usvi-on-line
2 weeks on STJ too short ~ Day 3~To BVI with Captain Brandi
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islandjo2010
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2009 8:58 am
- Location: KC, MO
2 weeks on STJ too short ~ Day 3~To BVI with Captain Brandi
June 26, 2010
JD and I were up by 6am. I didn’t get much sleep last night, mostly because it stormed, but also worrying that our day with Captain John Brandi of Palm Tree Charters might be cancelled. The skies were cloudy but we were optimistic that it would clear and be a sunny day. We woke the kids up, had breakfast and left the villa at 7:45am to head into Cruz Bay to meet Captain Brandi at the National Park Dock at 8:30am. We were excited to see the sun peeking out as we drove and even more excited to get into town and find a close parking spot! We arrived at the dock a bit early, lathered the sunscreen on and before we knew it, Captain Brandi was motoring up! He welcomed us with a big smile and introductions were made…he is just as nice and friendly as described on the Forum (thank you Pia for your help in booking this trip). As Captain Brandi helped us get settled in the boat, he asked us questions to make sure our family would experience what we wanted to that day. Our 2 priorities were exploring The Bath’s and to snorkel The Indians. Since the kids were with us, we weren’t interested in island hopping as much as we were snorkeling…we would rely on his wisdom to fill-in the rest of the day! We completed the required paperwork for customs and were on our way! The sun is starting to shine now! Captain Brandi motored around the north shore pointing out the beaches, gave us a brief history lesson along the way and made a video to capture the day!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2rzs17k" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.tinypic.com/2rzs17k.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2z4d1jt" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/2z4d1jt.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=282gpqg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/282gpqg.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=1zf0qcn" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/1zf0qcn.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
Entering into British waters, first stop was at customs. Captain Brandi went in and took care of everything for us while we waited in the boat. As we approached Virgin Gorda, the beauty of the Baths could be seen and the kids were anxious to go explore and climb! There were quite a few boats anchored around and we waited for our turn to be dropped off. Our turn came, we jumped in and swim to shore! Once on shore, we turned around to wave back to let Captain Brandi know we were all okay and to see where he went to anchor so we could find him when we were done! We all had a great time exploring our way through the large boulders and swimming around at Devil’s Bay. I am really glad we experienced the Baths, but it won’t be a “must see” every visit…too many other destinations in the VI’s to explore!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2znr505" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/2znr505.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=fw8oz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/fw8oz.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=ostnqp" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.tinypic.com/ostnqp.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
As we were leaving the Baths and heading to our next stop, it started to rain. Captain Brandi asked if we were ready for lunch, we decided yes, it was a good time to have lunch and avoid the rain! We had lunch on Norman Island at the Pirate’s Bight. We ordered a mahi mahi sandwich, a slab of BBQ ribs, a grilled vegetable panini and a hamburger…all were fantastic and so were the drinks! Our daughter lost a tooth while there…great memory of this visit and a first passenger experience for Captain Brandi! He tried to talk her into burying it in the sand, like treasure and we could try and find it the next visit, but she wouldn’t go for it! Our plan to break for lunch worked…by the time we were done eating, it had stopped raining!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=vqic5e" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/vqic5e.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=4t0ndc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/4t0ndc.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=16bls0x" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/16bls0x.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2hfmhs8" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/2hfmhs8.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
Next stop, snorkeling at the Caves! This was a really cool experience for us, but we knew the colors would have been nicer if the sun was shining. Hopefully next visit!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=10oo9yd" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.tinypic.com/10oo9yd.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=25z35av" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/25z35av.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=nqy7us" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/nqy7us.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2vdp409" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/2vdp409.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
Now for the snorkel I have read so much about...the Indians! It was my favorite snorkel of the 2 weeks! I have this on my “must always do” list for future visits! The sky was getting a bit brighter so the colors were better. The large coral reef that seemed to reach the surface and the big fish were just amazing to swim among! I highly recommend this snorkel spot and don’t believe it would disappoint anyone, beginner or advanced. We loved this spot and didn’t want to leave.
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2a4zj21" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/2a4zj21.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
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It was time to head back to STJ…we absolutely enjoyed this day spent with Captain Brandi on Palm Tree Charters and it is on my “must always do” list as well. We are anxiously waiting for the YouTube video to be posted on his site so we can relive this AWESOME day! Thank you Captain Brandi, we have memories of this day that will last a lifetime! And thanks to his wife, Sue, she is terrific, called us the same evening we booked the trip to thank us for choosing them and made sure we had all the necessary information and contact numbers.
Back at the villa, we showered, ate dinner and watched a movie before heading off to bed.
As another memorable day ends, dreams of what tomorrow will bring begins!
JD and I were up by 6am. I didn’t get much sleep last night, mostly because it stormed, but also worrying that our day with Captain John Brandi of Palm Tree Charters might be cancelled. The skies were cloudy but we were optimistic that it would clear and be a sunny day. We woke the kids up, had breakfast and left the villa at 7:45am to head into Cruz Bay to meet Captain Brandi at the National Park Dock at 8:30am. We were excited to see the sun peeking out as we drove and even more excited to get into town and find a close parking spot! We arrived at the dock a bit early, lathered the sunscreen on and before we knew it, Captain Brandi was motoring up! He welcomed us with a big smile and introductions were made…he is just as nice and friendly as described on the Forum (thank you Pia for your help in booking this trip). As Captain Brandi helped us get settled in the boat, he asked us questions to make sure our family would experience what we wanted to that day. Our 2 priorities were exploring The Bath’s and to snorkel The Indians. Since the kids were with us, we weren’t interested in island hopping as much as we were snorkeling…we would rely on his wisdom to fill-in the rest of the day! We completed the required paperwork for customs and were on our way! The sun is starting to shine now! Captain Brandi motored around the north shore pointing out the beaches, gave us a brief history lesson along the way and made a video to capture the day!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2rzs17k" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.tinypic.com/2rzs17k.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2z4d1jt" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/2z4d1jt.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=282gpqg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/282gpqg.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=1zf0qcn" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/1zf0qcn.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
Entering into British waters, first stop was at customs. Captain Brandi went in and took care of everything for us while we waited in the boat. As we approached Virgin Gorda, the beauty of the Baths could be seen and the kids were anxious to go explore and climb! There were quite a few boats anchored around and we waited for our turn to be dropped off. Our turn came, we jumped in and swim to shore! Once on shore, we turned around to wave back to let Captain Brandi know we were all okay and to see where he went to anchor so we could find him when we were done! We all had a great time exploring our way through the large boulders and swimming around at Devil’s Bay. I am really glad we experienced the Baths, but it won’t be a “must see” every visit…too many other destinations in the VI’s to explore!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2znr505" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/2znr505.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=fw8oz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/fw8oz.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=ostnqp" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.tinypic.com/ostnqp.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
As we were leaving the Baths and heading to our next stop, it started to rain. Captain Brandi asked if we were ready for lunch, we decided yes, it was a good time to have lunch and avoid the rain! We had lunch on Norman Island at the Pirate’s Bight. We ordered a mahi mahi sandwich, a slab of BBQ ribs, a grilled vegetable panini and a hamburger…all were fantastic and so were the drinks! Our daughter lost a tooth while there…great memory of this visit and a first passenger experience for Captain Brandi! He tried to talk her into burying it in the sand, like treasure and we could try and find it the next visit, but she wouldn’t go for it! Our plan to break for lunch worked…by the time we were done eating, it had stopped raining!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=vqic5e" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/vqic5e.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=4t0ndc" target="_blank"><img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/4t0ndc.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=16bls0x" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/16bls0x.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2hfmhs8" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/2hfmhs8.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
Next stop, snorkeling at the Caves! This was a really cool experience for us, but we knew the colors would have been nicer if the sun was shining. Hopefully next visit!
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=10oo9yd" target="_blank"><img src="http://i26.tinypic.com/10oo9yd.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=25z35av" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/25z35av.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=nqy7us" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/nqy7us.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2vdp409" target="_blank"><img src="http://i28.tinypic.com/2vdp409.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
Now for the snorkel I have read so much about...the Indians! It was my favorite snorkel of the 2 weeks! I have this on my “must always do” list for future visits! The sky was getting a bit brighter so the colors were better. The large coral reef that seemed to reach the surface and the big fish were just amazing to swim among! I highly recommend this snorkel spot and don’t believe it would disappoint anyone, beginner or advanced. We loved this spot and didn’t want to leave.
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2a4zj21" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/2a4zj21.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2418lt4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/2418lt4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=105xs2w" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/105xs2w.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2216kw" target="_blank"><img src="http://i32.tinypic.com/2216kw.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2nsqis7" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/2nsqis7.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=30bin2x" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/30bin2x.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2h50fwn" target="_blank"><img src="http://i27.tinypic.com/2h50fwn.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=33vkif7" target="_blank"><img src="http://i31.tinypic.com/33vkif7.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=2v0itl4" target="_blank"><img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/2v0itl4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=k1tbnq" target="_blank"><img src="http://i29.tinypic.com/k1tbnq.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>
It was time to head back to STJ…we absolutely enjoyed this day spent with Captain Brandi on Palm Tree Charters and it is on my “must always do” list as well. We are anxiously waiting for the YouTube video to be posted on his site so we can relive this AWESOME day! Thank you Captain Brandi, we have memories of this day that will last a lifetime! And thanks to his wife, Sue, she is terrific, called us the same evening we booked the trip to thank us for choosing them and made sure we had all the necessary information and contact numbers.
Back at the villa, we showered, ate dinner and watched a movie before heading off to bed.
As another memorable day ends, dreams of what tomorrow will bring begins!
Loving your TR.
I love the Indians as well. It's a great spot. Unfortunately your experience depends on how calm the water is. Some days are just not doable b/c of the chop.
The other thing for folks to consider, esp. if they are snorkeling newbies, is that the Indians are in open water and you look straight down and it is deep! The updside is that you see a ton of stuff you wouldn't otherwise and the visual is pretty spectacular.
So novice snorkelers should consider a vest when hitting the Indians just to be safe.
Looks like you guys had a FABULOUS day!! Great pics!!
I love the Indians as well. It's a great spot. Unfortunately your experience depends on how calm the water is. Some days are just not doable b/c of the chop.
The other thing for folks to consider, esp. if they are snorkeling newbies, is that the Indians are in open water and you look straight down and it is deep! The updside is that you see a ton of stuff you wouldn't otherwise and the visual is pretty spectacular.
So novice snorkelers should consider a vest when hitting the Indians just to be safe.
Looks like you guys had a FABULOUS day!! Great pics!!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
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Rachelle & Joe
- Posts: 677
- Joined: Sat Nov 18, 2006 4:23 pm
- Location: ohio
two weeks on STJ too short
Thanks for posting, looks like u all had Fun ! Love the Bath's gotta do them at least once !!! your underwater shots are Beautiful 
What a special place to loose a tooth, great back to school story 
What a special place to loose a tooth, great back to school story 
