Archaeological evidence suggests that St. Thomas was once home to natives of the Ciboney tribes, the Taino or Arawak tribe and the Caribs. Indian habitation in what is today the Virgin Islands was recorded in journals kept by settlers and explorers in the late 1500s. By the 1600s however, the Indian populations had plummeted due to disease brought by Europeans, raids by Spanish settlers from neighboring islands and immigration to other islands of the Caribbean. These indigenous groups no longer exists in the Virgin Islands.
Christopher Colombus is credited with "discovering" St. Thomas during his second voyage to the New World in 1493. He apparently was not impressed, as he didn't stay long, instead sailing on to Puerto Rico. The island was left unguarded by the Spanish and soon its sheltered bays were called on by ships from other nations, captained by men the Spanish would come to consider pirates. St. Thomas' existence would continue as home to pirates and small settlements long before a European power decided to pursue a permanent settlement.
Seafarers... pirates! Under the Esmit Brothers, who served as the 2nd and 3rd governors of St. Thomas, the island gained the image of being a pirates den. This is not surprising considering the Esmit Brothers are said to have illegally and openly traded with freebooters and allowed them to use St. Thomas as a refuge. Romanticized stories of piracy on St. Thomas are common; stories of pirates Blackbeard and Bluebeard are the most well known.
- from vinow.com
June 14 - 18th, 2007
$600.00 Non Diver
A Valid US Passport will be required!
Package Includes:
- Hotel acommodation (double occupancy)
- Diving (three days of two tank dives and a single tank afternoon dive)
- Transfers for hotel, diving and dinner events.
- Talk by local treasure hunter
- Pirate Feast on Water Island
- Hotel Taxes
Not Included:
- Air Transportation
- Rental Dive Equipment
- Meals (other than dinner listed)
- Gratuities
Booking:
A $200 deposit is required per person to confirm your reservation. The balance is due 30 days before departure. Revisions will incur a $25 per person fee, and $50 per person after final payment date.
Cancellations must be made in writing and will incur a $100 fee, there will be no refund 30 days or less prior to departure. Trip insurance is highly recommended.
