TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands First Day Swim Stop

Heading out Saturday morning, Jan 21st, on a Moorings charter with a sleep aboard Friday night. I've never gone this time of year and am normally able to stay away from weekend departures. We usually just head straight for the Indians to get everyone in the water since that's when it really sinks in that we've finally made it on our vaca.

This time I'm thinking of instead heading straight to the North Sound and staying first night in front of Saba/BEYC (have never been for various reasons) in order to get away from the normal cluster. We don't have interest in the Baths (older couple with us this time) but wanted to at least stop on the way at a scenic area for a quick swim/snorkel. I want to save the Dogs for another day but where do you recommend I stop on the West side of VG as we head up?

Thanks!

There are multiple locations at the dogs that would make a good stop and are directly enroute for what you want to do.
G

Fallen Jerusalem would be my pick.

Mountain Point, VG has some good snorkeling and its on your way. (Its ~1/4nm NW of Long Bay)

Mountain Point is the answer. Couple mooring balls you can tie up too. If some of the group is feeling more adventurous there is the Kodiak Queen sunken ship to free dive there as well.

Um, I change my pick to this! Cant wait to do that myself.

Mountain Point is good , We usually head to the North Sound on our first day - there is plenty of good snorkeling around Saba Rock - for your crew to get there swimming legs

If you're feeling REALLY adventurous (and it's a calm day and you are a confident snorkeler) there is also an awesome swim thru at Mountain Point that we call "The Grotto". You swim in towards the rocks out by the point, and then there is an underwater arch. You probably have to swim 8 to 10 feet down to get under the arch, but once you swim through you get into this absolutely amazing, open-air rock grotto.

You can even climb up the rocks and then jump back in!

In this video at 20 seconds you can see my buddy jumping in. And at around 1:15 you can see someone doing the swim thru

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tB6WVAcUa8

If there is any North Swell do not do this!!! It has to be a calm day

Picking up the cold beverage at the end was slick

While correct, it is truly amazing, 'The Grotto' is not well known by many. We discovered it years ago while on scuba at Mountain Point. It is possible to see a small blue circle on Google maps, at the end of the first chute on the right. It is simple enough to snorkel all the way down the cute, which seems to dead end. At the very end simply look down and forward and you will see an arch with some light coming through. While the little grotto is amazing, it could be dangerous for an inexperienced swimmer. From memory, the opening under the arch is plenty large for swimming through. It will require the snorkeler to confidently dive down to about six feet and swim perhaps fifteen feet under water before surfacing inside the grotto. I feel an inexperienced or weak snorkeler/swimmer should NOT attempt it. Those that feel comfortable with their ability should probably have fins on their feet, to help them down and through the arch. Yes, it should be a calm day.