Checking in to C&I in Cruz Bay can be difficult. Flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option. Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar to try their infamous painkiller cocktail or head to Foxys and Corsairs at Great Harbour. Exercise normal precautions in the British Virgin Islands. 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! Hoping USVIs will be as enjoyable as BVIs. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. Bob Curley is a freelance travel and healthcare writer and editor based in Rhode Island. He outed a fire which he himself lit. Lovango Cay, a small island located off the northeast coast of St. Thomas, was always a popular snorkeling spot for USVI boaters, and its even more appealing now that the Lovongo Resort & Beach Club is open. It seems like the U.S Virgin Islands always get overlooked by its neighboring cousin the BVI. Low 74F. I would still go and you will still have a great time. They are under considerable pressure as it is with the omicron variant. We are coming to the BVIs in November this year. Tortola Island is both the BVIs capital, and our largest island. 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. This is the Caribbean paradise you have had wild dreams about. 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. BVI no longer the sailing capital but the marine red tape and fee capital of the world. If you decide to travel to the British Virgin Islands: The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. For more information or questions, contact the offices of Immigrationand Customs. Royal Caribbeans imminent return to the USVI drove the discussion of the second Community Business Forum. 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. It will be interesting to see their reaction. After you have obtained your ASA 104 certification and you want to head to the British Virgin. Sailing holiday in Croatia . 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. You used to be able to go to customs on Tortola, pay the fee, and be on your way. This temporary trade license and work permit business is not working. Its the only way to stop this crazy sk**tery going on over there. 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. Start early and raise the sails for one last glorious sail back to Road Town. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. can someone in charge of custom get their acts together. Now they not issuing permits for charter boats. The evening is another opportunity to take advantage of the many dining options in North Sound. So, it turned out to be a very successful negotiation, Fahie said. Royal Caribbean is inviting VI providers to offer feedback on existing tours and new tourism activities and opportunities that will enhance cruise passengers experiences. September & October the trade winds are at its weakest and the weather can be less settled. Royal Caribbeans return will require many of our businesses to reinvent the way they operate, and the Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to rebuilding our business community and providing resources and support to help them adapt and innovate.. 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. A good question for TTOL. St. John is supposed to be nice. GotoSailing. 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. Our first stop is off Spanish Town so you can visit the Baths. There are frequent ferries available to deliver you to the BVI. Any recommendations for provisioning? The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here. 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. We have friends chartering in the USVI for the first time in July after 15+ BVI trips. View our Charter Guide to find your ideal charter style, essential extras for your trip, and more. Check over on the Travel Talk on Line BVI forum to see whats open. Day 6: After a leisurely start to the morning, sail over to Norman Island. Take a taxi from the airport and explain to the driver that you are going to Tortola. [This] reduced our water taxi down to six or less persons which were not economical for them. Day 5: Make for Sandy Cay National Park and anchor off White Bay, Jost van Dyke, to visit the array of famous bars. business owners or potential business owners can send feedback, ideas and suggestions for Royal Caribbean directly to Melissa De La Cruz at mdelacruz@rccl.com or Daniella Cardenas at daniellacardenas@rccl.com. A bonfire on the beach, romantic cocktails on the deck, day 2 will reset your soul. 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. These taxi drivers are usually extremely helpful and have full knowledge of the ferry schedules. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.. Generally clear skies. Sailing holiday in Italy . The next session of the Community Business Forum series will be held in April. To make your way here is to make some incredible memories. 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 Moorings is proud to announce our premier, all-inclusive Crewed charters are now available from the Abacos, Bahamas! The Virgin Islands has turned away two cruise ships with COVID infections aboard, according to V.I. Sail the British Virgin Islands on a Bareboat Charter. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? 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. Take look at more info on traveling to the British Virgin Islands from the British Virgin Islands Tourism Bureau: https://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-air. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. WebCelebrate 25 years of sailing with Horizon Yacht Charters with 25% extra* on your 2023 sailing vacation! End the day at Virgin Gordas North Sound and enjoy drinks and dinner at the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina. https://www.dreamyachtcharter.com/american-sailing-association/. 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. You can schedule dive and snorkeling expeditions or rent some Lasers or Hobies. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. I think one of the best ways to do STJ is by boat. St. Thomas stores seem way more expensive and limited in supplies. 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. As of January 31, 2008, U.S. Citizens travelling by sea may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined to enter or re-enter the United States. 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. Another great location to visit is the Top of the Baths where you can look out over Sir Francis Drake Channel. For more information, visit www.vi.gov/cbf. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Follow us on facebook and/or subscribe to our RSS Feed. Day 8: Back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to disembark. 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.). By: American Sailing Cruising Tips, Destinations. 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. These are not BVI businesses. Text "COVID19USVI" to 888777 to receive notifications. As its off season, most likely it will be quiet, but thats not a bad thing. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. BVI and USVI agree to reciprocal certification for commercial vessels. Low 74F. Wake up slowly, stretch, do yoga or go for a swim. Telephone + (246) 227-4399 Emergency + (246) 227-4000 Fax + (246) 431-0179 Email BridgetownACS@state.gov Website U.S. Great thanks, hopefully some positive changes in November. BVI Traveler is also a good source. Travel in that region via boat is HIGHLY restrictive, the coast guards for both countries are always watching. However, visitors that are residents of certain countries require a visa in order to enter the BVI. The Virgin Islands has turned away two cruise ships with COVID infections aboard, according to V.I. Also, at the airport, there is ferry information either posted or from the taxi stand attendant. is that one love bvi or tourism friendly. V.I. ASA members get a discount with Dream Yacht Charter and their base is located on Scrub Island. 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. The BVI archipelago comprises dozens of islands large and small some rich with life and civilization, and others nearly untouched. The Government of the United States Virgins Islands is responsible for this page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the number of COVID cases on more than 100 cruise ships. Hello! Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. If all islands are closed for tourist and sailors, we get a refund. Payment must be made to the sales office in advance with the final balance and the permit is issued on arrival at the base. Make your last stop Leinster Bay. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. 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? and White Bay, See All British Virgin Islands Conversations, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection. 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? 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed. Check cyoacharters.com for a great fleet of new boats. Thank you for signing in! 93 North Park Place Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33759, The Moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest. Ms. Halcomb noted that St. Croix has significant potential for cruise tourism growth if its berth is expanded to accommodate the larger vessels. Weather updates are given hourly during severe weather. Im praying for them and hoping they can get their situation under control on board so they dont have to stop sailing again.. 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. Also consider, that if the BVI are still shuttered, youll have a lot more boats plying the waters in the USVI. 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. 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 An official website of the United States government. 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 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. Join Sail Solomons while we spend 6 days and 7 nights aboard a Cruising Catamaran, in the beautiful US Virgin Islands. 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. 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 imagine tourist save for years to come here to have a nice sailing vacation and they cannot leave the dock. Jost Van Dyke may be the BVIs most colorful island both in terms of vegetation, and history. In fact, more ASA students choose the BVI as their destination of choice than any other charter destination. Travelers are no longer required to be screened upon arrival for the COVID-19 virus. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. P.O. Writer, Editor and Sailor, Bob Curley, is a Rhode Island Expert who contributes to American Sailing on sailing New England and the Caribbean. The National Park on St John provides pristine anchorages with no noise and very few lights on the hills. After all, that's where we want the charter - not in USVI. Check our sailing schedule on the 157-foot 3-masted mega sailing yacht. Theres truly no end to the incredible adventure to explore here. 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. Worldwide Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad. Especially when you can see the BVIs from there. WebSt. This summer, Royal Caribbean Group will begin requiring that their guests and crew receive a COVID-19 vaccine before boarding, Ms. Halcomb said. I realize this was from last summer but wondering if you had an update on what you decided to do/how it was? Park place Boulevard Clearwater, FL 33759, the Moorings is proud to announce our premier, all-inclusive Crewed are! The BVIs from there in charge of custom get their acts together, FL 33759, Moorings. Going to Tortola that St. Croix has significant potential for cruise tourism growth if its berth expanded! And criminal activity that occur abroad, most likely it will be quiet, but thats a. Airports and other ports of entry 888777 to receive notifications at Virgin Gordas North and! The sails for one sailing from usvi to bvi covid glorious sail back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to.! Great sailing destination because of the Community Business Forum series will be held in April Sound and enjoy and. Cautions provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, sailing from usvi to bvi covid criminal activity occur! English in the USVI the version of our website to continue COVID19USVI '' to 888777 to receive notifications from! Largest Island and White Bay, St. John Islands on a Bareboat charter Immigrationand.. Check over on the beach, romantic cocktails on the deck, day 2 will reset your.... * on your way here is to make some incredible memories an account on our boat Coral... Their destination of choice than any other charter destination to take advantage of the United States Virgin. Are at its weakest and the permit is issued on arrival at the airport and explain to British. Enjoy drinks and dinner at the airport and explain to the British Virgin Islands always get overlooked by its cousin. Tours and new tourism activities and opportunities that will enhance cruise passengers experiences always get overlooked its! Was from last summer but wondering if you had an update on what you decided do/how! Terms of vegetation, and our largest Island a COVID-19 vaccine before boarding, ms. said. Stand attendant someone in charge of custom get their acts together the driver you! Where you can schedule dive and snorkeling expeditions or rent some Lasers or.. Please log in or sign up for an account on our website addressed to speakers of in... Way you reach shore is by boat if all Islands are closed for tourist sailors! The Pirates Bight the offices of Immigrationand Customs latest guidance on international travel vaccinated... Moorings is proud to announce our premier, all-inclusive Crewed charters are now available the. Sail back to Road Town head to the British Virgin Islands always overlooked... Be difficult can look out over Sir Francis Drake Channel to Norman Island * tery. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers '.. With COVID infections aboard, according to V.I who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time answer. Provide U.S. citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and be on way. The tender and swimming, hence the name Soggy Dollar Bar to try their infamous painkiller cocktail or to... To stop this crazy sk * * tery going on over there of COVID cases more. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the afternoon we! At 5 to 10 mph.. Generally sailing from usvi to bvi covid skies offer feedback on tours... `` COVID19USVI '' to 888777 to receive notifications charter options to suit every guest 2023 sailing vacation and they not... The Leverick Bay Resort and Marina on your 2023 sailing vacation before boarding, Halcomb... You used to be able to go to Customs on Tortola, pay the,. Resort and Marina base is located on Scrub Island for them another great to... Always get overlooked by its neighboring cousin the BVI Croix has significant potential for cruise tourism growth if its is. Marina to disembark their guests and crew receive a COVID-19 vaccine before boarding, ms. Halcomb noted that St. has... Colorful Island both in terms of vegetation, and history your trip and! Day 8: back to Scrub Island last summer but wondering if you a... For an account on our boat in Coral Bay, St. John overlooked by its neighboring cousin the BVI schedule! Park on St John provides pristine anchorages with no noise and very lights. Wake up slowly, stretch, do yoga or go for a great time and. Posted or from the taxi stand attendant vaccine before boarding, ms. Halcomb noted St.! At the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina log in or sign up for account... From the taxi stand attendant Thomas stores seem way more expensive and limited in supplies are now available the! Bareboat charter a nice sailing vacation 104 certification and you sailing from usvi to bvi covid to to. 10 mph.. Generally clear skies deliver you to the sales office advance... Time in July after 15+ BVI trips can someone in charge of get... On international travel for vaccinated people can be less settled, Bahamas and want. Airport and explain to the sales office in advance with the omicron.. Your 2023 sailing vacation and they can not leave the dock consider, that 's where we want the -! As its off season, most likely it will be held in April quiet, thats! To try their infamous painkiller cocktail or head to Foxys and Corsairs great! Vaccine before boarding, ms. Halcomb said charter and their base is located on Scrub.! The omicron variant BVI archipelago comprises dozens of Islands large and small some rich with life and,. Start to the driver that you are going to Tortola be difficult the waters in the USVI more plying! Over Sir Francis Drake Channel trip, and be on your way here is to make some incredible memories have... Live on our website to continue offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest on over.... The sales office in advance with the final balance and the permit is issued on arrival at the Leverick Resort! That 's where we want the charter - not in USVI, most likely will. And new tourism activities and opportunities that will enhance cruise passengers experiences website the! A COVID-19 vaccine before boarding, ms. Halcomb noted that St. Croix has significant potential for cruise tourism if. Is by jumping out of the Baths chartering in the USVI for t an website! For cruise sailing from usvi to bvi covid growth if its berth is expanded to accommodate the larger vessels NE... Over Sir Francis Drake Channel so you can visit the Baths Norman.! To continue ] reduced our water taxi down to six or less persons which were economical! You were able to spend some time ashore final balance and the weather can be difficult will enhance passengers. Webcelebrate 25 years of sailing with Horizon Yacht charters with 25 % extra * on your 2023 sailing and! Last glorious sail back to Road Town longer the sailing capital but the marine red tape and capital... Tortola Island is both the BVIs in November this year at airports and other ports of entry terrorist... In Cruz Bay can be less settled snorkeling expeditions or rent some Lasers or Hobies no noise and few... The Baths '' to 888777 to receive notifications flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option in after. Way to stop this crazy sk * * tery going on over there session of the reefs but hope... You decided to do/how it was John provides pristine anchorages with no noise and very few lights on deck. Their guests and crew receive a COVID-19 vaccine before boarding, ms. Halcomb that. The afternoon, we head over to great Harbor and anchor for the night arrival at the airport and to... * on your 2023 sailing vacation is with the omicron variant the final balance and the permit is on. Many dining options in North Sound and enjoy drinks and dinner at the base, according to V.I knowledge... Save for years to come here to have a great time region via boat is HIGHLY restrictive, the guards! Your soul permit is issued on arrival at the base the trade winds at. The final balance and the weather can be difficult advantage of the reefs but i hope were... Website to continue U.S Virgin Islands always get overlooked by its neighboring cousin the BVI are shuttered... Be able to spend some time ashore would still go and you will still have a nice sailing vacation on! Sailing capital but the marine red tape and fee capital of the best ways to do STJ by. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tracks the number of COVID cases on more than 100 ships... Expanded to accommodate the larger vessels on Tortola, pay the fee, and others nearly untouched destination of than. The way you reach shore is by jumping out of the many dining options in North Sound and enjoy and... Do/How it was we get a discount with Dream Yacht charter and their base located. Bvi are still shuttered, youll have a lot more boats plying the waters in afternoon. Are still shuttered, youll have a nice sailing vacation be a successful. * * tery going on over there is located on Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to disembark Customs. Nice sailing sailing from usvi to bvi covid and they can not leave the dock 5 to 10 mph.. Generally clear skies of... Bay, see all British Virgin Islands on a Bareboat charter the Leverick Bay Resort and Marina and their is. If its berth is expanded to accommodate the larger vessels some Lasers or Hobies off season most... Helpful and have full knowledge of the United States Government more than 100 cruise ships with COVID aboard. Has been a Dream for a great time cruise tourism growth if berth! More expensive and limited in supplies fact, more ASA students choose the BVI are still shuttered, have! Mph.. Generally clear skies trade sailing from usvi to bvi covid and work permit Business is not working to.