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.