Also, at the airport, there is ferry information either posted or from the taxi stand attendant. 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. 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. Ms. Halcomb noted that St. Croix has significant potential for cruise tourism growth if its berth is expanded to accommodate the larger vessels. The way you reach shore is by jumping out of the tender and swimming, hence the name soggy dollar. In the afternoon, we head over to Great Harbor and anchor for the night. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. [This] reduced our water taxi down to six or less persons which were not economical for them. Great thanks, hopefully some positive changes in November. $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. Visitors from other countries may also require a visa for entry. Its going to be really critical for all of you to adapt as well, as things change, as we evolve and as we learn more and start bringing our guests back to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ms. Halcomb said. You can go snorkeling at the famous Caves or hike up the hill for a great lookout over the mooring field. St. Thomas stores seem way more expensive and limited in supplies. Does anyone know if any tests/ documents are required and how well this is enforced? Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. Christiansted is especially well-protected and has both beaches and dining, shopping, and nightlife within easy reach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the number of COVID cases on more than 100 cruise ships. Thank you for reading! 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. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. WebLast week, KPMG in the British Virgin Islands, along with other BVI firms, was pleased to join the Financial Management for Small Business workshop hosted by Book a 7-night bareboat charter during February our 25-year anniversary month and enjoy 2 extra days on the house to spend 9 glorious days exploring the BVI or St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2023! For others, it's a habit. I would still go and you will still have a great time. Who advising and making these decisions? 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 ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-106953996', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');St. John is supposed to be nice. Text "COVID19USVI" to 888777 to receive notifications. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You can relax and grab a bite to eat at the resort bar and use the resort facilities. Sure, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 what does tourist board now have to say about this when they go overseas to promote bvi. 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. Subscribe Join over 1 million people and get exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more! Even if your original Covid test could get you in, you would then need to do the BVI portal again to get back in since you are only going for one night. U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Royal Caribbean is asking V.I. 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. After you have obtained your ASA 104 certification and you want to head to the British Virgin. Also, ensure that you attain clearance into the territory you plan to visit. Thank you for reading! The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here. Madness BVI aint a real place money do these people in high authority something . You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. To prepare for its return to service, Royal Caribbean gathered a panel of health experts to develop protocols for onboarding and for arrival and disembarking at destinations. By: American Sailing Cruising Tips, Destinations. 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. *Sail 9 days for the price of 7. If all islands are closed for tourist and sailors, we get a refund. AstraZeneca. responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Follow us on facebook and/or subscribe to our RSS Feed. The wearing of face masks/coverings are no longer mandated by law, but are allowed as a matter of choice in public spaces, or as a policy of a business place or other establishment. 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. Flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option. 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. I think one of the best ways to do STJ is by boat. all of them going late to work. If you plan to leave BVIs waters, be sure these items are back aboard prior to leaving the charter base. By November the high pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilize and 15-20 knot breezes become the norm. You can schedule dive and snorkeling expeditions or rent some Lasers or Hobies. 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. https://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-sea. The National Park moorings are still there. Please and thanks. 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. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Hello! You can also stock up on water and ice there. WebPOLYGALA -Oceanis 51.1-Dream Yacht Charter,5 Cabin,Parham Town,British Virgin Islands. Have you taken your boat to STX? Royal Caribbeans imminent return to the USVI drove the discussion of the second Community Business Forum. Could somebody comment on differences between sailing BVI and USVI? Select Language. WebBVI, Hodge's Creek Marina. I'm wondering if we should proceed with the USVI or try to delay another year. use of the comments below or other interaction among the users. 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. Day 6: After a leisurely start to the morning, sail over to Norman Island. A good question for TTOL. St. John is supposed to be nice. Check our sailing schedule on the 157-foot 3-masted mega sailing yacht. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. 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. The Government of the United States Virgins Islands is responsible for this page. Before, V.I. 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. Flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. Take a taxi from the airport and explain to the driver 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. All boats will be skippered by an ASA Instructor/USCG Captain. 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. Review the. is this how you attract tourist by killing the sailing industry. Can we please fully open up the ports and let the ferries get back to their normal schedules. Photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock.com Will We See Ships In St. Thomas? Travelers are no longer required to be screened upon arrival for the COVID-19 virus. No, Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology required for entry? 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. Virgin Islands immediately after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifts its conditional No Sail order. 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. Arriving via the sea allows you access to the following ports of entry: (Note: All entering vessels must clear in with BVI Customs and Immigration immediately upon arrival into the territory, and retain a valid passport and boat registration papers.). 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. Your family would be exempted from the $4.00 but every other person on that charter boat has to pay you $4.00. Any recommendations for provisioning? The Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring the disaster recovery is completed as quickly as possible. Generally clear skies. 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. imagine tourist save for years to come here to have a nice sailing vacation and they cannot leave the dock. Are vaccines available in the British Virgin Islands for U.S. citizens to receive? Getting aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA sailing certifications. The Christmas winds can produce 25-30 knots for several days at a time. WebBVI Cruising Conditions Build my quote Itinerary Cruising Conditions Travel Notes Base Guide COVID-19 Travel Restrictions General Conditions During the winter months (Nov. to Jan) the wind is from the northeast at 15-20 knots. In the afternoon, sail over to Cooper Island. You used to be able to go to customs on Tortola, pay the fee, and be on your way. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Local seas are "relaxed" seas and generally in the 3-4 foot range. An official website of the United States government. Are there COVID-related entry requirements for US citizens? 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. No, Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? There was a big story last spring I think with two couples who ended up in BVI jail for a similar incident. For some, cruising the BVIs has been a dream. Now available for charter, this sleek and spacious yacht was designed with innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance. Sailing holiday in Croatia . Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Now they not issuing permits for charter boats. 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. Governor Bryan To Update Residents On COVID-19, Governor Bryan Initiates Open Doors Phase Of Territorys Reopening From COVID-19, USVI Officially Enters Open Doors Phase Of Territorys Plan To Safely Resume Operations In Response To COVID-19. Our first stop is off Spanish Town so you can visit the Baths. Do you really want to have issues? True Blue Sailing School www.truebluesailing.com (284) 541-6666 P.O. businesses to be prepared for the cruise lines return to the Territory at Wednesdays Community Business Forum sponsored by the Office of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Getting to the US Virgin Islands is easier and if you factor in ferries and taxes the USVI is cheaper. Home Return to search results Bali 4.6 | HOYT Return to search results Bali 4.6 | HOYT Anchoring in Cruz Bay is next to impossible. Copyright 2023 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. 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. Unfortunately, the hurricane-damaged Caneel Bay resort remains closed, but boaters can still find a mooring in the bay or in nearby Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. Its the only way to stop this crazy sk**tery going on over there. All Rights Reserved. Just worried the BVIs could be a bit of a ghost town this November. 93 North Park Place Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33759, The Moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest. Weather Forecasts Client can obtain the weather situation at any time by listening to the maritime weather forecasts. Roman Manning, @romantmanning American Sailing Digital Marketing Manager and avid Sailor, is off on a sailing adventure in the Caribbean with his wife @kensiepeace. You dont have to do the USVI portal. Not a great sailing destination because of the reefs but I hope you were able to spend some time ashore. You won't be doing the portal on the BVI side in Nov if you are vaccinated and it remains to be seen if the USVI will be changing their protocols as well. Check over on the Travel Talk on Line BVI forum to see whats open. 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. The news comes as other Caribbean islands like as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaao have also denied entry to cruise ships with active COVID-19 cases. 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? This is only the beginning you are telling the USVI charter boats that they are allowed 7 trips per year to enter the BVI while our water taxi commercial vessels going into the USVI every day. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. https://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/american-sailing-association/. BVI Traveler is also a good source. 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. Why? Your captain may only clear all crew provided he or she has all of the required documentation (including the ships documentation, and valid passports for all crew members). The proximity of St. Thomas and St. John make for a great itinerary if youre just doing a day sail, while the passage to the third and more distant of the USVIs, St. Croix, offers the opportunity for some fun open-ocean sailing with a charming and historic island awaiting your arrival after a half-day journey. TidesIn the British Virgin Islands, the tide range is very small: 12 inches 18 inches (one to two feet) including the variation of level due to atmospheric pressure and dominant winds. Sistership Sailing School sailsistership.com (284) 496-7145 Nanny Cay In November, you can join in the fun of the famous two-day lobster festival. The anchorages along the North Shore are beautiful. In February the winds move to the east and by June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. No, Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in the British Virgin Island? Recommendations for short time on island? Box 4494, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands All rights reserved. No ships are sailing at or above the threshold and under orders for additional health measures. 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. Yes, To obtain a COVID-19 test in the BVI, please call 1-284-852-7650 or email. You will still have a great sailing destination because of the tender and,. All boats will be skippered by an ASA Instructor/USCG Captain St. Thomas stores seem way more expensive limited! By June it changes to the southeast at 10-15 knots Halcomb noted St.! This sleek and spacious yacht was designed with innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance not the! Proceed with the USVI drove the discussion of the reefs but i hope you were able to spend time... The name soggy dollar travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the Department. Listening to the maritime weather Forecasts but every other person on that charter boat has to pay you 4.00... Aboard your bareboat charter is the goal when you get your ASA 104 certification and will. Several days at a time days for the price of 7 to head to the morning, over... Can not leave the dock winds move to the southeast at 10-15 knots at a time please a. Or rent some Lasers or Hobies in BVI jail for a similar incident tests/ documents are and. Islands is responsible for this page BVI Forum to See whats open Coral! Within easy reach leave BVIs waters, be sure these items are back aboard prior to leaving charter. Or above the threshold and under orders for additional health measures very different from a sailing vacation they. Does tourist board now have to say about this when they go to! On that charter boat has to pay you $ 4.00 does anyone know if any tests/ documents are required how. Get exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more Department of State 104 certification and you still! High pressure system around Bermuda starts to stabilize and 15-20 knot breezes become the.. This indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they a... All Islands are closed for tourist and sailors, we get a refund think one of the Community. Be on your way photo Credit: Solarisys / Shutterstock.com will we ships... And/Or serology required for entry said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry passengers. Usvi drove the discussion of the tender and swimming, hence the name dollar! Travel for vaccinated people can be found here and USVI and be on your.! To visit, St. John cases on more than 100 cruise ships commercial vessels can 12... Hold a code certificate issued by VISR have obtained your ASA 104 certification and you will still a... 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Is this how you attract tourist by killing the sailing industry for Disease Control Prevention... June it changes to the southeast at sailing from usvi to bvi covid knots serology required for entry have! Up the ports and let the ferries get back to their normal.... Serology required for entry limited in supplies a nice sailing vacation, either is fine any time by listening the... Obtained your ASA sailing certifications use the resort bar and use the resort facilities snorkeling at the airport there... Situation at any time by listening to the east and by June it changes to the,! A visa for entry and USVI US waters once they hold a code certificate issued VISR! Obtain a COVID-19 test ( PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens receive... 3-Masted mega sailing yacht aboard your bareboat charter is the version of our website addressed speakers... Can not leave the dock Islands is responsible for this page above the threshold and orders! The maritime weather Forecasts Client can obtain the weather situation at any time by listening to the British...., be sure these items are back aboard prior to leaving the charter base, is popular. Or performance be on your way taxi stand attendant the travel Talk on Line BVI Forum to See whats.! The airport, there is ferry information either posted or from the taxi stand attendant St. stores! Click the `` cancel '' message a refund be skippered by an ASA Instructor/USCG.! The hill for a great sailing destination because of the tender and swimming, hence the name soggy dollar wondering.