Aside from the
plethora of activities available on board there are also diversions
ashore some of which are not included in the cost of the charter.
Hiking
The stunning natural environment is somewhat overshadowed by the focus
on water based activities. For those who enjoy hiking there are some
beautiful trails and parks for you to explore. On Tortola the hike
through the Mount Sage National Park with it's tropical rain forest
is surpassed only by the view from the top. On Virgin Gorda there
are numerous paths just asking to be explored and even Jost Van Dyke,
known more for its bars than natural beauty has its fair share of
hiking attractions. You can get a guided tour around a local fruit
plantation in Great Harbour or crest the mountain overlooking Little
Harbour.
Historic Sites
There are many historic sites scattered across the islands. Ruins
of forts and sugar mills abound a typical example of this is the Mount
Healthy National Park. Located on the North shore of Tortola are the
ruins of Tortola's only remaining windmill powered sugar mill. A large,
conical structure built from local rock as well as coral and red bricks
used as ballast in ships. The Mount Healthy plantation has other ruins,
such cistern and stables, as well as its boiling house where the cane's
juice was run through a series of kettles before the concentrated
and purified juice was poured into flat wooden panels to cool and
crystallise into sugar (or molasses), then scraped into barrels for
shipment.
Callwood Distillery
Historically, the art of rum-making was widely practiced by the Afro-Caribbean
population in the British Virgin Islands. But today, the low price
of imported liquor and the decline of sugar production has made local
rum production a rarity in this part of the world. One of the exceptions
though, is the Callwood Rum Distillery at Cane Garden Bay.
Nestled at the bottom of a gentle slope just a stone's throw from
the beach, the Callwood Distillery stands in all its historic splendour,
showing no concern for modern development. The building is not far
from decrepit and its furnishings spartan and ancient; its rum making
techniques and folklore are still intact. The surrounding air is imbued
with the tangy aromas of boiling cane juice and the exuberance of
high spirits waiting for the moment of release.
Folk Museum and Art Galleries
For those interested in local art and crafts there is the Folk Museum,
numerous art galleries and boutiques located on and around Main Street.
Botanical Gardens
It's easy to lose yourself in the J.R. O'Neal Botanic Gardens. The
4.5 acre park is in the middle of Road Town, just across from the
police station and next door to a car lot, but with a little imagination,
you could be in the heart of a tropical rain forest, or in a country
garden miles from cities, traffic and crowds. The gardens are part
of the British Virgin Islands' National Parks system which maintains
and develops the park with the help of the BVI Botanic Society. Within
its small confines is a unique combination of natural history, horticulture
and history. Among its attractions are tropical birds, the indigenous
and rare red-legged tortoise, a lily pond and a series of gardens
that include cacti and succulents, palms, orchids, hibiscus, gazebos
and a miniature tropical rain forest.
Aerial Tours
If you would like to see more of the islands from a birds eye view,
aerial tours can be arranged in either a helicopter or fixed wing
aircraft.
Parasailing
For those of you who prefer to still be attached to something on the
ground, water actually, there is rendezvous parasailing which is enjoyed
by many of our guests, especially the aspiring photographers.
Tennis
There are many resorts with tennis facilities for aficionados. One
word of advice would be to bring your own racquet.
Shopping
Many of or guests find it hard to get through the charter without
a quick shopping fix and a chance to buy presents for family and friends.
Whilst we do not have anything even closely resembling a shopping
mall, Tortola and Virgin Gorda both boast some very nice boutiques
in town and at the popular resorts and anchorages.
Volleyball
We have our own volleyball net on board which can be set up on any
beach of your choice.
Horse Riding
There are two riding stables on Tortola, Shadow Stables on the Ridge
Road and the Ellis Thomas Riding School at Sea Cow's Bay.
Rendezvous Deep Sea Fishing
The location of many world records, world class blue marlin and other
deep-sea fishing is available at Anegada and elsewhere. We can usually
organise rendezvous trips with some advance notice.
