In today’s society, too many kids know more about YouTube than yellowtail snappers. Dean Titley is on a mission to change that, one hike, one conch shell, and one marine adventure at a time. As the founder and heart behind VI Camping, Titley has built more than just an outdoor adventure business in the Virgin Islands; he’s igniting a cultural revival and giving families a chance to reconnect with nature, heritage, and each other.
We caught up with the retired educator-turned-outdoor guide to learn how a life steeped in teaching, scouting, and saltwater led to one of the most immersive and unforgettable experiences in the British Virgin Islands.
A Life Before VI Camping
Mr. Dean Titley is a retired educator who taught for 25 years, from 1985 to 2010, before retiring from the Government of the Virgin Islands. “I fish for a living now,” he shared with a smile.
But don’t confuse this with a quiet retirement. Titley’s “fishing” is tied to a much bigger calling: getting kids away from screens and back into nature. As he puts it, “There’s a big need in our islands right now for kids to be outdoors. Most of them can’t jump or skip. They don’t know how to swim, tie a knot, or save a life.”
His deep connection to the outdoors stems from his own childhood and his time as a scout leader under Mr. Ulric Scatliffe. “I did my scout leader training in Barbados,” he recalls, “and I took everything I learned—from teaching to commercial fishing—and combined it into something meaningful.”
Not Just Another Hike
VI Camping doesn’t offer basic eco-tours. Dean’s adventures blend bushcraft, marine biology, and culture into an experience that feels like stepping into an island folklore story. “It’s not just about hiking or marine life,” he explained. “It’s about knowing why that tree was used to clean pots, or how we cook fish the traditional way, scales and all.”
The hike, usually slated for 90 minutes, often stretches well beyond three hours. “The kids don’t want to leave,” he laughed. “They’re splashing in the water, learning to identify mangroves, jellyfish, conchs—stuff they’ve never even seen in books.”
A recent discovery took the excitement up a notch. “While trying to find a safer trail for kids, I stumbled upon a series of hidden caves—including a honeycomb cave, which I think is even better than what’s in Virgin Gorda.”
Camping, the Island Way
Now, I enjoy a great outdoor camping experience and listening to Dean fueled my desire to experience what he has to offer.
Dean boasted, “Ask anyone who’s been on one of VI Camping’s overnight adventures, and they’ll tell you; it’s not just camping; it’s an immersion.” For just $75 per person, guests meet at 2 p.m., help set up tents (or leave it to the team), and then begin what Dean calls “progging”, foraging for bait and prepping for a night of fishing.
“There’s a trap we bait a week in advance,” he shared. “We haul it up with the kids and see what we caught. Then, we cook the fish right over the fire, traditional style. No fancy seasonings—just saltwater and scales to protect the meat. The kids love it.”
The camps can accommodate up to 20 people, but are best experienced in smaller groups of 15 or fewer for a more intimate, hands-on feel. Activities include fishing, kayaking, archery, and even slingshot training—yes, real catapult action, just like Dean’s youth.
“We teach safety first, of course,” he added. “But I’ve had five-year-olds hitting the archery target and asking for more.”
The Spirit of Culture and Exposure
At the heart of VI Camping is a deeper mission—one of exposure and cultural preservation. “Our culture is dying,” Dean said. “I want to give kids a chance to explore, to learn how to fish, to understand what a mangrove is. My six-year-old daughter knows more about the outdoors than some teenagers. It’s not their fault—they just haven’t been exposed.”
The simplicity and sincerity of the experience are what keep families coming back. For $25 a child or $40 an adult, you’re not just getting a hike. You’re getting hands-on knowledge from someone who lives this life.
What’s Next for VI Camping?
Titley is continuing to expand VI Camping’s offerings, adding more equipment, building new trails, and enhancing safety infrastructure. With kayaks, fishing rods (including kid-sized options), and life jackets, every experience is carefully planned, flexible, and passionate.
“There’s nothing formal,” he says. “It’s all about the connection. The teaching. The passing on of something real.”
So, if you’re looking for a polished, luxury tour with neatly printed pamphlets, this isn’t it.
But if you want your children to hold a jellyfish in their hand, roast fish the way their great-grandparents did, paddle a kayak while fishing, or crawl into a secret cave hidden by the sea, Dean Titley and VI Camping are ready to take you there.
Book a Hike or Overnight Camp Today
- Hikes: $25 (kids), $40 (adults) – 3+ hour immersive experience
- Overnight Camps: $75/person – Includes tents, fishing, foraging, meals, and more
- Location: Primarily near Trellis Bay and Hans Creek
- Group Size: Up to 20; Ideal size is 15 for personalised attention
Contact: 284 547-9984
Adventures await, and with Dean Titley, they begin with those saltwater lessons.
