People vacationing here on island always ask me – Do you like living here? Do you think you will stay? Well the answers are overwhelming yes and yes. First off, we are fortunate in that all of us living here on St. John truly live in paradise. Second, I have fantastic friends here on island. And third, I get invited to do some pretty fun stuff.
Take last Wednesday, for example. I was invited out on Residensea, Grande Bay’s 35-foot Scout. It’s a boat I’d never been on, so naturally I was pretty excited to check it out. For those of you unfamiliar with the boat, it’s a 2012 35-foot Scout 345 XSF with twin Yamaha F350 engines. It’s a larger boat, a super comfortable boat and a quick boat. Check out a few pics:
Because Residensea is larger and fast, it means you can go to further locations like Virgin Gorda. So that’s exactly what we did. We left the National Park Dock on St. John around 9 a.m., checked into Customs on Tortola and arrived in Virgin Gorda in about an hour and 10 minutes. Not too shabby. Our first stop was Saba Rock, a small resort and restaurant located on its own small island in North Sound. Check out a few pics:
After Saba Rock, we hopped over to the Bitter End Yacht Club. Here are a few pics from there:
I have to say that I had a fantastic time with Captain Mason and Residensea this week, and I highly recommend it. Oh and it’s not just for Grande Bay guests either. Anyone can spend a day out on Residensea. The cost is only $595 and it includes the captain, water, ice, towels and sunscreen. Call (340) 693-4668 or visit Residence’s website by clicking here to reserve your day on the water.
Capt Mason is very professional and takes excellent care of that special boat. He took us on a full, fun day island-hopping. We will never forget it! We hope you are well, Capt Mason!
Nice trip! I have been to Virgin Gorda on the Ferry before but that limits where you can go from there.
We have been our on the ResidenSea multiple times and enjoyed each and every adventure. As others have noted, Mason is professional and knowledgeable.
I highly recommend charting with Mason on the ResidenSea.
I worry about rough seas on this type of boat, which is why we have always done a cat. Would I feel safe on something like this?
You didn’t mention – is fuel included? It looks like a great trip option.
what else comes with the price? fuel and tip probably gets to 900.
Six of us went in May and the grand total was under $1,000 including tip and fuel. I think the “entrance” fee to the BVIs was an extra $40 pp. We did some snorkeling after entering in Tortola, then went to Norman Island (Pirate’s Bight & Willy T’s), Sandy Spit, and Jost Van Dyke. This was the highlight of our trip and, at $200 pp incl the customs fee, I think it is a bargain compared to what you typically pay for a nice meal on STJ. I promise that you’ll remember this trip much longer than the meal! Capt. Mason is great!
Thanks msss, at 10 people even more so, but Less so for the 2 I was thinking. Are these low season prices?
I think the maximum number that Capt. Mason will take on the Residensea is six people. I don’t think there are seasonal prices. We met two other couples on the Trp Adv STJ forum who we shared our charter with in order to make the cost reasonable. If we don’t stay for a few nights in VG next Spring, then I would love to take the same trip that the author did plus maybe trying to work in the Baths. I would not hesitate to take the Residensea again…I only worry that the secret of the boat and Capt. Mason is getting out and that it will be harder to book in the future!