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Published: Friday, January 16, 2004 at:8:32 PM




Snorkeling at BEYC



Norman Island

Among the variety of snorkeling options offered at the Bitter End, the Norman Island trip consistently ranks at the top of the group. Climb aboard Corinthian for the hour long trip down the Sir Francis Drake Channel to reach Norman Island. As you enjoy the morning cruise you will see almost all of the major islands of the BVI: on your right-hand side Tortola describes the northern edge of the Drake Channel; on your left you will see Fallen Jerusalem, Round Rock, Ginger, Cooper, Salt and Peter Islands, as well as the infamous Dead Chest where pirates used to maroon mutineers. Rounding the western tip of Peter Island you will see Water Point on Norman Island and Pelican Island and the distinctive Indians slightly further west.

Your first stop will be near the Norman Island Caves. The waters here are teeming with fish. You can get in close to the caves along the Island, exploring the coral and rock formations. You’ll likely see Sergeant Majors, Parrot Fish, Blue Tangs, Angel Fish, Squirrel Fish and maybe, if you are very perceptive, an octopus. After your first snorkel you will climb back on board and head over to the Indians or up to Kelly’s Bight for more time in the water. The Indians boast fantastic hard and soft corals and an abundance of marine life. It is not unusual to see turtles, eels, lobsters or rays in addition to more fabulous fish life.

After snorkeling you can enjoy lunch aboard Corinthian and head over to the Willy T for some Caribbean attitude adjustment before the trip home. For an unparalleled day of snorkeling, relaxing and fun, make sure you don’t miss the Norman Island excursion on your next trip to the Bitter End. We’ll see you there!

Top Rated Destination

Last year, Rodale’s Scuba Diving magazine ranked the BVI the best snorkeling destination in the Caribbean, and Bitter End offers the best quality and variety of snorkeling in the BVI. With four different snorkeling options you can choose whatever suits you on any given day. On one of our full day excursions you can board Paranda, our 48' Spronk design racing catamaran, or Corinthian, our 59' double decker power catamaran, for a trip to Anegada, the Coral Gardens, Norman Island, Diamond Reef or the world famous Baths. Our trips go to the best of the BVI and you’re sure to be taken to the finest spots by our knowledgeable and experienced crew.
Ponce de Leon 11 foot Boston Whaler

If you’re feeling a little less ambitious and want to stay closer to home, you can join Captain Kinto aboard Ponce de Leon for one of our shorter daily snorkel trips to any of the great destinations near the Bitter End. Eustatia Reef, Oil Nut Bay, Necker Island, the Invisibles, Cactus Point, and Mosquito Island are just some of the fantastic spots. The regular snorkel trip will take you out for just over an hour to any one of these given spots, or you can join the super snorkel that will take you to three different stops on one trip. There is no shortage of marine life to enjoy and Captain Kinto will make sure you have a great time.

Almost all of these local stops are also available to you if you choose to take out one of our 11 foot Boston Whalers instead. You can go snorkeling on your own, pack a lunch and a few cold refreshments and take a day to yourselves. Stop at Watersports and ask for a map of the local area. We’ll show you the great snorkel spots as well as some of the BVI’s nicest beaches for relaxing.

Finally, if you don’t feel like getting on a boat or you’re just a beginner, why not head down to Wedding Point, on the South End of the property, and do a little snorkeling there? A very sheltered spot, Wedding Point has some colorful fish hiding in the rocks and coral. Don’t forget to look toward the deeper water where you may see a tarpon cruising by.

Regardless of which option you choose, snorkeling at Bitter End Yacht Club is always great. Remember, we have fins available for all of our guests at the Watersports Center. You can either bring your own mask and snorkel or rent them from Kilbride’s Dive Shop. Get ready to get wet on your next visit—we’ll see you under the water!



Winter 2003 Issue
For Reservations Call
800-872-2392
(800-USA-BEYC)
Always Improving, But On An Even Keel View From The Helm


Top Stories

Mary Jo's “Most Romantic Couple”

The Year in Pictures – 2002

Calendar of BEYC / BVI Events and Holidays


Watersports / Activities

Spotlight On: Snorkeling at BEYC

Bitter End Joins IC-24 Revolution

The Hobie Catamaran Fleet: Simply the most popular boat around!

The Bitter End Watersports Fleet

First Annual Bitter End Bucket Regatta

Gorda Peak: Climbing the Belly of the Fat Virgin

Get to Know: BEYC's 2003 Sailing Instructors

The Limbo King Has Returned!


Waterfront News

Seen At Bitter End: Mensae


Yacht Management

Dockage

Mooring


Quarterdeck Club News

BEYC Quarterdeck Club Invitational Fishing Tournament

Insider Tips for Visiting Yachtsmen

Get to Know — Ephsie "Rick" Ricketts

Quarterdeck Member News


North Soundings for Kids

Mike and Bernice’s Go for a Visit

Page to Color and Write Your Own Rocket Turtle Adventure


Dining, Amenities and Staff

Vegetarian and Vegan Menu Options

Stuffed Apple with Strawberry Couli

Get to Know: Bartenders Extraordinaire Gunny and Willis


Accommodations

Admiral’s Inclusive Vacations

Accommodations Ashore and Afloat

Internet Links
Oyster Catcher Charters:
We explore the waterways of the Civil War's Eastern Theater from New York to Charleston.
Yacht Shots BVI: Photographs taken by Guy Clothier at the Bitter End Yacht Club.
Sun Chaser Scuba: Continues the scuba diving traditions of Kilbrides Underwater Tours.
Dry Creek Vineyard: Fine wines from Sonoma County California.
Doyle Superyacht Group: Megayacht sailbuilding.
Megayacht.com: Your Gateway to the Megayacht World.
Mount Gay Rum Barbados: Producing rum for over three hundred years.
Sail Magazine: Sailing magazine written by the most experienced sailors and the best writers who share what they've learned.
Musto Performance: High performance apparel for a wide range of activities.
Team One Newport: The foul weather gear experts.
UltimateSailing.com: Exclusively featuring photos by Sharon Green.
Boats.com: From boat reviews to boat listings, charts to chats, spinning rods to spinnakers.
Latitude 38: Northern California's leading sailing and marine magazine.
The Bitter End Yacht Club International, Inc. is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.


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