We began our adventure to the British Virgin Islands in Tortola where we picked up our Jenneau 519 sailboat from Dream Yacht Charter.  Accompanied by Jason, Rashell, and my parents, we all set out with only a vague idea of a plan as usual. (sailboats are the epitome of “winging it”)

As you can see in the above picture, the docks are destroyed and the shoreline is littered with the hulks of boats destroyed in last year’s hurricanes.  A lot of the BVI’s income in through tourism and part of our motivation for choosing this location was to help them out just by coming and spending money.  All of the islands are in various states of disrepair.  Some more than others.  The Bitter End Yacht Club isn’t going to reopen and Soper’s Hole isn’t even worth visiting.  However everyone seems to be making the best of it and rebuilding as quickly as they can.  Given the quantity of boats we saw out in the water, tourism to the BVI is quickly recovering!

Before we left, I was doing some research on things to do, places to eat, anchorages, and what was reopened after the hurricane. I found some photos of caves that you can snorkel to. That was pretty much top 3 on my list. They were located on the South end of Norman Island, an easy sail away from the charter basin, so that became our first stop!

Overall this place was EPIC! and literally 1000% cooler than it looked while driving in on the dinghy.  I want to go back and shoot some more. The lighting was phenomenal in the caves and the water was super clear. I wish I had a way to use a tripod underwater… This place is on my “must go back here!” list for sure!

We anchored the boat in “the Bight” just around the corner.  There is a restaurant and bar there called the Pirate’s Bight.  Fairly entertaining play on words.  Later in the evening a group of people arrived in a dinghy in full (slutty) pirate attire to continue their party.  At least they fully embraced the theme!