USVI-On-Line

Just found out that we get to go down at the end of April
My question is this:
We are going with Newbies and want to go to the BVI's, Has anyone done the New Hoizons trip where they take you to the Diamonds Reef? We Loved the Indians last time and want to know if they are comperiable(sp?)
Any input would be appreciated
Thanks

We did the New Horizons trip & it was wonderful. We caught the boat in STJ...went to Virgin Gorda & hiked through the Baths...then to the Reef to snorkel (really good when we went)...then to Marina Cay for lunch (beautiful)...then to Jost Van Dyke & back to STJ.
Very glad we did this trip as we saw alot in one day & had a great time doing it.
Can't compare the snorkeling to the Indians as we've never been there.

Thanks for the insite!

We've been on this excursion as well. It was FABULOUS...the boat, the crew, the stops...all of it. FYI the stop at Jost/White Bay is a bit of a swim from the boat. If you have folks that aren't strong swimmers it can be a challenge.

BTW I've snorkeled the Indians as well and both are great...

We've done both. I thought Diamond Reef was better than the Indians. Overall, a nice trip. Would have preferred to explore The Baths on our own rather than a guided tour, though.

We liked the New Horizons II trip. There is less room on this fast boat, so you pretty much stay in your seat when you are underway. With all of the territory you spend about half of the time between places.

Diamond Reef was quite cool when we did the trip with NHII in 2005. There was a good current going, so Capt. Dave dropped us off up-current and we drifted over the reef, which was in 15-25 feet of water. Doing a drift snorkel is like a drift dive, the current does the work and you are a spectator. The boat picked us up downstream from the reef. I think this is the standard operating procedure, since there did not appear to be any mooring balls near the reef.

Here are some shots of us over Diamond Reef:



Diamond Reef vs. The Indians? That's rather a mixed mode comparison. The Indians are a deep water experience with walls going down to 90 feet or so on the west side. Diamond Reef is a shallow reef with lots of hard and soft coral. I'd happily do both in one day. It would be a long day, but that's the NHII experience - do it all, but not in depth.

Cheers, RickG

Thank You Guys and Gals
I knew i could count on some good insight!!!!!!!!

gobucs we did the New Horizons and loved it. We had a great time with some new made forum friends. Diamond Reef was pretty good lots of fish and coral in great condition. We had no current the day we were there. Cover alot in a day for sure and they keep the drinks flowin. Not that it matters to me but Boats and 17th sure liked it

cptnkirk wrote:gobucs we did the New Horizons and loved it. We had a great time with some new made forum friends. Diamond Reef was pretty good lots of fish and coral in great condition. We had no current the day we were there. Cover alot in a day for sure and they keep the drinks flowin. Not that it matters to me but Boats and 17th sure liked it

You are tooo Funny