Time TRAVELING
LOCATED OFF THE COAST FROM ST. THOMAS, HASSEL ISLAND OFFERS A FASCINATING DAY TRIP INTO THE ISLAND’S HISTORY.
Mother Nature’s volcanic handiwork created the U.S. Virgin Islands eons ago, but Hassel Island is a human invention. Up until the 1860s it was a peninsula of St. Thomas, but the Danish government — which was in charge of the island at the time — wanted to improve circulation in the Charlotte Amalie harbor. So, it dredged a channel at St. Thomas’ western end, thus creating 136acre Hassel Island. Even though it’s a relatively young island, Hassel was far from being virgin territory. Archaeological research by the Virgin Islands National Park Service, which purchased 95 percent of the island in 1978, shows that the ancient Arawak people once called Hassel home. Today, it’s still possible to see and visit remnants of the Napoleonic War era British-built fortifications Fort Willoughby and Garrison House on the island’s east side. To the west is the Creque Marine Railway, one of the oldest steam-operated marine railways, which was built as a base of operations by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company.
HOW TO ENJOY HASSEL WITH NO HASSLE The best way to experience Hassel Island is via a guided historic kayaking tour with Virgin Islands Ecotours (Tel: 877-959-2687 or 340-779-2155). This three-hour adventure begins at the Frenchtown Marina. A short paddle takes you to Garrison House for an informative talk, followed by a brief hike to Fort Willoughby. Kayaking continues back to the Creque Marine Railway. Masks and fins are provided at Garden Bay to explore the reef off the beach. Virgin Islands Ecotours donates a portion of the proceeds from each tour guest to the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. This donation gives guests a full one-year membership to both organizations. VIRGIN ISLANDS ECOTOURS: HISTORIC HASSEL ISLAND Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventures. Meet your professional guide in Frenchtown, at the dock across from Villa Olga, and kayak to Fort Shipley. Hike to the British Fortress guarding the entrance to Charlotte Amalie Harbor and then snorkel at a secluded beach. Book online and SAVE 10% using Promo Code: VISIT. 340-779-2155; www.viecotours.com VISIT U.S. Virgin Islands 2019
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