Setting Sail on The VI Cat

Living in the Caribbean has its perks, and one of them is the ability to hop on a catamaran and sail to a nearby island for an afternoon of snorkeling. When my partner and I heard about the Turtle Cove Tour, we knew it was time to dive into another adventure. We arrived at the wooden dock of the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, greeted by the warm smile of Portia, a crew member who made us feel right at home. As a former professional surfer, I’ve spent countless hours in the ocean, but the thrill of a new experience never fades.

Captain Christian welcomed us aboard with a safety briefing that was as entertaining as it was informative. With the sun shining and the sea breeze in our hair, we set sail towards Little Buck Island. The journey was filled with laughter and stories, as Christian shared the history of the surrounding islands. It was a perfect start to what promised to be an unforgettable day.

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

Arriving at Turtle Cove, the sight of the Caribbean’s oldest lighthouse and the crystal-clear waters took my breath away. Crew member Nick ensured we were all set with our snorkel gear, while Mike, another crew member, kept the energy high with his enthusiasm and expert tips on snorkeling. As we slipped into the warm waters, I felt a familiar sense of peace and excitement.

Guided by Nick and Portia, we swam alongside the resident green sea turtles, watching them graze in their natural habitat. It was a surreal experience, akin to being in a tropical fish tank, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of fish. The turtles moved gracefully, seemingly unbothered by our presence, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to these magnificent creatures.

Sailing Back with a Smile

After our underwater adventure, we climbed back aboard The VI Cat, where the crew hoisted the sails for our return journey. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, with everyone mingling and sharing stories of their snorkeling encounters. The crew served up bottomless painkillers, a delicious concoction of rum, pineapple, orange, and cream of coconut, which added to the laid-back vibe.

As we sailed back to St. Thomas, I took a moment to soak in the beauty of the Caribbean, the sun warming my skin and the wind tousling my hair. It was one of those perfect days that remind me why I chose this island life. A huge thank you to Captain Christian, Portia, Nick, and Mike for making this excursion a highlight of my Caribbean adventures. If you find yourself in St. Thomas, do yourself a favor and book this tour. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.