Meet Tommy and Alexis, a fun and outgoing team of outdoor enthusiasts who will show you an amazing and adventurous week on board the beautiful Black Tortuga. Tommy’s sailing skills and vast knowledge of the Islands and its hidden gems, paired with Alexi's love of the ocean and wonderful cooking, will guarantee an unforgettable week amongst the beautiful Caribbean Islands.
Tommy developed a passion for sailing at a young age, growing up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, he quickly advanced from racing small dinghies to acquiring a keelboat of his own at age 15. Taking to the sea after high school for a year of cruising around the Caribbean he then returned to Virginia to complete his university studies. Adventure has always been in his blood. During University his passion for sailing was peaked more than ever and he took every break possible to get back on the ocean completing multiple offshore deliveries.
During his final year of University he became a professional captain, receiving his USCG 100 ton masters license and then sailed down to the Virgin Islands from Virginia, aboard his own sailboat. Working the winter season these past two seasons in the Virgin Islands, Tommy knows all of the ins and outs of the USVI and BVI and is excited to create a charter experience geared towards the wants and needs of his guests. ..read more
Alexis has always had a love for the ocean, travel, and adventure. The beach has continually been an important element in her life. She studied Pre-Veterinary at Coastal University in South Carolina, the campus was in the heart of the shore-side so you can imagine that every spare minute she had, she was involved in some activity on or in the ocean. Soon after college she was bitten by the travel bug and embarked on her first solo backpacking trip to South Africa.
She grew up in a Spanish and Italian family so not much more needs to be said – life at home was all about the food – prepping it, cooking it and sharing it with others.
She fell in love with the diverse styles of food wherever she traveled which has allowed her to ‘play’ with the different flavor combinations and add a ‘wow’ factor to her menu. Catching lobster or fish and having it for lunch or dinner is the true meaning of sea-to-table – meals on Black Tortuga could not get any better!
While backpacking in South Africa, she met up with a team studying and diving with Great White Sharks and was invited to join them. She received her Master Scuba Diving Instructor Certification and that then allowed her to travel and work in over 40 countries, apprenticed with scientist in places like Fiji, Australia and the Philippines. Alexis has been diving for 11+ years. So not only is she a great chef but she can take you scuba diving too!
Tommy and Alexis met each other in 2017 and worked together running charters from St. John, sailing in regattas and boat transfers - A super team!
The Virgin Islands are abundant with beautiful beaches, floating bars, brilliant hikes, and incredible snorkel and scuba dive spots that Tommy and Alexis cannot wait to share these with you on board Black Tortuga.
