Photography Adventure
In the British Virgin islands

Join photographers Cory Silken and Onne van der Wal for an extraordinary week of creativity and adventure! We’ll set sail from Marina Cay on board the spectacular 157′ yacht Arabella for an unparalleled journey around the British Virgin Islands, chasing the best light of the day. After capturing breathtaking images and exploring picturesque destinations, each evening offers an opportunity to share images & stories, and bond with fellow adventurers over delicious feasts prepared by our gourmet chef. No experience is necessary, but healthy enthusiasm is a must! Friends & partners are welcome!

Onne van der Wal

Award-winning nautical photographer Onne van der Wal invites viewers into a world few ever experience, capturing the wet, salty, and exhilarating essence of life on the water. For nearly 40 years he has immersed himself in the nautical realm, first as a professional sailor who circumnavigated the globe in the 1981–82 Whitbread Around the World Race aboard the winning Dutch entry FLYER, where his novice Olympus camera kit produced the now-iconic images that launched his career. Since trading his sea boots for a camera strap, the Dutch-born, South Africa–raised van der Wal has become renowned for his technical mastery and adventurous spirit, shooting from his home base in Newport, Rhode Island and on expeditions to remote destinations accessible only by boat. His vast archive of more than 2.5 million images reflects an eye sharpened by decades of experience, whether in polar extremes or quiet coastal coves. A leader in both digital photography and video, van der Wal shares his expertise through presentations, lectures, and his acclaimed “Workshops on the Water,” where he teaches photographers how to thrive in the most challenging marine conditions—days when salt spray, motion, and weather turn most shooters back, but inspire some of his most celebrated work.


Cory Silken

Cory Silken is a world-renowned nautical and luxury photographer whose stunning imagery has captivated audiences globally. His work has been featured on the cover of every major yachting magazine, appears as set dressings for TV and film, is published in numerous books, and has been exhibited internationally. From the Cory Silken Photography Gallery in Newport, Silken travels globally for commercial assignments and exclusive private projects with billionaire yacht owners. With over twenty five years of experience behind the lens and a deep passion for the sea, Cory will share his expertise, guiding you to elevate your photography skills throughout this extraordinary adventure.



HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE

Marina Cay

Fly into Beef Island on Tortola and let your adventure begin the moment you touch down. A short stroll brings you to Trellis Bay, where Arabella awaits just offshore at Marina Cay—our tender will sweep you across the turquoise water and welcome you aboard in true island style. Marina Cay is a jewel of the BVI, and a quick walk to the top rewards you with a breathtaking panorama—arrive by the 6:18 pm sunset and have your camera ready for an unforgettable first glimpse of paradise. Dinner is ashore at the newly reborn Marina Cay Bar & Grill, your perfect introduction to island flavors and laid-back Caribbean nights. The next morning, climb again to greet a dazzling sunrise at 6:48 am and watch the BVI come alive in golden light.


Cooper Island

Cooper Island is a photographer’s dream—an eco-chic hideaway where turquoise water meets powder-soft sand and every corner looks like it was designed for a magazine cover. As you approach the island, you’ll see the iconic Cooper Island Beach Club perched along the shoreline, a beloved BVI landmark known for its solar-powered craft brewery, artisan rum bar, boutique, and relaxed Caribbean vibe. Step ashore with your camera ready: the palm-lined beach glows at golden hour, the water is so clear you can capture sea turtles drifting by, and the colorful beach bar and rustic walkways create endless opportunities for vibrant, storytelling shots. Wander the shoreline, photograph the yachts anchored in Manchioneel Bay, or venture up the paths for elevated views of the channel—Cooper Island delivers some of the most naturally perfect frames in the entire BVI, guaranteed to spark your creative fire.


The Baths

Next we head to one of the most iconic photographic locations in the entire Caribbean—the Baths of Virgin Gorda. Arabella will anchor off Spanish Town, and guests will hop into a classic Caribbean open-air taxi for the short, breezy ride up to the Top of the Baths, where the adventure begins. From there, follow the trail down to the beach and step into a surreal world of giant granite boulders, cathedral-like grottoes, shafts of golden light, and luminous turquoise pools—every turn offers another unforgettable image. Wander, climb, wade, and explore your way through this natural playground with your camera in hand, then return to the Top of the Baths for sweeping sunset views over Sir Francis Drake Channel, the perfect finale to one of the Caribbean’s most spectacular photo experiences.


Bitter End Yacht Club & Brias Creek

The next day we sail into the legendary North Sound—one of the most photogenic stretches of water in the British Virgin Islands—and spend the afternoon at the iconic Bitter End Yacht Club. With its colorful waterfront cottages, vibrant marina scene, palm-lined boardwalks, and nonstop sailing action, BEYC offers photographers a treasure trove of dynamic shots, from glowing Caribbean water to classic yachts gliding past the docks. As golden hour approaches, we continue across the Sound to the serene and exclusive Biras Creek, a place where the light turns magical. Here you’ll capture sweeping vistas, soft evening colors, and mirror-calm water framed by rugged hills—one of the most breathtaking sunset settings anywhere in the BVI. This is a two-stop day designed to fill your camera with pure Caribbean magic.


White Bay & Jost Van Dyke

White Bay on Jost Van Dyke delivers one of the most iconic beach scenes in all the BVIs—blinding white sand, impossibly turquoise water, and palm trees swaying over a shoreline that feels straight out of a postcard. It’s also home to the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar, where a world-famous Painkiller cocktail might just spark a burst of photographic creativity as you capture the lively beach vibe. For those craving a different perspective, mountain trails rise just behind the bay, offering sweeping overlooks of the anchorage below. As evening approaches, we’ll anchor off Great Harbor, right in front of the classic Caribbean charm of Foxy’s Bar, where glowing lights, colorful beach shacks, and the laid-back rhythm of island life create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable sunset and nighttime shots..


Peter Island

Peter Island is the quiet luxury of the BVIs—an exclusive, privately owned oasis where every view feels carefully composed for the perfect shot. Known for its world-class spa, manicured grounds, and hushed, high-end ambiance, Peter Island offers photographers a rare blend of natural beauty and refined Caribbean elegance. Wide, sweeping beaches curve into crystalline shallows, lush hills rise dramatically behind palm-fringed coves, and the soft, golden light at both sunrise and sunset transforms the island into a painter’s palette of warm tones. Wander the tranquil paths, capture long, dreamy shoreline perspectives, or frame the distant silhouettes of Tortola and the surrounding cays—Peter Island rewards photographers with a serene, upscale setting that feels worlds away from everything else in the BVIs


What’s Included

Relax in comfort and style aboard Arabella, your home for the week. Experience the Arabella Lifestyle with gourmet meals, stunning sunsets, and the camaraderie of fellow guests and sailing enthusiasts.

  • 7 days and 6 nights of luxury accommodations on board, complete with gourmet dining.
  • Personal guidance from two world-renown sailing photographers.
  • Photograph the surreal boulders and turquoise grottoes of the Baths.
  • Explore the iconic North Sound.
  • Capture the legendary beaches of White Bay and nightlife at Foxy’s.
  • Enjoy Cooper Island’s crystal-clear waters and its famous eco-chic Beach Club.
  • Experience the quiet luxury of exclusive Peter Island.

The Itinerary – 7 Days & 6 Nights


Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Guests arrive onboard Arabella starting at 4 pm. Board Arabella as she lies anchored off beautiful Marina Cay, where you can head straight to the top of the island for your very first sunset photographs. Enjoy a welcoming beverage from the captain and crew, settle into your luxurious accommodations, and meet your fellow guests as the sky glows golden. That evening, dine ashore at the new Marina Cay Bar & Grill, and let the Arabella tender whisk you back and forth in true island style.


Thursday, February 12, 2026

The next morning, we set sail for Cooper Island, a photographer’s paradise of turquoise water, sea turtles, and the famous eco-chic Beach Club. After a full day of shooting and exploring, we return in the evening to Scrub Island, just next door to Marina Cay, where you can capture soft beach light, swim in the crystal-clear water, and enjoy a relaxed island sunset before turning in aboard Arabella.


Friday, February 13, 2026


On Friday, we set sail in the morning, giving everyone the perfect chance to photograph Arabella in all her glory with her full sails flying. Our route leads us through the Dogs, a dramatic chain of volcanic islets that offer spectacular mid-passage shots. By midday we anchor off Spanish Town and enjoy a leisurely lunch aboard before taking a classic Caribbean taxi to the world-famous Baths. Wander the trails, beaches, and giant granite boulders to capture some of the most iconic images in the BVIs. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Arabella for magical sunset photos from the deck. Then we head ashore for dinner at Coco Maya—an unforgettable, visually stunning dining experience right on the beach.


Saturday, February 14, 2026


Saturday begins with an exhilarating upwind sail into the heart of the North Sound, offering fantastic action shots as Arabella leans into the breeze. By midday we anchor off the Bitter End Yacht Club, completely rebuilt since Hurricane Irma and now one of the most visually striking waterfronts in the BVIs. Capture the colorful cottages, lively marina scene, and palm-fringed beach—or cool off with a swim and a classic pina colada. As golden hour approaches, we cruise across the Sound to the historic Biras Creek Resort, where the hilltop Castle provides a stunning vantage point to photograph the sunset and the evening glow over one of the Caribbean’s most magical anchorages.


Sunday, February 15, 2026


On Sunday, we set sail from North Sound for a gorgeous downwind run to Jost Van Dyke, one of the most beloved islands in the BVIs. Our first stop is the world-famous White Bay, home of the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar and its even more legendary Painkiller cocktail—perfect fuel for capturing the vibrant beach scene and impossibly turquoise water. After a full afternoon of swimming, lounging, and shooting, we continue around to Great Harbor, where Arabella will anchor for the night. Here you can step ashore and soak up the authentic Caribbean nightlife at Foxy’s, a classic island bar bursting with music, character, and unforgettable photo opportunities.


Monday, February 16, 2026


On Monday, we sail to Peter Island, the most luxurious and serene escape in the BVIs. Here you can photograph sweeping, uncrowded beaches, wander lush tropical paths, and capture the island’s signature blend of natural beauty and refined elegance. Guests may also choose to indulge in the island’s spa or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of its upscale restaurants. It’s the perfect final stop—designed to leave everyone relaxed, inspired, and glowing after an unforgettable week of photography in paradise.


Tuesday, February 17, 2026


On Tuesday morning, Arabella gets underway at first light, making a smooth passage back toward Beef Island. By 10 a.m. we’ll be anchored just off the airport, allowing guests to disembark easily and head to their departing flights—refreshed, inspired, and carrying home a camera full of unforgettable BVI memories. Or, if you’re not ready for paradise to end, you can extend your stay by booking rooms at any of the islands or resorts we’ve visited along the way..


WORKSHOP AND CABIN FARES

There are two components to the cost of this Photography Adventure: the Photography Workshop Fee and the Cabin Fare.

  • The Photography Workshop Fee is $1,990 per person, with a special Black Friday rate of $1,750 per person available until December 1. If you bring a guest who is just along to enjoy sailing on Arabella and does not do the photography workshop, you only pay one fee.
  • Cabin Fares are based on the cabin you select. All cabins (except the dedicated singles) are priced based on double occupancy. Solo travelers may reserve any double cabin with the single-supplement option, which is 1.5 times the per-person rate, allowing one guest exclusive use of a double-occupancy cabin.

StateRooms

  • Single or Double Beds
  • Individual Climate Control
  • Electrical Sockets
  • Ensuite Bath with Sink & Toilet
  • Private Shower
  • Hand & Bath Towels

Owners Stateroom

/ PER PERSON

  • Largest and Most Luxurious Staterooms
  • Queen Bed
  • Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)

Premier Stateroom

/ PER PERSON

  • Queen Bed
  • Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)

Deluxe Stateroom

/ PER PERSON

  • Queen Bed
  • Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)

Double Stateroom

/ PER PERSON

  • Over/Under Single Bunks, ideal for singles
  • Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht

Single Stateroom

/ PER PERSON

  • Single Berth
  • Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht

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