TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Cane Garden Bay

Usually like to make CGB an overnight stop, but Moorings/Sunsail advised us against this do to recent dingy thefts including one last Monday in CGB.

Oh no ... there have been some thievery issues as of late including a sailboat from a Leverick Bay as reported on here . We went to CGB and enjoyed our day and evening but the dinghy dock is horrible so we stayed for happy hour drinks and sunset then back on boat before dark .., falling off that dock would be a recipe for peebles . Lock your dinghy to the dock and raise in David’s at night would be my suggestion if you are able to go .. we did the beach walk and drinks then did happy hour snacks and sunset at Quitos so we could keep an eye on the dinghy . There were a few dinghies got caught under the dock so choose your placement wisely .

Sunset spectacular

Thank you all

We will be locking up the dink at the dinghy dock and hopefully have room for a down wind , or down current location at the dink dock
Also will secure the outboard with the cable at the same time.

Our thoughts are, that the thieves will take the path of least resistance and bag an un secured dink and keep their sculduggery fast and quiet and un noticed.

Also, no davits, but can secure the dink at night with the cable and lock as well, and remove the shut down cord.

Also, will check with our Conch briefer for any theft updates.

For moorings and sunsail, wondering due to their bare boat charterers being briefed and warned, should the dink be stolen from GGB,
is the insurance coverage for dink en force . Or does the charterer wind up buying a new dinghy and outboard for the charter company.

Thanks again for these posts that will help all of us out.

Sailing the BVI : May 15 thru the 29th. Forewarned is forearmed.

We chartered bare boat with the Moorings Easter week and they did not give us any warnings regarding CGB. We spent the day on the beach, had dinner and over night on the moorings without issues. Comments regarding the dinghy dock are true that some got stuck under the dock at night. Also the dock is in some state of disrepair. There were "quick" fixes made but attention is needed. In fact there is a sign from the government warning you that they accept NO Liability from injury on the dock. Take your time, bring a flashlight or headlamp and you should be ok. Ended up being one of the highlights for our group (2 families) and recommend going back. If you take the extra precautions and lock up the dink you should be able to enjoy it!

always my favorite sunset

We certainly had some spectacular ones on our 2 week trip

CGB has become to me once of those " best of the best of times..best of the worst of times"places. We have been there for spectacular sunsets, fantastic music and times with the best of friends..have also been hassled and threatened by cruise ship cab drivers and a certain property owner by Quito. I have had trash dumped in my car and been called some racist names by a few of the group that hangs out there and a good local friend( who works for the Gov)had his tires slashed. The cops blatantly ignore the bad behaviour. Does this stop me going to CGB? This has made me monitor when I go there and where I spend my time and $$. It is sad that the decent business owners there are losing out because of this and, to me, absolutley appalling, that the cops who are right there will do nothing to stop the illegal and offensive behaviour. An earlier post from Calsail pointed out that the CGB behaviour may make him stop coming back..nuff said! As a resident I pay $$$ for the cops and for the tourist board and they are ..where on their top tourist bay??

This is a tough one to figure out.....those same people who dumped their garbage in your car and the police who ignored you..
Enough said!

hmmm,

Been to Cane Garden Bay many, many times..

With the troubles that seem to be increasing, might be an idea to spend more time at some of our other destinations .

There are plenty of great anchorages , islands, and marinas, that are welcoming, and no hassels.

I started going to CGB in 1979 when I lived on St. John. I have such fond memories of it and still go back regularly but it has drastically changed and not for the better. Such a shame....

That was a time when Rhymers had the tables with swings for seats outside.
Zero crowds, Zero dinghy thefts.

Interesting. The dinghy theft news is not actively circulating locally in CGB. Has anyone here experienced it or know when it was occurring?

Moorings staff told me last Monday night. Was reported to base Tuesday, but she said it has occurred several times recently. I am not going to disregard their advice.

That is disappointing...I have a call into a buddy who works at Moorings base for some clarification...at the very least I will ask them Sunday when we start our college adults tour since we were hoping to roll into CGB. We didn't go in Feb '19 but went in May '18 and Oct '18 and both times were great. I thought it was definitely on an upward trend post Irma (and obviously wonderful pre Irma) with the exception of that dinghy dock which was downright hazardous...

I always appreciate Jason's insights on it since he is there...

Looks peaceful now...

https://video.nest.com/live/r5dJ7skY8j

Jason is a great source for all things CGB..

There's a lot of great reasons to visit CGB and the cruise ship traffic is notably down. Personally, I'd just lock the dinghy and not worry about it.

Or, better yet use your charter time visiting places hard to visit by land and come stay with us at Agape Cottages and enjoy all CGB has to offer for a few days after your charter!

What Jason said..

We overnighted in Cane Garden Bay a half dozen times over the last six months and did not experience or hear of any issues. It is still one of the prettier stops with a beautiful beach, a choice of good restaurants, and a decent Bobbys if you are low on provisions. We particularily like the new Bananas restaurant.

It is a shame that someone does not take the initiative to fix up the dingy dock. The basic structure seems sound so I think a few basic materials and a few hours labor could make a big difference. Visiting boaters do spend money that supports the local businesses so it is clearly in their interest to make the dock more user friendly.

We also have fond memories of Cane Garden Bay.

First time there was 1983, The last was May, before Irma.

Stanleys Welcome Restaurant was our first watering hole, along with some fun on that swing out front.

I still have a photo of our sailing club friends and us, all sitting at stanleys , with drinks in our hands. I see that photo every day hanging on our one of our walls.

Also, going to Caldwells distillery for some of that, home distilled Rum .

One other year, we went for an early morning walk, and came back to find the RED STRIPE BEER was putting on a promotion and Bob Marley music festival. We started the party
with them before they were actually open .

another time, we were in our small , wee , dinghy, and the group from one of our other boats, did a 180, and made a very fast close pass. Large wake flowed over our
low freeboard 4 person dink, , and filled the dink with Cane Carden Bay salt water, the dink capsized. I shut the outboard down, as we started to roll over. No prop problem or anyone hurt,
but Erica's new super camera went into the water. I grabbed it, but it was too late. Electronic camera was history. Well, time for a couple of rums.

Last trip, before Irma, we tried to moor at Jost Van Dyke, but the NE winds , clocked around to south of NE, and all of Josts harbors were open to the sea and the strong winds.
Sailed over to Cane Garden Bay, the wind was howling as we entered the pass, but Cane Garden Bay, closer into shore was in the lee of the mountain ( hill ) and totally
calm. Went to Myettes , and they were kicked back, as the last of the ferry crowds had ended the previous day or so. . Had a great time talking story with the bartender and staff.

Just some wonderful special thoughts of a few or our sailing visits to Cane Garden.

Special place.

We were at CGB on Easter Monday and it was wonderful! Lot's of local families were out with kids playing in the water.
When we headed back to dingy dock we did notice several folks milling around looking at the dingys so it is not surprising to hear of the recent thefts. Unfortunate for sure.
This was our first time but definitely one of the favorite beaches according to our kiddos!

Spoke to my friend at Moorings and he says they dont have any issues at CGB...as we all know it changes day by day and person by person. My biggest problem is trying to get my crew to get in our dinghy when I am not there. I started tying colored bags on each handle of the dinghy...

I wonder how much of the theft is really theft or a loose dinghy line or taking the wrong dinghy...

All I can go by is what Moorings/Sunsail staff has advised myself. This forum is to pass information. I am here in Great Harbor as I post this and the stars are shining bright. I love CGB. I am simply passing information I received at my briefing on Wednesday. Do as you wish. Love the BVI!!!

CaptDenny....... what is the name, size, make of your boat ?? Will have fellow Dana Point boaters with me. Will be tripping around from the 16th to June 1st.

Adrian-

I have no doubt that is what they said to you and appreciate the info...enjoy Great Harbour and your trip and appreciate any other of your briefings before we head out to Sunday. Changing up from GH is why I was interested in going back to CGB.

I had to call my friends down at Moorings anyways as we usually bring them things from the States that are hard for them to get.

Best,

Rob

We've been thinking of overnighting here on our upcoming trip(3 weeks away) so we can eat at Bananakeet Restaurant on a Wednesday night when Reuben Chinnery is playing. Is getting a cab a big deal from CGB?

No, it should not be a problem. You can go into any bar and ask for a cab. All the bartenders have their favorite taxi drivers they will call.

If you have a phone and would prefer to call yourself, I can give you the numbers of a couple guys we use for our guests at Agape Cottages.

That would be great. Just PM them to me please. Thank you.

It's a tough walk if you are up to it. I have done it in daylight. I would not attempt it in the dark.

Soggy .

Wonderful.....that would be great !

We will have a Jeanneau 36i, mono hull, should have conch charters on the boom, and we will be displaying the CALIF " BEAR " FLAG..... THE HAWAIIAN STATE FLAG,
and a black HAPPPY AHRRR PIRATE FLAG .

The Hawaiian Flag is red and white horizontal strips with a Brit Union Jack in the upper inside corner. Doubt any other vessels will have all three of those.
Erica and I, only. If not on board, pretty easy to find us ashore. Still young at heart, both 5' 6", very fit, blonde and look like we live in Dana Point. or Kauai. Big smiles and positive energy.

What type of vessel will you be sailing. We can keep an eye out as well.

The name of the vessel could change, but as of last week.....I believe it is VIBEKE.....Swiss or Sweedish name. If they switch boats on us. could be Oceanne .

Our planned itinerary......

15 May....depart from Road Harbor, Conch Charters, and go direct to GREAT HARBOR, PETER ISLAND and the WILLY T.

16 and 17 maybe 18, Leverick Bay, and Friday Night BBQ, band, dancing, and mocko jumbies party We should be here, on a mooring, or in a slip. ( Thinking of adding in a taxi tour of Virgin Gorda . )

,19, 20, 21 : Continue counter clock wise : Marina Cay, and / or Scrub for a couple of days, or so.

( monkey point for snorkeling and breakfast and continue on )

21, 22.... and then Diamond Cay / Bee Line on Jost, and add in Little Harbor ( taxi to White Bay ) Have my Soggy Dollar Visor.

The dates may slide a bit, one way or the other....

Currently , after Jost things possibly can get switched around a bit.:

We will check with our briefer at Conch, and get the latest updates on Canegarden......

NANNY CAY... water, fuel, and beaching it, and some party time at Peg Legs..

.NORMAN IS ( Snorkel the Indians 'Pelican, and maybe the KELLY COVE area ) as well a Pirates.
Maybe a second foray to the Willy T. on our final night at sea.

Return the boat on the 29th.

Betcha, we have a good chance of meeting with you all and splicing the main brace.

Others from the forum will be sailing the BVI at the same time.

THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST BVI SAILING VACATION

Denny and Erica

FYI, We did stop by CGB today for more water. 20 cents/gal. and ice was $3.50 10 lbs. Lunch today at Foxy's Taboo was wonderful and drinks at B Line too!!

thank you x ray man.

All good news, Erica really likes Foxys Taboo at Diamond Cay. We have planned also on the B-line. First time at B-Line.

B Line is one of my favorites. Having the place to yourself has a special feeling. And so freakin beautiful.

Xray-

Did you moor our anchor for Foxy's/B LIne?

We're on a mooring.

View from B Line

Your pic needs to do a 180!

Fortunately, very easy to fix. Just click on the rotate icon under the picture. (Not sure how that happens, pictures getting rotated like that. A couple of people have had it happen, but it makes no sense.. Probably a cell phone picture?? )

If you've been to BLine, that looks about right! lol

My attempt to fit the Elmtones into our itinerary on a Sunday or Tuesday night has been sunk due to re-adjusting our schedule because of the Poker Run at Leverick and overlap with the MIT flotilla at many locations.
It now looks like we'll be in CGB on Weds night. What are the suggestions for a good dinner and hopefully some good music, not necessarily in the same establishment, on Weds afternoon/evening on 5/29?
We're a party of 12, 4 experienced adults and 8 young adults.
Thanks!