First Caribbean trip booked :)

[laz]

Woohoo!

OK, so now need some suggestions of places to see, where to eat, what to do, how to get around, etc...

We're flying to the BVIs for 9 days at the end of March, staying with my brother-in-law (made it just in time, as he'll relocate to Canada in May!). I'm sure he'll have plaenty of things planned for us, but I'm always up for recommendations! Some ideas... and questions....

- Might try to resurrect our old PADI qualifications. It's 7 years since we took our open-water course and we haven't had a chance to dive since, so presume we'd need a refresher course. Any suggestions?

- What's the best way to get around the BVIs? I heard there are no buses and people hitch....?! Anyone tried this? (Brother-in-law will be working during the week so won't have a chauffeur!)... Are "amateurs" allowed to navigate their own boat around the islands?

- Good places to eat?

After the BVI stay, we'll be heading home via St Martin, with a couple of days and one night there. We're flying with Liat (any good??) and then need one night's accomodation. A quick check on the usual booking sites brings up loads of expensive resorts, but I'm wondering if there's any such thing as a backpacker hostel in St Martin....?! Maybe it's too developed and high class, but would like to stay in a more budget place than a posh resort, especially one close to the main towns. Also, I've heard the french part of St Martin is great for fantastic french/caribbean fusion food, so any suggestions?
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[Paul79UF]

I'd recommend doing a refresher scuba diving course at home before you go.

Then you'll be ready for real dives ASAP.

I'm glad I did my scuba classes at home first since they were boring dives. Then my first real dive was over in Fiji.

Have fun and post pictures!
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[laz]

In the end, we had no time for diving. We had a couple of days with family - the first touring Tortola by car and then visiting a few other islands by boat (motorboat), including visits to the "legendary" Soggy Dollar and Willy T bars. (I'll admit I had not heard of either beforehand, but have since read about their reputations!)

Then we were lucky enough to get a couple of days on Guana Island - a privately owned island resort, courtesy of a very generous early Xmas present from my wife's parents. Following that, we had 2 days exploring the remote beaches on our own (and breaking our hosts' 4-wheel drive in the process....!) and a day out on a yacht and watching the BVI Spring Regatta...

And before we knew it, it was time to come home.

For the record, here are some pictures....


GUANA ISLAND


TRUNK BAY, TORTOLA


LITTLE SECRETS CAFE, JOSIAH'S BAY


PAINKILLER COCKTAILS, SMUGGLER'S BAY


SMUGGLER'S BAY


CANE GARDEN BAY, TORTOLA


SUNSET VIEW FROM BANANKEET CAFE
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[paul]

Guana Island... I could live with that view.

Thanks for sharing your pics, laz. Looks great.
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[M.Straus]

Wow, the pic of the painkiller cocktails just gave me a powerful desire to have a pina colada. How refreshingly delicious.

[nj2333]

looking at those pics - very jealous indeed...mmmmmmm

[londontour]

Wow - those pics look amazing. I have never been to that part of the BVI's - been to Tortola and that was beautiful though. Really makes me want a nice rum and coke on the beach.... sigh...