The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with more than 50 other smaller islands and cays. About 16 of the islands are inhabited. The capital, Road Town, is on Tortola, the largest island, which is about 20 km (12 mi) long and 5 km (3 mi) wide. (Wikipedia)

Spread across miles of gleaming azure waters, the British Virgin Islands cap the summits and peaks of a chain of dormant underwater volcanoes. The famed pirates Blackbeard and Captain Kidd took up residence here.

As our ship was being guided by the tugboats my eyes caught the glimmering colorful houses perched on the verdant hillside overlooking the horseshoe-shaped harbor where white yachts mingled with simple fishing boats. It was a stunning view to behold and I knew then that our tour would be better than yesterday’s.

Last night, after dinner Oya, Trini and I went to the pool deck to listen to the Viking Band comprised of Filipino musicians. The female vocalist, Jenny is also a pretty young Filipina. Some of the staff of the cruise director were there urging folks to get up and “shake their booty” which we did! This morning, I woke up sore!

After a hearty breakfast, our group proceeded to the pier and was directed by the ship’s tours coordinators to our vehicles – an open-sided safari “trucks”!

Our driver, Mr. Green (that’s what he wants us to call him) drove us along Tortola’s steep (and I really mean STEEP) roads that lead to secluded beaches, hidden coves and breathtaking vistas!

Mr. Green obviously is a skilled driver – maneuvering the huge monstrous safari truck along the narrow serpentine roads avoiding oncoming vehicles at a every turn. Finally, our guide/driver pointed at a strip of white beach – our destination.

As we got off the truck, our guide handed us a voucher to claim our obligatory drinks inside the restaurant. We were instructed to find any empty tables (free) or rent a chair along the beach. We found an empty table right away!

The water was not as warm as I wanted it to be but I waded waist-deep anyway and urged Trini, Oya and Tommy who only went ankle-deep.

Right on the beach premises are where the souvenir stalls are always located so we browsed and bought the mandatory magnets.

Weather-wise today was the best ever – sunny and pleasant temperature! I hope our last port prior to disembarkation will be as nice or better – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands!