Showing posts with label St Martin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St Martin. Show all posts

Friday, February 21, 2020

Catamaran Manna Sails the Spanish VIs, too

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.








Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book MANNA
View Manna's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Welcome to Catamaran Endless Horizon

Catamaran Endless Horizon
Welcome to the Caribbean Crewed Charter Fleet

Catamaran Endless Horizon - Coming soon to the Virgin Islands


Congratulations to ENDLESS HORIZON, an 80-foot Sunreef catamaran, for winning the 2020 Best of Show Award at the Miami Boat Show.  She's now on her way down to the Virgin Islands to begin her charter career with her first booking beginning April 7th.

About Catamaran Endless Horizon

Endless Horizon is the perfect choice for a high-end sailing vacation for families, couples, or special occasions in the Virgin Islands and St. Maarten areas.

Endless Horizon is an 80-foot Sunreef catamaran with a crew of three. This catamaran is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins (1 King, 3 Queen) each with ensuite head (sink, stall shower, electric-flush toilet). We will have more details after the yacht's arrival in the VIs.

Learn more

View Endless Horizon's online brochure: CLICK HERE


Currently available for Christmas and New Years








Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ENDLESS HORIZON
View Endless Horizon's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Hurricane Recovery - St Martin

Just a few photos to show you hurricane recovery taking place on the island of St Martin.

Photo credit: AFP
 This site has a post with photos taken just after Hurricane Irma and a comparison photo of the same scene 6 months later (has it really been 6 months already?). It refers to AFP's (Agence France Presse) Facebook page. I really appreciate user Poisson Rouge pointing this out as we do not use Facebook.

To view, go here. Click on a pair of photos and a pop-up photo window appears with the photos enlarged. Just below the black photo box are the player controls in a white font which I found difficult to see. There are 9 pairs of interesting pictures, so scroll through them.





We have many yachts available for charter.
Have QUESTIONS or you'd like to BOOK A CHARTER?

Contact Paradise Connections.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your sailing trip
Visit our website for more info: www.paradiseconnections.com
 

It's the pleasure of the journey that keeps people coming back for more.



Sunday, November 08, 2015

Charter Catamaran Moun Beu Now Offers Diving

The charter catamaran Moun Beu, a 62-foot Lagoon catamaran, is now offering scuba diving.

Charter Catamaran Moun Beu - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Sailing Vacations

The Caribbean charter catamaran Moun Beu (French Creole for "My Precious") is a 62-foot Lagoon catamaran based in St. Martin that accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 Queen cabins, each with ensuite head/shower.

Moun Beu has an American crew of two:  Captain Aileen McKernan and Chef David Studd.

With Aileen as Dive Master and David a Dive Instructor, Moun Beu offers diving for certified divers as well as non-certified divers.

For more information view their online brochure and contact Paradise Connections.


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book BLUE PASSION
View Moun Beu's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com


Wednesday, July 01, 2015

Catamaran Sagittarius : Discounts for July-October 2015 up to 10 guests

The charter yacht Sagittarius, a 10-passenger 65-foot Privilege catamaran, has announced special discounted rates.

Charter Catamaran Sagittarius
Sailing with SCUBA Vacations in St Martin, BVIs, or the Grenadines for up to 10 guests

RATES:

# Guests   Regular Rates   Special Rates
July 2015
BVI/St Martin   
Special Rates
Aug-Oct 2015
Grenadines
   2 $20,000 $17,000 $18,000
   4 $22,000 $18,700 $19,800
   6 $24,000 $20,400 $21,600
   8 $26,000 $22,100 $23,400
  10 $28,000 $23,800 $25,200


THE YACHT:
 
The charter catamaran Sagittarius is a 65-foot, Privilege cataman with a crew of two (three crew for charters of 6-10 guests). The yacht is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins (1 King, 4 Queen) each with ensuite head/shower.

Master Stateroom --- Aft cockpit

Spacious salon

Amenities include an 18-foot dinghy with 45HP motor, tubes, wakeboard, kneeboard, 2 standup paddleboards (SUPs), snorkel gear, hammock, onboard wifi where available, iPod dock, TV/DVD, fishing equipment, etc.


DIVING:

Tony is a Dive Master and Sagittarius offers 2 dives/day to certified divers at a cost of $45/dive per diver.

Diving in Tobago Cays, Grenadines is only available through a local dive company.


YOUR CREW:

CAPTAIN TONY BILEK

Tony has logged over 82,000 miles during his career in yachting as has great passion for life at sea. As a young man he studied at the Nautical College La Maddalena in Sardinia, Italy. Before long he was crossing the Atlantic as crew on delivery of large sailing vessels between the Med and the Caribbean. He's also worked as engineer on dive vessels and is a PADI Dive Master. Tony has great interpersonal skills and strives for safety and a harmonious environment on board as his highest priority.
CHEF PAOLA GANDOLFI

Paola grew up in northern Italy where she developed her love for cooking. She began her yachting career as crew aboard a motor yacht in the Indian Ocean 10 years ago and since has worked as chef on yachts throughout the Med and Caribbean. Her love of the sea has led her to obtain her captain's license as well. Paola's culinary specialties include Mediterranean and international cuisine, as well as vegetarian and vegan.
Please note that the crew smokes, but never inside.


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SAGITTARIUS
View Sagittarius' online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Thursday, April 23, 2015

Cabin Cruise Charter: St Martin to St Thomas, 10-nights with Trimaran Promenade

One of our favorite charter yachts that we've mentioned many times in this blog, the 65-foot trimaran Promenade, is offering an exceptional "by the cabin" trip which starts in St Martin, visits St Barths and possibly other nearby French islands, Anguilla, and an overnight sail back to the Virgin Islands.

The Charter Yacht Promenade - Sitting peacefully at anchor


How much, you ask? 

Only $4000/cabin ($2000/person, double occupancy) for a 9-10 night, all-inclusive charter which includes one dive/day for certified divers.

This will be fully crewed and inclusive (including casual SCUBA diving) except for the following:
  • 2-3 meals off the yacht (one for sleepaboard night, and one for sure in St Barths)
  • Dive gear: $25/dive, or bring your own
  • Communications
  • Personal expenses such as getting to and from the yacht from the airport
  • Anything you choose to purchase on land. Might be a great time to pick up some french wines to bring back to the Virgin Islands and fly home with you!
  • Crew gratuity

When and where?

The charter officially begins on May 27th in St Martin (airport code SXM) but guests are welcome to take advantage of the free sleepaboard on the night of May 26th (dinner ashore) so everyone can be ready for a morning departure the next day.

The preliminary itinerary includes cruising St Martin, Tintamarre, Ile Fourche, St Barths, and whatever else catches their fancy, Anguilla, with a stop to dive in Sombrero (weather permitting), Anegada, and onwards through the Virgin Islands where guests can be dropped off either in the BVIs or the USVIs on June 5, 2015.

Fishing and Diving

There will be an overnight sail. It is a casual charter with full crew, but the guests are encouraged to participate and get the full experience of doing overnight passages. It will be fun!

   
Stella

Kerry will be hosting this trip along with her Kitty Kat Stella. She is a wonderful kitty and much loved by charter guests. Just want to let you know she will be aboard Promenade for this trip in case you have issues with cats or are allergic, although she is kept out of the guest cabins.

More about the yacht...

Promenade is a fully air conditioned, 65-foot trimaran with a beam of 35 feet, that accommodates up to 10 guests in five cabins. The two forward cabins are Queens and each have private, ensuite head/shower. The aftmost center cabin is a Queen, while the port and starboard aft cabins can be configured as either twins or a king.  The aft 3 cabins share 2 heads/showers.

Promenade has a 15-foot dinghy with 50HP motor, waterskis, kneeboard, wakeboard, tube, 2-person kayak, paddleboard on request, 4 water individual power loungers, snorkel gear, fishing equipment (has commercial BVI fishing license), TV/DVD, iPod dock, wifi, and much more! 

Current availability as of April 23, 2015:

Only two cabins open, so...

Contact Paradise Connections ASAP to book a cabin... or two!
 


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PROMENADE
View Promenade's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Monday, April 06, 2015

Charter Yacht Pacific Wave: Save 33% this Spring

Save over $5000 on a half-board, crewed yacht charter aboard Pacific Wave this Spring.

Charter Yacht PACIFIC WAVE - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Liveaboard Scuba & Sailing Vacations in the Virgin Islands (with summers "down island")

Book a 7-night, half-board, crewed yacht charter aboard Pacific Wave to take place sometime between April 11 and May 31, 2015 and save 33%

Lynn and Mark
Terms & Conditions:
  • For a full-week (7 nights), half-board charter in the BVIs between April 11 and May 31, 2015
  • This offer is for up to 4 guests using 2 cabins (aft Master Suite & 1 Twin guest cabin).
  • Includes: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners, snacks, hors d'oeuvres, and standard ship's bar aboard Pacific Wave, plus BVI taxes and USVI pickups & drop-offs.
  • Not included: Meals taken ashore and on-board diving. Pacific Wave will be happy to arrange rendezvous diving with a local dive operator for you.
SPECIAL HALF-BOARD RATES for Spring 2015  (through May 31, 2015):
  • 2 guests: now only $10,667/wk (from $16,000)
  • 3 guests: now only $11,000/wk (from $16,500)
  • 4 guests: now only $11,334/wk (from $17,000)


About Pacific Wave

Pacific Wave is a stylish Italian-designed 72-foot sloop with an owner-operator crew of two.

The yacht is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins all with ensuite head/shower. The master cabin, aft, has 2 double berths, while the other two guest cabins each have a set of twin, upper/lower bunks.



Pacific Wave has a 15-foot dinghy with 70HP 4-stroke motor, adult & junior waterskis, tube, wakeboard, 2-person kayak, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, hammock, large screen TV/DVD in salon, 4G WiFi available at cost, iPod dock, etc.


Both Lynn and Mark are Padi Dive Masters. Diving for certified divers in the Virgin Islands is included in the full-board, all-inclusive charter fee. Rent or bring your own gear. Air fills are $10/tank.

 

Plus... fabulous food, hospitality, and professionalism...

Recent Comments
  • March 29 - April 4, 2015: Family of Three from Seattle, Washington
"Thank you for a super time.  It was great to experience diving with Pacific Wave.  Mark the food was terrific!  Lynn we had some great sails." (Terri) / "Thanks for the wonderful week.  It was very relaxing and a great way to explore the BVIs." (Charlie) / "Thanks for a wonderful time cruising on your beautiful yacht.  It was great for us to get another cruise in with Charlie." (Tom)
  • November 30 - December 6, 2014: Family of 3
"Lynn & Mark, Very seldom do things go exactly as planned, almost never do things exceed expectations.... this week was one of those times.  The snorkelling was spectacular the sails were exciting, and above all, the company with Lynn and Mark seeing to our every need made this a wonderful week.  Sadly now back to Philadelphia... cold and dreary as it is this time of year but with warm memories with new friends in Mark & Lynn to keep the memories alive.  See you again."
  • Thanksgiving Week 2014: Family of 5
"Many thanks for a wonderful trip & celebration of Charles 70th.  We loved all aspects & TLC you both provided.  The boat is exactly what we'd hoped for & we are delighted to have found you.  The food was incredible, your detailed knowledge of all the best spots was invaluable & appreciated by all.  This has been a great success - many thanks!"

Don't you deserve a bit of pampering and some fun in the sun?


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PACIFIC WAVE
View Pacific Wave's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com



Thursday, December 18, 2014

Charter Yacht Pacific Wave: 2 Special Offers - Buy One Get One Free & Charter Discount

Lynn, owner-operator of the beautiful charter yacht Pacific Wave, has a very interesting special offer... one that we've never seen in the charter industry.

Charter Yacht PACIFIC WAVE - Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charters - Liveaboard Scuba & Sailing Vacations in the Virgin Islands (with summers "down island")

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy One Get One FREE

Book a 7-night charter aboard Pacific Wave to take place in February 2015 and receive a 7-night charter in February 2016 for FREE

Lynn and Mark
Terms & Conditions:
  • For a full-week charter in February 2015 and February 2016 only
  • Free week will be for the same period in February 2016
  • Lead charterer must be aboard for the charter in February 2016
  • Free week is non-transferrable and cannot be combined with other special offers
  • No refund if charterer cannot sail in 2016.

ANOTHER SPECIAL OFFER: Discounted Rates for Winter/Spring 2015

Receive a $300/person discount for 7-night, all-inclusive charters taking place before April 30, 2015 aboard Pacific Wave in the Virgin Islands (not valid for BOGOF special offer mentioned above).

RATES for Winter 2014  (through April 30, 2014):
All-inclusive, full board charters in the Virgin Islands (Diving & BVI taxes included)
  • 2 guests: Standard winter rate = $16,000 (less $300/person = $15,400/wk)
  • 4 guests: Standard winter rate = $17,000 (less $300/person = $15,800/wk)
  • 6 guests: Standard winter rate = $18,000 (less $300/person = $16,200/wk)



Pacific Wave is a stylish Italian-designed 72-foot sloop with an owner-operator crew of two.

The yacht is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins all with ensuite head/shower. The master cabin, aft, has 2 double berths, while the other two guest cabins each have a set of twin, upper/lower bunks.



Pacific Wave has a 15-foot dinghy with 70HP 4-stroke motor, adult & junior waterskis, tube, wakeboard, 2-person kayak, snorkel equipment, fishing gear, hammock, large screen TV/DVD in salon, 4G WiFi available at cost, iPod dock, etc.


Both Lynn and Mark are Padi Dive Masters. Diving for certified divers in the Virgin Islands is included in the charter fee. Rent or bring your own gear. Air fills are $10/tank.

 

Plus... fabulous food, hospitality, and professionalism...

Recent comments:
  • 30 November - December 6, 2014: Family of 3
"Lynn & Mark, Very seldom do things go exactly as planned, almost never do things exceed expectations.... this week was one of those times.  The snorkelling was spectacular the sails were exciting, and above all, the company with Lynn and Mark seeing to our every need made this a wonderful week.  Sadly now back to Philadelphia... cold and dreary as it is this time of year but with warm memories with new friends in Mark & Lynn to keep the memories alive.  See you again."
  • Thanksgiving Week 2014: Family of 5
"Many thanks for a wonderful trip & celebration of Charles 70th.  We loved all aspects & TLC you both provided.  The boat is exactly what we'd hoped for & we are delighted to have found you.  The food was incredible, your detailed knowledge of all the best spots was invaluable & appreciated by all.  This has been a great success - many thanks!"

Don't you deserve a bit of pampering and some fun in the sun?


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PACIFIC WAVE
View Pacific Wave's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com