TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Headed back after...15 years!!!!!

At long long last it looks like I am headed back to the place I have been dreaming of! Last time I was in the BVI I was younger, and thinner, more agile, and without child. My daughter is 7 and super excited to see the places I have been talking about for her lifetime. We are headed down at the end of Jan for a 10 day

I know a lot has changed and maybe not changed over the last 15 years. If you all wouldn't mind help me with a couple of updates/ questions:

- Are there any great new-ish eateries that we should venture to? Any of the old good ones that are gone or are too over run, changed hands and lost their "BVIness"?

- Hows the snorkeling these days? Recommendations?

- Last time I was there I was a single person and spent most days bar hopping, as one does. Now with family in tow I am looking for some family friendly activities outside of the water. Hiking spots, etc,...Anything that your kids really enjoyed?

- I saw a post about tough north swells. I don't remember being much bothered by any action. However I usually was down in May/June and I was younger and probably much more indifferent. Advice, notes, anything

- Any places to get fresh fish and/or veges along the way. I remember a fruit/vege boat in Trellis - are they still running, anywhere else??

- Favorite on board meals to cook. Just looking to branch out from our norm.

- Do you all need a e-Sim coming from US?


Thanks a Million for any info you can send our way. We can't wait. I can't wait.

Welcome back. In no particular order, Aragorn used to sell veggies in Trellis Bay from his long blue inflatable. Alas, he ceased doing that, but you can order them from his web site and pick them up at his shop on Trellis Bay.

On Little Jost there is a beach bar called the B-Line. The Loose Mongoose has gone upscale, but it's a great spot and the food is good. Marina Cay has re-opened and is good (but not cheap). Omar's new spot in West End is good - a little stroll from Soper's. It's worth renting a car on Virgin Gorda to go to Hog Heaven. Don't miss the French Deli across from The Moorings.

In North Sound, Saba is lovely but much changed from the vibe 15 years ago. BEYC is also completely reconstructed. We love it, but it certainly isn't the same.

The channel to Deep Bay is now well marked and you can take the big boat to Oil Nut Bays Marina Village. The Nova restaurant has good food and great views.

Leverick will be most recognizeable... it has change outwardly the least.

Regarding snorkeling... we were there a few weeks ago and the visibility was not the best and unfortunately there is a lot of new coral bleaching.
Indians are still the best spot.

There are nice hiking trails on Norman Island, and I very much enjoyed the hike over Biras Hill behind BEYC, though it is steep and bouldery in places and not for everyone.

Congrats...hopefully no north swells but they can be avoided and only bother you if mooring or anchoring in exposed areas (e.g. Cane garden) We just had a full week of them in November and besides making the snorkeling not very good didn't really impact our float plan

T Mobile (sprint) is local and you will have wifi

Snorkeling top 5

Indians, Caves, Diamond Cay off of Scrub Island, Monkey Point, Guava Island and Great Dog

If you get to Anegada have Sherwin take you out on the reef

The bubbly pool hike on JVD is easy and fun. Take a mooring at diamond cay/little jost, There’s a well marked trail north of foxy’s taboo bar, it’s a 10-15 minute flip flops walk to the pool with the north swell rushing in. Bring swim clothes and a picnic!