We spent the night in Long Bay (still on Virgin Gorda) which offered some gorgeous views in all directions. Our tour of Necker Island starts at 9:00 am and it’ll take about 45 mins to relocate so we suggested a quick grab and go breakfast to make the morning easier for K and allow us to sleep in a little longer.
This is what K considered a “grab and go” breakfast. Egg sausage (or bacon) sandwiches, potatoes, fruit and bread. My gosh we are eating a lot.
It was pretty bumpy out by Necker with a strong Northern swell so we took 5 at a time on the dinghy in to the red dock. The kids went ashore first followed by the parents plus K who joined us today.
Our tour began in a covered pavilion next to the dock with ice water and chilled towels. We went inside one of the main buildings and learned some history on the island and how our tour company came to be. The tour guide and owner’s name is Gumption. He grew up on the island and had a dream to start a tour company. Although he was turned down by 4 banks, a run-in at a bar with Sir Richard Branson changed all that and he is now the exclusive tour guide of Necker Island, one of Bransons’ two private islands in the BVI.
Most of the animals on the island are wild. They are fed and cared for by professionals but are not penned or enclosed. The lemurs are one exception and have large enclosures to separate agressive younger ones from the elders. We started with the lemurs first, and they certainly did not disappoint.
After the lemurs, we were taken all over the island to explore and look for the free ranging residents. Gumption grabbed a golf cart and brought Sammy and I to keep her from overheating. It was incredibly thoughtful and honestly allowed her to finish the tour with us.
We visited the macaws and parrots
We found one of their giant tortoises.
And a lagoon filled with flamingos.
We found more tortoises and fed some peacocks
At the close of the tour, Gumption gave us a written quiz to see how much we had retained. Luke led the group with 15 points!
As a special treat, we were allowed to see some babies that aren’t ready to be released yet. These were resting in a small yard of one of the homes. With a large lounger and swingset, I imagine folks resting the day away with the baby kangaroos and moonjack playing nearby.
We crossed the helipad and headed back out on the red dock to wait for B to pick us up in the dinghy. After the kids got on their way, the parents spent some extra time with Gumption, a Christian as well who is using his success to so some incredible charity work.
Once on board, we enjoyed some steak fajitas while B got us under way. It was a little more bumpy that he preferred for being at anchor so we got moving. After a warm morning and a good meal, we all found our spot to rest for the 2 hr ride south.
We stopped at Guava Island near Tortola. It’s a beautiful bay with gorgeous torquoise waters. Everyone jumped in to enjoy the water and cool off. The adults floated, the girls jumped and played on the mat, and the boys took the water scooters to explore a little beach in the distance.
Most tried out the paddle boards. Some used the motor scooters to make it easier. Others just used them to lounge.
As the sun began to set, we slowly made our way back aboard and just enjoyed the final moments of the afternoon.
K served us sea bass with couscous along with some pizza for those who didn’t prefer fish followed by a key lime pie. It was an excellent meal!
We had map time with B to discuss our day and then wrapped up the night with another heated game of Skip-Bo (which still frustrates Luke) while the dads took naps. Then we pretty much all headed for bed.
Today was such a full day but perfect in every way.
