We arrived at Tortula Island too late to catch our boat to Virgin Gorda, so we spent our first night at "Castle Maria's." The view from our balcony was scenic.

Tortula was the first airport we had ever seen where chickens dodged our feet, bobbing their heads in search of fallen crums and chips in the lobby and waiting areas.

On Virgin Gorda, the cows, goats, and chickens rule the roads, most of which are unpaved and very rugged.

We stayed in my brother-in-law's house which has a wonderful view of the Caribbean Sea and very pretty sunsets. Also in the front yard is a refreshing pool enclosed with natural boulders, adjacent to the "Dog and Dolphin" open-air restaurant.

Only 5 minutes away is the Virgin Gorda National Park with trails that wind through a tropical forest. One trail led us to the top of the mountain to this wooden tower that we climbed. From the tower top, the view of the island is unforgettable. The dark spots in the emerald-colored water in this photo are coral reef. The entire island is surrounded by beautiul underwater coral reefs.

As one could imagine, snorkeling is easy (no boats necessary) and exciting. These 4-foot diameter mounds of brain coral dotted the ocean floor. This closeup shows you exactly where it gets its name "brain" coral!

Schools of spur fish swam near us. This school of spur fish is so colorful it appears to be made of neon.

The water was crystal clear, and one can see for a great distance under the water.

Thin leaves of purple fan coral sway in the current. Other coral clusters are very strange looking.

You wouldn't want to get stuck between these 2 underground cliffs, lined with jagged coral and other calcified ocean debris!

This water is so clear that this photo of the ocean floor looks more like something seen through a glass window outside than a view of the underwater.

One advantage to visiting this island in the peak of hurricane season, is that the island is very sparsely populated during this time of year. As you can see, the beaches appear to be vacated. We rarely saw another person.

Our key swimmer demonstrates how to put on fins in preparation for snorkeling.

Kirk and Joelle became engaged right in these waters, this very week! How romantic.

Brian and Anne look as red as lobsters here, but did not get really get burnt.

Brian and Kirk went kayaking around the island one particular morning.

Kirk and Joelle are swimming just beneath the surface of the water, with Brian close behind.

2 photos of a previous trip to southern Utah were in our camera when we got these island pictures developed: 1) Arches National Park and 2) Canyonlands National Park.