Sail around to the Indians Marine Park for snorkeling, near Peter Island, and anchor overnight on Norman Islands mooring balls at The Bight, Kellys Cove, Privateer Bay and Soldier Bay or anchor in deep water at Benures Bay. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens? You can walk through the boulders and then sunbathe and swim at Devils Bay. I wonder if any provision is being made at SSB to pay workers if they decided to closed down any charter companies. Speaking at a one-on-one media session earlier today, the Premier said the reciprocal certifications means, US vessels holding Commercial Vessel Licensing Authority Code Safety certificates will be recognised by Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) as having valid safety certificates issued by their flag and vice versa. Flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option. Checking in to C&I in Cruz Bay can be difficult. The next session of the Community Business Forum series will be held in April. Typical sailors who have taken ASA 101, ASA 103, and ASA 104 begin thinking about a sailing vacation, and we just want to help you get underway. And they dont move too quick! Royal Caribbeans imminent return to the USVI drove the discussion of the second Community Business Forum. WebBVI, Hodge's Creek Marina. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here. 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. To make your way here is to make some incredible memories. WebSt. The charter owner tells us that if BVI are restricted (BVI have "exclusion zone" for sailing right now), then he will sail USVI or SVI. Fahie said local water taxis were able to carry 12 passengers but there were certain areas that the United States decided was not the law and it ended to enforce it properly. In the afternoon, sail over to Cooper Island. Courses Offered: ASA 101, Basic Keelboat Sailing | ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising | ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising | ASA 105, Coastal Navigation. 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. I would love to sail the Grenadines! We live on our boat in Coral Bay, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? There is excellent snorkeling nearby and the beach club has comfortable chairs for resting underneath the palm trees. BVI Traveler is also a good source. Generally clear skies. You used to be able to go to customs on Tortola, pay the fee, and be on your way. I would still go and you will still have a great time. Especially when you can see the BVIs from there. But of course it may not be. The majority of ships not reporting COVID cases have yet to resume sailing with passengers. 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. Home Return to search results Bali 4.6 | HOYT Return to search results Bali 4.6 | HOYT While there are no direct flights to the BVI from the USA, Canada, Europe, or South America, there are multiple options for connecting flights throughout the Carribean. That has changed; SeaSea can sail to go to the British side again. 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. Hello! 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. 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. Check our sailing schedule on the 157-foot 3-masted mega sailing yacht. 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 But since SeaSea first sailed, the rules have changed. V. iew our Charter Guide to find your ideal charter style, essential extras for your trip, and more. Are vaccines available in the British Virgin Islands for U.S. citizens to receive? The CYOA base is in Frenchtown and is walkable to more than 6 restaurants and Frenchtown Brewing. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The BVI and USVI are very different, but I think it is more evident with a land based vacation than a sailing vacation. As of now, there are still still testing requirements but there is talk that movement between the USVI and BVI (ie day tripping) will be more possible in the coming months. All sailing September & October the trade winds are at its weakest and the weather can be less settled. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed. Reissued with updates to health information. View our Charter Guide to find your ideal charter style, essential extras for your trip, and more. Christiansted is especially well-protected and has both beaches and dining, shopping, and nightlife within easy reach. Day 2: After a leisurely breakfast, sail to North Sound in Virgin Gorda. Ms. Halcomb opened her presentation with a major announcement that Celebrity Millennium, Adventure of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas will set sail from St. Maarten, the Bahamas, and Bermuda respectively this summer. In November, you can join in the fun of the famous two-day lobster festival. 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. For more information or questions, contact the offices of Immigrationand Customs. The reason we have a much lower tariff in St. Croix is because we continue to work with Tourism and cruise line partners to promote cruise traffic, focusing intensively and extensively on driving cruise traffic into the St. Croix District, Assistant Director Cartwright said. I am curious if you liked STX? Not quite so many its like were the only people in the world moorings available. Exercise normal precautions in the British Virgin Islands. Didnt you guys think that this would become an issue . USVI Flotilla Jan 2023 Join Sail Solomons while we spend 6 days and 7 nights aboard a Cruising Catamaran, in the beautiful US Virgin Islands. Then on to Grenada for hurricane season. I realize this was from last summer but wondering if you had an update on what you decided to do/how it was? WX 03 (not available in all areas). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Learning to tie a proper Monkey Fist is on his personal bucket list. Visitors from other countries may also require a visa for entry. For more information, visit www.vi.gov/cbf. Day 6: After a leisurely start to the morning, sail over to Norman Island. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The snorkeling and hiking are awesome. You can relax and grab a bite to eat at the resort bar and use the resort facilities. Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not The National Park moorings are still there. Writer, Editor and Sailor, Bob Curley, is a Rhode Island Expert who contributes to American Sailing on sailing New England and the Caribbean. Located about 38 nautical miles from St. Thomas and St. John, St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a destination unto itself for sailors. These folks open up a big can of worms. 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. I should add that we are chartering our own yacht in case this changes anything. For dinner, try Fat Virgins for relaxed local fare or take the tender to one of many choices nearby. I am curious if you liked STX? Not a great sailing destination because of the reefs but I hope you were able to spend some time ashore. I would lov Sailing holiday in Italy . You can schedule dive and snorkeling expeditions or rent some Lasers or Hobies. Day 4: Visit Monkey Point, Guana Island for amazing snorkeling and turtle spotting. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are high quality grocery stores that will deliver. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. U.S. citizens traveling by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda must present a passport or other WHTI-compliant documentation to enter or depart from the United States. Welcome! And they dont move too During the winter months (Nov. to Jan) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. Also, at the airport, there is ferry information either posted or from the taxi stand attendant. Do you really want to have issues? Take a taxi from the airport and explain to the driver that you are going to Tortola. There are 50 or so free, day-use moorings scattered around the island (with a three-hour use limit) plus more pay-for-use balls for overnight stays; some are located within waters controlled by two U.S. National Parks on the island: Buck Island Reef and the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, the latter of which has a bioluminescent bay and is a reputed landing site of Christopher Columbus. https://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-sea. Home ; Destinations . Just worried the BVIs could be a bit of a ghost town this November. If you have questions regarding the necessity of a visa, contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, your areas British Embassy, or the BVI Government Chief Immigration Officer at (284) 494-3471, or (284) 494-3701 Ext. 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. Our friend Bridget has never chartered in the USVI, but she is giving it a try. Sailing holiday in Croatia . 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. Can we please fully open up the ports and let the ferries get back to their normal schedules. Hello! I realize this was from last summer but wondering if you had an update on what you decided to do/how it was? We are currently planning to sa Make for North Lee Bay, Fallen Jerusalem, for amazing swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. 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. Port Authority Assistant Executive Director Damian Cartwright discussed the authoritys two-port incentive, which would offer a significant discount on passenger fees for itineraries to St. Croix. BVI comes to the USVI for shopping, airport, medical and whatever no charge, every day using our services, but going to the the BVI for USVI is ridiculous and expensive with extra fees and all sorts of crazy red tape. Day 4: It is time to continue the journey and sail downwind. No other group of islands in the world have created so many useless regulations, fees and paperwork for their marine tourists. There is also a full spa with relaxing massages nearby. 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 all islands are closed for tourist and sailors, we get a refund. If you dont feel like going ashore in nearby Red Hook for dinner, the Pizza Pi VI pizza delivery boat will be happy to bring food to you. Tomorrow you set sail! Its an opportunity for the cruise giant to exercise its new Healthy Return to Service protocols to ensure its cruise ships are ready to return to the Territory. St. Thomas is unquestionably the sailing capital of the USVI as well as one of the top yachting destinations in the entire Caribbean. Outside of personal use, any unauthorized reproduction, by any means, mechanical or electronic, without the express written permission of BVINews.com is strictly prohibited. There was a big story last spring I think with two couples who ended up in BVI jail for a similar incident. You can also stock up on water and ice there. Which vaccines are available in the British Virgin Islands? An anchorage off the west end of the island is available for day use or overnight stays, although the island itself is off limits between sunset and sunrise. Join Sail Solomons while we spend 6 days and 7 nights aboard a Cruising Catamaran, in the beautiful US Virgin Islands. Love both the USVI and BVI but they are very different from a sailing vibe. Copyright 2006 - 2023 - BVI News, Graphic Design (BV) Limited. Transport from EIS-Tortola to White Bay, JVD, Day charter to Indians, Willy T, Foxys. We actually turned away two cruise ships this weekend, one was 1.2% the other was 1.9%, Encarnacion said at one point during the briefing. 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. Weather Forecasts Client can obtain the weather situation at any time by listening to the maritime weather forecasts. Travelers are no longer required to be screened upon arrival for the COVID-19 virus. Albert Bryan Jr. explained that through a memorandum of understanding, any ship that reaches a COVID positivity rate over 1% will not be allowed to call on the territory. They will be updating us on their sailing adventures through their Instagram page @apres_sail and the American Sailing Instagram page: instagram.com/americansailing/, A post shared by AMERICAN SAILING (@americansailing). Thanks for the informative post. I have a 47 foot cat reserved through CYOA at the end of July. Hoping USVIs will be as enjoyable as BVIs. Any re It seems like the U.S Virgin Islands always get overlooked by its neighboring cousin the BVI. ASA members get a discount with Dream Yacht Charter and their base is located on Scrub Island. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the British Virgin Islands. Hoping USVIs will be as enjoyable as BVIs. Consular services for the British Virgin Islands are available at U.S. Embassy Bridgetown in Barbados. USVI/DHS/US Coast Guard has no other choice than to put pressure on BVI/WaterTaxi they seeing our boats entering St John every day and their boats park up Red Hook on trailers because of this retarded move by Wade and Premier. The private island resort manages a mooring field and also welcomes boaters to visit the resorts beach club for dining, drinks, or shopping. everyday is something everyone there is saying different. Before, Home Return to search results Lagoon 50 | HAHN Return to search results Lagoon 50 | HAHN Charter companies can be found in Road Town or on the West End. I'm wondering if we should proceed with the USVI or try to delay another year. 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. St. Thomas stores seem way more expensive and limited in supplies. True Blue Sailing School www.truebluesailing.com (284) 541-6666 P.O. WebCelebrate 25 years of sailing with Horizon Yacht Charters with 25% extra* on your 2023 sailing vacation! Saffie, we head to STX after July 4. WebThe cost is dependent on the number of passengers but it ranges from $25 per boat per week for 4 people to $55 per boat per week for 10 people. V.I. Test results will be delivered via email. and White Bay, See All British Virgin Islands Conversations, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection. You have permission to edit this article. For many, it is a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands so we decided to share a couple of itineraries with you to help in your planning process. Here's a list of places to hit from Jay Pennington, the GM at CYOA. Great snorkeling around Watermelon Cay. Box 4494, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands All rights reserved. If you plan to exit and then re-enter the British Virgin Islands during your sailing vacation, please be certain Day 7: All good things must slowly come to an end. WebPARVATA -Sun Odyssey 379-Dream Yacht Charter,3 Cabin,Parham Town,British Virgin Islands. 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. I disagree very strongly. responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of Preparing For Your First Sailing Vacation Charter, The idea of chartering a boat for a sailing vacation is on your mind so why not just take the plunge and plan that trip? We are dreaming about BVI charter in the winter, and we hope that coronavirus situation will be under control by then. I disagree very strongly. We live on our boat in Coral Bay, St. John. The National Park on St John provides pristine anchorages with no noise and v Bob Curley is a freelance travel and healthcare writer and editor based in Rhode Island. You can sometimes catch Foxy, the islands poet and philosopher, singing at the bar in the afternoon. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Its the only way to stop this crazy sk**tery going on over there. Recommendations for short time on island? Watermelon Cay, located in Leinster Bay and surrounded by a small fringing reef, is the top snorkeling destination in St. John. All them charter boats here not in compliance should register theur boat in USVI them come over now. 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. Everybody has their favorites. For some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream. For others, it's a habit. 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Love both the USVI and BVI but they are very different, but she is it. Restaurants and Frenchtown Brewing Lee Bay, St. John is time to continue journey... But she is giving it a try not a great time, we head STX. Being made at SSB to pay workers if they decided to do/how it?. Afternoon, sail over to Norman Island way to stop this crazy *... Hope that coronavirus situation will be under control by then the entire Caribbean charter style, extras... & Marina, Autograph Collection they are very different, but i hope you were able spend... From a sailing vacation, either is fine planning to sa make North! Be found here them charter boats here not in compliance should register theur boat in Coral Bay (...