Coming to You Live From Paradise...

We are excited to introduce to you a new guest writer who will be joining us each month – Brittany. A local British Virgin Islands resident, Brittany will share with us her favorite spots, local events, and more. To get started, her first article is about what to expect in the British Virgin Islands now, 6 months after last fall’s hurricanes, from the perspective of a local.

About Brittany

Brittany Meyers lives aboard her sailboat in Tortola, BVI with her husband and three little girls. She is passionate about all things “tropical” and blogs about her adventures in paradise and parenting over at www.windtraveler.net.

What to Expect in the British Virgin Islands Today

Should I Go?

The first question many people have is “Should I go to the islands when there’s still so much work to be done? Won’t I be a burden?” The answer to this is: YES! YOU ABSOLUTELY SHOULD COME! Your presence as a tourist will not only help bolster moral, but your hard earned dollars spent at our grocery stores, shops and restaurants will directly help our economy. The beautiful pictures that you share with family and friends will help spread the word that we are not a post-apocalyptic mess, but a beautiful place that feels even more quaint and authentic than it did before. You will still have the vacation of a lifetime, we promise you that! I have heard from SO many boaters that - despite the aftermath of the storms - they had the vacation of a lifetime.

Can I Get Supplies?

Many people are concerned about whether or not they can get fuel, groceries, water, etc. We are happy to report that these things will not be a problem when you come. I live at Nanny Cay where the MarineMax Vacations base is conveniently located and where fuel, water, and power are readily available. We have a small grocery store on site, as well as a laundromat, beach bar, restaurant, chandlery and coffee shop. And that is just on the premises! The major grocery stores in Road Town (Riteway and Bobby’s) are fully stocked and functioning and you will have no issues getting food, fuel and water on your trip. If you book a charter, your captain or booking manager will be sure to keep you abreast of what is open, available and where to go as things are changing weekly with new businesses re-opening regularly.

Aren't the Islands Devastated?

While, yes, you must mentally prepare yourself to see some shocking hurricane damage and destruction on land, you will find that there are ‘pockets of normalcy” all around the BVI. Norman Island is hopping as before, Jost Van Dyke is booming, The Baths are just as spectacular as before, and Anegada was nearly untouched by the storms. You will also find that the beaches and the water are just as beautiful as before, and the foliage and greenery is returning. There are definitely some places of business that are not open as of yet, but many of your BVI favorites are, and there are lots of people here who will will be happy to help advise what the best itinerary for you would be.

What Can We Do?

Most of the activities you would want to enjoy are still available. There are wonderful little beach bars operating on all of the most popular beaches, dive companies are still ready and willing to take you to some amazing and unspoiled dive sites, the snorkeling is still great, and the beaches and view are still unparalleled (as someone who has sailed all the windwards and leewards, these views cannot be beat!) Rent a paddle board, lounge off the back of your boat on an inflatable or sample some good old west Indian fare...you will find there is plenty to do and see here!

Hearing first hand from both first time and repeat visitors to our BVI, the sentiment is always the same: THIS PLACE IS STILL AMAZING, DO NOT MISS YOUR TRIP! In fact, for many, it’s better than ever; there are less crowds, a greater sense of your dollar really mattering, and a genuine feeling of camaraderie. To witness the resilience of the people here, the incredible comeback of nature, and to be able to savor these precious isles in a state they were in 20-30 years ago is a true gift. Yes, you will see some devastation, and you should prepare for that, but you will also see the true heart of a place and a beauty that shines beyond the debris. Most importantly, you will find a place and people that has been less destroyed than polished, it’s all in your perspective.

See you down here!