snorkeling Archives | Rum Therapy

July 1, 2020April 20, 2021

BVI SNUBA, Virgin Gorda

Have you ever heard of SNUBA? Well, SNUBA, or Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus, allows you to explore more of the underwater world than you can experience while snorkeling. If you already like to snorkel, but have yet to dive in and learn how to scuba dive, SNUBA is a perfect blend. Learning to SNUBA is easy and does not require any Scuba diving certification or previous experience; if you can breathe, look and kick your legs then you too can SNUBA!

(This is the 1st article in our “Local Businesses of the Caribbean” series. Find out more at the end of this article.)

We’d like to introduce you to BVI SNUBA. It’s located in the beautiful North Sound of Virgin Gorda at Leverick Bay Marina and is run by a lovely lady named Elaine who will immediately make you feel comfortable and excited to get under that clear blue BVI water! Elaine has been living on Virgin Gorda since 2000 and loves taking guests on their first underwater adventure. Right now, BVI SNUBA is the only SNUBA operator in the BVI and strives to enhance guests underwater experience and make it an easier transition to diving.

BVI SNUBA, offers SNUBA and snorkeling trips, full and half day charters and sunset charters and has been in business since Feb 2018. BVI SNUBA can also do rendezvous SNUBA where they can come to their guests if they are staying on a yacht, or on a crewed or bareboat charter.

Are you heading to, or thinking of heading to the BVI and would like to learn more about the SNUBA experience? Give BVI SNUBA a call or WhatsApp 1 (284)341-0660 or email them at [email protected]. Check out their website at BVI SNUBA for rates and booking info and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more photos of this fun experience! Check out their reviews on Trip Advisor!

Need some masks, snorkels, fins, underwater fish ID’s, BVI maps or rashguards? Email them for more info!

Keep up to date on opening dates for the BVI here: https://www.facebook.com/BVIGovernment/

photos courtesy of BVI SNUBA

Many locally island owned businesses are being hit hard right now due to restricted tourist traffic during the pandemic. Hoping to help in any way we can, we are highlighting some great local businesses that we hope you will enjoy learning about and may want to visit once we are able to travel to the beautiful islands once again… Some of these businesses also offer merchandise that you can order, gift certificates and pre-booking options. Be sure to contact them for additional info and watch for more articles soon!

Ocean Spa, BVI
The View and More from Top of the Baths, Virgin Gorda
Jost Van Dyke Scuba
Daniel Johnson’s Monkey and Sloth Hangout, Roatan

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

June 24, 2016June 6, 2019

Full Face Snorkel Mask

A full face snorkel mask. Great idea or ??? We LOVE to snorkel and were intrigued to see this come across our FB feed.

TriBord Easybreath Snorkeling Mask

We haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but according to a review by Scuba Living Dreams, the mask decreases the chance of taking in a mouthful of salt water (done that…), has a larger lens for greater visibility, decreases lip & jaw fatigue and is great for taking underwater pictures.

Sounds like something we’ve gotta try!

To find out more about the Tribord Mask shown, you can find them on Amazon here:
TriBord Easybreath Snorkeling Mask

Have you tried a snorkel mask? If so, what did you think?

For more Tropical Tips, check out our Tropical Tips & More!

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

March 15, 2015April 19, 2021

A Day of Fun in the Sun with Bahama Boat Excursions

Imagine being picked up at the dock next to your hotel and whisked away over the crystal clear water of the Bahamas where you spend the day snorkeling over gorgeous reefs, zipping along on a tube in the warm water, walking in the sugar soft white sand on a deserted beach and being treated to some delicious fresh conch salad and rum punch.

Before leaving last month on our much anticipated trip to the Bahamas, we received an email from Team BBE that said “Will you be traveling to Nassau for the RumBahamas Festival? If so, would you be interested in meeting up for an afternoon of fun in the sun on an excursion to our private beach on Rose Island?” We quickly googled Bahama Boat Excursions and emailed back YES!

(Note – this excursion is no longer available)

copyright Rum Therapy — Capt. Aztec King and Chris Vykouthlas, owners of Bahama Boat Excursions

Bahamas Boat Excursions is the brainchild of long time friends Chris Vykouthlas and Capt. Aztec King who are incredibly lucky to have turned what most people dream of experiencing on vacation into a way of life, and gives them the opportunity to share their love of their islands. They, along with Creative Director, Casey Wray, make up Team BBE.

The day of our excursion, we were picked up at the dock of our hotel by Chris and Capt. Aztec and were immediately struck by their friendliness and excellent customer service. They went out of their way to make sure we had an experience like no other.

Our day began with an exhilarating ride out to private Rose Island on Mary Jane, one of 3 (soon to be 4) boats in their fleet. What did our afternoon of fun in the sun with Bahama Boat Excursions include?

Plenty of warm Bahamian sunshine while skimming over the incredibly clear blue water.

Great snorkeling

Stingray sightings

Swimming with the turtles

A thrilling ride on the tube!

Time to ourselves on a beautiful, private, pristine beach

Amazingly crystal clear water

A quiet beach oasis with chairs and umbrellas for total relaxation…

Rum punch and a delicious conch salad

Plenty of time to walk the white sand beach

And a stop on the way home at Sandy Cay to have our picture taken in front of the island used in the opening credits of Gilligan’s Island.

That, and more, made for a excellent day of fun in the sun. Water-logged and sun-kissed from our day of exploring the waters and beaches around Nassau, we headed back totally relaxed and full of new memories from our time with Team BBE. To say we had a blast is an understatement. It was truly one of the best days we’ve had on (and in!) the water.

If you are planning to travel to Nassau and would like more information on Bahama Boat Excursions, email Team BBE at [email protected], check out their website and follow them on Facebook. Voted a top activity in the Bahamas by travelers on Trip Advisor, they tend to book up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead!

Team BBE offers a variety of excursions ranging from an afternoon of relaxation on private Rose Island for up to 6 people, watersport excursions, fishing charters and an excursion to the Exuma Cays. They can also arrange to take larger groups of up to 120 passengers for 4, 6 or 8 hour private excursions over to Rose Island where they offer groups a live grilling station with a professional chef, full bar, music, water sports, kayaks, snorkeling, hammocks, volleyball… and more! Their services can be fully customized to fit the wants and wishes of their visitors from corporate groups, field trips, wedding parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, you name it – they look forward to exceeding your expectations!

To see more posts on the Bahamas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

June 18, 2014April 19, 2021

Swimming with the Turtles of Tobago Cays

Turtles are not uncommon to see while snorkeling in the Caribbean, although every time I see one I still get a little excited. But this snorkel was different.

We had some time to explore the southeastern shore of Baradal – one of the small islands in the beautiful chain of islands in the Grenadines known as the Tobago Cays. There is a turtle reserve in the clear shallow waters here and we were told that you almost always will see turtles – green turtles and hawksbill turtles- feeding on sea grass there.

The area is phenomenal for snorkeling period, with it’s ultra clear water and abundant sea life and we were anxious to look below the surface.

Almost immediately I spotted several turtles, one quite close! Now I’m not one to feverishly swim after underwater wildlife (except for that one time that I chased a barracuda while snorkeling – not knowing what it was…NOW I DO.), so I stayed put, calmly just floating in the clearest water I’d ever seen. Both turtles swam away, probably searching for just the right patch of succulent sea grass. But suddenly, one of them turned around and came back my way.

As I floated there over his feeding ground, he swam right up to me! At first I wasn’t sure if I should be a little nervous or what. I’ve never heard of a green turtle attack on anyone so I continued to watch in amazement. He swam around me and under me – did I look different than other snorkelers?

He was so close that I could even hear him yanking the sea grass out of the ocean floor.

After what seemed to be quite a long time (it was probably just a few minutes!) my new turtle friend swam off to re-join the others.

Sure enjoyed my close encounter of the turtle kind. Sure nice of him to share his space with me.

To see more posts on The Grenadines and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

March 2, 2014March 2, 2014

Francis Bay, St. John

Have you heard of Francis Bay, St. John? It may not be as well know as some of it’s other beach neighbors, but if you’re looking for a long beautiful beach that is usually not as crowded, it’s worth the drive.

Overlook of Maho Bay (to the right) and Francis Bay (to the left)

Francis Bay is just around a point from Maho Bay on St. John’s beautiful north shore. Park along the dirt road leading up to the beach.

The beach at Francis Bay is a long stretch of light colored soft sand. It’s a gentle access into the water, and can be a bit pebbly in places where the water breaks on the shore.

There are portable restrooms close to the parking lot, some bbq pits and a few picnic tables, but no other services, so be sure to pack in some food and drinks to enjoy during your stay there.

The snorkeling can be very good at Francis – especially on the northernmost edge close to the rocks.

Great swimming, great snorkeling, beautiful sunsets and a long, beautiful, quiet beach. We thought it was well worth the drive.

Find Francis Bay on our St. John Map

To see more posts on St. John and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013, 2014
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

September 24, 2013April 21, 2021

Sandy Island, Carriacou

Spending time on a deserted tropical island has always held a certain allure to me. Not long enough to name a volleyball (or coconut) Wilson, but long enough to forget the noise of the everyday hustle and bustle and to hear yourself think again. No cell phone service, just the sound of the water lapping the shore…

With the ease of travel nowadays and the popularity of the Caribbean and other tropical locations, it isn’t always easy to find a deserted spot anymore. During two different sails to the Grenadines, we ran across a few islands that we were lucky enough to have to ourselves for a day, or at least a few hours and loved every quiet minute of it.

To see more posts on The Grenadines and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Petit Tabac and Mopion were two deserted and uninhabited islands that we visited during a week long catamaran sail in the Grenadines, and we spent time on Sandy Island, off the shores of Carriacou, during our sail with Island Windjammers.

Sandy Island is not easy to get to (perhaps this is why you can still spend time alone on the island) and is little more than a spit of sand on a cay off of – what I believe is the largest of the Grenadine islands, Carriacou.

Those who sail in the Grenadines have found this little gem, and during high season you might actually share Sandy Island with a few other island loving friends.

Even though our sail was during high season, we enjoyed an afternoon on Sandy Island with just a few of our boatmates, swimming, snorkeling in the clear and abundant water, exploring the tiny island and soaking in the sun (o.k – and a little rum!).

Makeshift hammock on Sandy Island

Floatin’ in the clear water taking pictures of the shore

Leaving a couple of footprints in the gorgeous soft, white sand.

Checking out the coral, shell and driftwood sculptures left by other visitors.

And adding a small piece of driftwood on top of a cairn as a remembrance to the time we got to spend on beautiful Sandy Island, Carriacou.

We spent a few minutes making a video to remember the sights and sounds of Sandy Island, then reluctantly left the little slice of deserted island paradise….

To see more posts on The Grenadines and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

August 21, 2013May 29, 2019

Cinnamon Bay, St. John

We’ve been asked if we have a favorite beach on St. John, and we’d have to answer the same way that our friend Dwayne Allen of the Rum Bar in Phoenix answered when we asked him if he had a favorite rum. He said “They’re all like my children – I love them equally, it’s just that some days I prefer one over the other!”

Map of St. John north side beaches. The umbrellas indicate beaches. For and interactive version of this map, click here.

With so many outstanding beaches to visit on St. John, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but Cinnamon Bay will always hold a special place in our heart. When we first visited St. John some 17 years ago, we were on a cruise and had only one day to explore St. Thomas and St. John. We asked a good friend of ours who had spent time on both islands for his advise on what to do and see. This is the same friend that told us we must sample a Painkiller while in St. John…which, of course, we did, and have been sampling them ever since!

So what was his advice? Take the ferry to St. John and spend the entire day on Cinnamon Bay. That’s exactly what we did, and spent an entire, beautiful day on one of the prettiest beaches we’d ever seen, sharing it with only a family of donkeys. That’s right – aside from a couple way on the other end of the beach – and the donkey’s – we had it all to ourselves.

Fast forward 17 years and Cinnamon Bay is now one of the most popular beaches on the island and for good reason. It not only has a mile long expanse of gorgeous white sand, good swimming and snorkeling, it now has a ton of amenities as well.

Cinnamon Bay has a General Store, a Beach Shop, Watersports Activity Center, Restaurant, Restroom and Showers, Camping and Cottages, plenty of parking and regular taxi service.

The only bad thing about all of this? You most likely won’t be the only ones on the beach with a family of donkey’s anymore. But with a mile of beautiful beach to enjoy, you should still be able to find a great spot in the sun as you can see from a picture of a more recent visit above.

One of the Cinnamon Bay Cottages

View to the left from the beach

Looking down Cinnamon Bay Beach to the right

Cinnamon Bay – still one of our favorite places to get our toes in the sand on St. John. Can you see why?

For more information on camping and other amenities on Cinnamon Bay, check out the
Cinnamon Bay Campground Website

Find Cinnamon Bay on our St. John Island Map

To see more posts on St. John and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

June 3, 2013June 5, 2019

Rum Therapy On St. John

Although the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, St. John has a tremendous amount of things to do and see, or plenty of space to stretch out and do nothing at all, if that’s what you’re looking for!

During a recent visit, we took an early morning car ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas to St. John. The car ferry is a good option if you’ve rented a car on St. Thomas and have plenty of time – just check with your car rental company to make sure they allow it.

Car Ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas to St. John

Lovely Cruz Bay, St. John. Cruz Bay is where the ferries arrive and depart.

Right off of the passenger ferry dock you’ll find a number of great beach bars and fun stores. During this trip, we made a stop at St. John Spice (upper level) and Bones Rum (1st level).

Take a hike down the beach and stop for a drink at:

High Tide

Joe’s Rum Hut, or

The Beach Bar.

Cruz Bay has a lot of other great restaurant, bar and shopping options – there’s literally something for everyone. We headed up the hill on 20 toward the north side beaches and stopped at the Cruz Bay overlook for a pic.

Then took a hike down through the forest to check out Salomon (Solomon) Bay and Honeymoon Beach.

Salomon (Solomon) Bay

Honeymoon Beach

We continued on 20 past Caneel Bay

And stopped at Hawksnest Bay Beach to lounge in the water for a while

Climbed Peace Hill to check out the ruins and the gorgeous views…

Then lingered for a while at the popular Trunk Bay Overlook for a picture of the spectacular bay.

Trunk Bay

And snorkeled at the Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail

Stopped at Cinnamon Bay to put our toes in the sand

Checked out beautiful Maho Bay for the first time

And peaceful Francis Bay.

We took our time looking around Coral Bay.

Enjoying a very tasty Jazz Brunch at Miss Lucy’s

and later an extremely tasty hamburger and rum drinks at Skinny Legs.

We hiked the Salt Pond Trail to Drunk Bay

to check out some interesting coral sculptures that other visitors have created…

And took one last chance to wade in the clear, blue water of Salt Pond Bay. Reluctantly, we headed back to the ferry, a bit more tan and a lot more relaxed…

There you have it. A few of our favorite experiences from our last (much too short) visit to St. John. We’ll most certainly be going back, so, what have we missed? What are your favorite things to see and do on St. John?

To see other posts on St. John and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 31, 2013July 25, 2019

Prickly Pear Cays, Anguilla

About six miles from Road Bay, Anguilla lies a set of uninhabited islands called Prickly Pear Cays.

During a recent sail trip, our Captain suggested we make a stop there to enjoy some time in the sun on a gorgeous, quiet beach. The backside of the Cays were rocky with little vegetation.

But…as soon as we rounded the corner….wow. A beautiful cove of clear vibrant blue water fringed by a long stretch of very white sand.

We could hardly wait to dive in an swim ashore. The Captain anchored close to the picturesque point.

After lounging in the water and enjoying the floating bar, we took our time kicking and floating our way in to the beach.

And enjoyed exploring the small cay. There’s a small beach bar called Prickly Pear Bar & Restaurant where you can grab some food and drink, watch the sugar birds and lizards and lounge in the beach chairs.

We spent most of our time that day walking the sugar sand beach and floating in the calm water.

Excursions to Prickly Pear are available either from Road Bay, Anguilla or neighboring St. Maarten/St. Martin. Snorkeling was good out a little farther at the reef, but we had a hard time keeping our head under water when the view was so beautiful above….

To see more posts on Anguilla and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

May 11, 2013June 6, 2019

Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 4)

It was hard to sail on from Anegada. Such a laid back beautiful island. Think I could stay there for weeks, wandering the amazing deserted beaches….perhaps another trip will be in order.

We moved on with a nice sail back to Great Camanoe where we stopped to snorkel in a beautiful cove. The pelicans were going crazy dive bombing for minnows and we jumped in the gorgeous calm blue water to see what we could see.

It was a virtual minnow smorgasbord; easy to see what the pelicans were after. We also saw a fairly large school of squid in ultra clear water.

The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the water and the scenery before moving on to our anchorage for the night – Trellis Bay.

Trellis Bay is a popular anchorage on Beef Island, and although crowded that evening, it gave us a chance to go ashore and experience Aragorn’s Studio and the other shops and sights in the area.

We spent a little time just hanging in the awesome hammock outside of Aragorn’s.

And checked out the fireballs and burning man used for the Trellis Bay Full Moon Parties.

We topped our stay in Trellis Bay off with a hilariously fun evening at The Last Resort on Bellamy Cay in Trellis Bay where we enjoyed a great dinner, played some foosball, sang at the top of our lungs and probably enjoyed just a little too much rum…

Although the party continued early into the morning hours, we dinghied back to our boat around midnight to rest up for a sail the next day to Jost Van Dyke.

Part 1 of this series: Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 1) – Norman Island and Peter Island.

Part 2 of this series: Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 2) – Virgin Gorda.

Part 3 of this series: Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (Part 3) – Saba Rock and Anegada

Part 5 of this series: Rum Therapy Sailing in the British Virgin Islands (The Wrap Up) – Jost Van Dyke, The Willie T – Norman Island

To see more posts on the BVI and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC