Catamaran Manna Charters in USVIs, BVIs, and Spanish Virgin Islands, too
Charter Catamaran Manna - Virgin Islands Sailing Vacations Yacht Charters
About Catamaran Manna
MANNA is a 53-foot Royal Cape catamaran with a crew of two. Manna is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins (1 King, 2 Queens, 1 Double), each with ensuite head (sink, shower, electric-flush toilet). Excellent headroom.
They have a 14-foot dinghy with 60HP motor, waterskis, tube, wakeboard, 3-person kayak, 2 standup paddleboards (SUPs), subwing, snorkel gear, fishing equipment (BVI registered fishing vessel), 10-person "floating island", floating mats, 4 bean bag chairs, noodles, underwater camera, hammock, beach games, TV/DVD in salon, iPod/device hookup, internet access where available, onboard computer, etc.
Scuba diving
Manna has a Dive Instructor and features onboard scuba diving. They are currently offering unlimited diving to certified divers at no charge. They also offer a Resort/Discover Scuba course for non-certified divers, as well as Open Diving courses and specialty courses.
All-Inclusive Crewed Charters with diving, too
Catamaran Manna offers charters in the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and also the lesser-travelled Spanish Virgin Islands.
More info
Currently available for Christmas and New Years
Manna's Sample Itinerary for the Spanish Virgin Islands
Click image to enlarge
Mention the Virgin Islands, and most people think of the U.S. Virgin or British Virgin Islands. Yet, just 15-20 miles west of these islands, and only 6 miles to the east of Puerto Rico, lays the Spanish Virgin Islands, also known as the "Passage Islands". Ceded to the United States in 1898, this area is made up of the islands of Culebra and Vieques along with their surrounding islets and cays.
The Spanish Virgin Islands have always been a well-kept secret, even back in the days of Bluebeard and other famous pirates who used the islands for hideouts.The fact that the U.S. Navy & Marines used the islands for bombing practice until 2003 also kept land developers, commercialism, and an abundance of sailing charters away.
The result is pristine and unspoiled islands, with spacious deserted white sandy beaches; crystal clear turquoise blue water, and healthy intact reefs teeming with fish, coral and crustaceans. There are hills to climb and explore; nearly empty anchorages, and the natural charm of the BVI from thirty-five years ago.
If you are looking for a somewhat remote pure paradise for your next vacation, or you are suffering from "been there, done that" syndrome, then the Spanish Virgin Islands might be your answer!
Day 1
Arrive at SJU Airport in San Juan where the crew on Manna will be awaiting to pick you up in your own private van for the drive to Fajardo where Manna is berthed. Welcome drinks on board and safety briefing with a relaxing evening before our journey begins.
Day 2
Early morning sail towards Culebra, arriving at Cayo Luis Pena for snorkeling and hiking. Cayo Luis Pena, is just off the island of Culebra. This 2-mile long, uninhabited wildlife refuge has numerous hiking paths and spectacular secluded beaches. For the sailing charterer looking for solitude, this is the spot.
Day 3
Short sail over to Culebra for diving and snorkeling. Some of the Caribbean’s best diving and snorkeling is on Culebra.
Since 1909, the entire coastline and one-third of the interior has been
designated the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, which is run by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These protected lands are home to
endangered sea turtles, including the leatherback turtle, and some 50,000
sea birds. There are three roads on Culebra – all leading to a beach.
The most famous and perhaps most spectacular in the entire Caribbean is
Playa Flamenco.
Day 4
Explore Culebra and Flamenco beach by golf carts. Home to only about 2,000 residents who live strictly by “island time,” this island has no resorts or nightclubs to entertain you. The sleepy town of Dewey is comprised of a ragtag assortment of two-story wooden lean-tos and a handful of bars and restaurants, whose owners may or may not choose to open them on any given day.
Day 5
Sail to the tiny offshore cay, Culebrita. The snorkeling here is excellent. The beaches are fabulous, especially the 400-foot white sand crescent on the northern shore.The small uninhabited island of Culebrita is a nature reserve. It is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge which protects large colonies of sea birds and nesting sea turtles. You’ll never get tired of watching the terns, red-billed tropic birds, and boobies soar above the island and swoop down low to catch fish.
The island is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean, which can be visited by hiking to its breathtaking location at the top of a large hill. Better yet, visit the seaward pools known locally as “the Jacuzzis”, a series of shallow, natural sea-fed pools filled with warm water. The “jacuzzi” action comes when the surf refreshes the water supply. You can also snorkel nearby reefs and ledges, or dive the Cayos Ballena, Tiburon and Geniqui a mile to the north.
Day 6
Sail to Vieques.Twenty-one miles long and three to four miles wide, many cruisers consider the bays, coves, and beaches of this island the best of all Virgin Island anchorages. Due to its recent history as a U.S. bombing practice site, the island has been untouched by developers, With a population of only 8,000 human residents living in the central part, the island is also home to a large herd of roaming goats, a few scrawny cattle, and wild Paso Fino horses.
Another Vieques attraction is stargazing. The island is small and only has two small towns. Light pollution is low which is the perfect condition for enjoying a sky full of bright stars. The dark black cloudless skies paint the perfect background for a fantastic show of stars. If you are quiet and listen, the stars twinkle and create a beautiful melody accompanied by the sweet serenading sounds of the Puerto Rican “coquis”.
Day 7
Sail back towards Fajardo and arrive at Isla Palominos, a jewel of a tropical island for your last evening aboard Manna.
Day8
Arrive at Sunbay Marina for preparation to go to SJU Airport by our private van.
This is only a small sample of the possibilities of sailing through the Spanish Virgin Islands. Wayne and Emily onboard S/V Manna will completely customize your special vacation to meet all your needs and expectations. You may want to consider a tour of the rain forest to enjoy the water falls or even indulge in the taste and history of Old San Juan.
