Flanked by small green mountains, Soper’s Hole gives visitors a sense of tranquility and physical beauty. You can’t help but stand there, pause, and take in the natural beauty. Located on the west end of Tortola, Soper’s Hole gives you easy access to a sea of islands, including St. John, St. Thomas and Jost Van Dyke. All waiting to stir your anticipation of pending adventure.

Pusser’s Landing Webcam

I know a bunch of you Castaways have been to the BVI and Tortola, did you make it to Soper’s Hole? Did you jump aboard a waiting charter and set your heading to a salty spit of land? What is your favorite thing to do in Soper’s Hole?

(Top photo of Pusser’s Landing in Soper’s Hole is from Suncat via Flickr.)

Enjoy the island view!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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This breathtaking photo was taken by Anya Brewley Schultheiss of ABSphoto.co and it captures the island personality perfectly…laid back, beautiful, simple. Taken at Carrot Bay on the island of Tortola in the BVI, this weathered boat sits idle waiting. Waiting for what we don’t know. That’s the magic of photography, it lets the imagination fill in the gaps, and a different story will be told to each viewer. That’s why I love to do Caribbean Photo Friday here on RumShop, it’s a creative escape for writer and reader.

So what is this boat waiting for? Has it had its time on the water and is now baking in the blazing Caribbean sun, never to stretch its sea legs again? Maybe its a boat that has just reached its prime and has been perfectly worn in by its experienced captain. Or maybe it’s now the property of a proud new young owner who can’t wait to get her seaworthy again and begin starting new adventures exploring the islands. No one really knows what’s happening in this photo. Doesn’t it really matter?

Regardless of what the history or condition of this small, beaten up, rider of waves is, one thing is for sure…it’s happy. It gets to sit on the coast of somewhere beautiful, catching a tan and soaking in the salt air. It has stories that go untold and a life many ponder for…laid back, beautiful, simple. And because of that, I’m  jealous.

What does this photo say to you?

Enjoy your weekend Castaways!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

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The “decorations” include Graffiti contributed by visitors, faded photos of women in various stages of undress, panties and bras and license plates from around the world!

When Bomba first opened there was not much money to stock the shelves with drinks to sell, so friends would drop off leftover booze at the Shack, and that’s when the Bomba Shack started to boom. Constantly adding to the size of the Shack is an ongoing project, Bomba is still using the dropped off excess pieces of whatever from the land or sea!

The Bomba Shack has survived every hurricane that has passed over the British Virgins Islands. It has been damaged many many times but has always been built back up to great joy of the shacks loyal patrons. And with new materials washed ashore by the passing storms, Bomba’s always seems to get bigger and better!

A few years ago, due to such large crowds that would come to the world famous Bomba’s Surfside Shack Full Moon Parties, Bomba expanded the Shack across the road from the original beachside Shack to what Bomba calls the “Back Yard.” Not much more than a field where cattle graze during the daytime, Bomba has built, once again with whatever comes to him, a large bar and a bandstand where he gets some of the best local bands to rock all night during the Full Moon Party, which of course is held every month.

Say Hi To Bomba!

Bomba’s Full Moon Party

In 1989, Bomba decided to hold full moon parties, a tradition which continues today. Much like an island style tailgate party, the full moon party takes place on the road between Bomba’s two buildings and provides an excellent opportunity for people watching, limin’ and having a great time! I must warn you though, I’ve heard some crazy stories about the Bomba Full Moon Parties. They are no place for children or people easily offended. Just my type of place!

The wild full-moon party takes place monthly at the shack and its star, Mr Bomba himself, is grand chef of the infamous Midnight Tea.

A Beach Bar In Paradise

Legends abound over the composition of this strange brew. It has been said that they spice up the tea with a brand of local fungus purported to have strange psychotropic effects. Visitors are warned! What is known is that the brew contains rum (lots of it) and local fruit juices, and that it bubbles away in a cauldron across the road from the Shack. I think the special effects of this tea are mostly myth, but it’s fun to think about wild you sip away the night…what great marketing!

Beautiful Painting of the Bomba Shack by Laura Redding

A blissful haze of rum and fruit juice, dancing feet on sand, lapping waves and sweet soothing reggae rhythms promises to sweep you away into the tropical night, carrying you through until the sun rises over the waves… Need I say more?

If you have been to Bomba’s or have any fun stories to share about this one of kind beach bar please share!

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

Growing up on Tortola, in the beautiful B.V.I. where he was born, Quito has always been in tune with his island and its rich culture. He first found expression for his natural, artistic talent through painting and drawing. His musical career began in the church halls of Cane Garden Bay. As a young man, through trial, error and observation, he taught himself to play the guitar. With considerable original music to his credit (he composes both lyrics and music) he continues to share his appreciation of “Natures Little Secrets” with the world. Along with his band, “The Edge”, he has opened for appearances by Third World, Freddie McGregor & Ziggy Marley and has appeared many times on US television. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, hear Quito Rymer play solo as guests enjoy their dinner and drinks overlooking beautiful Cane Garden Bay and on Fridays and Saturdays hear Quito Rymer and The Edge play for a crowd ready for dancing and singing at Quito’s Gazebo.

Cape Air leaving Beef Island with Quito Rymer singing “Caribbean Run”

To date Quito has released:
Quito Rymer – Reggae Express
Quito Rymer – Mix Up World
Quito Rymer – Searching
Quito Rymer & The Edge – Paradise
Quito Rymer – Caribbean Run
Quito Rymer & The Edge – Iron Strong
Quito Rymer – Quito unplugged
Quito Rymer—Cool Water

If you wish to purchase some of Quito Rymer’s music please visit his website here.

Enjoy the sound of the island Castaways,

Cheers,
RumShopRyan

Set in one of the finest and most central locations in the BVI, Nanny Cay is located on the South side of Tortola, between the capital Road Town and West End. They strive to provide the very best marine services and facilities possible in what after all is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world today. The island of Tortola itself is a tropical wonderland with many breath-taking sights and great places to visit. Nanny Cay has always been known as a well-protected marina, with beautiful surrounding hills and a relaxed feel about it.

Fuel Dock Cam

Here is a great article I found about BVI beach bars.  If you’re sailing around the Drake Channel check some of these out.  Cheers!

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What is a Caribbean Vacation without a few cocktails and some adventure? While cruising on a BVI Yacht Charter offers some of the finest luxuries any vacation can offer, it never hurts to go ashore for some mingling with locals and a little libation. Here is a list of some of some of the best beach bars in the British Virgin Islands. Land HO!!!

Neptune’s Treasure, Anegada

ANEGADA

If you’re swimming at Loblolly Bay, base yourself close to The Big Bamboo. Great lunches and a large outdoor bar just steps from the beach. Anegada Reef Hotel, Restaurant and Bar is the closest bar to the dock. This friendly establishment is popular, has a casual atmosphere, and has the freshest lobster that is to die for! Neptune’s Treasure is a serene restaurant and bar further down n the beach. On weekends the bar becomes lively with music and an influx of Tortola residents looking for a weekend escape.

BEEF ISLAND

Trellis Bay

The Last Resort has been synonymous with live entertainment since the beginning of yacht chartering. Enjoy great food and live entertainment. On the south shore of the bay, there is quite an assortment of local shops, artist studios, bars and restaurants. The monthly Trellis Bay Full Moon party is anticipated all year long. Two large ‘fireballs’ are lit while locals dance the night away.

COOPER ISLAND

Cooper Island Beach Club is a popular restaurant and bar are obeautiful Manchioneel Beach. The island is an ideal anchorage spot to stop and have a drink while you watch the sun set over The Drake Channel.

Foxy's Tamarind Bar

JOST VAN DYKE

White Bay The Soggy Dollar Bar is famous for its ‘Painkillers’, which were actually first invented here. The original recipe is a secret family recipe. Great Harbor Foxy’s Tamarind Bar has certainly changed from the early 70′s. Charter vacationers used to listen to true calypso while eating lobster with all of the locals at one long table. It has grown enormously. All kinds of talented local bands and musicians play here. The music and dancing can go on late into the night. Besides the bar and restaurant, there is also a large gift shop with a wide variety of local items, including CDs and the obligatory Foxy’s T-shirt. Be sure to bring something personal you can tack to the ceiling, anything from Business cards to hats and even underwear is acceptable. This place is for those who are easily offended , but most people at least stop in and have a drink.

Little Jost Van Dyke ‘Foxy’s Taboo’ restaurant and bar is the new ‘in’ place. You are more likely to meet Foxy here than at his original bar. Moorings are available, but this can be a rough spot in unsettled weather.

MARINA CAY

Now owned by Pussers, this famous island resort has a bar at the very top of the island, offering great sunset views and live music some nights.

The Willie T Floating Party

NORMAN ISLAND

The infamous Willie T is an all out party destination with plenty of drinking and wild antics. Expect the unexpected. Not recommended for children or the faint hearted! Pirates Bight offers a more relaxed way to watch the sunset, but also has music, dancing and a very popular Happy Hour with every exotic frozen drink you can imagine.

TORTOLA

At Cane Garden Bay, Quito Rhymer is an extremely popular local musician who can be found performing at his bar/restaurant, ‘Quito’s Gazebo’. Further down the beach, Al Henley’s Big Banana Paradise Club, Rhymers Beach Bar, Stanley’s Welcome Bar and Myett’s Garden and Grill all offer meals, drinks and live music on selected nights that can be heard from your anchorage spot out onto the water. ‘The Pub‘, below the Fort Burt Hotel, was the original bar in Road Town in The 60′s and 70′s and is a lively hot spot today. There are bars at Village Cay Marina, Mariner Inn, Pussers waterfront and many other locations in town, but these can hardly be considered beach bars, although many people visit them when embarking and disembarking from their Caribbean Yacht Charter.

VIRGIN GORDA

Spanish Town

The Bath and Turtle Pub often has live music and dancing.

The Baths

Poor Man’s Bar is the ultimate watering hole to relax after snorkeling.

North Sound

Bitter End Yacht Club

Leverick Bay has a beach barbecue every Friday, with live music and entertainment. The Sand Box is a casual bar and restaurant offering lunch and dinner. The Bitter End is a large resort with shops, water sport facilities, restaurant and an English pub, but they often also have live music and entertainment. Saba Rock is an excellent restaurant and bar located on a tiny island. Enjoy the popular 2-4-1 Happy Hour, while watching a fabulous sunset over The Sound.

West End/Sopers Hole

Pussers Landing & Company Store has two restaurants and a variety of shops, but it also has a popular bar. Here’s a hint, when you order your first ‘Pussers Pain Killer’, ask for a card. After visiting three different Pussers bars (and having a painkiller at each) you will get a Pussers Triangle Pennant you can fly from your boat – or hang at home!

While most vacationers like to enjoy the comforts of their luxury yacht charter, a true Caribbean Yacht Charter isn’t complete until you stop for a cocktail at a few of the best spots in the British Virgin Islands. You never know what you’ll see or who you willl meet, but you’ll be sure to have some tales to tell at your own watering hole back home for years to come.