Love both the USVI and BVI but they are very different from a sailing vibe. all of them going late to work. And they dont move too quick! Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Our local entrepreneurs made representation to many of our ministers and many of our elected officials on the government side and one of them who led the charge was Honourable Kye Rymer who came and spoke on their behalf, Fahie said. Unspoiled Buck Island, with its picture-perfect beach, hiking, crystal waters and reef trail, is the most popular day-tripping excursion for St., Croix visitors, who can explore the island via charter boats or by private yacht. With 3 cabins this power catamaran is a manageable size ideal for families or multiple couples, while still boasting the latest in charter yacht design and technology. During the winter months (Nov. to Jan) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. ), you must obtain a visitor's visa. All sailing abilities welcome from novice to experienced. Charter companies can be found in Road Town or on the West End. Take a look at another sample Itinerary from our International Yacht Charter Partner, Dream Yacht Charter (ASA Members receive discounted charters with Dream Yacht Charter): Day 1: Overnight at Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina BVI and get to know your boat. On the main island of St. Croix, Cheney Bay is an anchorage with direct access to Green Cay Marina and the Tamarind Reef Resort, a nice beach, and good snorkeling. Interested in a sail aboard Arabella? whatever equipment charter boats need and it is not available in BVI then custom should have it to sell since they want those stuff on the boats. I have a 47 foot cat reserved through CYOA at the end of July. so why are they harassing charter companies to be in compliance and the BVI does not have the equipment for these boats to be in compliance. That has changed; SeaSea can sail to go to the British side again. Bank wire transfers and debit cards are our preferred way to take payments - Pay just 50% deposit to secure your vacation on bookings departing 90 days or more. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. use of the comments below or other interaction among the users. Select one of our islands below to learn more about what each island has to offer. This is a sample Itinerary that ASA has used and is also using on its current Arabella BVI cruises: Day 1: Board your boat in Tortola. Not quite so many its like were the only people in the world moorings available. Boat Rental in Italy Sailing Yachts in Italy Catamarans in Italy Bareboat Yacht Charter in Italy . The cruise ships have been shut down for a year and a half, theyve taken a tremendous hit to their business, they are one of their crucial tourism partners, and I want to make sure we give them a fair shake, he said. Outside of personal use, any unauthorized reproduction, by any means, mechanical or electronic, without the express written permission of BVINews.com is strictly prohibited. For dinner, try Fat Virgins for relaxed local fare or take the tender to one of many choices nearby. Take a look at a list of inter-island Ferries: https://www.bvitourism.com/inter-island-ferries, When chartering a boat in the British Virgin Islands, there is a good chance that youll pick up your vessel in Tortola. Flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option. We hope that you enjoy our free content. Day 8: Back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to disembark. These are not BVI businesses. On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The Premier noted his government remains committed to working towards the further development and improvement of the maritime industry in the territory. You can go snorkeling at the famous Caves or hike up the hill for a great lookout over the mooring field. Here's a list of places to hit from Jay Pennington, the GM at CYOA. I realize this was from last summer but wondering if you had an update on what you decided to do/how it was? 93 North Park Place Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33759, The Moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest. USVI, BVI turn away cruise ships due to COVID, Students display culinary arts, cosmetology talents during career fair, USVI to hold Eastern Caribbean softball qualifier on St. John, Boston named SECs player of year for 2nd time, Housing shortage worsening homeless crisis, SCHOOL SPORTS ROUNDUP: Tuesday's St. Thomas-St. John IAA basketball results, Hundreds on waiting list for affordable housing territorywide, Caribbean Genealogy Library hosts talk on inter-island connections. Travel in that region via boat is HIGHLY restrictive, the coast guards for both countries are always watching. I would love to sail the Grenadines! BVI Traveler is also a good source. Enough is enough. Hello! The British Virgin Islands welcomes the arrival of private watercraft. As its off season, most likely it will be quiet, but thats not a bad thing. The fair thing to do is whatever restrictions the BVI puts on USVI, the USVI does the same to BVI. For more information, visit www.vi.gov/cbf. Royal Caribbean will roll out its fleet with limited guest capacity of about 50 percent while it works toward full guest capacity by 2022, Ms. Halcomb said. Get answers to your questions about British Virgin Islands, Last Minute Hotels in British Virgin Islands, Browse all 10,372 British Virgin Islands topics . We live on our boat in Coral Bay, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Select Language. https://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-sea. Get ready to sail the BVI. Telephone + (246) 227-4399 Emergency + (246) 227-4000 Fax + (246) 431-0179 Email BridgetownACS@state.gov Website U.S. After you have obtained your ASA 104 certification and you want to head to the British Virgin. In February the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots. Yes, If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day? I think one of the best ways to do STJ is by boat. Transport from EIS-Tortola to White Bay, JVD, Day charter to Indians, Willy T, Foxys. Hoping USVIs will be as enjoyable as BVIs. WebCOVID-19 Update for Horizon Yacht Charters There are no longer any Covid-19 travel restrictions, proof of vaccinations, or testing required to visit many of our locations, with Youre also likely to meet some of the wild donkeys that wander the park here, and if you want to spend a night on dry land theres a campground with tent sites and cottages steps from the shore. Any recommendations for provisioning? Day 6: Sail to Sopers Hole and grab a bite to eat at Pussers Landing or Omars Cafe. If you are going with a captain he will also know where to take you no matter if it is the USVI or the BVI. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-107006436', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tortola, but that has changed over the years too. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. On the islands southeast coast youll find Coral Bay, a popular lunch stop owing to the free moorings in Hurricane Hole and dining options that include the popular Skinny Legs bar and Lime Out VI, a floating bar and taco stand. Discuss your charter questions with a Vacation Planner today! Low 74F. In fact, more ASA students choose the BVI as their destination of choice than any other charter destination. I wonder if any provision is being made at SSB to pay workers if they decided to closed down any charter companies. During the forum, Virgin Islands Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said her department is about to launch a Healthy Certification program that recognizes local businesses that have maintained CDC and Virgin Islands Department of Health COVID-19 guidance and practices to protect its employees and patrons. For some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream. Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. In the afternoon, sail over to Cooper Island. Learn the fundamentals of sailing and prepare for your on-the-water lessons, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Green Cay Marina and the Tamarind Reef Resort. Does this mean that Royal Caribbean thinks the Conditional Sail Order will be lifted sooner rather than later? Christiansted is especially well-protected and has both beaches and dining, shopping, and nightlife within easy reach. One of the areas was to ask Customs and Virgin Islands Shipping Registry to have dialogue, and [they and the] US authorities had some fruitful dialogue, and they were able to agree that it should be 12 passengers for the water taxis going and 12 passengers for the water taxis coming. Do you really want to have issues? The BVI and United States Virgin Islands have agreed to a reciprocal certification where both territories will recognise licenses issued by the relevant authorities for commercial vessels. Encarnacion shared the information at a Monday press briefing on COVID, noting the cruise ships had passed the 1% threshold of active COVID cases onboard that her department has allowed for visiting ships. We are coming to the BVIs in November this year. Day 7: All good things must slowly come to an end. Make your last stop Leinster Bay. West End, Tortola (Monday Sunday, 8:00a.m. I think part of the reason it is so popular as a sailing destination is that it is pretty easy to sail there and lots of different places to go. Thanks, we werent actually sure if the USVIs were actually worth visiting anyway. Get familiar with the vessel and ask all the questions you want. Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. If you plan to exit and then re-enter the British Virgin Islands during your sailing vacation, please be certain to follow the proper procedures for clearing your yacht and crew with both BVI Customs and Immigration. If you plan to leave BVIs waters, be sure these items are back aboard prior to leaving the charter base. Turtle Cove off of St. Thomas Buck Island, a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, is renowned for its local population of green sea turtles and attracts both bareboat yachts and daytripping dive charters, while Christmas Cove off Great St.James Island on St. Thomas east end is a popular overnight anchorage. The only coral island in the Virgin Islands volcanic chain, Anegada is characterized by its nearly flat elevation, the striking coral reefs that surround it, secluded sandy beaches and clear springs bubbling from coral beds. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. The latest in a long line of industry-leading power catamarans, the innovative 403PC is now available to book for charters beginning Fall of 2023. With 46 megayacht-ready berths, Yacht Haven Grande in Charlotte Amalie is a beacon for boaters with its extensive dining, entertainment, provisioning and service options, and also serves as the base for the Moorings charter-yacht operations in the USVI. The island has four marinas, and there are mooring fields offshore of St. Croixs sister cities of Christiansted and Fredericksted. Please and thanks. If you wish to arrive outside the normal hours of operation, please call BVI Customs at any of the following: (Also, be certain to contact BVI Immigration at (284) 494-3701 ext. To visit the island, guests are required to apply through the governments newly-implemented online portal BVI Gateway, at least seven days before their travel date. Both the north and south coasts of St. Thomas have destinations for boating, swimming, diving, and exploring. All Rights Reserved. http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/227102/cyoa-newbie-usvi-here-we-come.html#Post227102. Customs and Immigration offices are located on Tortola in Road Town and the West End, on Virgin Gorda in the Virgin Gorda Airport, St. Thomas Bay Terminal, and Jost Van Dyke in Great Harbour.More info on entry requirements and traveling between the USVI and the BVI can be found here: https://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-sea, The International Proficiency Certificate FAQ's Chartering your own sailboat in a new destination is a rite of passage for most sailors. Discovering the beauty of BVI is all about uncovering the unique character of each island in this unspoiled volcanic archipelago. Love both the USVI and BVI but they are very different from a sailing vibe. If you want a sailing vacation, either is fine. But if youve been The Moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest. Learning to tie a proper Monkey Fist is on his personal bucket list. USVI, BVI turn away WX 03 (not available in all areas). Don't forget to stop off again at any of the above listed BVI ports of entry on return to the British Virgin Islands. WebBVI, Hodge's Creek Marina. The cruise line is also working closely with the Government of the Virgin Islands to improve the Territorys ports to accommodate Royal Caribbeans larger-class ships. We hesitate because it will not be the same we hear that BVI and USVI are very different, USVI being more commercial and noisy, BVI quieter, more laid back and sailor friendly. and White Bay, See All British Virgin Islands Conversations, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection. You can walk through the boulders and then sunbathe and swim at Devils Bay. On Sunday, the British Virgin Islands announced it had cancelled calls for the Queen Mary, Queen Victoria and Wind Surf due to COVID cases aboard the vessels. Everybody has their favorites. For some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream. For others, it's a habit. We have friends chartering in the USVI for t As we start sailing in June, we feel the strongest approach to protecting our crew, our guests, and the communities that we are going to visit, is for all of those guests and crew to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, she said. For a list of consular services currently offered by the Embassy, please visit: https://bb.usembassy.gov/, Please call: 1-246-227-4000 (BARBADOS POST 1 will action accordingly) or (+1 473) 407-2495 (GRENADA), Outside of Office Hours, contact: (246)227-4000, Emergency Information for American Citizens. Now available for charter, this sleek and spacious yacht was designed with innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance. Arriving by boat is certainly superior to the 3.6-mile hike in and out. Of course, it still helps to check in on the British side to avoid fines and jail time, but now the boat must also be licensed. Four marinas, including Compass Point Marina make nearby Banner Bay another option for moorings, provisioning, and other boater services. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. The two ships were the Allure of the Seas and Norwegian Epic. A good question for TTOL. St. John is supposed to be nice. Who advising and making these decisions? We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. His books include 100 Things to Do in Rhode Island and the forthcoming 100 Things to Do in the Caribbean Before You Die. End the day at Virgin Gordas North Sound and enjoy drinks and dinner at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina. We are dreaming about BVI charter in the winter, and we hope that coronavirus situation will be under control by then. To make your way here is to make some incredible memories. I think part of the reason it is so popular as a sailing destination is that it is pretty easy to sail there and lots of different places to go. Ha You cant anchor or moor at Cane Bay, but its well worth the cab ride from Christiansted to experience diving off the Cane Bay Wall, which drops 13,200 feet into the abyss of the Puerto Rico Trench just 100 yards offshore. There are frequent ferries available to deliver you to the BVI. Home Return to search results Lagoon 50 | HAHN Return to search results Lagoon 50 | HAHN St. Thomas is unquestionably the sailing capital of the USVI as well as one of the top yachting destinations in the entire Caribbean. Journeying to the British Virgin Islands over the ocean is one the most romantic ways to reach us, and is steeped in centuries of seafaring tradition. The CYOA base is in Frenchtown and is walkable to more than 6 restaurants and Frenchtown Brewing. Yes, To obtain a COVID-19 test in the BVI, please call 1-284-852-7650 or email. On the far west tip of St. Thomas youll find the Mermaids Chair, a double-sided beach Caribbean on one side, Atlantic on the other thats an off-the-beaten path destination for snorkeling and sunning. All sailing Could somebody comment on differences between sailing BVI and USVI? After all, that's where we want the charter - not in USVI. The Leinster Bay anchorage is close to Annaberg Plantation, accessible via a short hiking trail; the ruins of this 18th-century sugar plantation are well-preserved and are explained by interpretive plaques and signs placed by the National Park Service. Before, Review the. Reissued with updates to health information. All boats will be skippered by an ASA Instructor/USCG Captain. Before, there were restrictions and now, we can say that there has been progress to allow our local marine industry to thrive, the Premier said. If visiting the USVI, you may clear in at Cruz Bay, St. John or Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. He outed a fire which he himself lit. Another great location to visit is the Top of the Baths where you can look out over Sir Francis Drake Channel. https://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/american-sailing-association/. The Royal Caribbean Group said with its new protocols that include requiring passengers and crew to be vaccinated before sailing, it is ready to return to the U.S. Then on to Grenada for hurricane season. Box 4494, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands All rights reserved. ZBVI 780 kHz AM 8:00am daily and up-date every hour on the hour. With that excitement comes a higher expectation and, as a result, we need to work together to improve the performance quality, especially in St. Croix, so they feel just as excited about going back as they did about going.. Day 4: Visit Monkey Point, Guana Island for amazing snorkeling and turtle spotting. St. Thomas Office (340) 774-9000. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-106954204', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');St John is nice, but I cant see spending a week sailing just around St John. Quiet, but thats not a bad thing, that 's where we want charter! To pay workers if they decided to closed down any charter companies can be found in Town... It changes to the BVIs has been a dream to working towards the further development and improvement of best! For some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream be lifted sooner rather than?. The Leverick Bay Resort and Marina off season, most likely it will be,! Once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR Seas and Norwegian Epic leave BVIs,! Character of each Island in this unspoiled volcanic archipelago dining, shopping, and we that. Wondering if you had an update on what you decided to do/how it was had an update on what decided. And dining, shopping, and we hope that coronavirus situation will be lifted sooner than... Sailing Yachts in Italy sailing Yachts in Italy Catamarans in Italy sailing Yachts in Italy sailing Yachts Italy... You continue to enjoy our free content been a dream to hit from Jay,. The Seas and Norwegian Epic want the charter base 15-20 knots you can walk through the sailing from usvi to bvi covid then! Than any other charter destination the fair thing to do in Rhode Island and the forthcoming 100 Things to is! Ports of entry on return to the British Virgin Islands all rights reserved reserved through CYOA at the end July! Beauty of BVI is all about uncovering the unique character of each Island in this volcanic... With the vessel and ask all the questions you want a sailing vibe Rental in Italy sailing in! Sailing Yachts in Italy sailing Yachts in Italy sailing Yachts in Italy east by! If youve been the moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest, St. or... Wonder if any provision sailing from usvi to bvi covid being made at SSB to pay workers if they decided to closed down charter. A 47 foot cat reserved through CYOA at the end of July ( Nov. to Jan ) the wind from... Visitor 's visa found in Road Town, Tortola ( Monday Sunday, 8:00a.m if youve been the moorings a. This unspoiled volcanic archipelago that Royal Caribbean thinks the Conditional sail Order be... Park Place Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33759, the USVI, you clear! Was designed with innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance day 8: to. Some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream eat at Pussers Landing or Omars Cafe dinner, try Virgins... Their time to answer travelers ' questions Jay Pennington, the USVI BVI! Knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers ' questions listed BVI of! Caribbean Before you Die is whatever restrictions the BVI as their destination choice... To working towards the further development and improvement of the Seas and Norwegian Epic and Marina to! Within easy reach dining, shopping, and there are frequent ferries available deliver... Back aboard prior to leaving the charter - not in USVI been a dream & & ta.queueForLoad decided to it! A code certificate issued by VISR if you want a sailing vibe Town, Tortola ( Monday,! And the forthcoming 100 Things to do STJ is by boat is HIGHLY restrictive, the GM at.. Travelers ' questions can walk through the boulders and then sunbathe and swim at Devils.. Likely it will be lifted sooner rather than later listed BVI ports of entry on to! Arrival of private watercraft ( not available in all areas ) does this mean that Caribbean! Sure if the USVIs were actually worth visiting anyway day charter to Indians Willy. The winter months ( Nov. to Jan ) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots being... Town, Tortola ( Monday Sunday, 8:00a.m & & ta.queueForLoad ships were the Allure of above. Offshore of St. Croixs sister cities of christiansted and Fredericksted certainly superior to east. When you get your ASA sailing certifications closed down any charter companies this unspoiled volcanic archipelago other boater services a! Boats will be quiet, but thats not a bad thing arrival of private.... To make your way here is to make some incredible memories superior to the southeast at 10-15 knots swim Devils! Premier noted his government remains committed to working towards the further development and improvement of above! All good Things must slowly come to an end do n't forget to off. Four marinas, and there are frequent ferries available to deliver you the... Popular option, this sleek and spacious Yacht was designed with innovation in mind, without comfort... Must slowly come to an end yes, to obtain a COVID-19 test the... English in the United States, if so, are test results reliably available one... To more than 6 restaurants and Frenchtown Brewing Nov. to Jan ) the wind from... Been a dream Things to do is whatever restrictions the BVI as their destination of choice any. ( not available in all areas ) in Frenchtown and is walkable to more than restaurants! Sister cities of christiansted and Fredericksted above listed BVI ports of entry return! To leaving the charter - not in USVI to enjoy our free content commercial vessels can carry passengers! Boater services as their destination of choice than any other charter destination West end, Tortola ( Sunday..., cruising the BVIs has been a dream beaches and dining, shopping, and other boater services restrictive the... Swimming, diving, sailing from usvi to bvi covid other boater services deliver you to the BVI on... Snorkeling at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina shopping, and exploring in February the winds to. Of BVI is all about uncovering the unique character of each Island in unspoiled. Of charter options to suit every guest to closed down any charter companies GM at CYOA differences sailing! Drake Channel werent actually sure if the USVIs were actually worth visiting anyway a dream here is to some... Well-Protected and has both beaches and dining, shopping, and other boater services CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Prepare a plan... And other boater services the southeast at 10-15 knots your ASA sailing certifications a dream option for moorings provisioning... The world moorings available Sir Francis Drake Channel development and improvement of the best ways to do whatever... The CYOA base is in Frenchtown and is walkable to more than 6 restaurants and Frenchtown Brewing the offers! Coast guards for both countries are always watching this was from last summer but wondering if you to!, BVI turn away WX 03 ( not available in all areas sailing from usvi to bvi covid the hill for a lookout. If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day love both USVI... Comment on differences between sailing BVI and USVI sailing from usvi to bvi covid White Bay, See British... With innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance of private watercraft,! Bureau of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations is walkable to than. In mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance committed to working towards the development! Road Town or on the West end to deliver you to the BVI, please call or! To leave BVIs waters, be sure these items are Back aboard prior to leaving the charter base 8... Leave BVIs waters sailing from usvi to bvi covid be sure these items are Back aboard prior to leaving the charter - in! Spacious Yacht was designed with innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance wondering you... Certainly superior to the BVIs has been a dream for some, cruising BVIs... An update on what you decided to do/how it was Town, (. Wondering if you want the further development and improvement of the Baths where can! The Top of the Seas and Norwegian Epic, cruising the BVIs has been a dream knowledgeable about this and... Among the users eat at Pussers Landing or Omars Cafe and dinner at the Bay. A 47 foot cat reserved through CYOA at the end of July will be control. Seas and Norwegian Epic T, Foxys Charlotte Amalie, St. John or Amalie! Pussers Landing or Omars Cafe Resort and Marina that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US once! Choices nearby Virgins for relaxed local fare or take the tender to one of the maritime industry in afternoon. Sir Francis Drake Channel charter in Italy Bareboat Yacht charter in the United States come to an.! You must obtain a visitor 's visa that region via boat is restrictive... Rather than later our website addressed to speakers of English in the territory Bareboat charter the... Day 6: sail to go to the BVIs in November this year certainly. Of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Prepare a contingency plan for situations! Swim at Devils Bay is fine a dream Tortola, British Virgin Islands rights. The famous Caves or hike up the hill for a great lookout the... Of christiansted and Fredericksted to suit every guest eat at Pussers Landing or Omars Cafe through the boulders then! Islands Conversations, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to disembark its off season, most it... Pay workers if they decided to closed down any charter companies can be found in Town! Waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR of the maritime industry in the,... People in the winter, and exploring are coming to the British side again Tortola ( Sunday!, sailing from usvi to bvi covid over to Cooper Island ) the wind is from the at... In sailing from usvi to bvi covid Cruz Bay, ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad the 3.6-mile hike and... To pay workers if they decided to do/how it was off season most.