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. 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. Another great location to visit is the Top of the Baths where you can look out over Sir Francis Drake Channel. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Please and thanks. That has changed; SeaSea can sail to go to the British side again. V.I. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. The South Shore, not so much. 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. We have friends chartering in the USVI for the first time in July after 15+ BVI trips. There are frequent ferries available to deliver you to the BVI. Day 3: This is your day of rest. Id suggest picking up a mooing in Salomon or Caneel Bay and dinghy over to Cruz Bay around the corner. Assistance for U.S. Citizens U.S. Embassy Bridgetown Wildey Business Park Wildey St. Michael BB 14006 Barbados, W.I. 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. 4700. After you have obtained your ASA 104 certification and you want to head to the British Virgin. Its a moderate walk or a short cab ride into town from the marina, and Charlotte Amalie has a lot to offer St. Thomas visitors, including duty-free shopping along narrow colonial streets and alleys, the history of the 99 Steps, Fort Christian, and Bluebeards Castle, and the thrill of taking a cable car to the top of Paradise Point for tasty frozen mudslides and amazing views. 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. Day 3: Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. If you plan to exit and then re-enter the British Virgin Islands during your sailing vacation, please be certain No ships are sailing at or above the threshold and under orders for additional health measures. Transport from EIS-Tortola to White Bay, JVD, Day charter to Indians, Willy T, Foxys. Does this mean that Royal Caribbean thinks the Conditional Sail Order will be lifted sooner rather than later? For dinner, try Fat Virgins for relaxed local fare or take the tender to one of many choices nearby. 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. Are vaccines available in the British Virgin Islands for U.S. citizens to receive? If you are thinking about expanding your sailing knowledge and need a carrot dangled out in front of you, this is it. what does tourist board now have to say about this when they go overseas to promote bvi. 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. 93 North Park Place Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33759, The Moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest. COVID-19 Information: British Virgin Islands. 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. 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 Our first stop is off Spanish Town so you can visit the Baths. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Follow us on facebook and/or subscribe to our RSS Feed. Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. Select one of our islands below to learn more about what each island has to offer. Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. No, Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology required for entry? GotoSailing. Theres truly no end to the incredible adventure to explore here. 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. http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/227451/10-day-usvi-itinerary.html#Post227451. At the press briefing, Bryan said he hoped that cruise ships could continue to visit the territory and control the spread of COVID-19 onboard. Visitors from other countries may also require a visa for entry. Get ready to sail the BVI. Wake up slowly, stretch, do yoga or go for a swim. The British Virgin Islands is currently under a Level 1 Travel Advisory: Exercise Normal Precautions due to health and safety measures and COVID-19 related conditions. 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. Get familiar with the vessel and ask all the questions you want. We are dreaming about BVI charter in the winter, and we hope that coronavirus situation will be under control by then. St. Thomas is unquestionably the sailing capital of the USVI as well as one of the top yachting destinations in the entire Caribbean. Low 74F. A bonfire on the beach, romantic cocktails on the deck, day 2 will reset your soul. Can we please fully open up the ports and let the ferries get back to their normal schedules. Telephone + (246) 227-4399 Emergency + (246) 227-4000 Fax + (246) 431-0179 Email BridgetownACS@state.gov Website U.S. By November the high pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilize and 15-20 knot breezes become the norm. Home ; Destinations . Could somebody comment on differences between sailing BVI and USVI? I would love to sail the Grenadines! We hope that you enjoy our free content. Thank you for reading! I am curious if you liked STX? Both the north and south coasts of St. Thomas have destinations for boating, swimming, diving, and exploring. Saffie, we head to STX after July 4. It seems like the U.S Virgin Islands always get overlooked by its neighboring cousin the BVI. 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. Check our sailing schedule on the 157-foot 3-masted mega sailing yacht. View our Charter Guide to find your ideal charter style, essential extras for your trip, and more. 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. 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. We are grateful to Royal Caribbean for partnering with us to begin the conversation now about being ready for their return, hopefully in 2021, said David Bornn, Chief Legal Counsel for the Office of the Governor, who created the Community Business Forum initiative. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? The Christmas winds can produce 25-30 knots for several days at a time. Learning to tie a proper Monkey Fist is on his personal bucket list. To make your way here is to make some incredible memories. An official website of the United States government. Day 6: Sail to Sopers Hole and grab a bite to eat at Pussers Landing or Omars Cafe. No, Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in the British Virgin Island? You can walk through the boulders and then sunbathe and swim at Devils Bay. 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. Great snorkeling around Watermelon Cay. Day 5: We sail to Jost Van Dyck, home of world-famous Foxys. Our first stop will be White Bay which is home to the Soggy Dollar Bar and the more relaxed Ivans nearby. You can go snorkeling at the famous Caves or hike up the hill for a great lookout over the mooring field. Magens Bay consistently ranks on lists of top beaches in the Caribbean, and a St, Thomas north shore sail brings you to the anchorage on the southeast end of the bay, which is close to the dingy landing if you want to hit the beach (or bar) while visiting. There is also a restaurant ashore called the Pirates Bight. Late at night, Willie Ts is famous for sailors who sometimes get caught up in the Caribbean spirit and jump into the water from the upper deck in a specific manner. Gov. Before, I have a 47 foot cat reserved through CYOA at the end of July. And they dont move too I disagree very strongly. When are we going to make it easy for the foreign yachts to come and spend money in our economy? Big whoop. Ms. Halcomb noted that St. Croix has significant potential for cruise tourism growth if its berth is expanded to accommodate the larger vessels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the number of COVID cases on more than 100 cruise ships. Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. If you plan to leave BVIs waters, be sure these items are back aboard prior to leaving the charter base. We are currently planning to sail the BVI (original plan was summer 2020) but it is looking like it may be in our best interest to change to USVI, of course having the same concerns you had. For some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream. $4.00 fee was waive for a boat that was registered as a commercial vessel so basically if your boat is charter boat and you decide that you wanted to go Norman Island for the day with your family. Charter companies can be found in Road Town or on the West End. imagine tourist save for years to come here to have a nice sailing vacation and they cannot leave the dock. Sail the British Virgin Islands on a Bareboat Charter. The private island resort manages a mooring field and also welcomes boaters to visit the resorts beach club for dining, drinks, or shopping. After all, that's where we want the charter - not in USVI. 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 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. Generally clear skies. He outed a fire which he himself lit. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. 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. Worldwide Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad. can someone in charge of custom get their acts together. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-107002269', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tortola but looks like thats not going to happen. 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. Try the native lobster and rum smoothies at the Reef Hotel or conch at Big Bamboo, Loblolly Bay. This is an ancient boulder formation at the southern tip of Virgin Gorda. *Sail 9 days for the price of 7. WebThe British Virgin Islands are the perfect place to sail if you just want to kick back and relax, search for sea turtles, snorkel the sea, and sprawl out on white sand beaches! St. John Office (340) 776-6400 use of the comments below or other interaction among the users. Check over on the Travel Talk on Line BVI forum to see whats open. They have been in business over 30 years and have everything from a Beneteau 38 to a Saba 50 catamaran. Visitors from the UK and all other countries should consult their local US Embassy prior to arrival in the British Virgin Islands to determine what is required to obtain the proper visas for crew wishing to exit the BVI by yacht. Thanks for the informative post. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/ for further information on U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I realize this was from last summer but wondering if you had an update on what you decided to do/how it was? 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. 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. Weather updates are given hourly during severe weather. September & October the trade winds are at its weakest and the weather can be less settled. 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. European citizens need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. There was a big story last spring I think with two couples who ended up in BVI jail for a similar incident. All boats will be skippered by an ASA Instructor/USCG Captain. Jost Van Dyke may be the BVIs most colorful island both in terms of vegetation, and history. everyday is something everyone there is saying different. There are high quality grocery stores that will deliver. U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Vienna, Visit Travel.State.gov for More Information, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/, https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/covid-19_testing_required_US_Entry.html, Travel Protocol for Entry to the British Virgin Islands, U.S. Embassy in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS, Are there COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens? There are frequent ferries available to deliver you to the BVI. WX 03 (not available in all areas). V.H.F. Test results will be delivered via email. Now they not issuing permits for charter boats. I wonder if any provision is being made at SSB to pay workers if they decided to closed down any charter companies. 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. 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. Croix Office (340) 718-1311. Such a tease! Guests age 12 and older must present proof of Covid-19 vaccination, with the final dose of their vaccine administered at least 14 days before sailing. Trunk Bay is known for its underwater snorkeling trail, maintained by the U.S. National Park Service; Cinnamon Bay also has clear water for snorkeling plus concessions where you get breakfast, lunch or dinner and can rent snorkel equipment, paddle boards, kayaks, and beach chairs. If all islands are closed for tourist and sailors, we get a refund. I also think the BVI will be open by then at least to allow charters into their waters. Checking in to C&I in Cruz Bay can be difficult. A good question for TTOL. St. John is supposed to be nice. U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Royal Caribbean is asking V.I. Addressing specifics of returning to the Virgin Islands, Royal Caribbean Group executives participating in Wednesdays Community Business Forum said they are looking to local providers to help create a bubble experience, providing services in smaller group settings, and for off-the-beaten-path excursions. No other group of islands in the world have created so many useless regulations, fees and paperwork for their marine tourists. Head to Cooper Island and Cistern Point for snorkeling or Hallovers Bay. BVI no longer the sailing capital but the marine red tape and fee capital of the world. I should add that we are chartering our own yacht in case this changes anything. In February the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots. The islands had broken out of their Covid-enforced tourism hiatus in December, but the conditions of entry seemed a little stringent: a negative Covid test Summer but wondering if you plan to leave BVIs waters, be sure items! 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