The BVI for Dummies BVI fully crewed or bareboat luxury yacht charter vacation guide. British Virgin Islands Caribbean cruise on a charter yacht. Grenadines crewed and bareboat yachts.

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The BVI....this uniquely beautiful archipelago of islands in the Caribbean is the place to be to enjoy stress-free sailing for short distances in gentle trade winds. It's equally nice to capture a spot on one of our tiny pieces of paradise and sit back and just watch the yachts as they meander from island to island. Some decide to do both and either split their time between land accommodation and yacht or indulge themselves with both - using their private yacht as a limo enjoying on a whim each island's special charm and possibilities.  Click Here for access to a list of yachts that are available to cruise the BVI or Contact Us here at Boat BVI so we can customize your personal cruise.

Christopher Columbus, on his second voyage to the New World, named these islands in honor of Saint Ursula and her 10,000 virgins. There are not quite 10,000 islands but it certainly seems like it as you cruise through this marvelous tropical archipelago.

Please note the suggested itineraries on our web site, all of us here at Boat BVI have had extensive experience in the islands and we love to share our favorite places with you.

CHARTER A BOAT OR A YACHT IN THE BVI
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Documentation and Cruising Taxes

Very Important Information, Please take the time to read
 
In the wake of 9/11 and the Patriot Act, The Dept. of Homeland Security has been gradually introducing  changes to US customs and immigration regulations. The BVI has not changed it's immigration policy so it's still possible to get into the BVI with an original birth certificate or passport. HOWEVER US citizens will need a US  passport in order to RETURN to the United States. A birth certificate will no longer be accepted as a valid document to return to the US.

This is a changing situation and you should check with your carrier or travel agent prior to departure to make sure everyone in your party has the correct documentation.

The BVI is British Territory and a current passport from your country of nationality is required, US Citizens can no longer present their original birth certificate in lieu of a passport, because they will not be able to return to the US without a passport.  All boats, that originate in St. Thomas need to stop in to a recognized port of entry in the BVI to gain entrance and pay taxes. These entry points are Road Town, West End, and Jost van Dyke.

Vessels returning from the BVI or other non-US ports must advise US Customs in writing and on-line 24 hours prior to arrival in a US port and provide names and nationalities of all crew and passengers.

The BVI cruising tax is $4 per person per day of cruising plus a fixed amount for the boat usually in the area of $40 to $50 dollars.

How to get to the BVI

If you are flying from the US mainland or other Caribbean location, you can fly into St. Thomas USVI and then take another flight on a commuter aircraft to Beef Island Airport on Tortola. American Airlines, Spirit Air and others fly directly into St. Thomas from many mainland destinations and from Puerto Rico. You can fly from Puerto Rico to Beef Island in Tortola on American Eagles and other smaller carriers.

You can also get to Tortola by Ferry from either St. Thomas Harbor or from Red Hook on the East side.

If you are chartering a crewed yacht in a party of 6 or fewer guests, you can arrange to have the yacht pick you up in St. Thomas or other location in the Virgins.