5 Things to Do When It’s Raining in the BVI

When in the Virgin Islands, plan for rain–frequent and sporadic showers. There are also times during hurricane season when it rains for days at a time. Often, it can feel like the rain spoils all the fun. Bars clear out, parties cancel and it seems everyone locks themselves indoors. But don’t fret: there are options. Here’s a few suggestions to fend off the rainy day blues:

 Just tryin to stay dry. Photo by Dan O’Connor.

1.) Get Your Movie/Bowl/Arcade On

Go catch a flick, get in a game of bowling or play air hockey in the arcade at U.P’s. There are numerous ways to entertain yourself at the big green building in the middle of Road Town. If you’re not on Tortola or near Town, throw in a DVD at home and pop some kernels. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

 

2.) Sit and Watch

One of the favourite pastimes in the territory is rain-watching. I’ve witnessed–and partook–in the mesmerizing fun on numerous occasions. Grab a sixer of Schaefer, your umbrella and a seat on a dry stoop and meet a neighbour or two. Feel yourself drift away with the drip-drops and let the natural meditation take you miles away.

Pro tip: Park up next to a ghut and watch the rain create a natural waterfall on its descent to the ocean.

 

3.) Play a Board Game

Most rental homes I’ve stayed in have come equipped with a treasure trove of board games: Monopoly, Pictionary, Guess Who, etc. Nothing says rainy day fun like board games by candlelight. If you don’t have any board games nearby, make up your own. Channel your inner 12-year-old and play a game of eye-spy or 20 questions. Or you can channel your inner college kid and play a drinking game. But if you’re by yourself and opt for a solitaire version of your favourite drinking game, we suggest you contact CADA or AA (ref. NEWBIE page 52).

 

4.) Skip Islands

Often times, it will be raining on one island and not the next. I found out that this is because of the elevation and slope of one island compared to the next. Norman Island, for example, faced a drought this year while Tortola stayed mostly wet. This is in part because of the height and slope of the mountains effecting the precipitation (correct me if I’m wrong). So, check the weather and grab a ferry to Norman or Peter or Jost Van Dyke or St John next time your island is hit with a random rain shower.

 

5.) Go Swimming

Some dance in the rain; I prefer to swim. It’s quite exhilarating to lie flat on your back, open your mouth and float under the refreshing rainfall. Snorkeling is also still an option. Those fishies ain’t afraid of no rain.

Pro tip: Try not to get struck by lightning.

Those were the first five ideas that came to mind. Maybe you’ve got some more suggestions, and we’d love to hear them.

Leave a comment below and tell us how you like to spend your soggy days on island.