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Activities Afloat
We're often asked, "what will we do for a week on board the yacht?" The answer is that you can do all the things that you would do were you staying in a hotel, but in addition to this, you have the freedom to move from one location to another whenever you please! The activities available to you on board will vary with the boat that you choose. If you have an active family group, you'll want to choose a yacht that has lots of toys to amuse the children. Older and less active couples may be more interested in choosing a yacht that offers more creature comforts and gourmet cuisine. In many cases it's not necessary to compromise as many yachts offer both!
Snorkeling Swimming over coral reefs alive with colorful fish is addictive and enjoyed by young and old alike. You'll be escorted by a member of the crew who knows where the best snorkeling spots are and who will point out the many interesting sea creatures to you. You'll feel safe and secure in crystal-clear waters averaging around 80 degrees. Underwater Photography It's great fun to take some underwater photos of your yachting adventure and many yachts provide underwater cameras for use by guests. These vary from simple disposable cameras to more elaborate 35mm devices. A few yachts even have underwater video cameras!
More adventurous charter guests can pick a yacht that offers scuba diving. Some have a diving instructor in the crew so even beginners can dive during the trip. Most yachts that offer diving have all the gear on board or can help you rent it locally, if you don't choose to bring your own. Some carry a dive compressor though in the Virgin Islands there are so many convenient fill stations that many yachts prefer to fill their tanks ashore. Some yachts include scuba in their charter rate but most have an extra charge for diving. If you only want to make a few dives during your trip, you can arrange to do so through a local dive operator should your yacht fail to offer this activity. We do not recommend diving off the yacht if you are not supervised by a diving instructor or a dive master as you will not be insured. Fishing Most yachts carry a couple of fishing poles and troll between islands for a freshly caught dinner. Several captains are enthusiastic fishermen who may help you find some tarpon, barracuda or bonefish during the course of your trip.
Water Skiing Some yachts have outboard-powered dinghies that are powerful enough to let you water ski behind them. Often, yachts with less powerful dinghies offer other options such as a wake board, boogie board, ski tube or other towing toy. Windsurfers Many yachts carry one or more windsurfers for your enjoyment while in harbour. Because beginners sometimes find it frustrating and difficult to acquire the skills needed to windsurf, yachts are tending to carry alternative water toys such as Windgliders and kayaks, mentioned below. Windgliders Recently developed as an alternative to the windsurfer, Windgliders are much easier to use than windsurfers and quickly growing in popularity. Shorter and wider, they take up less room on the yacht and can also be used as a toying toy behind the dinghy. Water Bikes These devices let you bicycle on water and are highly maneuverable. While not very popular yet we will probably be seeing more of them in the future. For the time being, they are available for rent in a few locations in the Virgin Islands. Floating Sun Mats What a wonderful way to get a tan, floating on your comfortable foam mattress. Kids have a wonderful time with them too, playing "King of the Hill". You can use them on deck as well, or as a swim aid while you're snorkeling if you're not a strong swimmer. Jet Skis Jet Skis are usually only carried on very large yachts. The British Virgin Islands doesn't allow Jet Skis except at one location, and then only by renting from the approved local operator. This works out quite well as you can have a blast in one of the best locations for this sport and enjoy the peace and quiet everywhere else. Para Gliding Several locations offer paragliding and your Captain can arrange for you to try this exciting activity during the course of your cruise. Just ask when you board the yacht. Ultralight Adventure A commercial pilot in the BVI offers rides in his ultralight seaplane at a very reasonable price. You'll go one at a time and fly over the reefs and nearby islands at low altitudes. Those that we have spoken with that have tried this rave about the experience and the wonderful photo opportunities.
Shelling, Beachcombing and Picnicking Did we forget to mention all of the wonderful beaches that you can visit? When you sail on a cruise ship, you get to visit a beach with everyone else, but when you sail on your own private yacht, you get to visit a beach all by yourselves. Want to enjoy a romantic picnic on your own private beach? No problem!
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