Location: Charlestown, Nevis
After our 32-hour passage from Virgin Gorda to Nevis, the crew was exhausted and took some well-deserved rest. Our idea of the island was shaped by the lights that we had seen on shore because we arrived after dark. In the morning, the sun rose directly behind the beautiful volcanic island of Nevis. The sunrise was incredible, and I was fortunate enough to enjoy it because I was on anchor watch from 5-6 am. I was also welcomed to Nevis by a sea turtle that surfaced off the stern of Ocean Star and swam the length of our hull. After breakfast, the crew was shuttled to shore for a day of excursions. We had the option to go biking around the volcano, sea kayaking, or horseback riding on the beach. I chose sea kayaking. We paddled offshore and around a rocky point. There were pelicans diving for fish all around us. The wind started to pick up, so we rafted our kayaks together and began to drift back to the beach.
At the beach, we swam and waited for the bikers to return. The other excursions had a blast with the exception of one biking injury, but luckily it ended but only being a few scrapes and bruises. The bikers seemed completely worn out and yet invigorated by their tough uphill ride. The horseback riders had spirits lifted with a peaceful ride after such a long passage. When we returned to Ocean Star, the Open Water diving class had our final lecture by Diving Instructor Bobbie on how to use dive tables. We then quickly took ocean showers and headed back to shore for our first night out at Sunshine’s Bar and Grill. The food was delicious, and everyone enjoyed a night of socializing and dancing.