Virgin Islands Sailaway
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Tour Code: trt-001
Experience the tropics in classic fashion by sailing to the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands and snorkeling at a coral reef and idyllic beach where the waters are teeming with marine life.
Depart right from the pier in a sleek catamaran and sail through the magnificent Sir Francis Drake Channel, a wide body of water named for the English sea captain and privateer who circumnavigated the world in the late 1500s. Heading in a southerly direction, you'll see volcanically formed Norman, Peter, Salt and Cooper islands on the horizon. Your onboard guide will elaborate on the history and geography of these beautiful islands, imparting all sorts of interesting facts.
For instance, uninhabited Norman Island is often referred to as Treasure Island because its rugged terrain is thought to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's novel "Treasure Island." Your first opportunity to snorkel will be from the boat, where you can observe the colorful marine life that inhabits one of the area's well-known coral reefs. Later, you will travel to Norman Island, where your boat will dock and you can once again snorkel along the beach or simply relax. Some of the best snorkeling is at The Caves, a series of three water-level openings at the base of the cliffs. Norman Island is about two and a half miles long, highlighted by a central ridge running the entire length, so it's quite picturesque.
Following your time at Norman Island, you'll re-board your boat and sail at a leisurely pace back to the pier in Tortola.
Please note: Walking on this tour is mainly at the guests' discretion on Norman Island. Guests wishing to snorkel should be good swimmers and be in good physical condition. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests, those with mobility concerns, or those with back or neck problems. Bathing suits should be worn under a cover-up and guests should bring their own towel. Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and flat, comfortable shoes or aqua socks are strongly recommended. Snorkeling equipment is provided. Guests taking part in any water activities do so at their own risk and responsibility and the local operator requires that all participants sign a liability waiver before being permitted on the tour.