Catch up? Check out our BVI family boat ride Part 1. As we were leaving, I had just crashed my scooter (with Kaitlyn on it) into a thorn bush on Anegada- yikes! I decided to play it a little safer with our adventure from here on out.
Day 7: Sandy Spit to Cooper Island
We woke up in Anegada and went out right after breakfast and after booking BoatyBall for Cooper Island Beach Club when they opened at 7:00am. We were in the parade of boats on the way out, 7, I think? Obviously we’re not the only ones who want to get up and out to start the day. We made a long trip, for several hours, until we ended up at our intended destination, The Sandy Spit.
Sandy Spit is a funny name for an idyllic little spot. It’s a small coastal island with nothing but a few palm trees. It is surrounded on one side by a rocky bottom and on the other by soft, white sand that is ideal for splashing. We dropped anchor and took a dinghy in, although there were many people kayaking or swimming. We spent some time jumping and then went back to get our snorkel gear on the boat. We swam around the area for a bit of awe and hundreds of conchs lay along the clear sandy bottom. It’s so neat!
Late afternoon, we washed up and drove to Cooper Island. We hooked on our anchor ball then went in to look around a bit before making a dinner reservation. We marveled at the views, shopped in store, ducked into their famous rum bar (LOTS of rum!), had a quick private tour of the brewery by the owner himself. small on their premises, then walked up to our table covetously.
Service is relaxed, but the view and food are amazing. David and I shared a beer at their place and the girls busied themselves with mini 3d puzzles that they had scattered across the tables. Food is great. I had the ceviche and David had the snapper. We called it a night after dinner, all tired from a day in the sun.
Day 8: Peter Island to Jost Van Dyke and Foxy’s
During our last day and night on the boat, we wanted adventure! In the morning we arrived at Peter Island, a luxury resort that was completely wiped out by Hurricane Irma. I hadn’t heard they were rebuilding, so I was moved to see so much action going on on the island. Full villas have been built and workers are busy constructing other buildings. I’m so happy to see it back!
We dropped anchor in the harbor and watched the sea turtles raise their heads like a mole. It’s so neat! We paddled to a deserted shore and wandered the small beach. We picked up pretty shells and sea urchin skeletons and swam in the water.
Feeling refreshed, we anchored as we took off for Jost Van Dyke. We anchored in Garner Bay and took the dinghy to dock. We then went on a .5-mile hike to our destination of choice, The Bubbly Pool! When we visited Bubbly Pool with the kids in 2019, it was on a very quiet day and hour, so it was more of a kids pool. But this day? It shakes!
It was actually quite crowded when we first showed up, but we waited a bit and when it ran out we had to make the most of all the fun it had to offer. It’s a small clear lake that becomes bubbling and bubbling as big waves crash against the rocks and into it. The kids LOVED it! Probably one of their highlights of the whole trip. We finally managed to get them out and we got back on the boat so we could drive to the neighboring bay, Grand Harbour, where we would stay the night.
Grand Harbor is home to the famous Foxy’s, an outdoor nightlife known for drinks and fun. On this night they served a buffet that we were all salvaging. We got there at 5:00, which was early, and spent time playing cards, chasing hermit crabs and resident cats, until dinner opened at 7:00 pm. We filled our plates and devoured them until we couldn’t eat any more. We hung out, played games and danced with their DJ for the evening before finally heading back to our boat for the night.
Day 9: Tortola arrives in St. Thomas
We decided the next time we sailed (and will be the next time because we all LOVE it so much) we needed more time. It’s been a great week but oh my god it’s gone so fast. We really couldn’t believe it when Saturday arrived and it was time to head back to Tortola to return the yacht. Luckily, we had planned to pick me up happily to extend the trip, which helped soften the blow.
However, first we got up early and headed back to Tortola. We approached the port and called over the radio to ask the captain to come help us dock. The Moorings sent a captain in a dinghy, who boarded and steered the boat in. The ease and comfort that they were able to maneuver that large boat astounded me!
After a rough return (as sailors call it), we unloaded, hopped in a cab, and traveled 5 minutes to get to the fast ferry. We waited in line for a bit, then boarded the ferry for an hour back to US-St. Thomas. We cleared customs when we got off the train, then took another taxi. This taxi took us across the island to the highlight of our trip- The Ritz-Carlton St.!
When we got to the Ritz Carlton, we all lit up. The kids widened their eyes in anticipation and excitement as the staff welcomed us to the hotel with cool lavender-scented towels and a welcome drink – lemongrass iced tea. The outdoor lobby was breathtaking and the welcome we received made us feel like royalty.
We were driven by golf cart to our room, where we didn’t change into our bathing suits quickly enough, although the kids (ok, and me) took a few minutes to squeal in delight at the luxurious accommodation. And after a week on the boat, the shower was like a little moment of paradise!
Anyway, we put on our suits and went to explore the excavations. By the way, the “diges” were well manicured and in pristine condition. We felt like we were on a tropical island because, I guess we were!
We walked to the pool area looking for lunch. Sails is their beachside and poolside outdoor restaurant. We grabbed a table, took in the view and devoured salads, burgers and fish cakes.
The kids could barely sit still after eating because they wanted so much to go to the pool. There’s a large, main infinity pool overlooking the beach, as well as a separate family pool, complete with a multi-tiered waterfall feature and a SLIDE. Oh y’all, that waterslide is the star of the show. We played back and forth all afternoon, riding, sliding, laughing, and trying to catch the ball we kept throwing at each other as it flew off the end of the slide. It was a huge success!
The sun was starting to set so we went back to our room, fighting for the right to take the first shower (I won). Man, it feels so good to have a really clean shower and even blow-dry your hair. From there we took off to find dinner.
We should have booked in advance (sorry), but the lovely hostess at Alloro, one of their dining options, was able to accommodate us because we arrived early. Thank god for that because the experience and the food was amazing. Pasta, wine and sunset. I had to pinch myself a few times.
Day 10: St. Thomas to Charlotte, N.C
We woke up from a good night’s sleep, ready to fill our mornings with one last bit of island fun, as our flight wasn’t until late afternoon. Both kids were training with their families in the fitness facility we saw the day before, so we put on our sportswear and went there. Unfortunately, K doesn’t have closed-toe shoes, so they don’t let her in. She was quite frustrated with this when we tried to figure out how to rotate the shaft.
And the pivot we did. We grabbed our tennis gear and headed to the court. There was a breeze that kept the temperature under control and we spent an hour hitting the ball over and over and chasing it wherever it could go. We all smiled and blushed, in search of refreshment.
We dropped into the Southwind Cafe. stone nets for David and me; smoothies for kids. From there, we went back to our room to change into our bathing suits and head to the beach. All water sports toys are included, so we opted to play a hobie cat to spend time dragging back and forth for input. The kids were a little nervous about it at first, but it was amazing!
From there, I’ll give you an idea of where to go… yup! Beeline to the pool. We slipped a million more times, planted banana trees in the larger pool, and watched every last view we could manage. Too soon it’s time to shower, pack, prepare a hearty late lunch and catch a taxi to the airport.
The checkout, ride, and flight home went smoothly, but gosh, we were all exhausted when we finally got to bed at home at almost 12am.
It was a great adventure, but it went by very quickly. It quenched our thirst for a boat ride to the island, while also lighting the fire to keep the good times going. I highly recommend sailing in the BVI if you get the chance, and be sure to get in touch if you have any questions about the experience that I haven’t answered in this section. Articles Frequently asked questions about BVI . Sailboats. Thank you for joining us on this family boat ride on our Caribbean adventure; it’s a pleasure to share here and as highlights and scrolls on Instagram!
