Captain Bennett grew up plying his water skills along the coast of the south eastern US. With his home port being coastal Georgia, with its wide tidal basins and salt marshes, it provided him infinite room to explore and develop his skills as a waterman. In his early days, sailing, fishing, surfing and island hoping took up most of his time but at the age of 18 he headed west for the Rockies. Attending Colorado Mountain Collage, Bennett studied outdoor leadership during the day, and spent his nights on the mountain grooming the slopes for skiers.
While the high country provided endless recreational opportunities and beautiful landscapes, his heart was always at sea. With that old sailor’s cliché in mind, moving back down to the coast to obtain his captains license and to buy and restore an old boat seemed like a “no brainer”. Eight years later he has built an outstanding reputation as a naturalist and fishing and charter guide. If he was not running his own boat on charters, he could be found working as crew onboard the University of Georgia’s Flagship research vessel, R/V Savannah. Taking scientists out to sea, and returning them home safely exposed Bennett to a wide variety of specialists studying our natural world.
Tara Shay Jones wears many hats. She grew up cooking with a family of seven on the coastal outskirts of Savannah, Georgia and truly understands the importance of a good "Sit-Down Meal". Deeply rooted in her southern ways, Tara is all about eating local and working with what the area provides. "Catch and Cook" is her specialty. Early on, cooking soul food classics sparked her passion for the culinary arts and since then, traveling the world has influenced not only her palate and her menu but also her appetite for life! Over the years, Tara has been an art curator, event coordinator and property manager, however, for the last several years has run island ecology charters alongside Ben.
While the two of them were visiting St. John in the summer they honed their skills in lobster diving and fishing in the area to provide that sea to table experience. Going out for a charter with Bennett and Tara will bring not only a naturalist perspective to your experience here in the Virgin Islands but a fun filled week of leisure activities and experiences.
Fresh Fruit, Granola, & Lox with Toast/Bagel/English Muffin
Pancakes (With Fruit and/or Chocolate Chips) Bacon/Sausage/Eggs
French Toast with Fruit/Bacon/Sausage/Eggs
Omelets with Grits
Quiche with left over meats
Crab Cakes with Eggs Benedict
Baked Corn beef and Egg Dish
*Breakfast served with your choice of coffee or tea, juices and fresh fruit.
Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s on request
LUNCH
Deli Platter with Meats, Cheeses, Fruit
Spinach Salad with Choice of Meat/Chicken/Fish
Chicken or Shrimp Po’boys
Marinated Shrimp on Avocado Toast Melt (Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella)
Mini-Pizzas
Hawaiian (SPAM) Fried Rice with Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
Tacos (Fish/Beef/Chicken)
*Enjoy chilled water, cold beer or soft drink, your favorite cocktail or a glass of wine
APPETIZERS
Fresh Catch Ceviche (fish/lobster/shrimp)
Fresh Spring Rolls
Steamed Dumplings (Pork/Chicken/Shrimp/Vegetable)
Pita and Hummus
Watermelon Salad with Crumbled Feta, Shrimp and a splash of Lime
DINNER
Jerk Chicken with Smashed Potatoes, Pineapple Salad
Seafood Bouillabaisse and Corn Bread/Biscuits/Hush Puppies
Fresh Catch Rice Dish with Peas and Fried Plantains drizzled with Mango Salsa
Rosemary Rack of Lamb with Garlic Boursin Mash Potatoes
Caribbean Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Butternut Squash
Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks with a Honey, Soy-sauce Glaze on Sticky Rice and Sea Weed Salad
Fresh Lobster over Yellow Rice and Black Beans served with Cuban Veggies & Sour Cream
Kimchi fried rice with a fried egg on top drizzled with a soy reduction and Thai basil garnish. Korean hangover dish.
Fresh catch of the day prepared Caribbean Pirate Papillate (wrapped and baked) with local seasonal vegetables and herbs.
Exact combination of ingredients may change according to what’s biting and what is available at the local market. Lobster, prawns, fish, Tara will find a way to make it delicious with whatever can be sourced locally.
South Asian Spicy Prawn Soup.
Shrimp and lemon grass base with fresh veggies, local shrimp and scallops, finished with a coconut cream roux, topped with fresh herbs, Thai basil and lime-whip
*Enjoy your meal with wine, water, a cocktail or the beverage of your choice
DESSERTS
Brownies with Fudge and Ice cream
Raspberry Sangria Popsicles
Fruit Tarts with Ice Cream
Cheesecake
Coconut Cake
Waffle Cone Basket with Vanilla Ice-Cream and Baked Maple Pears
Chocolate Peanut-Butter Pie
STANDARD SHIPS BAR
Soft drinks, sodas, water, beers and well drinks, cocktails are available for your enjoyment.
Spirits
Vodka brands: Tito’s, Stoli, Smirnoff
Whiskey brands: Johnny Walker, Dewars, Jack Daniels
If you require premium wines or spirits of your choice, please notify your broker and we will be happy to source it for you and have them onboard when you arrive.