TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Pre-trip questions for recent cruisers

Had a couple of questions for our trip starting July 1st. Always appreciate this board's input and expertise.

1) Have seen differing reports on whether Pirates is open on Norman. Recently saw that there was a fence around it. Anyone had a chance to stop by in the last week to confirm?

2) For those that have used Mosquito Island cut near Mountain point to get to North Sound in the past (as I have), was curious if it was still safe to pass post Irma in the usual fashion. Typically a 5 foot draft or less could get through in the past. Can anyone confirm that this is still the case?

3) For those that have used Oil Nut Bay as a stop, are you typically staying all night or just as a lunch stop. Do they shuttle you from their doc to the main property? Do you need reservation? Do they let you use beach and pools, etc.?

4) Have not seen anything to suggest Oceans 7 beach Club has reopened. Is Willy T's the only eating option in Great Harbour outside of grilling on the boat?

Thanks to anyone who can help!

Brett

As of two weeks ago:
1. Pirates open, food and drink. Bring a thick wallet.
2. Don't see the point in needing to use the cut into N Sound but talk to others about draft--companies we charter from redline it.
3. Oil Nut Bay is a day stop at the pool and beach facilities but I did see a few cats using their anchorage around the corner for the night.
4. No, Oceans 7 is closed. It would be great if they would open and bring those water toys back. They will get more business now with Willy T there.

Watch your drink orders at " Pirates"..their idea of house wine is $20 a glass from a $5 bottle ...and that's retail..(I do know this stuff living half the year in the California Wine Country)

You will need a lunch reservation for Oil Nut Bay. You have full access to the pools, beach, bar and toys. You can use their dock for the day for free with a lunch reservation. They will take you from the dock to the receiving dock and then golf cart you over to the resort. You can dock over night with a reservation but I believe its $5/ft! To make a reservation contact them via E-Mail at reservations@oilnutbay.com or can call 1-284-393-1000.

Steve

Thanks to the three of you for the help. Pirates was expensive as I remember. Another option for those in my crew who don’t like to eat on the boat. We tend to come from the Baths to N Sound so the cut saves you some time. Appreciate the information Steve27 and uncleclew regarding Oil Nut. Do they have a separate anchorage other than the marina? Looks like youi could anchor behind Eustatia in the right conditions.

I believe that Oil Nut is $2/ft this time of year.

Does Oil Nut include water/power hookup at the marina or is that an extra fee? How difficult is the cut past Saba Rock? Probably at 6pm. Is it easier or about the same as the shortcut at Anguilla Pt. which I'm not attempting by the way. In a power cat with 3' draft.

Their website has the prices. I don't recall the extra fee for power.

4/16-12/17/18 $2/Ft

https://www.oilnutbay.com/stay-with-us/amenities/oil-nut-bay-marina/

Can anyone share what water toys they have.

I read the have small (I believe a Hobie Cat) Sailboat, SUP and snorkeling gear

As of Sunday, the ONB water toys included 6 SUP, 4 kayaks and snorkel gear. Two Hobie cats can be rented for an hourly fee. We had previously been transported from the marina to the beach club via golf cart, but on both Sat and Sun we were transported by boat to the reception dock and then by golf cart.

Definitely need to call in advance for a reservation. If arriving by your own boat, give them your expected arrival time so they have a dock hand waiting.

Both sets of red/green buoys just east of Saba Rock and just west of it are still missing.

Their marina sits at Deep Bay so that's the closest anchorage, though it can get choppy especially with NE winds.