Virgin Island Cruising

 

If you’re interested in Caribbean history and are keen to learn more about the cultural and historical sites of the British Virgin Islands whislt spending time on board Cuan Law, the largest sailing trimaran in the world, an exclusive tour with Virgin Islands History Tours could fit the bill. Virgin Islands History tours have just announced dates for two exclusive 6 night charters from 14^th – 29^th July & 8^th – 14^th December 2013 where guests will have a chance to visit old fortifications, sugar mills, great houses, a copper mine and dive a shipwreck along with enjoying excuisite food and time to relax on board whilst sailing through the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

Originally hailing from the UK, Dr. Michael Kent BA (Hons) MA PhD, historian and archaelogist, holds over fifteen years experience leading tours through the British Virgin Islands and will personally escort these two exclusive tours. Dr. Kent co-wrote the first ever course in Virgin Islands history which he still teaches today as a Principle Lecturer at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in the BVI. He also serves on the board of the Old Government House Museum on Tortola. Mitch (as he’s affectionately known) is passionate about sharing his knowledge of BVI heritage and for many years has worked hard to preserve historical landmarks across the islands. He also used to be a PADI dive instructor and has led hundreds of tours to the RMS Rhone and is currently finishing a book on the ship.

Mitch has carefully planned these tours to ensure guests are treated to an informative, educational and enjoyable experience in the BVI. Guests are welcomed on board the impressive Cuan Law and given a chance to settle into their new surroundings before Dr. Kent meets everyone and provides an overview of the week’s activities. Cuan Law will then sail to Norman Island offering those on board a spectacular view of the ‘Sir Francis Drake Channel’. A presentation of the history of the BVI and ‘Norman Island’ will follow acquainting guests with some of the sites they will be visiting in the days ahead. During the tour, guests will learn about some of the native trees and plants, snorkel around ‘ The Caves’ that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write ‘Treasure Island’ and sail around a group of Islands known as ‘The Indians’.

During the trip, Cuan Law will anchor at ‘Peter Island’ for a night where guests will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a presentation on the famous wreck of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company ship ‘Rhone’ which sank at Salt Island during a hurricane in 1867. The next morning Cuan Law will sail to ‘Salt Island’ and anchor in ‘Lee Bay’ opposite the abandoned village. Certified divers will then have a chance to be given a guided tour of the RMS Rhone wreck site whilst other guests can take a snorkelling tour of the stern section of the wreck. Cuan Law will later move to ‘Virgin Gorda’ and anchor whilst guests receive a presentation on the history of the island that was once home to a number of famous Buccaneers. Guests will be taken ashore to Virgin Gorda where they will be driven to the ruins of ‘The Copper Mine’ National Park which was operational during the 1860’s. Following a tour of this unique monument, guests will be driven to ‘Nail Bay’ where the remains of a beautifully preserved sugar works nestle within the landscape of this exclusive resort. Guests will be treated to a beach picnic and BBQ at ‘The Crawl’ beach and have a tour of the world famous ‘Baths’, a geological anomaly which still baffles scientists today!

On the final day of the charter, guests will take an island tour of Tortola where they will experience spectacular views of the north shore from the ridge road and see the famous painted wall upon which over a dozen local artists have painted local scenes of Tortolan life in the past. Guests will visit the ‘Mount Healthy Windmill’, the only one of its kind built in the BVI during the plantation era, the famous ‘Cane Garden Bay’ and ‘Callwoods Rum Distillery’. They will also have a chance to take a private tour of the ‘Old Government House Museum’.

Cuan Law will be home to guests during these special charters where accommodation is spacious and comfortable. Boasting ten double staterooms, each can be set up to suit individual needs with double or twin beds. When you hear the ship’s bell ring you know it’s time to partake in a culinary adventure and dining aboard Cuan Law is an experience to remember. Meals are served on the spacious teak aft deck with the ocean and islands offering a spectacular backdrop.

Rates: Virgin Islands History Tours (www.vihistorytours.com) offer these two exclusive charter tours taking place between 14^th – 20^th July and 8^th – 14^th December 2013 (6 nights, max 18 guests) from £2,500 per person.

What’s Included: Price includes all guided tours and hikes, optional evening presentations on the places being visited the following day, safari bus transportation during the tours, ferry fare to St. John, gourmet sandwiches during the St. John tour, entry fee to all of sites visited, lunch at Old Government House Museum on Tortola. Six nights, seven days accommodation in two person cabins, twin or queen, with private bathroom. Three meals per day and hors d'oeuvres and snacks. All hot and cold drinks including alcoholic drinks and wine with dinner. Local taxes. Gratuities to crew. Transfer from airport, ferry or hotel to and from Cuan Law. Fuel for diesels, generators and tenders. No fuel surcharge. Use of all sporting equipment and scuba tanks, air, weights and snorkeling gear except as detailed below. Instruction in water sports excluding diving. Use of tenders, driven by crew at all times. Full service from the crew. Wifi. Dockage.