“TAILS” (and Fur and Feathers) FROM THE FAMOUS NECKER ISLAND in the BVI. Wouldn't you like to visit?

My Story of Necker Island 

When I was first in the charter yacht business in the early ‘90s, how many times did I sail past the beautiful island of Necker? It was said, "It's private, you can't go"…..And one day, one day I took the dinghy from North Sound, Virgin Gorda and, simply, went. I was compelled by the sparkling white beaches and the aura of mystery. Although the land on the island is entirely privately owned, under British Virgin Islands law, all beaches up to the high-water mark are Crown land, and are open to the public. 

So, I went….just to see. I must admit, I didn’t feel comfortable so I stayed close to the edge of the water.  No one challenged me, and I witnessed great, quiet beauty. I saw..............no one. I stayed for a little bit, sniffed the air, and said........I want to go here!! And see more, here!

North Sound area, Virgin Gorda BVI with Gorda Peak in the background.

Here can be found many places to explore and enjoy. There is unparalleled snorkeling to experience, several little restaurants to savor, hiking trails all around especially up to the top of Gorda Peak with views that are unsurpassed. You can visit Pusser’s Leverick Bay, Biras Creek resort, the Saba Rock resort,  the Fat Virgin Café and of course, the famous Bitter End Yacht Club which plays host to several regattas and other events throughout the year. Kite and wind surfing is very popular here as well. In fact, you can try your hand in the steady Easterly trade winds of the wide open Sound. 

School of Blue Tang, Eustatia Reef, Virgin Gorda BVI

Sir Richard Branson 
Name ring a bell? Here's his story of his love affair with this island (and his wife, too!) 

http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/my-story-of-necker-island 

The island was named after the 17th-century Dutch squadron commander Johannes de Neckere, although it remained uninhabited and virtually undeveloped until the late 20th century.

At the tender age of 28, not long after starting his Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson first became aware that some of the islands in the British Virgin Islands were for sale in 1978. He promptly went to the British Virgin Islands for a holiday to investigate the prospective real estate. On first observing the islands, he envisioned using them to house rock stars performing under his record label. Upon arrival, they were given a luxury villa and traveled around the islands for sale by helicopter. The final island he saw was Necker Island, and after climbing the hill and being stunned by the view and wildlife, fell in love with the island...and made it his own.

And from that time on, everything changed....

Not only has this island hosted heads of state, Princesses and Princess, A-list movie stars and famous performers of all ilk, but now...now, Sir Richard has a plan. A plan which includes his passion for reintroducing the native wildlife, long wiped out by aggressive hunting and other reasons. He's also passionately involved with saving endangered wildlife, anything that might thrive in the climate of the British Virgin Islands.

Now, it's possible to go and see and visit and interact with these lovely creatures on a pre-planned guided tour. Here's just a little of what you will see:

Scarlet ibis, white ibis and spoonbills, clouds of which used to inhabit this and many other islands in this part of the Caribbean Sea.

A large flock of flamingos....Yes, they are historically native here and now can be found in the BVI and also on Anegada, BVI where they are breeding successfully thanks to the efforts of this man and others.

Not content enough to stop there, Sir Richard hosts native soldier crabs and iguanas and the local and famous red-footed tortoise with more newcomers joining the party. And some of the newcomers are part of a conservation effort. Sir Richard Branson has teamed up with The Turtle Conservancy  to help keep the species alive. The new arrivals will join their existing herd of endangered giant Indian Ocean Aldabra Tortoises and Red Footed Tortoises on Necker.

Lemurs, you say??? But...they're not native to the Virgin Islands.

Right. But they are seriously endangered in their native land of Madagasgar. Sir Richard is concerned about all species' ability to survive and is hard at work trying to help.

Here's one of my favorite charter skippers from Majestic Spirit, Capt. Dave, playing with a few of these little charmers. Wouldn't you want to do this too?

Well, as you can see, times have changed. 

Through prior arrangement and schedule permitting, now anyone can go visit this magical place. This young man, one of Sir Richard's entrepreneurs, is conducting tours of this island. His name is Gumption and he surely has that! In addition to tours of Necker Island BVI, he also conducts sea life tours, night and day, on his glass bottom boat over the surrounding reefs. Of course, on your charter yacht with your crew, you also can do just that. As much as you want to.

(Please note: Land/wildlife tours are subject to schedule permitting and if guests have secured the whole island of Necker for their private holiday it will not be possible to go. Your charter skipper will contact Gumption to inquire if there is an opening for you to visit.

Tours range in pricing from $90 for adults to $60 for children. Extras might include $20/pp for the enclosure tour where the lemurs live.) 

  So what are you waiting for? Finally, you can visit this wonderful place once off limits to all but the island's owners and privileged guests. Now you can add this amazing experience to your life of adventure.

Get in touch with me and I'll put this together for you!!