral.
Tomorrow we set sail for Virgin Gorda at 8 a.m., where an entirely new day of activities await.
© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer
