Ferry Archives | Rum Therapy

March 30, 2015June 6, 2019

A Day Trip to Culebra

17 miles off the northeast coast of Puerto Rico sits Culebra, one of the Spanish Virgin Islands. This quiet little island is a mere 12 square miles in size. Regardless of its relatively small stature, Culebra boasts several gorgeous beaches, one of which, Flamenco Beach, is frequently listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean.

While spending some time in Puerto Rico, we wanted to experience a day trip to Culebra and arranged to take the ferry on a weekday morning to try and miss some of the local weekend traffic.

We arrived at the ferry terminal in Fajardo at 7:30 am. We’d heard that the ferry to Culebra can fill up quickly and that if we wanted to be sure to get on the early ferry, we needed to be there ahead of time – in fact our hotel recommended up to 2 hours early. So, we set the alarm, rushed out the door of our resort in Rio Grande, battled a bit of rush hour traffic and arrived at about 7:30 for the 9:00 ferry. Thankfully, we were the first ones in line for tickets.

For $4.50, we each purchased a round trip ticket on a large and comfortable vessel with plenty of seating. We plugged in our iPod’s, settled in and enjoyed the smooth hour long transfer to Culebra. On the trip over, we were able to reserve a golf cart for the day and upon arrival were whisked to Carlos Jeep Rental to finish the transaction.

So what did we do during our day on Culebra?

We started out with a frozen mango – guava cone sold at a stand right off of the ferry dock.

Headed to Flamenco Beach where we spent a good part of the day walking from one end to the other in the beautiful white sand,

floating in the warm water enjoying the sunshine and scenery,

then washing down some tasty Pinchos with a cold Medalla.
(Read and see more pics from our Flamenco Beach post here)

Drove the golf cart to the other end of the island to see Zoni Beach, another spectacular stretch of sand on the islands east side.

Strolled through town to check out the shops, restaurants and bars

Then capped off the day sipping Bushwackers at the Dinghy Dock while watching huge groupers swim by the dock…

What did we miss? Quite a lot actually. We could have used at least one more full day to enjoy some of the islands best snorkeling at Melones Beach and Carlos Rosario Beach, some time to hike and enjoy the beautiful vistas and more time sipping a cold beverage while chatting with the locals and other visitors at the Dinghy Dock. Then, we would like yet another day to take a water taxi over to Culebrita, a little uninhabited cay off across from Zoni Beach to hike to the abandoned lighthouse, check out the beautiful, deserted beaches and to snorkel with the islands resident turtles.

Ok, if we had our way, we’d have to stay at least a week to totally take in the beauty and charm of this laid back island where you can really kinda feel yourself entering island from the moment you step ashore.

Have you been to Culebra? Tell us about it!

Find Culebra on our Puerto Rico Map

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

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Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 13, 2014May 15, 2019

Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill, Water Island

copyright Rum Therapy — Dinghy’s Beach Bar on Honeymoon Beach, Water Island

Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill, located on beautiful Honeymoon Beach, Water Island is only 10 minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle.

To get to Water Island, you can catch a ferry in Crown Bay, St. Thomas right next to a restaurant/bar called Tickles. Tickets are $10 round trip and the trip takes only about 10 minutes.

Water Island is the smallest of the US Virgin Islands and has a population of around 200. One of the main attractions on Water Island is beautiful Honeymoon Beach which can be reached by an uphill hike from the ferry dock, a golf cart (which can be rented for the day) or if visiting Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill, you might be able to catch their safari ride to and from the dock.

You’re treated to a beautiful view of Honeymoon Beach when you reach the overlook. Since we’d caught a mid-morning (10:00a.m.) ferry to Water Island, Honeymoon Beach was still relatively quiet.

The Dinghy’s safari took us down the hill and dropped us off at Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill, a fun looking place filled with bright colors and colorful art. Dinghy’s is owned by Giorgio and Lisa, an energetic and super friendly couple who purchased what was then Joe’s Beach Bar in April 2013.

At that time, it was just a little bar on a boat trailer with a few old rickety tables and chairs and a small generator to run the blenders and lights. Giorgio and Lisa had bigger plans for this bar and although the bar is still in the cool boat trailer (with the addition of a colorful coat of paint) they brought in electricity, water tanks and running water, built a tiki hut over an existing concrete pad and added many more tables and chairs, beach lounges and umbrellas, a professional kitchen trailer and an ATM!

According to Giorgio and Lisa, the new name came to them for their beach bar, as they sat and counted 30 dinghy’s beached in front of the bar!

Dinghy’s really is a great place to hang out for the day. They have a menu full of great drinks, including their signature drinks the Creamy Dinghy – Cruzan Dark Rum, Creme of Coconut and Fresh Local Passionfruit, when available, and the Paddlewhacker – a creamy Bushwacker with Chocolate and Peanut Butter blended in.

If you get hungry after snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, extreme hammocking or beach chairing, drinking at the floating bar, walking the beach, listening to live music and beating your pals in corn hole and ring hooks – be sure to try one of their burgers, sandwiches, wraps or plates – all with a local flare. We tried the Beach Burger, certified Angus Beef seasoned with Argentinian Chimichuri Sauce – yum!

And be sure to take time to enjoy the beautiful beach Dinghy’s sits on.

Looking for some place close and a little different to hang out for a day while visiting St. Thomas? Dinghy’s on Water Island may be just what you’re looking for! Stop by and enjoy a great rum drink and say hi to Giorgio, Lisa and…Bubbles!

Their motto? “We’re Not Nuts, Just a Little Dinghy”

And a lot of fun.

We’re Not Nuts, Just a Little Dinghy!

To find out more about Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill,

Join them on Facebook

To see more posts on St. Thomas and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

February 26, 2014June 5, 2019

What to See and Do in Marigot, St. Martin

The capital of the French side of St. Martin is the beautiful little town of Marigot. Lying between Simpson Bay and Grand Case, Marigot offers a multitude of things to explore, to see and to do.

(see our St. Maarten/St. Martin Map to find Marigot)

Marigot fringes Baie de Marigot, a popular harbor offering a calm anchorage to the many boaters that stay here. We’ve visited Marigot a couple of times now; once by boat and once while staying on island. The following are a few of the things we enjoyed during our visits.

Marigot Market
In a square in the middle of Marigot, local vendors set up in an open air shop every day except Sunday. The best mornings to visit are Wednesday’s and Saturday’s when you’ll find the widest variety of items and shops. Find local art, many infused rhums, spices, fresh fruits, vegetables and fish and souvenirs.

Infused rhums

Spices at Kalina

Go early if you need to find parking and to walk through the booths before busloads of cruise ship passengers arrive.

Restaurants, Bakeries and Drinks
After working up a thirst or hunger shopping at the Market, be sure to stop by one of the lovely outdoor cafe’s or restaurants some fresh local fare and to people watch.

Just off of Boulevard de France, behind the market, we found two places that we must mention. The Coconut Juice House is a great place to get fresh juice in a coconut, pina coladas or daiquiris and to talk to the owner “Coconut Man”. There you can watch him open the coconut with a machete and squeeze the sugar cane used in the drinks he makes.

We enjoyed a very cold pina colada which was so refreshing in the warm afternoon sun.

Down the road from The Coconut House is a delectable French Bakery called Sarafina’s. If you like French pastries and cappuccino, you should plan to make a stop (or two) here. Read more about Sarafina’s in a previous post: Sarafina’s Bakery, Marigot, St. Martin

Fort Louis
Once you’ve quenched your hunger and thirst, take a walk to Fort Louis, the largest historical monument in St. Martin. Fort Louis was built in 1767 to protect Marigot from invaders and now offers phenomenal views of Marigot and the surrounding areas as well as some very interesting local history.

Access a walking path in Marigot from Rue de la Republique (see map above) or drive to a parking lot just below the monument.

A Few Other Things
The shopping is excellent in Marigot and you can find everything from souvenirs at the market to fine clothing, shoes and jewelry at the tony West Indies Mall. There are individual shops and art galleries scattered throughout the mid-town area as well.

A Ferry Terminal is located in Marigot with frequent departures to Anguilla and St. Barts. Parking is limited, so give yourself a little extra time if you need to leave your car in Marigot.

What are your favorite things to see and do in Marigot?

Find Marigot on our St. Maarten/St Martin Map

To see more posts on St. Maarten/St. Martin and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2014
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

April 2, 2011September 22, 2019

Seaplane Adventure

Years ago, sitting in the sun at Paradise Point at the top of the St. Thomas tram drinking my very first Bushwhacker (certainly not my last!) I saw a seaplane curve around Charlotte Amalie and gently splash down in the water. Quite cool, I thought – must put that one on the list.

Fast forward 10-15 years (wow, where does the time go?) and we find ourselves in St. Croix needing to get to St. Thomas. The two choices: 1. Ferry, cost $50.00, time 90 minutes 2. Seaplane, cost $80.00 (plus $1.00 per pound of luggage over 30 pds), time 20 minutes. A little more costly, but much shorter travel time and hey – it was on THE LIST.

We called and booked our flight on Seaborne Airlines for early the next morning and packed our suitcases. Unfortunately, both suitcases were over the 30 pd. limit (just the snorkeling equipment, I’m sure…), so there was an additional charge of about $10.00 each.

The next morning we headed down to the Seaplane Terminal in Christiansted. There were just a few clouds in the sky, but it looked like a beautiful morning. We were quite early, so we checked in and then headed over to Angry Nates for a warm cup o’ joe. The clouds began building and we had a quick 5 minute resulting in a beautiful rainbow over the harbor!

Sipping our coffee, we watched as our plane landed in the harbor and taxied over to the terminal. We headed over to the waiting area to board. It appeared that there were only 4 other people on our flight.

The pilots opened the doors and let the previous passengers out, then welcomed us on. All luggage was packed under the plane and we were allowed only to bring on our cameras (and a small handbag).

One of the pilots gave our safety briefing and then slid up in the cockpit and we were off!

Besides being a bit loud, I was amazed at how smoothly the plane zipped along the water during takeoff.

Once in the air, it was a beautiful sight looking back on St. Croix and the different hues in the water around it.

After about 10 minutes, we saw Water Island and St. Thomas in the distance.

As we approached St. Thomas it seemed we were going to fly right into the hillside around Charlotte Amalie – a little concerning, but then suddenly we took a sharp turn and a pretty steep dive right down into the harbor. We could see the cruise ships and mega yachts in port and the tram in the distance.

It was an odd feeling to set down in the water, but smooth once again. Nice ride, nice experience!

As I looked over towards the tram, I couldn’t help but wonder if someone was sitting up on Paradise Point drinking their first Bushwhacker and adding a seaplane ride to their list!

To see more posts on St. Croix and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.