May 2022
Overall:
If you’re wanting to experience BVI and have a relaxing, memorable, beautiful experience with great food and even better people then sailing with Alison and Andre’ on the Turquoise Turtle is the only way to do it. They have the knowledge, experience, connections and wonderful personalities to make your experience a once in a life time! From the first day aboard, we instantly felt like an extension of their family. The made us feel right at home, made great conversation, delcious food and cocktails and really took care of everything for us so we didn’t have to even think or worry about a thing. Alison and Andre’ will be forever a part of our lives and I hope to be able to go back again! Do yourself a favor and book with them. You won’t regret it and everyone you know will be super jealous. 🙂
Planning/Booking:
Where to begin! This trip was 3 years planning in the making. We had been planning this since before COVID and then it got pushed for 2 years. Then the boat we originally booked was sold so we had to scramble and look for a new one to accommodate our dates. After booking the 2nd boat, a week later found that vessel, too, had been sold. We almost conceited to defeat until we found the Turquoise Turtle. Alison and Andre’ were very accommodating to our dates and the was gracious to accept the pricing we had initially book the other boats for. We hadn’t even spoken to Alison and Andre’ yet and we already loved them! Week before we were scheduled to book we hopped on a call with Alison and Andre’ and chatted about itinerary, menu preferences and other activities we were wanting to do. This really helped us OCD Planners (like me) feel more at ease about what to pack and expect.
Let the fun begin!
We flew into STT the night before we were scheduled to board and we stayed at the hotel in the marina so we saw the boat docked when we checked in. We went to dinner that night and actual ran into Alison and Andre’ ! we recognized them from their photos. We chatted and introduced ourselves briefly and they even gave us their table as they were leaving as we were sitting.
Day One: Boarding, Norman Island
We boarded at noon (however, they allowed us to bring our luggage after hotel checkout while we had breakfast and did some last minute shopping so we didn’t have to lug it around). They took us through the safety briefing and showed us our rooms and how to use everything. Alison made incredible Chicken Curry Roti! Best meal of the trip (in my opinion). Wasting no time we got settled in and took off to our first spot where we snorkeled a beautiful area with caves and even a geo-cash item. it was very cool. We went to Willy T’s bar and jumped the plank, drank, shots, dancing. Was so much fun! We then had dinner at the Pirates Bite, danced, and had a blast. Sitting outside in the hammock at night watching the stars was just stunning. No light pollution and think we saw every single star!
Day Two: Cooper Island
Woke up to an amazing breakfast of healthy banana splits. (bananas, strawberries, raspberries, black berries, Greek yogurt, honey, granola) the we went to a beautiful area called the Indians and snorkeled with some of the best and most beautiful fish and sea turtles! We had a yummy spinach quiche with salad for lunch and a delicious Steak Dinner with roasted potatoes and scrumptious Brussel sprouts followed by a cheesecake for dessert!
Day Three: Virgin Gorda
Woke up to another yummy meal for breakfast. Scrambled eggs, toast and bacon. We went to Virgin Gorda and explored the Baths, had a snack at the top restaurant where they had a pool to relax in and cute shops. I would highly recommend wearing flips flops here as the sand is VERY hot. We ate lunck on the boat, marinated grilled chicken salad with fresh avocado and cherry tomatoes. For dinner we had reservations at CocoMaya. What a gorgeous spot! Beautiful sunset, fun yard games, outside seating, swing seating at the bar, delicious drinks. Highly recommend eating here. it was so good! Alison was so helpful in ensuring we had timely reservations and got what we wanted, when we wanted.
Day Four: Anegada
This was a long sea day as the trek to Anegada is longer than any other other islands. We took a jeep tour around the island. Alison and Andre’ already took care of getting the Jeep Rental reservations and drove us to the various spots. We went to a cute spot for lunch and did some reef snorkeling. Then we went to another bar area and had a drink and checked out the scenery. We ended the tour at Cow Wreak where we had the most delicious cocktails, fun games, great people and the cutest dog! For dinner we ate at The Wonky Dog and partook in the infamous lobster (Alison made sure our orders were in 2 days before). We danced for a hours on the beach and relaxed on the boat hammock checking out the meteor shower that had that night. Best day of the trip!
Day Five: Saba Rock & Oil Nut Bay
Morning we woke up to more fresh fruits, breads, jams, meats and cheeses. We traveled to Saba Rock and oil Nut Bay where we explored Saba Rock and had a cocktail before eating lunch in Po; Nut Bay at The Bitter End. the food was so good! Their burgers were probably the best ever eaten and their buns were HUGE! (no pun intended) That night, we decorated for our on board Luau where Alison and Andre cooked Hawaiian Skewers and rice pilaf. We had fun cocktails and listened to music. Another great day!
Day Six: Jost Van Dyke
Our final full day on the boat we woke up in our private harbor and took the SUPs to a tiny island and explored, took photos, swam. We had breakfast and then sailed to our final island, Jost Van Dyle, where we hung out on the beach, having cocktails, enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters, got our shopping on and ate at Henda’s Hideaway. That night Alison made a traditional South African dish, Bobotie with sweet rice. So good! So much flavor and not something I would have every put together on my own. All the flavors of sweet and savory coming together in a magical way that left my taste buds wanting more! That night we went to the infamous, Foxy’s and continued the fun with more cocktails and dancing. We ended the evening 007 style (Phew Phew). You’ll just have to book with then to know what that means. 😉
Day Seven: The End
Waking up on the final day was so sad. No one wanted to leave. My husband even tied himself to the boat in protest (not kidding). Alison had to drag us off. 🙂
Before we would leave we need to get tested for COVID and we brought proctored kits to do on the boat. Well… come to find out, the test kits we had weren’t the right ones. Alison and Andre’s started chatting with their fellow charter captins and friends to see what we should do and we ended up finding a clinic at the harbor that could come to the boat and test us. Fortunately, the nurse was available immediately and we took the dingy to pick her up from the local dock. 30 min laters (and $100 per person) we had the results and we were good to go! Unfortunately, when we got to customs, they didn’t even ask for the test results! Waste of money but I’m still glad we got them jus for the peace of mind.
Long Review but wanted to really share the experience and how wonderful Alison and Andre’s are. I hope this was helpful!