Looking for travel advice - BVI bareboat

[Jake N Eggs]

I have been in contact with a couple of charter company's. One is based out of the USVI which is 15 minutes from the marina and the other is starting from the BVI which requires taking a ferry to and from. We would have to clear customs from the USVI into the BVI and the same in return. Since this is our first away charter, how is it for clearing customs? I'd hate to waste a lot of time on customs back and forth than sailing and enjoying vacation.

Looking for some feedback from those have experienced this.

The ferry drops everyone off at once. I would say 20 to 45 minutes at both ends. It depends on where you are in line. The luggage unloads first. Usually the ferries arrive one at a time. Immigration and Customs are a PITA no matter where you go but if you will cruise in the BVI's I suggest to take the ferry to Tortola. The fast ferry takes about an hour. (Road Town)

Don't forget that you will be in the Islands and nothing happens as fast as you would expect. Enjoy your vacation.

 

[chp]

Just returned from BVI. What a great trip. Didn't want it to end. BVI yacht charters was great to deal with. Our boat, a 08 Beneteau 34', was in really good shape. The boat was clean and everything worked well. When I had any questions all I had to do was phone which you have on board. The sailing was great. Lots of wind and sometimes waves. The breifing was well done and gave suggestions of places to go and where not to go. Was also given a full marine weather package for the week. If you use this company, keep an eye for specials. They do a lot of shows and you can get some good deals. I was about to book our trip last October when I noticed on their specials they were giving a 20% discount at the Annapolis boat show which we were already planning on going to. Abbie and Cassie are great to deal with as we had to make a few changes to our dates. The biggest change being the snowstorm that cancelled our flight. Since the boat was still available they just backed us up 1 day so we didn't loose any days. This was their idea. I didn't even ask.

 

[chp]

As for getting there, American does fly to Tortolla. We did that to get there. We flew out of St. Thomas home. Took the fast ferry. The departure tax is only $5 per person. I believe they charge $35 at the airport. As mentioned nothing happens fast in the islands. The biggest pain is the customs. When we arrived in Tortolla it took us about 45 minutes to clear. Was about the same in St. Thomas. Keep this in mind if time is tight. One last thing about the sailing. If this is your first time chartering, this is the place to do it. Just watch for squalls. Our fist day the wind was 20-25 knts and waves 6-8'. We got hit with a 15 minute squall which produced winds gusting to 35 knts. Fortunately we had only the jib up. Got pretty exciting doing 9 knts. with large beaking following waves.

 

[Hannah Quinn]

Thanks for the your feedback. Sounds very exciting. It looks like we're going to go with CYOA Charters. They have a 2012 Hunter e36 based out of Frenchtown Marinia is the USVI and travel up through the BVI.

 

[Sanjuan26]

Check out Traveltalkonlinecom web site they have a BVI form with loads of information specific to charters. Join and you can get discounts in the marinas in the BVI

 

[Jellis]

Looking to book a bareboat charter in the BVI Christmas this year. Figured try to book now. Looking for recommendations on charter service, etc. possible travel agents that help make arrangements, etc? Just my wife, teenage daughter and I.

Thanks

We cruised BVI Feb 2-10. Charter was with Voyage Charters at Soppers Hole. They provided excellent equipment, service, and advice at much better price than The Moorings. We were generally satisfied with The Moorings for our previous BVI charter and a St. Martin charter. But we'll use Voyage Charters again for our next charter.

Jellis