Surfing Life in the Virgin Islands

Surfing in the VI.... Lets Get Ready!

US Virgin Islands Surf Spots & Information

Surfing season on the US Virgin Islands is November through March. During this time, the waves can reach between six and eight feet in height, with bigger days reaching as high as double overhead. The rest of the year, the waters are pretty flat and unsurfable. The breaks on the US Virgin Islands are all reef breaks, and long coral heads are not uncommon.

Surfing here is generally recommended for experienced surfers, and it’s also advisable that you go out with someone who is familiar with these waters. There are a few windsurfing shops that have shortboards and longboards for rent, but most local surf shops here do not offer board rentals, only sales, so you might want to bring your own board. The steady trade winds off the Atlantic attract a lot of windsurfers, and bodyboarding is also very popular.

Water Island, which is about a 10-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, has a spot known as Sprat Bay that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. At times, the surf breaks at Sprat Bay can accommodate all skill levels, including beginners. The last of the US Virgin Islands, it’s small (about ½ mile wide and two miles long), with not a lot of development, so it’s a good place to go if you want to escape the crowds at St. Thomas and “lime” (relax, chill). Sprat Bay is about a one-mile walk from the ferry dock. The break is a hollow, fast and fun right reef break that can get long at times. Another spot that sometimes breaks and is okay for beginners is called Santa Maria (in St. Thomas). Santa Maria also attracts a lot of kiteboarders.

Hull Bay on the Atlantic (north) side of St. Thomas is the beach that’s most associated with surfing. When the swells are rolling in from the northeast, Hull Bay will get a four-foot or bigger point/reef break that attracts surfers from all over the island. Other places to surf on St. Thomas include Caret Bay and Botany Bay (which is accessible via boat from Hull Bay), but localism at these spots can be intense. There are problems with theft, violence, and drugs, and in general, it’s not advisable to go off the beaten path. If you decide to explore, keep a low profile, do not bring any valuables with you, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Are you an Island Girl?

You May Be A True Island Girl If....

What makes one earn the title of a true Island Girl, I wonder? I thought long and hard about this question and I came up with a few different attributes and have jotted some of them down below. Whether you were born and raised in the Caribbean like me or decided to make these magical islands your home, you are bound to identify with a few. And if not, you will hopefully at least get a good laugh out of it. There, my good deed for the week is done. You’re welcome.

YOU MAY BE A TRUE ISLAND GIRL IF:

1. You get inexplicably excited when you hear the words happy and hour used together in one sentence.
2. You automatically lift your arms, press your lips together and whine your waist every time you hear a soca song (or any other Caribbean tune for that matter).
3. You think it’s completely acceptable to arrive half an hour late for a meeting or appointment.
4. You continue eating long after you’re full because leaving food on your plate is a big no-no.
5. You stay at a boring party just because they promised that there will be food, cake or rum.
6. Your perfect breakfast must include Johnny Cake and/or saltfish.
7. You are solemnly convinced that jumbies, malediction and obeah are all viable threats.
8. You own and have pride in your flip-flop collection.
9. You try to find ways to justify wearing flip-flops to formal occasions.
10. You are always “sick” around the same time each year, mainly duringcarnival.
11. You prefer to wear a bikini top rather than a bra even though the bikini probably does not offer any support whatsoever.
12. You stop in the middle of the road to have a 5-minute chat with a friend on the opposite side of the street, completely disregarding the dozens of horns blowing you to keep it moving.
13. You grab a cold bottle of beer rather than a bottle of water on a hot day.
14. You come up with excuses not to meet up with friends on the other side of the island (even if the island is tiny) because you do not want to make that “long” drive.
15. You call in sick when it’s raining cats and dogs because honestly, who drives in this weather?
16. You have mastered the art of “chupsing” or sucking your teeth and know when to use it to make a point.
17. You have an extensive shorts collection.
18. You are convinced that the sea cures everything from a simple cold to common STD’s.
19. You find yourself explaining to friends visiting from abroad that you were not arguing with your family but merely exchanging pleasantries.
20. You used to (or still do) wear a shirt and/or shorts over your swimsuit when you go swimming.
21. You are a skilled island driver.
22. You get inexplicably mad if at the end of a party or God forbid, a wedding you do not get a plate of food or cake to take home, let alone plates for your mother, auntie and the sweet old lady down the road.
23. You refrain from going into the ocean from December till about April because the water is simply too cold.
24. You cuss out the bartender that dares using a measurer when making your cocktail.
25. You give up making a deposit because there was no parking in front of the bank.
26. You try to lose weight without losing your sexiest asset, your butt. Let’s face it, it’s all about the butt in the Caribbean.
27. You are fluent in Creole English.
28. You are disappointed and contemplate not attending when you find out a party you are invited to is only serving snacks. Where is the buffet with peas and rice and stew goat?
29. The sight of cows, goats or donkeys blocking the road (or airport landing strip in some cases) does not surprise you.
30. You compare the price against potential lifetime of a pair of shoes or bag before purchasing cause you know it’s going to start peeling in this heat sooner or later.
31. The F-word is the most used word in your vocabulary.
32. You are simply not OK with lizards, centipedes or roaches.
33. You know to block out a whole day when dealing with the census office and most other Government offices.
34. You consider slow internet to be annoying but an unfortunate part of reality.
35. You are quite skilled in creating a parking space where there are none.
36. You eat barbecue at least once a week.

The best beaches in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands

Top 5 Beaches in the US and British Virgin Islands

The Best Beaches 

#5

Coki Point, St. Thomas V.I.

#4 

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke B.V.I.

# 3

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola B.V.I.

#2

Magens Bay, St. Thomas V.I. 

#1

Trunk Bay, St. John V.I.

Snorkeling with New Horizons at Christmas Cove

Christmas Cove, Great St. James USVI

Christmas Cove, less than three miles from St. John on Great St. James Island, part of St. Thomas. Christmas Cove combines the best of the National Park on St. John—immaculately clear waters, abundant sea life and a completely undeveloped shoreline.

Santa Claus had nothing to do with the christening of this sparkling blue cove in St. Thomas. What is certain is that Christmas Cove today still provides a scenic safe harbor for boats traveling through the Virgin Islands. Dock your vessel here for an hour or two and have a lobster bake at a waterside restaurant, or spend a night in the many luxury resorts.

New Friends!

Headed to the BVI!!

ABOARD BREAKAWAY II

Join Us Aboard the Breakaway for a fun filled day!!!

Enjoy a fun day on the water!

Its All About Watersports!!

Kayaking

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation. Most kayaks have closed decks, although sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks are growing in popularity as well.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually fins. Use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort and to breathe while face-down at the surface. The primary appeal is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding 

Stand up paddle surfing and stand up paddle boarding are sports originating in Hawaii as an offshoot of surfing. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider is sitting until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders maintain an upright stance on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. 

Hike a Trail at one of our National Parks

The Reef Bay Trail petroglyphs are a group of Taino petroglyph carvings found in the Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John, USVI. They are located in a part of the park called the Reef Bay Trail.

Some of the carvings are located above a reflection pool of water and were thought to be the symbols for "water". There is no exact way to confirm they are authentic Taíno carvings but the most popular theory is that they are from pre-colombian inhabitants.

A new petroglyph was found in 2011 after several people from an organization called "Friends of the Park" went on a search. This is because an old park photograph showed there was a petroglyph unaccounted for. The newest found symbol is thought to be thousands of years old and artistically similar to the pottery of the Saladoid culture.

The petroglyph site was listed under the name Petroglyph Site in the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 1982.

Enjoy a Painkiller aboard Breakaway!

ring the Pain Killer Back Home... For When You Really Need It

Ingredients:

1/4 medium orange, cut into 2 wedges

1 ounce coconut cream

2 ounces fresh pineapple juice

2 ounces Pusser’s Rum

Crushed ice

Whole nutmeg, for garnish

Pineapple stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle orange wedges in a shaker until broken up. Add cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and rum.

2. Dry shake (without ice) and pour into a double Old Fashioned glass over crushed ice.

3. Grate a generous amount of nutmeg over top and garnish with a pineapple stick.

If you can't be at the British Virgin Islands' Soggy Dollar Bar itself to enjoy a true painkiller drink, mixing it yourself is the next best thing!!

Join us aboard our Fireworks Cruise!

The Fourth of July marks our country’s birthday. On this day in 1776, the members of the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, adopting the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming our sovereignty from Great Britain.

There are a myriad of ways Americans commonly choose to celebrate this holiday – from family-friendly festivals, fireworks and parades to feasting on traditional foods like hot dogs and barbecue.

However, we at New Horizons are looking forward to celebrating with you aboard our sailboat or powerboat for a Fireworks Excursion. The fireworks excursion includes unlimited bar, Hors D'oeuvres, and a grand firework show around 9 pm! We look forward to celebrating your Fourth of July holiday with us aboard our vessels. 

Enjoy a Snorkel Adventure with New Horizons!

Virgin Islands sea life is one of the true wonders of the islands. The marine world is amazingly varied. Colorful animals and plants thrive in the tropical waters surrounding the Virgin Islands.

The fantastic array of underwater life has made the Virgin Islands one of the most popular places for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Without a doubt one of my absolute favorite things to do is to throw on my mask and snorkel and watch the amazing creatures that live just feet from the shore.

You'd need an entire encyclopedia to describe the full range of Virgin Islands sea life! Here are just a few of the animals and plants you're likely to see when you explore underwater. 

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Turtles

There are several species of sea turtles living in the waters of the Virgin Islands. The most common are the Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback. They come here to nest, laying their eggs on sandy, secluded beaches.

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Corals

The colorful coral reefs surrounding the Virgin Islands are some of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere. They host an almost unbelievable variety of Virgin Islands sea life, from simple single-celled creatures to giant groupers and sea turtles.

There are dozens of different kinds of corals in the waters of the islands.

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Fish

There's a staggering array of fishes living in the waters of the Virgin Islands. They're certainly some of the most noticeable and appealing forms of Virgin Islands sea life.

Just on the coral reefs, there are literally hundreds of different fish species. You'll see small, aggressive damselfish, colorful, coral-munching parrotfish, darting wrasses, and a whole host of species living in and around the coral.

In more open waters, you find schools of fast-swimming jacks, mackerel, and grunts. Many of these swim in from open waters to feed around the reefs, preying on the many smaller fish that make their homes among the corals.

Among Virgin Islands sea life in the deeper open sea, you find large game-fish like marlin, tuna, bonito, and wahoo.

Welcome to America's Paradise!

HELPFUL HINTS FOR VISITING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

The proper greeting.

In the hustle and bustle of State side life, it's easy for proper greetings to be over looked or even considered unnecessary. Things move a bit slower here, and this idle chit chat is part of island culture. When striking up a conversation with a local, always start with "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good night". My parents made this dreadful mistake the first time they came to visit. They walked up to the groundskeeper at their resort and asked where the restrooms where. The local groundskeeper, being offended, simply walked away. Remember to start each conversation with one of these greetings, depending on what time of day it is, and you could even throw in a "How are you today" for extra measure. Locals here are very rooted in the their culture, yet at the same time very eager to help, so a little niceness goes a long way. 

Don't ask for a weather forecast. Just don't do it. 

Now I understand that in most places on our beautiful planet you can turn on the television and watch the weather report and get a pretty good idea of what the weather is going to be like for the next few days. Well, that doesn't happen around here. Tropical conditions are unstable and you never know what's going to happen next, so get used to it. Add our steep mountains into the mix and the weather on a day to day basis becomes a bit of a roller coaster. It could start out as a warm sunny day, then the island gets smacked with a rainstorm, but don't panic wait five minutes and it will be over. A leisure drive around the island could take you to elevations that are far above sea level, and can definitely be felt in the temperature. Just step off the plane with a "You never know" attitude and you should be just fine.

Be prepared for a simpler way of life. 

We have no Wal Marts. We have no major shopping malls. We don't even have any interstates, highways or bridges. (Expect for one bridge - the Bridge to Nowhere. Ask a local the story behind that one. It's good for a laugh.) But that's quite okay with us. You'd be surprised what you don't even miss that you don't have. What we do have here are are mix of interesting people form all over the planet (and a few that claim they are from a different planet, but that's another story). open air markets with fresh fruits and veggies, cheap rum (because it's made here), miles and miles of pristine beaches and sunsets so inspiring that they end up on post cards. 

Relax with a Rum Punch!

It is Friday, and what better way than to relax aboard the New Horizons sailboat and enjoy a Rum Punch. The hustle and bustle of the week is over, and now is time for relaxation, rejuvenation, and fun! What better way than to enjoy a island favorite, Rum Punch, as you sail with us. We look forward to seeing you on one of our excursions, and enjoying a Rum Punch, or two, or even three, as you sail and snorkel at some of the most amazing snorkel spots here in the Virgin Islands. We decided to share our recipe for Rum Punch. Let us know how you make your rum punch as well!

Ingredients

1. 1 1/2 parts Cruzan^® Mango Rum.
2. 1/2 part Cruzan^® Orange Rum.
3. 1 part Orange Juice.
4. Dash of Grenadine.
5. Club Soda.
6. Lime wedge.

Happy National Best Friend's Day

Happy National Best Friends Day!

In honor of National Best Friends Day, let's find some time to relax, celebrate, and be in the company of your very best friend. New Horizons & Breakaway Charters encourages you to be pampered with your best friend aboard our powerboat, and BREAKAWAY to the British Virgin Islands with us. Aboard our powerboat, the first stop will be in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, where you will be transported to The Baths.

After exploring The Baths, you will enjoy lunch at Pusser's Restaurant on Marina Cay. While there, pick up a special gift to exchange with your best friend after the excursion is over. After lunch, you will enjoy your snorkel adventure at Diamond Reefs, where you will get to explore the marine life in clear waters. Once, the snorkeling is over, enjoy a world famous "Painkiller", at the Soggy Dollar Bar, located on Jost Van Dyke. We here at New Horizons look forward to serving you and your best friends, as you relax and get pampered by us!

Fun Facts about the Virgin Islands

Christopher Columbus discovered the islands in 1493, first landing on the northern shore of St. Croix, which he named Santa Cruz ( Holy Cross). Before the United States purchased the islands for $25 million in 1917, six other flags- Spanish, Dutch, British, French, Knights of Malta and
Danish-flew over St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.

The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of three islands-St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. However, there are 50 islands in all, some merely rocks or islets jutting out on the shimmering turquoise waters. St. Croix, the largest of the islands-28 miles long and seven miles at its widest point-lies entirely in the Caribbean Sea. St. John and St. Thomas, 35 miles east of St. Croix, lie between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

At new Horizons we offer a Snorkel Adventure that allows our guests to explore the reefs at Honeymoon Beach, as well as Christmas Cove. The Snorkel Adventure is an all inclusive sail, that provides a continental breakfast, snorkel gear, lunch, and unlimited access to a wide variety of beverages. Join us for a day of exploring the magical waters, and seeing marine life up and close.
Inquire with us to book your spot on our Snorkel Adventure here in the Virgin Islands. Reservations can be made at www.funboatday.com or you can call one of our friendly reservation agents at 340-775-1171.

Happy Memorial Day!

Memories of the Men and Women, who served,
Emotional tributes so well deserved.
Moments of solitude with thoughts preserved,
Outpours of love so vividly observed.
Revolutions of dangers you so bravely swerved,
Inhibitions and fears suppressed and reserved.
Always ready to protect, even the undeserved,
Loyal to a fault, with energy conserved.

Dedication and valor are the pins you ware,
Attributes of service, loyalty beyond compare.
Your selfless acts of duty, will always be remembered!

The Captains, Crew, and staff of New Horizons Breakaway & Charters would like to honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms of the citizens of the United States of America. 

If you see a service member today, remember to thank them for their service! 

Happy Memorial Day!  

Join us for an All Day Adventure to Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke (sometimes colloquially referred to as JVD or Jost) is the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands, measuring roughly 8 square kilometres (3 square miles). It rests in the northern portion of the archipelago of the Virgin Islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Jost Van Dyke lies about 8 km (5 mi) to the northwest of Tortola and 8 km (5 mi) to the north of Saint John. Little Jost Van Dyke lies off its eastern end.

Like many of the neighboring islands, it is volcanic in origin and mountainous. The highest point on the island is Majohnny Hill at 321 m (1,053 ft).

As at the 2010 Census, the population of Jost Van Dyke was 298.^[3] The population has grown strongly in recent decades, in line with the population of the Virgin Islands. Its recorded population in 1991 was 140. The island has a young population with nearly one-half (46%) of residents under the age of 35 and almost 70% under the age of 50.

Jost Van Dyke receives numerous visitors. The island is accessible by private boats and ferry service from Tortola, Saint Thomas, and Saint John.

Located in nearby White Bay is the Soggy Dollar Bar, another famous beach bar on the island. The Soggy Dollar is reputedly the birthplace of the popular drink known as the Painkiller. The Soggy Dollar bar is appropriately named because when built there was neither road nor dock. (There is now a road from Belle Vue, but still no dock). To reach the beach where the bar is located, it is a common practice for boaters to anchor off the beach, swim to shore, and pay for their drinks with wet money. Today, White Bay is lined with beach bars and is a very popular stop for yachts and boaters from Tortola, St. Thomas, and St. John. Group tours from the USVI and even small cruise ships are also frequent visitors.

Fun Fact: The country music video for Kenny Chesney's 2002 recording "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" was filmed on and around Jost Van Dyke. Included in the video were several scenes at One Love Bar and Ivan's Stress-Free Bar where it is common for patrons to mix their own drinks and leave their payment in the register. Chesney also references Jost Van Dyke in his song "Somewhere in The Sun" from his album Be as You Are (Songs from an Old Blue Chair).

Enjoy Jost Van Dyke all day long aboard the New Horizons. For reservations call 340-775-1171 or 1-800-808-7604.

Fun on a wet day

If you want to get wet on a rainy day. Come and join us on our BVI four island hopping tour. Clear waters, great crew and fun people. Rain or shine  New Horizons and Breakaway Charters knows how to have a great time!

Join Us for Pain Killer on the water

Shake or stir ingredients, and pour over ice in a tall glass. Sprinkle nutmeg on top, and serve.  Happiness will follow.

This is probably my favorite tropical concoction of all time because it has an fantastic memory attached to it.  I spent a week on St. John in the US Virgin Islands a couple year ago for my buddy’s wedding.  We took a catamaran day cruise to snorkel and enjoy the water.  The amazing staff on the boat included Captn. Ron, Chutney and Lonnie who served us these drinks that we graciously enjoyed all day.  I do mean all day…I probably had 15 and was ready to tackle the world!  It was a day that will be with me forever and that drink is strongly associated with it, cheers.

Soggy Dollar Pain Killer Recipe:

• 2 oz dark rum (I prefer Cruzan)
• 1 oz cream of coconut
• 4 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz orange juice

Mixing Instructions: Add all the ingredients to mixing glass. Shake well. Pour into glass with ice. Grate fresh nutmeg over the top. Raise glass and toast.

I'll take a few! Cheers!

A little history

The spirit that most people associate with warm weather is rum. Anyone who has taken a vacation in the Caribbean will instantly flash back to sitting around the pool/beach/boat sipping on a rum libation.

A popular rum cocktail is the Painkiller which is one of those branded cocktails that wasn’t created by the rum company originally, but by Daphne Henderson who operated the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands (Thanks guys!). The original cocktail recipe is still “secret” but was reverse engineered to what we taste today, by Charles Tobias, Pussers modern founder.

Thanks for the facts Thatsthespirit.com

Cheers to the Painkiller!

RumShopRyan