Norman, Norman, Willy T.

People come on SwimVacation for a lot of different reasons. This isn’t a spa or a retreat, but many of our guests arrive in some kind of transition in their lives: a career change, a milestone birthday, a divorce, the death of a loved one, or in recovery from an illness. We’ve seen these guests step aboard for the first time looking a little weary, a little pale, often quiet. Our general plan is to get them in the water and let the ocean do the work of getting them back to themselves. We often see big changes by wednesday: more smiles and a certain lightness. I’d say these are some of our proudest moments, though as I mentioned above, the ocean does much of the work. It makes us confront our fears, makes us feel a small part of something bigger, allows loss of control in a good way. 

We planned a morning swim that went around 2 bays and a point on Norman Island. Lots of wildlife sightings including turtles and two kinds of rays. Wind at our backs, we zoomed right along. I was watching over the group from our standup paddleboard as we rounded the point, waves crashing on the rocks. A flock of seabirds was diving into a school of silverside fish just yards from us, and the whole scene was pretty wild. 

Lynne came to us very enthusiastic but not feeling her best. We finally got her in the water today, as I brought her on a bespoke, delightful snorkel! Yay Lynne! She felt so energized she’s committed to doing TWO swims tomorrow! We’ve got you Lynne! - HP

Lots of afternoon antics between swims, with boat leaping and splashing, and everyone taking a turn on the stand up paddle board!

I’ve noticed a trend in the past couple of years surrounding electronics, social media, connectivity, etc. Many of our guests have been using SwimVacation as a chance to unplug. This is a big change from a few years ago, when constant connectivity was the norm, and many people came to us still tied to their jobs. I think this is a healthy trend. 

Captain Richie moved the boat around to The Caves here at Norman Island, part of the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. We mostly kept to the shade during the heat of the day, with the occasional jump in the water for a cool-down. Naps ruled the day. 

Zack gave everyone SUP lessons, and Richie made the most dramatic dismount

The sun was hitting our first cave at just the right angle, so we had daylight all the way to the back of the cave, about 75 feet. Our next cave is a crawl-through, with an exit where you have to get into awkward positions and it’s always a laugh. We swam to the other end of the bay, along a lava flow that forms a shelf that attracts lots of critters. The elusive and fashion forward Spotted Drum fish, sporting both spots and stripes, made an appearance. 

Later, margaritas and a cheese board for happy hour, and taco night. Some of us took a dinghy trip to the infamous Willy T bar: a floating, debauched place unfit for children or the meek. It was pretty sleepy on this Wednesday night during low season here, but it was nice to enjoy the nostalgia of the place, which has been re-created several times after hurricane losses. Guide Heather can boast having danced on this hedonistic barge in her 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Quite the accomplishment there, partner. (so proud. - HP)

Hopper

A little video of our journey to the back of the cave. Thank you to Zack who got this awesome footage of the spotted drum! I (HP) have a stuffed head and can’t dive down for photos….:(. Guest Heather completed more swimming today than she ever has, boosting her confidence as she returned to our yacht smooth and strong in the setting sun.