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When I go to the BVI for a catamaran charter, I do not usually spend too much time on Tortola, but what I have done has been a great experience. Trellis Bay, on the east end of Tortola, is where we fly into. It is the main airport of the BVI. You can walk from the airport to the anchorage in about 10 minutes. From the anchorage, all you see is a long curved beach with a few colorful restaurants like the hot pink De Loose Mongoose, and some shops. The anchorage on the west end of Tortola, Soper’s Hole, is completely different. I would say it is more village-like. It has many colorful shops in pinks, purples and bright yellows. On one side of the bay is where the ferry comes in from St. Thomas. It is also where you can go through Customs if you come by ferry or by catamaran charter from the USVI. Soper’s Hole is a very popular anchorage. It has an amazing grocery store, Harbour Market. They have everything someone on a catamaran charter would want. There is some interesting history to this anchorage. Back in the olden days, pirates would clean their boat bottoms at Soper’s Hole. Another thing is that the pirates would hide and wait for other boats to sail pass on the Sir Frances Drake Channel, and then they would attack them!
Even though Marina Cay (say it like “key”) is not part of Tortola, it is really close. It is right off Trellis Bay. The island is so small that it only has one restaurant on it, Pusser’s Porch. While eating you get to look at the great view of Virgin Gorda and Tortola. It also has a little gift shop where you can buy shirts, books, shorts and music. My Aunt and Uncle told me some author used to live here. A very interesting part about Marina Cay is that the fuel dock has a red phone booth on it that is actually a web camera, where you can send pictures home to your family.
I guess the pirate, Blackbeard, and I have something in common- we both love Bellamy Cay, also located just off Trellis Bay. My favorite thing to do is go to the Last Resort for dinner. This restaurant is run by two young couples. There are dogs and cats running around the restaurant, but don’t worry, they do not go in the kitchen. The first time I went there, there was a donkey that I got to feed (he would stick his head through a window and beg for carrots), but then the next time we went back, the donkey was not there. We asked someone where the donkey was and they said that one night there was a full moon and the donkey followed the moon out into the ocean and drowned. I really wonder if that is a true story or not? The food is super good, but the best part is that the atmosphere is very casual. Even the chef comes out barefoot after dinner and sings silly songs. When my brother and I were little and we could not wait to eat dinner, they had games for us to play like foosball and bocce ball. But, my favorite thing to do is lay on a hammock. One time my brother slept all the way through dinner (too bad for him). Every time I go to the Last Resort and Tortola, I have a great time. We have created so many fun memories. If I get to go back again on a catamaran charter, I am betting we will add to those cherished memories. |
