bviitin-dec

THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS SAILING ADVENTURE

* The following is a sample itinerary which outlines some of the daily activities we'll do and areas we'll be visiting during our sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands. As with any sailing program, the itinerary is dependent upon the weather conditions and the specific interests of the group.

DAY ONE: SAILBOAT
The adventure begins with the arrival of our group to Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands chain. A taxi will take us into Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands where we'll get settled into our sailboat. For the remainder of the adventure, we will live aboard our sailboat and become active members of the crew. We'll sail through Sir Francis Drake Channel visiting islands and snorkeling at spectacular sites. On this first day we may visit the Caves of Norman Island and Treasure Point, a site which inspired the writing of Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. Tonight we'll anchor in a quiet harbor and enjoy the stunning island beauty from the perspective of our floating home. Each evening or early morning before we set sail, grab one of our sit on top kayaks or sail board and go explore hidden coves or secluded beaches. Instruction will be provided for both activities.

DAY TWO: SAILBOAT
Dive into the clear warm water for a pre breakfast swim with your onboard naturalist! Today we may visit the fabulous Indians, a striking rock formation where huge boulders of coral and schools of brilliantly colored fish co exist under the turquoise water. We'll discuss the unique behaviors and strategies that have evolved among populations of tropical reef fish. The snorkeling at the Indians is superb! In the afternoon, we'll set sail for a new destination and select one of the many scenic coves to call home for tonight.

DAY THREE: SAILBOAT
Today we will continue learning the basics of sailing and navigation and take turns behind the helm of the boat (optional). In addition to looking for hawksbill turtles that feed on reef sponges, we'll visit lush grass flats where huge green sea turtles are often seen grazing. Snorkeling above these ancient docile reptiles is an unforgettable experience. This evening we'll offer an optional night dive to examine the nocturnal habits of reef animals.

DAY FOUR: SAILBOAT
Our destination today is the world famous Baths on Virgin Gorda where pools of crystal clear water have formed below massive rocks. On shore we can hike among the rocks and explore huge caves that have been carved out from the persistent action of waves and weather. We'll set sail in the afternoon sailing through the Sir Francis Drake Channel and may stop in Spanish Town for a quick look around, a local libation and re-supply.

DAY FIVE : SAILBOAT
Today we hope to find a quiet cove where we can fine tune our windsurfing skills or snorkel, beachcomb or kayak at a leisurely pace before setting sail for our overnight destination. Later in the day we may try our skills in hand line fishing or continue snorkeling among the reefs. We will discuss the formations of coral reefs and some of the environmental issues facing these delicate ecosystems. Our dinner tonight will include local Tortolan recipes such as Plantains Flambee and the Bushwacker. As always, we'll spend the night back aboard our sailboat.

DAY SIX-SEVEN: SAILBOAT
We'll continue learning how to sail as we navigate through the vast system of islands that constitute the British Virgin Islands. Birding in the area is good and we'll likely observe brown pelicans and brown boobies that are frequent hunters in the turquoise colored bays. These birds feed close to shore on the multitudes of fish and we can watch them feeding from underwater using our mask and snorkel. We'll spend our final night ashore recapping our experiences around a beach campfire or local beach bar.

DAY EIGHT: HOME
We'll depart for the airport after breakfast to catch our flights home.

(paint a fish and then watch the fish watching your fish~~painted fish is in the middle of the school)