A New Year with New Adventures!
Ahoy Mates! Welcome aboard 2025 – A New Year with New Adventures! Each new season ushers in the opportunity to do things differently, try novel ideas and imagine vastly different possibilities, so we here at Stormy Pirates have expanded our services to give you more chances to do just that. Hopefully, it will enhance your opinions and experiences of these beautiful islands. With that in mind, we’d like to offer some suggestions about how you can add a bit of sparkle and novelty to your stay, regardless of whether it’s your first trip here or your 100th! After all, there’s more to love about the Caribbean than lying on a sunny beach day after day.
Try Out a Floating Bar & Restaurant
Don’t want to give up time in those aqua-laced waters but are craving a bite to eat and a frozen rum drink? The Virgin Islands has you covered with not one, but two, great options.
#1. Lime Out VI –
Richard Baranowski, owner of the Lime Inn, a long-standing popular restaurant on St. John, along with Dylan Buchalter, Dane Tarr, wives Chelsea and Val and chef Amaro Rivera, continue to wow patrons with unique twists on old standards like tacos and drinks. Touting the slogan, “Eat More Tacos On The Water,” they’ve made the simple idea of tacos and drinks a true Caribbean experience. Thanks to fresh ingredients and lots of imagination, their menu features mouth-watering delights like Rum Rib Tacos, Surf + Turf Tacos and even Ceviche Tacos. All of it can be washed down with a variety of craft cocktails such as the MUDDA TUCKER (chocolate coquito with plenty of rum, kahlua and amaretto), SMOKIN’ LUCA (Mezcal, soursop juice, fresh lime, and lemon juice) or THE DANGER (Thai chili infused 100% blue agave tequila, fresh watermelon juice, fresh lime juice, and pineapple simple syrup). There’s also draft or bottled beer, wine, shots, or a variety of nonalcoholic beverages like Hibiscus Sun Tea, Passion Fruit Juice, or Tamarind Juice if that’s more your style. Just reading their menu makes me want to don a bathing suit and head on over!
Lime Out VI is located on the southeastern side of Coral Bay and operates everyday from 11 to 5, but swimming out to the bar is not allowed! So, park your car at the Coral Bay Dinghy Dock and wait for the shuttle (As you descend on Centerline Rd into Coral Bay, continue straight towards Skinny Legs. The dock is on your right) Or, book a boat day with Stormy Pirates and sign up for their new option: Circle St. John + Food Boat Tour. Not only will you get to sample Lime Out VI’s sumptuous fare, but you’ll also get to enjoy a beautiful tour around the island of St. John via the water, two snorkel stops (Christmas Cove + Lovango Cay), a pizza snack at Pizza Pi and Happy Hour at Lovango Beach Club. How’s that for a full day of fun adventures?
#2. Pizza Pi VI –
As they advertise, Pizza Pi is “more than just a drive thru – it’s a destination.” Located 5 minutes from St. Thomas and 15 minutes from St. John, this iconic floating bar and restaurant is nestled in the protected waters of Christmas Cove. For your ultimate comfort, Pizza Pi has 7 large floats that accommodate up to 42 people (there is a 2-hr time limit so more guests can be served), though you are also free to raft up alongside Pi, use the dinghy drive thru, or ask that your order be delivered to your boat anywhere in Christmas Cove.
Here again, originality rules. While classics like pepperoni and sausage pizza are available, why not try something different like their PEACHY GOAT (olive oil, mozzarella, crumbled goat cheese, sliced peaches fresh basil, balsamic glaze and honey drizzle), MOKO JUMBIE (tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, spinach, portobello mushrooms, tomato, red onion and fresh basil) or MELE KALIKIMAKA (a Hawaiian dream, tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, ham, bacon and pineapple – with fresh jalapenos, if desired). Variety, as they say, is the spice of life!
Strombolis and Caesar salads are also available, along with a varied drink menu featuring frozen classics like coladas and daiquiris, crafted cocktails with names like Wild Donkey (Beefeater gin and ginger beer with a splash of passion fruit puree), Coco Cubano (classic mojito made with Cruzan coconut rum, fresh muddled mint and lime, topped with soda water), and their signature cocktail, Roserita (a sparkling margarita that pairs well with pizza, using Milagro tequila, California rose, muddled lime and jalapeno and topped with soda water). Add to those options, beer, shots, mocktails, soda and juices, and you have the perfect mix to please every member of your family. Hours of operation are daily from 11 to 5:30.
Not sure how to get there? If you don’t want to spend an entire day on our Circle St. John and Food Boat Tour. There are also 2, 3 and 4 Hours Options include: the Pizza Pi Luxury Lunch Shuttle (definitely one way to make a grand entrance!), the Official Pizza Pi Shuttle, a Pizza Pi Jet Ski, or make an afternoon of it and book their Pizza Boat Afternoon trip which allows for custom boarding from Compass Point Marina, The Ritz Carlton, or pick up at the National Park Dock in Cruz Bay. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll ride in comfort and get to sample some extraordinary pizza and drinks as well.
Just in case you’re wondering ….
Christmas Cove got its name thanks to Christopher Columbus, who anchored his boat in this very spot in 1493 on Christmas Day. Following that memorable trip, the calm-water cove became a favorite spot of pirates for the next 30 years. These days, the area is a protected sanctuary where an abundance of sea life meanders through the crystal blue waters. So, while you’re munching on a slice of Italian finery, you might just catch a glimpse of dolphins, turtles, starfish, conch or tropical fish that call these waters home.
Visit A New Island … Or Two …. Or Three –
Like the idea of island hopping? The Virgin Islands is the perfect place to accomplish that and boarding a plane won’t be necessary. But you will need a boat, Dinghy Rental or ferry options to navigate from one location to the next.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
#1. The Three-Island Getaway via Ferry –
Three iconic places on three different islands makes the perfect trifecta of Caribbean fun. To start, head to Sapphire Beach, a free, public beach on St. Thomas with some of the island’s prettiest white-sand. (From Charlotte Amalie, it’s about a 20 minute cab ride) Lounge in full sun or choose a shadier spot under one of the many trees. Either way, enjoy the peace and quiet as this is one of the more low-key spots on the island. Because there’s also a resort here, chair rentals, bathroom facilities and food options are all readily accessible. Be dazzled by the clear aqua-colored water or don some snorkel gear and explore the reefs. On a windy day, be brave and try your hand at windsurfing. Don’t get too comfortable, though, because after a few hours, you’ll need to move on to island number two.
Make your way to Water Island, the smallest US Virgin Island at 492 acres that’s considered a hidden gem located a mere 10 to 15 minutes away from St. Thomas. If you’re relying on a ferry, head to the Crown Bay Marina and look for the small red boat that departs every hour and buy your ticket from the captain. (You can also hire a water taxi, charter boat or rent a cycle boat.) Once you arrive at Water Island, walk to Rachael’s Rentals (a 2-minute journey) and rent a golf cart, as there are no buses or taxis allowed on Water Island. (Reserve one ahead of time to make sure the supply doesn’t run out!) Spend your time traversing the island’s winding roads and capturing photos from numerous vistas or head to the island’s main attraction – Honeymoon Beach. This secluded patch of sand is idyllic in every way – from the white sand and turquoise waters to the swaying palm trees and views of nearby islands. Dinghy’s Beach Bar can take care of all your needs for beach chairs, snorkel gear, paddleboards, and kayaks. But if playing a rousing game of beach volleyball, tennis or pickleball is what you’re after, Dinghy’s can point you in the right direction for that, too.
Again, watch your time if you want to explore one more island before the sun sets. From Water Island head on over to St. John and end your day exploring any of the National Park areas. Since ¾ of the island is designated as park land, you’ll have numerous hiking options. There’s the Reef Bay Hike off of Centerline Road (about 5 miles east of Cruz Bay) where you can see old remnants of a sugar plantation as well as ancient petroglyphs off of a spur trail or head to Salt Pond Bay and traverse the Ram Head Trail which will pass a blue cobblestone beach and then climb to a breathtaking vista overlooking the sea. If snorkeling is more your thing, head to Trunk Bay where you can explore the underwater trail that’s sure to be full of interesting coral and a wide variety of sea life. Plus, the beach is so picturesque that it’s one of the most photographed areas in the Caribbean.
#2. The Baths, Cooper Island + Norman Island – By Stormy Pirates!
If you’ve never experienced the British Virgin Islands, here’s the perfect trio of islands to give you a taste of the other half of the Virgins. New to this year’s lineup, this Stormy Pirates’ option will take you on an exploration of The Baths, a National Park on the island of Virgin Gorda where you’ll be dazzled by unique rock formations formed by granite that eons ago eroded into piles of boulders on the beach. Because large rocks form natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches and grottoes – all surrounded by serene crystal blue water – you’ll be mesmerized by the amazing scenery and numerous photo ops.
From there, you’ll head on over to Cooper Island, known as one of the “Little Sisters” because of its size. Only five privately owned properties exist on this patch of sand, plus the Cooper Island Beach Club & Microbrewery where you’ll enjoy lunch. This small resort has only eight hotel rooms, a restaurant, rum bar, coffee shop, solar-powered brewery and a gift shop. Its quaintness makes for a charming place to idle away an hour or two.
Interesting fact: Cooper Island lies next to what is known as “wreck alley,” a favorite site for dive enthusiasts because numerous ships have been purposely sunk to create a haven for fish and sealife.
But no trip to the BVI is complete without a stop at Norman Island, a 610-acre privately owned uninhabited island that offers one of the most scenic and safe harbors around known as “The Bight.” Back in the 18th century, a Spanish galleon buried 55 chests of silver coins after the crew mutinied aboard the ship. Although most of the treasure was later recovered, remnants of the bounty are rumored to still exist in the waters. While stopped at Norman Island, you’ll have the choice of ending your day at either Pirates Bight, a restaurant, bar and gift shop famous for being the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island or the Willy T, a floating bar & grill also in “The Bight.” Known for their mouthwatering Anegada Conch Fritters, Caribbean BBQ Chicken Wings and their signature Honey Stung Chicken, this hot spot is also widely popular for its tradition of handing out a free t-shirt to any woman willing to jump off the top deck without a shirt on!
#3. Make a day of Lovango Resort + Beach Club – Dinghy or Ferry from St. Thomas or St. John
Lovango is a small island about 10 minutes away from Cruz Bay on St. John. The resort has their own ferry that can transport you from the ferry dock in Cruz Bay or the one in Red Hook on St. Thomas, or let Stormy Pirates make the arrangements for you (We’ll throw in some extra stops to add to the adventure!). Once you arrive at the island, you’ll be pampered as this private island specializes in full-service luxury.
For starters, there’s a 70-foot infinity pool, three hiking trails, six boutique shops, two waterfront dining options, world-class snorkeling and an amazing gym in the jungle. So, relax at the beach club where you’ll have access to umbrellas, beach towels, food & drink service, snorkeling equipment and showers. Upgrade the experience and rent one of their beach or poolside cabanas. Enjoy lunch at the Sandpit or simply order drinks and food poolside. You won’t be disappointed either way, and the views are stunning regardless of where you dine. If you want to end the day on a high note, wander over to their Waterfront Restaurant for an elegant dinner. You might just love the experience so much that you’ll think about booking a room on your next visit.
Book A Private Charter
Don’t want to do the same thing as everyone else? Then let Stormy Pirates help you design a day on the water that meets your needs and expectations. With a fleet of boats at their disposal, Stormy Pirates can offer you a variety of options for your boat day.
#1. 27’ Hydra Sport USVI Boat Charter –
This super fast option boasts twin 300HP engines and it has a top-notch Bluetooth stereo system that will have you rocking as you flit about those aqua Caribbean waters. The only stipulation is that this boat cannot travel to the BVIs.
#2. 37’ Axopar USVI/ BVI Boat Charter –
Want to see a bit of both the US Virgin Islands as well as the British side of things? This boat will not only get you there, it’ll make sure you get there quickly, comfortably, and in style as you enjoy the excellent Bluetooth stereo system.
#3. 45’ Luxury Sailing Catamaran Charter –
Nothing says luxury better than a spacious, comfortable catamaran. You and up to 11 of your friends can idle away the day sailing around St. Thomas, St. John and if you’re craving a stop in the BVIs, this boat is cleared to stop on Jost Van Dyke.
#4. 42” Power Boats – Stormy Petrel & Pirates Penny –
Pirates Penny at White Bay
If speed is more your thing, consider one of these classic boats that can accommodate up to 14 passengers and sail through both the US Virgin Islands or the BVIs.
#5. 55’ Power Catamaran Gorda Pirate –
Need to accommodate a large crowd? Then this boat is your solution. With enough room to transport up to 49 guests, Gorda Pirate is completely customized for comfort and spaciousness. AND, the bar is open ALL DAY!
#6. Private Sunset / Snorkel Cruises –
Thinking of planning a romantic getaway or a special family trip? This option is the perfect solution for making a “splash” that will be remembered for years to come. Talk to the staff at Stormy Pirates about how they can customize your special event.
End Notes: Hopefully, we’ve got you thinking about adding something new to your Virgin Islands experience. If you’re still looking for more new things to try, look into booking a night at the WHARFSIDE VILLAGE HOTEL, St. John’s newest beachfront lodging or try Sunday brunch island style in Coral Bay at Surf Club Cantina from 9 a.m. to noon where traditional fare like bacon and eggs is offered as well as more creative dishes like Johnny Cakes and breakfast tacos. Remember, it’s a New Year and a great time to try new adventures! As always, we encourage you to visit our Stormy Pirates website and book a boat day – we’ll put the gangplank down and escort you in style.