Discovering the World Under the Sea
By Lydia Harris

One of the biggest attractions in the Caribbean is what lies below the surface of the sea. Teeming with plant life, coral and fish, the clear waters surrounding the Virgin Islands present an inviting canvas for undersea photographers.

Whether you simply want to take home a few snapshots or are a serious photographer, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of subject matter. You will, however, have different requirements in terms of skill and equipment.

Snorkelers can get some great photographs of coral, fish, sea urchins and the like, but won’t be able to get shots of some of the more spectacular life and colors below the surface. For that, diving is required.

Continue reading "Underwater Photography" »

Link: Underwater Photography

As another beautiful Virgin Island day dissolves into a wonderful tropical night, high in the western night sky you can look for the red planet Mars. Mars is seen against the background of stars of the constellation Gemini, the Twins. Two bright stars, Castor and Pollux, mark the heads of the twin brothers.

Gemini is one of the twelve star groups or con-stellations which form a band encircling the sky, the zodiac. It is to the zodiac that we must look to see the Sun, the Moon or the planets. Eastward along the zodiac following Gemini are the faint stars of Cancer, the Crab. Still farther East, really almost overhead, is the bright star Regulus the heart of Leo, the Lion. Right now Regulus looks like the second brightest star in this part of the sky, but that brighter star-like object is not a star but another planet, Saturn.

Continue reading "Sky Watch May & June 2008" »

Link: Sky Watch May & June 2008

Dolphin Dreams Gift Shop (AYH)	Gift Shop
Caribbean Surf Co. (RHP)	Beach & Surf Wear
Elizabeth Jane’s Jewelry (AYH)	Jewelry Store, Gifts
Keep Left (AYH)	Clothing, Shoes Gifts
Little Squids (RHP)	Kids Clothing
Pure’ly Paws Pet Supplies (AYH)	Pet Store
Red Hook Videos (AYH)	Video Rentals
Surfwear Hut (AYH)	Beach Wear

Link: Red Hook Shopping

Alaunt Charters	Half-Day Sail
Chris Sawyer Dive Center (AYH)	Dive Shop
Nauti Nymph	Powerboat Rentals
See & Ski	Powerboat Rentals
Magic Moments	Luxury Powerboat
Marlin Prince	Fishing Charter
Mixed bag	Fishing Charter
Waters’ Edge	Powerboat Rental
Sandspur Charters	Powerboat Charter
Yacht Fantasy	Day Sail
Yacht Lou	Day Sail
Yacht Winifred	Day Sail
Zip Car Rentals (next to AYH	Car Rentals

Link: Red Hook Activities

Burrito Bay Deli (AYH)	Deli
Caribbean Saloon (AYH)	Steakhouse
Current Cut (MM)	Wine Bar
Duffy’s Love Shack (RHP)	Tropical
East End Café (AYH)	Italian
Fat Boys (MM)	BBQ & Burgers
Lotus (AYH)	Asian Grille & Sushi
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub (AYH)	Irish Yacht Pub
Senor Pizza (MM)	Pizza
The Cellar (AYH)	Italian Wine Bistro
Whale of a Tale Restaurant (AYH)	Steaks and Seafood
XO Bistro (RHP)	Bistro

Link: Red Hook Restaurants & Food

Banco Popular (RHP)
First Bank VI (AYH)
Coldwell Banker/Stout Realty
Islands Meetings & Incentives

Link: Banks, ATM’s & Other Services

(340) 776-6524 • CRUZ BAY

Located in the bright red building, two doors down from First Bank building in Cruz Bay this quaint air-conditioned, casual café serves up excellent trattoria-style cuisine including seafood, pizza, chicken, veal, lamb and vegetarian dishes. A favorite with the locals and annual visitors alike. Dinner is served from 5-10pm. Bring in this ad and your ferry ticket receipt from St Thomas and get a free glass of the house Chianti with the purchase of an entrée. Voted Best Italian Cuisine in the VI – 4yrs in a row!

Link: Café Roma

(340) 693-8400 • CRUZ BAY

A short walk from the Ferry Dock is a small but cozy outdoor seating area along with a few tables inside which houses this Mexican restaurant. Handmade, delicious and fresh margaritas served in “over-the-top sized glasses” will most likely accompany any of their delicious dishes you choose to eat. As a matter of fact, order an entrée for lunch or dinner and get a regular sized margarita made with their house tequila – just present your ferry ticket. Yum!

Link: Margaritta Phil's

(340) 643-7733 • FRENCHMAN’S REEF

SWIM WITH THE TURTLES! Come join the crew of the newly refurbished Sailing Yacht FURY. Fury departs at 9am and 1pm for our 3.5 hour snorkel/sail to the Marine Sanctuary. Enjoy a guided tour of the sanctuary as you encounter the green sea turtles as well as other sea life in their natural habitat. Fury includes all the snorkel gear, drinks, snacks and the best day of your vacation! Private sails for up to 24 guests and nightly sunset sails are also available. Please visit our website at: www.usvisailing.com

Link: Fury Sailing Charters

(340) 693-3304 • MONGOOSE JUNCTION

Dining in an elegant, romantic, tropical garden setting with shade trees and cool breezes. An emphasis on fresh foods with seasonally available local seafood, steaks, chops, and chicken dishes. Call for the live music schedule. Located in Mongoose Junction just a short walk from the St John ferry terminal. Show us your St. Thomas ferry ticket and enjoy a glass of house wine on us! Reservations for dinner are requested. Parking available.

Link: Ocean Grill