Intro
As I stepped off the dock onto the sandy shores of Marina Cay, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. This small island paradise in the British Virgin Islands has long been known for its charm and beauty. Today, I want to share my personal experiences and thoughts on why Marina Cay is a treasured haven that deserves to be revived and appreciated by visitors from near and far.
History of Marina Cay
Once upon a time, amidst the azure waters of the BVI, a love story unfolds on a small and enchanting island called Marina Cay. It all started with Robb and Rodie White, a couple who stumbled upon this pristine paradise in 1937. They instantly fell in love with the island’s serene beauty and decided to stay.
Robb and Rodie, adventurous and resourceful, overcame many challenges building their house on Marina Cay and creating a unique life amidst their stunning surroundings. An accomplished author, Robb wrote of their experiences in his 1953 book, Our Virgin Island. Sadly, the Whites failed to get a license to purchase the land from the BVI government, so they decided to return to the states. The original house Robb and Rodie built still stands today.
In 1958, their story caught the attention of a British film company, and soon enough, the book was adapted and made into the movie, “Virgin Island.” The movie was shot on location, showcasing the island’s mesmerizing landscapes and captivating the hearts of people around the world.
In a dentist’s waiting room, Eugene “Gene” Tonkonogy read about the British Virgin Islands in a story by Robb White in the April 1940 issue of Esquire Magazine, and he was hooked. He started a many-year correspondence with White who helped him find his way to Marina Cay, and it was everything he dreamed of. By the early 50’s he started to doggedly pursue purchasing the island and in 1956 the family who owned it decided to sell. Gene got the license from the government and was able to realize his dream.
As the years went by, Marina Cay continued to capture the hearts of many. Originally from the U.K., Jean and Allan Batham, a couple filled with an insatiable wanderlust, found their way to the island. They were enthralled by the romance and serenity Marina Cay exuded. The Bathams decided to lease the island from Gene and became custodians of Marina Cay’s legacy. Under their care, Marina Cay flourished as a simple yet iconic resort, renowned for its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine and cocoon-like tranquility.
But Marina Cay’s love story didn’t end there. It entwined with the tale of Pusser’s, a legendary brand known for its delicious rum and maritime heritage. Pussers’ founder, Charles Tobias, discovered the magical spirit of Marina Cay and its people. He decided to establish a Pusser’s outpost on the island, infusing it with the brand’s nautical charm and a Caribbean menu, which attracted sailors, local residents and travelers from far and wide.
Tragically, on September 6, 2017, the island was completely devastated by Hurricane Irma and then Maria. In 2022, Mainsail Lodging & Development, the owner and operator of Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, secured the lease for Marina Cay and committed to reactivating the island. On June 26, 2023, Marina Cay Bar & Grill opened to the public.
And so, the love story of Marina Cay continues. It remains a testament to the power of love, passion, and the enduring beauty of the British Virgin Islands. Robb and Rodie White, Eugene Tonkonogy, the Bathams, and Pusser’s all contributed to the tale of Marina Cay, each leaving their indelible mark on its vibrant history. Immortalized in the pages of a book and the frames of a movie, Marina Cay continues to captivate hearts and kindle the flames of love in the hearts of all who visit.
The Bar & Grill
Having been one of the lucky few to be invited the the Grand Opening Celebration, I can tell you that the Marina Cay Bar & Grill is not just any island eatery. A cherished gem of the British Virgin Islands famous for its laid-back, bohemian vibe and warm hospitality returns! The menu, filled with freshly caught seafood and tropical drinks, offers a taste of the local caribbean flavor that is both exquisite and comforting. Sitting there, with the salt air teasing my hair and a cold, refreshing cocktail in hand, I couldn’t help but feel deeply connected to Marina Cay and its romantic past. It’s establishments like these that are crucial to the soul of the BVI, providing not only a gathering place for visitors and locals alike but also a taste of the unique culture and beauty that define Marina Cay.
Marina Cay offers an unforgettable happy hour experience awaits. Daily from 4pm -6 pm the restaurant features two-for-one drink specials which are served along with live soul-stirring performances, perfectly complemented by the breathtaking backdrop of the British Virgin Islands.
While I am told that Walk-ins are always welcome. It is probably best to make a reservation, especially if you have a party of 10 or more. The restaurant can be reached at +1.284.340.8224 or message them on WhatsApp.
Thrilling Watersports Await
Embarking on my Marina Cay adventure, I discovered that the island’s watersport offerings were nothing short of exhilarating. My anticipation turned into sheer delight as I dove into a variety of activities that kept my adrenaline pumping and provided an intimate connection with the sea. The experience of engaging in watersports here is a tale of adventure and discovery, one that I’m eager to share.
My first endeavor was snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Marina Cay. With each stroke, I found myself drifting into a mesmerizing underwater world teeming with life. Schools of vibrant fish darted around me, while the sun’s rays illuminated the intricate coral formations below. It was a surreal experience, feeling as if I was a part of this aquatic ecosystem, even if just for a moment.
Eager for more excitement, I decided to try paddleboarding next. Gliding over the smooth surface of the sea, with the sun warming my back and the gentle sound of water lapping against the board, was profoundly peaceful. It offered a unique perspective of Marina Cay’s beauty, allowing me to appreciate the serene environment from a different vantage point. The stability and ease of paddleboarding made it an accessible activity, even for someone like me, who had never attempted it before.
As I reflect on my time spent in the water, I realize that these moments of excitement, peace, and connection were integral to my Marina Cay experience. The island’s commitment to offering a diverse range of watersports ensures that every visitor can find their own unique way to connect with the sea. Whether you’re looking to dive into the deep blue, balance atop a paddleboard, or relax on the white sandy beach. Marina Cay welcomes you to discover the thrill and beauty of watersports in this island paradise.
Arrival by Sea: Mooring Balls and Ferry Routes
Navigating my way to Marina Cay by the glistening waters of the British Virgin Islands was an adventure that began long before I reached its shores. The approach by sea, whether tethering to one of the numerous mooring balls or cruising on the ferry from either Scrub or Trellis Bay, was an integral part of the charm that Marina Cay promises.
As our sailboat cut through the vibrant turquoise waters, I found myself captivated by the surrounding vistas—lush green hills rolling into the sea, dotted with colorful houses that looked like they’d been plucked from a storybook. Sailing through these islands feels like a passage through a gateway to another world; a slower, more serene world where the stresses of daily life seemed to dissolve with the sea spray.
The arrival process was seamless. Mooring balls, scattered strategically around Marina Cay, offered a warm welcome to those of us arriving by our own boats. I noticed several boats making use of these convenient moorings, their crews eagerly anticipating the tranquility and beauty awaiting them on the island. It was clear that whether visitors came by their own vessel or the ferry, Marina Cay extended a universal invitation to unwind and revel in its natural splendor.
I stepped onto the island. The sense of arrival was immediate—the salty air, the gentle rustle of palm trees, and the soft murmur of waves greeting the shore all signaled that I had entered a space where time moved differently. The convenience of getting here, juxtaposed with the sense of seclusion and escape once arrived, was a testament to Marina Cay’s unique allure. It’s a place easily reached but feels worlds away from the ordinary.
The ease of access to Marina Cay, facilitated by the ferry routes and the mooring balls, meant that this paradise was not reserved for the few but open to many. This inclusivity is part of what makes Marina Cay so special; it’s a destination that beckons the explorer in all of us, offering a slice of island life that’s as accessible as it is enchanting. As I disembarked, ready to immerse myself in all that Marina Cay had to offer, I knew that the memories of my arrival by sea would stay with me, a serene prelude to the adventures that lay ahead. I look forward to the continued restoration of the buildings on the island as the love story from the past weaves its way into the present!
