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. 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. 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. 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. For dinner, try Fat Virgins for relaxed local fare or take the tender to one of many choices nearby. 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. ZBVI 780 kHz AM 8:00am daily and up-date every hour on the hour. True Blue Sailing School www.truebluesailing.com (284) 541-6666 P.O. West End, Tortola (Monday Sunday, 8:00a.m. Generally clear skies. Checking in to C&I in Cruz Bay can be difficult. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Well, you have a few questions, right? Our first stop is off Spanish Town so you can visit the Baths. 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. Great thanks, hopefully some positive changes in November. Royal Caribbean is inviting VI providers to offer feedback on existing tours and new tourism activities and opportunities that will enhance cruise passengers experiences. 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. Thank you for reading! 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. Getting to the US Virgin Islands is easier and if you factor in ferries and taxes the USVI is cheaper. Interested in a sail aboard Arabella? No, Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? 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. 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! The Moorings offers a wide range of charter options to suit every guest. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Yes, To obtain a COVID-19 test in the BVI, please call 1-284-852-7650 or email. 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. Visit Saba Rock for happy hour and see the feeding of the fish. Both the north and south coasts of St. Thomas have destinations for boating, swimming, diving, and exploring. There are high quality grocery stores that will deliver. P.O. 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 I am curious if you liked STX? Discovering the beauty of BVI is all about uncovering the unique character of each island in this unspoiled volcanic archipelago. Day 6: After a leisurely start to the morning, sail over to Norman Island. There is excellent snorkeling nearby and the beach club has comfortable chairs for resting underneath the palm trees. Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? But if youve been dreaming about a BVI sailing vacation being limited to just the USVI wont measure up. Four marinas, including Compass Point Marina make nearby Banner Bay another option for moorings, provisioning, and other boater services. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The anchorages along the North Shore are beautiful. Day 8: Back to Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina to disembark. Box 4350 Road Town Tortola, BVICaribbean. Check over on the Travel Talk on Line BVI forum to see whats open. Our friend Bridget has never chartered in the USVI, but she is giving it a try. Recommendations for short time on island? Does anyone know if any tests/ documents are required and how well this is enforced? Weather updates are given hourly during severe weather. 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. In the afternoon, sail over to Cooper Island. Can we please fully open up the ports and let the ferries get back to their normal schedules. Start early and raise the sails for one last glorious sail back to Road Town. 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. 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. 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. GotoSailing. Just my opinion but.if protocols do change, the only USVI worth visiting is (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. more, British Virgin Islands Destination Experts. Reissued with updates to health information. Then, a certified negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within five days of arrival must be uploaded. WX 03 (not available in all areas). I'm wondering if we should proceed with the USVI or try to delay another year. No; Travelers may enter BVI through Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) and the seaports 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. Select one of our islands below to learn more about what each island has to offer. 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. So, it turned out to be a very successful negotiation, Fahie said. 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. Not a great sailing destination because of the reefs but I hope you were able to spend some time ashore. For Canadian and United States citizens, a passport is required. Now available for charter, this sleek and spacious yacht was designed with innovation in mind, without sacrificing comfort or performance. 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. Everybody has their favorites. total nonsense. I wonder if any provision is being made at SSB to pay workers if they decided to closed down any charter companies. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. This summer, Royal Caribbean Group will begin requiring that their guests and crew receive a COVID-19 vaccine before boarding, Ms. Halcomb said. When are we going to make it easy for the foreign yachts to come and spend money in our economy? Welcome! We are dreaming about BVI charter in the winter, and we hope that coronavirus situation will be under control by then. Gov. 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. Flying into St. Thomas, USVI is a popular option. Great snorkeling around Watermelon Cay. So didnt the usvi had restrictions too ??????? Make for North Lee Bay, Fallen Jerusalem, for amazing swimming and snorkeling among vibrant marine life. Copyright 2023 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. Tortola Island is both the BVIs capital, and our largest island. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111252701', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');St. John. We are dreaming about BVI charter in the winter, and we hope that coronavirus situation will be under control by then. USVI, BVI turn away A good question for TTOL. 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? Get ready to sail the BVI. and White Bay, See All British Virgin Islands Conversations, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Autograph Collection. 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. Additional fees will apply. The Premier noted his government remains committed to working towards the further development and improvement of the maritime industry in the territory. 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. Just worried the BVIs could be a bit of a ghost town this November. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. A bonfire on the beach, romantic cocktails on the deck, day 2 will reset your soul. 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. 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. ASA members get a discount with Dream Yacht Charter and their base is located on Scrub Island. Travelers are no longer required to be screened upon arrival for the COVID-19 virus. I also think the BVI will be open by then at least to allow charters into their waters. 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. V.H.F. Also consider, that if the BVI are still shuttered, youll have a lot more boats plying the waters in the USVI. Recommendations for short time on island? The private island resort manages a mooring field and also welcomes boaters to visit the resorts beach club for dining, drinks, or shopping. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. 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? U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. 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. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The South Shore, not so much. 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. And they dont move too document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Follow us on facebook and/or subscribe to our RSS Feed. Its the only way to stop this crazy sk**tery going on over there. This temporary trade license and work permit business is not working. Fahie said this indicates that BVI commercial vessels can carry 12 passengers into US waters once they hold a code certificate issued by VISR. But of course it may not be. 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. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Beaches, snorkeling, sun and sand await. Which vaccines are available in the British Virgin Islands? 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. You used to be able to go to customs on Tortola, pay the fee, and be on your way. 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. European citizens need a valid passport to enter the British Virgin Islands. For entry requirements for all U.S. bound travelers, please review the following page: Has the government of the British Virgin Island approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? what does tourist board now have to say about this when they go overseas to promote bvi. 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. For more information or questions, contact the offices of Immigrationand Customs. https://www.bvitourism.com/arriving-by-sea. Sistership Sailing School sailsistership.com (284) 496-7145 Nanny Cay 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 Home Return to search results Bali 4.6 | HOYT Return to search results Bali 4.6 | HOYT Don't forget to stop off again at any of the above listed BVI ports of entry on return to the British Virgin Islands. The majority of ships not reporting COVID cases have yet to resume sailing with passengers. Visit the Soggy Dollar Bar to try their infamous painkiller cocktail or head to Foxys and Corsairs at Great Harbour. Box 4494, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands All rights reserved. As of Monday evening, the CDC reported that nearly 70 ships have had outbreaks that have triggered an investigation by the agency and seven ships have cases, but are below that threshold. 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. Have fun! Seems this day is long gone while BVI and USVI in a head to head duel to over regulate all passenger carrying vessels in each others waters. Who advising and making these decisions? And should we insist on the right to cancel in case BVI are closed? Day 7: Explore the caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck, RMS Rhone that sank in 1867. Text "COVID19USVI" to 888777 to receive notifications. Check our sailing schedule on the 157-foot 3-masted mega sailing yacht. Effective 15th July 2022, all entry COVID-19 testing requirements have been revoked. This is the Caribbean paradise you have had wild dreams about. Day 3: Sail to the low-lying coral island of Anegada to see flamingos, salt ponds and white sandy beaches. There is also a full spa with relaxing massages nearby. The National Park on St John provides pristine anchorages with no noise and very few lights on the hills. 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. V.I. They are different experiences and the BVI is the sailing capital of the Caribbean for a reason. 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. They have been in business over 30 years and have everything from a Beneteau 38 to a Saba 50 catamaran. 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. Shop My Style Essentials for the British Virgin Islands! Why? Get answers to your questions about British Virgin Islands, Last Minute Hotels in British Virgin Islands, Browse all 10,372 British Virgin Islands topics . Sailing holiday in Caribbean . Does this mean that Royal Caribbean thinks the Conditional Sail Order will be lifted sooner rather than later? BVINews.com and the editorial content, graphics, and products of the BVINews.com website, unless otherwise noted, are the products of BVINews.com, Graphic Design (BV) Limited.The information presented on BVINews.com is copyrighted as collective work. All sailing abilities welcome from novice to experienced. Home ; Destinations . The Community Business Forum series is an initiative of the Office of the Governor, the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, and the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with Royal Caribbean Group and designed to help the USVI business community rebuild and prepare for the restart of cruise calls. 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. No fishing license required. The evening is another opportunity to take advantage of the many dining options in North Sound. Free up the USVI charter boats that you guys restricted from coming to BVI since Covid . These are not BVI businesses. Dinner is ashore and there is usually a dancing crowd at Foxys late night. Now they not issuing permits for charter boats. Customs and Immigration offices are located in the following areas: U.S. citizens travelling 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. Governor Byran getting pressure to act on banning commercial vessels/ water taxi from entering USVI if BVI dont free up USVI charter boat. Select Language. Telephone + (246) 227-4399 Emergency + (246) 227-4000 Fax + (246) 431-0179 Email BridgetownACS@state.gov Website U.S.