New Regional Fast Ferry

My husband and I love to island hop when we are on a Caribbean vacation, but sometimes the distance is too great for the time alloted on our charter. Usually, we get around that by hopping on an inter-island Liat flight. It is always somewhat trying and requires a great deal of patience since schedules seem to be very loose to say the least. Now there is a new alternative with a new inter island ferry service that is being launched. The new service is owned and operated by BEDY oceanlines. It is expected to be officially launched on October 1 and make its maiden voyage on October 20, 2009. The company delayed the July launch of the service to facilitate the purchase of a second ferry. One ferry will be based in St. Vincent and will service the St. Vincent to Barbados and St. Lucia routes, while the second ferry will be based in Grenada and will service the Grenanda to Trinidad and Barbados route. The company hopes that very soon into the operation, other neighboring countries will be added. The service promises patrons a fast, reliable, comfortable, safe and extremely cheap way to travel. The ferry will be offering daily service to the above islands. Stay tuned for contact and schedule information. - Donna

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Grenadines Mapped Underground

For anyone that has enjoyed a Caribbean charter to the Grenadines, you know how spectacular the underwater world is! Tourism, food security, poverty alleviation and maintaining foreign investment inflows are all important reasons to ensure that the underwater wealth of The Grenadine Islands is preserved for generations to come. The sustainable development of this unique island chain is being given a boost through a major collaboration effort between The Moorings, Lighthouse Foundation/Sustainable Grenadines, Mustique Company, Tobago Cays Marine Park, Center of Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) at the University of West Indies, and PADI AWARE Foundation, that will result in a first of its kind map of the unique underwater features of the Grenadine island chain. The mapping expedition will take place from August 16th to September 5th, 2009 under the leadership of Kim Baldwin, a PhD researcher with CERMES. The crew will consist of two Grenadines fishers, a marine park ranger from the Tobago Cays Marine Park, a local captain, and two fisheries biologists from the UWI. The three week research cruise will identify and document critical marine life habitats such as reefs, seagrasses, and mangroces through SCUBA diving and the use of a live-action drop camera that can descend to 250 ft. Data gathered through these methods will be combined to create a first 0f its kind 3D underwater map of the Grenada Bank. Local knowledge will also be used as communities across the Grenadines will be asked to identify areas important for conservation and livelihoods through a series of on-land consultations during the cruise. The cruise will travel from St. Vincet to Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, the Tobago Cays Marine Park, Union Island, Petit Saint Vincent and Petite Martinique, Cariacou and Il de Rhonde. The research will aid planning and management of the Grenadines marine environment in order to preserve it for future generations. Furthermore, this research will lay the foundation and thereby aid the designation of the area as a World Heritage Site.

A couple that knows a thing or two about the underwater beauty of the Grenadines is Paul and Jody, the crew of the 50' catamaran, Sea Chateau. Their love for the islands is evident when you first meet them and step aboard this beautiful yacht with 3 queen-sized ensuite cabins with AC and 1 additional single cabin available. Sea Chateau is comfortable, colorful and thoroughly Caribbean. Being owners/operators, Paul and Jody take special pride in offering quests extra special amenities that are usually onl offered on much larger vessels. Captain Paul has been living in the Caribbean for the last 12 years. In addition to being a previous dive instructor and aquarist at Coral World in St. Thomas, Paul holds his US Coast Guard Masters License. He also has CPR/First Aid and PADI certifications. His love of sailing, tales of local lore and genuine southern hospitality will make your vacation safe, fun and entertaining. Paul loves to share his knowledge of sailing, the lifestyle, and the unbelievable marine life below the surface. Jody combines the two things she loves most-cooking and playing in the water. Her culinary technique has developed from years of experience working on charter boats and she will present you with an array of goodies to tempt your taste buds. Jody is also a PADI certified SCUBA instructore and is a CPR/First Aid instructor. She worked as an Education Volunteer at the Los Angeles Zoo, Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, and Jenkinson's Aquarium in New Jersey before obtaining an Aquarist position at Coral World. This background and knowledge of all aspects of coral and sea life makes her unique. She is a people person and she will lead you on dives or snorkeling excursions teaching and exploring the wonders of the underwater world. Click for more information about this fabulous yacht and her crew, Sea Chateau!

Whether toasting a spectacular sunset in a secluded cove, snorkeling with the kids, hiking a scenic trail or filling your sails, a Caribbean charter to the Grenadines will exceed your greatest expectations! And fortunately for us all, with the extensive research of Dr. Baldwin, the magnificent underwater world of this island chain will be preserved for generations to come!- Donna

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BVI Voted #1!

The British Virgin Islands has been recognized as the "Best Caribbean Island Destination" in the prestigious Travel & Leisure Annual World's Best Awards readers' survey. In the survey, islands are rated independently by readers in several categories, including: natural attractions, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people and value. Last year, the BVI ranked third! Trailing the territory in the line-up for "Best Caribbean Islands Destination" was Bermuda, the Grenadines, Vieques and Anguilla. Last year, over 930,000 tourists came to the shores of the BVI. Set against a backdrop of unspoiled natural beauty, the BVI offers visitors the opportunity to explore and discover world-class sailing, diving, fishing, dining and hospitality. Contact us to see what all the fuss is about...You will be glad you did! - Donna

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Historical Sites Easier to ID

It is getter easier to identify historical sites and museums throughout the BVI thanks to a new initiative by the Tourist Board. With the erection of signs identifying approximately 20 historical landmarks, the Tourist Board, along with the Department of Culture is hoping to improve the visibility of these landmarks and museums. The signs are uniquely fabricated to differentiate from the existing street signs, and are expected to add a sparkle and enhance the visibility of obscure sites. The erection began last week in Road Town. The first sites to benefit were the 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works, the VI Folk Museum, and the St. Philip's Anglican Church Ruins (also known as the Church of the Africans in Kingston). This initiative by the Tourist Board is a three-phase project that will add another dimension to selected museums, historical sites and other prominent locations throughout the territory. Completion of this first phase of the signage project is scheduled to conclude at the end of August. The second phase will involve interpretive interpretive signage and phase three will focus on the reconditioning of several sites including the Sugar Mill restoration at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Callwood Distillery. This phase of the project will commence in 2010. For a listing of historical sites and museums, visit the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board website at: www.bvitourism.com. And, next time you pick up your Caribbean Charter out of Tortola, allow some time to explore on shore to learn about the territory's history and culture.-Donna

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Puerto Rican Navy Invades North Sound

For the 11th consecutive year, Christmas comes in July at North Sound, British Virgin Islands. The huge celebration attracts hundreds of Puerto Ricans, referred to by locals as the "Puerto Rican Navy", who each year arrive in their boats, anchor and party for three days during the last weekend in July. The Christmas in July event has become the favorite holiday for many Puerto Ricans and during the last week of July, boats from all sizes and types tie up together and enjoy big family fun. The event provided great fun in the sun, excellent service, good atmosphere and fabulous entertainment, including reggae bands, famous Mock Jumbies, the traditional Puerto Rican "parrandas" and international DJs. "The Santa's Sledge"- a ferry- transported people from Saba Rock and Bitter End Yacht Club to Leverick Bay all night. Popular beer brands in Puerto Rico also sponsored huge parties in the North Sound area, including beach parties and a "New Years Eve" party.

You don't have to be Puerto Rican or even celebrate Christmas to have an awesome time in the British Virgin Islands. The cunningly designed Leopard 45' catamaran, Free Ingwe was born and breed to roam the exotic and wild islands of the world. With her unmatched deck space, vast interiors and flowing space, you will definitely believe she is truly a spacious yacht. She can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 queen-sized cabins - all with AC and private bathrooms and showers. Both Captain Matt and Chef/First mate Melissa are PADI certified Divemasters. They are funloving and want to share with you the Caribbean they fell in love with. Click to learn more about them and a Free Ingwe Yacht Charter.

Bring your own army or navy of friends and family and come explore the North Sound as well as the rest of the BVI. - Donna

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