ADVENTURES IN THE CARIBBEAN

Transcription

1 HIGHLIGHTS ADVENTURES IN THE CARIBBEAN MARCH 16-23, 2019 TRIP SUMMARY Sea kayaking in crystalline Caribbean waters that are so clear you can see the bottom 60 feet below Hiking trails that crisscross rugged terrain Snorkeling among coral reefs teeming with life Swimming and relaxing on quiet white sand beaches Standup paddleboarding Phone: Outside the US: Fax:

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Mar 16-23, 2019 Location: St John, U.S.Virgin Islands Cost: $2, Activities: Multisport Arrive: Fly into St. Thomas by 3:30pm on March 16th in order to meet at our lodging on St. John by 6:00pm Depart: Flights out of St. Thomas any time after 11:00am on March 23rd TRIP OVERVIEW St John is the smallest and most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Over half of St John has been a National Park, protected from over development, for years. In 2017 Category 5 Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the Virgin Islands, and yet the optimism and determination of the people of St John cannot be stopped. See NPS: Hurricane Recovery Journal for information and photos of the ongoing recovery process. Adventures in Good Company is excited to be part of that process by working with our long-term partners to help restore the economy. Join us as we sea kayak turquoise waters, hike on trails that criss-cross the interior, snorkel in warm water among vibrant colored fish, try the exciting sport of standup paddleboarding, and maybe even spend some time relaxing and swimming on white sand beaches. Our guides know all the options and are happy to tailor the trip to the group's interests. Maximum group size: 10 RATING This trip is designed for women who want an active vacation in a warm winter environment, not your typical lie on the beach vacation. While you always have the option of taking a day off for relaxing, you will be able to fully enjoy all the activities if you are active and in good condition. The trip is rated 3. Prior to beginning the trip participants, should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for minutes at least 3-4 times a week. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Guide services and instruction Seven nights lodging in two Cruz Bay condos with swimming pools and full amenities Meals from dinner on Saturday through dinner the following Friday. Some meals are in restaurants, others will be prepared at the condos by your guides. All kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding and equipment All transportation once you arrive in St John, including pick-ups and drop-offs at the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock at trip start and end Not included: Travel to and from St John's, alcoholic beverages, some juices and sodas, guide gratuities, the possible option of sailing on the last full day, and travel insurance.

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 MARCH 16, SATURDAY Today is a busy day. After arriving at the airport in St. Thomas, we'll be taking taxis, ferries and shuttles to our lodging on St. John, the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands. 60% of St. John's land is comprised of national park and is one of the best protected areas in the Caribbean. Once we've had a chance to settle in, we'll introduce ourselves, have a brief orientation to this trip and our lodging for the next week, and share the first of many delicious dinners together. DAY 2 MARCH 17, SUNDAY Today is full of kayaking and snorkeling. We'll start the day with kayaking instruction on the beach in Cruz Bay, learning how to use our muscles most efficiently and how to get in and out of kayaks safely. If you've never received formal instruction, you'll be surprised how much a few basic tips can improve your kayaking. We'll practice our new strokes as we paddle to Honeymoon Beach, stopping to snorkel the seagrass bed and look for turtles and rays. Next, we paddle to Henley Cay for some superb reef snorkeling. Multi-hued fish abound and if you have never snorkeled in the Caribbean, you'll be amazed at the variety and vibrancy of colors. After resting and refueling with a healthy picnic lunch, we paddle on to Lovango Cay for more snorkeling. We'll return to Cruz Bay in late afternoon for a hearty dinner. DAY 3 MARCH 18, MONDAY We'll spend today hiking some of the remote trails through the Virgin Island National Park and learning about the sugar industry, that was a mainstay of the island economy until the early 1900s. We begin with a ride up the North Shore road to the ruins of the Catherineberg sugar mill. After a brief visit to these ruins, we'll continue on to the head of the L'esperance trail. This trail follows an old Danish road through the L'esperance and Siebens valley and ends at the beach at Genti Bay. We'll stop here for a swim and a picnic lunch before continuing to the ruins of the Reef Bay sugar factory, which was the last operational factory on the island and produced sugar up until From here, a shoreline walk and a scramble will take us to a rendezvous with the vehicle that will transport us back to our condos.

4 DAY 4 MARCH 19, TUESDAY Today is our introduction to the rapidly growing sport of stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). We'll spend the morning learning the basics of SUP in calm, protected waters. After everyone is comfortable on the boards, we will go for a short paddle. Afterwards, those who want to do a more adventurous paddle can join us for a long paddle to an offshore cay. Those who prefer not to can relax and swim on the lovely beach. Whichever you choose, it's another lovely day in the Caribbean. DAY 5 MARCH 20, WEDNESDAY Today we're back in the kayaks as we kayak the Coral Reef National Monument in Hurricane Hole. Our trip begins with a ride from Maho to Princess Bay on the East End of the island in our safari-truck. We'll kayak through the mangrove-lined bays of Water Creek, Otter Creek, and Princess Bay and discuss the importance of mangrove forests in protecting our shoreline and in providing habitat for juvenile fish. We'll also snorkel in the mangroves, and get to see schools of juvenile snappers, barracuda and starfish, colorful sea anemone, and more. We'll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch near Turner Point and from here we will paddle to Borck Creek and onto our final stop at a small white sand beach for a nice reef snorkel. DAY 6 MARCH 21, THURSDAY We see more of the interior today on our hike to Waterlemon Cay and Brown Bay. We'll begin with a ride to see the ruins of the sugar plantation at Annaberg. After a walk through the ruins, we will hike along the shoreline to Leinster Bay and to Watermelon Cay, where the snorkeling is superb! We'll rest from our long snorkel and have a picnic lunch on the beach before hiking onto Brown Bay. We'll enjoy a swim here and perhaps a quick snorkel before hiking back to the vehicle at Annaberg.

5 DAY 7 MARCH 22, FRIDAY We're going to leave today open to make sure we have time for anything we haven't done yet or want to do more of. Maybe we'll do another kayak, a hike, spend more time on a paddleboard, or enjoy additional snorkeling. An option that people have chosen in the past is to charter a boat for a day of sailing. Whatever we do, it will be a fitting cap to our week of adventure. We will end our day with a delicious, farewell dinner. DAY 8 MARCH 23, SATURDAY It's definitely going to be hard to tear ourselves away from this island paradise! You can leave anytime this morning. It takes a couple of hours to get back to St Thomas and the first ferry leaves at 7 am, so you probably shouldn't plan to fly out before 10 am and 11 am would be even safer. Of course you may want to stay around and continue your Caribbean adventure. ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE There are four steps in getting to our lodging at Cruz Bay. You will fly St. Thomas Island Cyril E. King Airport (STT), where you will want to arrive by 3:30pm. From the airport, you will take a taxi to the Red Hook Ferry, the ride ranges from minutes. You will take the Red Hook Ferry to Cruz Bay St. John, a ride that takes approximately 20 minutes. Once we know everyone's arrival times, we'll arrange group pickups from the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock to our Cruz Bay condos. At the end of our trip it takes a couple of hours to get back to St Thomas. The first ferry leaves at 7:00am so don't plan to fly out before 11:00am. Your Pre-Departure document will contain detailed instructions for each of these steps.

6 ACCOMMODATIONS We'll be staying in two beautiful houses in Fish Bay, directly next door to one another. Both have swimming pools, beautiful areas for lounging indoors or out, and full amenities. There are 8 bedrooms and 7 1/2 bathrooms. Some of the bathrooms are ensuite and some are shared. There are five single supplements available on this trip. Vegetarian (and vegan) options for this trip are available but may be limited. Please call the office if you have any questions. WEATHER March is typically mild and dry. Average daily temperatures are in the 70s and 80s F and temperatures at night are typically in the upper 60s. Rain is less frequent this time of year, though intermittent showers are possible. The Christmas winds usually have calmed down by this time of year, although it can still be breezy and choppy on the water. As everywhere in the outdoors, weather conditions may alter the itinerary. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

7 PACKING LIST Don't bother buying fancy new gear for your trip. Comfortable clothes and used gear is best for saltwater kayaking. Light colored clothing is also preferable to keep you cooler in the sun. Our outfitter will be providing us with dry bags to pack our gear in for kayaking. FOOTWEAR: 1 pair Teva/Chaco sandals, river shoes, or dive booties for loading and unloading kayaks in water. 1 pair sturdy walking shoes (lightweight hiking boots or athletic shoes) 1 pair comfortable shoes to wear around the park (can be the same sandals, though you may want a dry pair) 2-3 pair light socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough, etc.) CLOTHING 1 pair of comfortable supplex/nylon lightweight pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 2 pairs of shorts (Quick drying nylon is recommended) 2-3 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1-2 lightweight short- or long-sleeved shirts (a surfing shirt, called a rash guard is great for snorkeling and kayaking) 1 lightweight rain jacket with hood and rain pants - waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-Tex. "Water resistant" rainwear is not recommended 1 lightweight fleece jacket, sweatshirt, or other warm layer 1 wide-brimmed hat, for rain, sun (a string tied to the hat will keep the wind from blowing it away) underwear 1-2 bathing suits (nylon shorts and a running bra also work as swimwear) 1-2 changes of casual clothes to wear at end of day TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. ESSENTIALS Passport or proof of citizenship 100% UV sunglasses with case and retention strap Sunscreen and lip protection with an SPF of 15 or greater Small day or fanny pack for day use (hiking) 2 one-quart water bottles Small headlamp or flashlight Insect repellant Bandanna Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep) Wristwatch/travel alarm clock (water resistant) OPTIONAL PERSONAL GEAR (if you want it, bring it personal preference and not required for the trip) Gloves for paddling - optional (bike gloves work well) Extra sunglasses Binoculars Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Waterproof camera bag Powdered hydrating drink mix (e.g. Gatorade, Crystal Light Your favorite snack Aloe gel Snorkeling gear (if you have your own snorkel mask, we recommend bringing it; otherwise the mask and fins will be provided by the outfitter)

8 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Bringing a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase with wheels, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, is easier for packing in the van. As space for luggage on our trips is limited, please stick to the packing list as closely as possible. PASSPORT: While passports are not technically required since St Johns is part of the US, you need to bring proof of US citizenship when you return to St Johns, so a simple Driver s License is not sufficient. If you don t have a passport, bring a birth certificate with a raised seal as well as Driver s License or other photo ID. CLOTHING: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. The Caribbean is typically warm and dry, but when it rains, it rains for several days. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, or wool/wool blends. Clothing will get salt stains, so don t bring new clothing. The following is general information about layering. We may or may not need it on this trip. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. RAIN GEAR: Typically, we recommend rubberized rain gear for sea kayaking trips, since they are warm, work best in steady downpours, and their effectiveness is not diminished by salt water. Since this trip is in the Caribbean we are recommending a jacket made of waterproof/breathable fabric or coated nylon. This layer will most likely be worn more often as a wind-proof layer than a rainproof layer on this trip, so having it be breathable is a good addition. Coated nylon is not very breathable, but it is lightweight, waterproof, and can be relatively inexpensive. Gore-tex (and other brandidentified waterproof materials) is a great material, but can be quite expensive. If you have any questions about raingear, please call us. WATERPROOF BAGS: If you choose to bring waterproof bags for your small day pack, several companies make vinyl bags with good closures (Sea to Summit, Phoenix, Outdoor Research, Cascade Designs). Wide-mouthed plastic jars are good for first aid supplies and the like. Ziploc bags are handy for many uses. BRINGING YOUR CAMERA ON A SEA KAYAKING TRIP: Ocean water is highly corrosive to camera equipment. To protect your camera from the salt, pack it in a waterproof sports bag. Many outdoor retailers and most camera shops have inflatable bags that are waterproof, float, and cushion your camera against bumps. Phoenix, Basic Designs, and manufacturers of whitewater equipment make inflatable camera bags. Ammo cans work and can be purchased at Army surplus stores.