... to the
BVI!
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 |
This Web page
has tons of great
TIPS and practical
information
for your trip to the BVI.
Other than my own discounted sales of Island
guides & other products, this site is intended to be a valuable
RESOURCE. It is non-commercial, and unrelated to any charter company
or island business.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After
reading through this page, if you would like to be taken to the
"Best BVI links"
I could find on the Web, please click this logo .

I my opinion, the best BVI Guide is probably
a site for chartering called BareboatsBVI.com
|
 |
This
page and the BVI Links page noted above will give you information on almost
anything you could want to know about the BVI.
Trust me... book mark this page and work from here.
|
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flying to the
Islands...
- The two major destination airports that you consider when heading to the
BVI, are St. Thomas, USVI and Beef Island, BVI. A lot of people
go via St. Thomas because it is often cheaper than flying directly to Tortola
(Beef Island), and you will usually get routed through San Juan, Puerto Rico
when flying to the BVI. There are folks who save money by booking separate
flights from the US to San Juan, then from San Juan to Beef Island, as opposed
to booking straight through on one ticket. One important warning here is that
if you get delayed in (or getting to) San Juan and miss your connection, airlines
will not reimburse you for hotel stayovers unless you have booked the entire
journey straight through on one ticketing..
- The rates to the Caribbean, in general, are rather high, especially compared
to domestic destinations. Many say this is because US Airways and American
Airlines have a hold on the market. You will not find as many specials because
the limited flights fill pretty fast . Therefore, getting a reservation during
high season requires planning in advance.
- I feel that using Frequent Flier Miles (US Airways to St. Thomas) is a great
idea. Considering the ticket costs, you can really get your money's worth
from a F.F. ticket. Leaving a day early and trying to get bumped can be a
good strategy for those who are flexible. These packed flights are often looking
for volunteers to give up seats. Although they will only give you a voucher
for a domestic flight, that does go a long way to defraying your costs your
island trip!
- One small warning. When returning from STT,
keep in mind that you will need to go through customs on your way out
at the airport, even though you are a US citizen, and you may have just done
this at the STT ferry terminal coming in from the BVI. There's no problem,
really. It's just that you ought to plan to arrive at the STT airport 2 hours
before your flight. It's a nice, easy airport, actually. Just give yourself
some time.
- Airplane
seating!! Bad
leg room? Bad view of the movie monitor? A very cold exit row seat? Seat won't
reline? A sore topic for many, especially us tall folks.
Click
Here to go to a site that will tell you characteristics
of all seats of any plane on many airlines. This site is very cool! Go before
choosing your seats! Click
Here to see a forum
on getting the most from frequent flier miles, for virtually every airline.
- Staying on St. Thomas?
If your flight times into STT make it necessary to spend a night on
St. Thomas on either end of your charter, please email
me for suggestions. I have a pre-done list (with links and reviews) to
a range of well-liked accommodations on St. Thomas. You will find it very
helpful.
A
few tips about getting a taxi...
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- Wherever you arrive on the island (airport or ferry), taxies are always
readily available to get you to your hotel or charter company. A change in
fares 11/26/10, has made this a pretty expensive proposition.
- The fares are very high. Drivers are generally quite honest, so you
don't have to worry too much about being overcharged, but the rates are CONFUSING,
so don't be afraid to ask about sharing, and the "miscellaneous"
charges. Rates are "per person," but the add-ons can be bewildering.
- Click
Here to see the taxi rates ("tariffs")
for Tortola and the other islands - the links are at the bottom of that page.
Also, don't forget to look at the add-ons - "Miscellaeous tariffs."
You may want to pour yourself a painkiller first.
- If you are in a time-sensitive situation, it's sometimes best to avoid prearranged
pickups to catch ferries or airplanes. Most driver's intentions are good,
but they can easily get delayed.
- There always used to be cabs (almost always vans) that act as "buses"
who are more oriented to the lighter, stop & go, shared fares. These cabbies
often have their names in large letters across their windshields. Just flag
them down (or any taxi-van) and ask them how much they want to go to your
destination. Note that flagging down a cab, en route, usually yields
a cheaper ride than walking over to a cab stand. I am not sure how the new
rates will affect this, but locals getting to and from work certainly can't
pay these rates.
- Renting a car/jeep may be the way to go if you are going to be driving
around a little and/or you have more than two people in your group. It's usually
about $60-70/day for jeeps, less for cars. There is a $10 fee for a temporary
driver's license, however this is often ignored. It's the insurance
and deposit policies that can vary. Beware and compare! Many companies will
collect and deliver you (to hotel, ferry, airport, etc.) on either end of
your rental. Some will charge extra for this, but some will do it for no extra
charge. Click
Here for a list of rental
companies. Although driving the roads of the BVI is challenging, it can
be a lot of fun if you take your time. Crime in the BVI is very low, so you
don't have to worry about driving back roads and to remote locations. Jeep-type
vehicles are preferable not only for the occasional need for 4-wheel drive,
but also for higher ground clearance.
- While we're on the subject... if you're stuck on St. Thomas, in
transit, here's a list
of taxi fares there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About
the ferries...
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- There are numerous ferries running between the different islands of the
US and British Virgins. To view the different companies and their schedules,
scroll below to the 3 links I offer. Clicking on the ferry map will get you
to one of the better listings. There are also water taxi and shuttle
services, like Dohm's,
BVI WaterTaxi,
Dolphin
WaterTaxi, and Platinum
Yacht Charters that will take you almost anywhere in the BVI
and USVI. Getting to Jost Van Dyke from Cane Garden Bay, for those wanting
to spend a day at White Bay, or an evening at the famous Foxy's
Bar
or
other great eating spots, so there are several local outfits who make reasonably
priced runs from CGB. You can try calling ahead, or just show up and make
the arrangement. Here are the best known & liked: (1) Mitch ("Ocean
Magic") 499-9674 - info@oceanmagicbvi.com ; (2) Julian (Baby Bull
Watersports) 495-9627 -- You'll find them by the beach near Rhymer's and
the Big Banana.
- It you fly into St. Thomas, make note of when the last ferry of the
day is heading for Tortola. It may be as early 4:00 or 5:00pm
- As you can see from the map below, the ferry routes can get you almost anywhere,
including Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Anegada is best reached by air (or
of course, your own charter boat).
- For the first-timers, the array of ferry companies can be a little confusing.
You'll find Speedy's, Inter-Island, Nubian Princess, Native Son, Smith's,
and others. In fact, these are different companies, but they all work
cooperatively and seem to run together (often at the same docks, but not always).
If you state your destination, and you're at the wrong ticket window, you
will be cheerfully directed. Local folks also tend to think in terms of destinations,
not ferry company names, so if you're asking someone for a ferry dock location
or time, tell them where you're going.
- Note that you can depart St. Thomas from two locations, downtown Charlotte
Amalie (STT) or Red Hook (RH). You can arrive on Tortola either at West End
(WE) or Road Town (RT). You can see from the map below that a shorter taxi
ride on either end may mean a longer ferry ride. The total cost ends up more
or less the same, so let the times and destinations be your guide. Personally,
I'd rather spend more time on a boat than in a land vehicle.
- Furthermore, I recommend that you spend a couple bucks more to buy two one-way
tickets, instead of round trip , because you don't want to commit to one
company for your return.
- An important FYI --- there is a company called the Road Town Fast Ferry
(RTFF). It goes primarily between downtown Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas,
USVI) to Road Town (Tortola, BVI). This means no stops, faster
customs, which they claim will save you over an hour, in total. Click
Here to go to their site. In 2009, they have started a 9:00
pm night ferry from Red Hook (RH) to Road Town (Thursday - Sunday),
but at last check in late 2016, it was discontinued. This is a great service,
if you're arriving too late for last afternoon ferry, in that you won't have
to get a hotel on STT for the night, and ferry to Tortola in the morning -
so, it might be wise to check and see if they have resumed this run. By the
way, don't be confused with the Smiths' Ferry Service's "Tortola Fast
Ferry," even though RTFF's web address is actually www.tortolafastferry.com.
Geez... just click the map below and Bestofbvi.com's site has it all
laid out for you.
* Click
on the map to go directly to a very complete set of schedules,
and a fantastic FAQ. *

Ferry map courtesy of bestofbvi.com
You can also click Here
or Here
for schedules from other sources for ferry routes throughout the Virgin
Islands. Different schedules present the ferries in different ways. Some
routes that are included on one schedule may not be on another. Most individual
ferry companies are represented on these schedules, but you will notice that
occasionally times conflict. I think that the schedule & FAQ you see when
you click the map above is the BEST and
most up-to-date.
To offer more assistance, I am giving you links to the individual
ferry companies who maintain web sites:
Native
Son ...
Smith's ... Speedy's
... Road Town
Fast Ferry ... New
Horizon Ferry (to Jost)
A couple footnotes...
Smith's includes trips to Anegada,
New Horizon Ferry only goes
between Tortola & Jost,
Road Town Fast Ferry only goes between STT & Road Town,
Tortola.
~ ~ Miscellaneous HOT
TIPS and Practical Info ~ ~
- Get
there early...
Leave early for the airport coming back. We always plan to arrive
at the airport 2 1/2 hours before our scheduled departure at the St. Thomas
airport (less for Beef Island/Tortola). Delays can happen in the islands -
ferries, taxis, customs! It's "island time," mon. Consider arriving
a day or so early for your charter, and leave yourself a day on the back end.
Many charter folks try to make their visit a total of 10 days. This gives
you a day on the front end to prepare and provision, as well as a day on the
back end to reorganize to go home. It costs a lot to get there, you might
as well make the most of it! If you have hotel reservations for your
first and last nights surrounding a yacht charter, call to confirm
these before you leave home, just to be sure nothing has been lost in the
easy going Caribbean mode.
- Maps...
Click
Here to see a fantastic set of links to sites with BVI maps,
aerial photos, virtual tours, WEB Cams, and more. You'll also get a quick
tutorial on Caribbean geographical terms. Are you confused by "Lesser
Antilles" versus the "Greater Antilles," or, the "Leeward
Islands" versus the "Windward Islands"? You can fake it with
the best of them, now.
- Using
the phone...
My advice is to USE A CELL PHONE (read the cell section
below). Land line calling cards are confusing and often stupidly expensive.
A great option is SKYPE.COM
on your laptop, smart phone, or tablet. It seems works really well to call
from the BVI to the US for about 1.5 cents per minutes You will, of course
have to have a headset and a computer with Internet available local WIFI or
4G cellular Internet access. Facebook now has a similar free service
attached to their messaging function.
- Cell
phones...
Using cell phones in the BVI has gotten a lot less expensive over
the the past couple years, or so. US cell phones can work reasonably well
in line of sight of St. Thomas, with reasonable
roaming costs, depending on your company. People with AT&T Wireless, Sprint,
Cingular, Alltel, and Verizon have all reported this use in line
of sight of St. Thomas, but you need to be careful where
you are, and what a given call is actually costing you. This mostly pertains
to the Jost side of Tortola as far away as Gorda. Check with your home company
for rates or programs for the USVI. You should always tell them you'll be
out of the country - ask them about international roaming rates. There are
also discount plans in the BVI for purchasing quantities of minutes in advance
with your own cell phone that can save some people hundreds of dollars.
Here is your best option ~~~
If you are needing to use your cell often and
reliably in most locations throught the BVI, one of the best solutions is
to purchase an unlocked quad band phone (Amazon has them), and
purchase a BVI Sim Card from Lime in the BVI, or other vendors. It will still
have to be activated by FLOW
BVI (formerly LIME)-- although they will do this by a phone call (1-800-804-2994).
Calls back to the states are about 35cents/min, and local calls are even less.
Incoming calls to you are free. A couple good tips: You can
a buy BVI SIM card for about $25, with a 284 BVI #, from www.mrsimcard.com
. Adding time by dollar increments is a safe way of not overspending. Also
check out Digicel.
- The phone exchange in the BVI is area code (284), then 49 + the
5-digit local number. The old area code 809 is pretty much phased out, although
it's used in the Dominican Republic. WARNING... the 809 area code has
been used as 900-type number to scam dollars from unknowing stateside victims.
The moral is don't dial 809 numbers that you might see on an outdated Web
page on the Internet.
- Satellite
phone... for people who want a no-nonsense solution to keeping
in contact with business or family at home, you might consider renting a satellite
phone. A Google search will give you alternatives, but you can Click
Here for a link to a company that works with the Globalstar,
Inmarsat, and Iridium satellite networks.
- Internet
Access... Internet access is becoming much more
available in the BVI. Click
Here for a list of public access locations for Internet
use. Also find out about Cable & Wireless BVI's provision for temporary
Internet accounts to use when traveling with your laptop computer. TMM and
other charter companies are offering free or cheap WIFI (cellular) with their
yachts.
- Provisioning...
Click
Here for a comprehensive page on provisioning locations in
the BVI, as well as some use tips on the process.
- Restaurants...
Good restaurants exist all over the BVI. Just remember,
some of the best food comes out of the most modest looking venues. Don't let
the sandy floor and the loose chickens fool you. Click
here and here
for impressive lists of eateries throughout the islands. Here are some restaurant
locations guides for: Tortola,
Jost
Van Dyke, in
Road Town proper, Gorda,
and
Anegada,
- Holidays...
Click
Here
for the list and description of official holidays. Public
offices and many other things close on holidays or reduce their hours. However,
food shopping, gas, marinas, restaurants, ferries, and other "essential"
services are often open, at least for part of the day. Charter companies are
obviously open 7 days a week.
-
Passports
& ID...
A birth certificate and a
photo driver's license
used
to suffice, but as of January, 2007, US citizens
must have a
passport, as well as a proof of a return or onward ticket.
Click
Here to go to the State Department Web site for all you need
to know about acquiring a passport A passport card is supposedly okay by
water, but not if you are
flying directly into the BVI.. Plan
this well in advance because it can take 6-8 weeks, although it can be accelerated
to 2 weeks for special fee. You can expedite -
Click
Here
- Film...
Not much of an issue anymore, with everyone gone digital. For those
who still care, Click
Here to get the quick scoop on the airport scanners
and their affect on film .
Also, for the best photographic results in the Caribbean sunlight, consider
buying a polarizing filter for your camera. Click
Here for a great article about this filter on a professional
web site called edbergphoto.com. Also, Here.
- Lost
luggage... Even though it's usually
temporary, it seems more common on Caribbean flights, especially those with
layovers. Make sure your carry-on bag contains your necessities, including
a bathing suit, change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, an outrageous flowered
shirt, etc. If you are flying into St. Thomas and hopping the ferry to Tortola
(a different couintry !), you may want to think about doing strictly carryon,
so you don't have to worry about a delayed piece of checked baggage "island-hopping"
behind you on a different ferry and taxi. Most of the time, there's no problem,
so if you need to check luggage, do it.
- Luggage
restrictions... The TSA (Transportation Security
Administration) regulations for items permitted in checked and carryon luggage
can be confusing, as we all know. Check out the "What
To Know Before You Go" TSA web page. The list is incredibly
comprehensive, and well organized. Corkscrews, liquids, tools, medications,
etc... it's all there!
-
Clothing...
When it come to clothing, everyone overpacks. The BVI
is very casual, especially amongst the boating community. Bathing
suits, T-shirts, shorts, and sandals get you through most of your days.
Beware of the midday sun. It literally has four times
the burning power than the hours before and after! Bring some light, long
pants and a long sleeve shirt so you have the option of being covered. A
hat and sunglasses are considered important gear, especially out on the
water. You should understand that local folks do not appreciate people
strolling through town in their bathing suits. Casual is fine, exposed is
not. Finally, fair-skinned people may want wear a T-shirt and perhaps, even
long pants when snorkeling in the midday sun. I have seen many redheaded
people walking the beaches with the backs of their legs scorched from a
snorkeling session. Public nudity is technically illegal, so there
are no nude beaches. BVI folks are not too concerned with discreet body
exposure on yachts or quiet beaches, but they definitely do NOT appreciate
revealing clothing or swim suits worn in public places. Boat charterers...
remember collapsible suitcases or duffles are preferable when it comes to
storing those empty bags on your yacht. As a side point... whenever I'd
go sailing or land based in the islands, I'd bring a couple clean, fluffy,
but slightly old beach towels. At the end of the trip, when they are heavier,
dirtier (even if washed), I would leave them behind - thus, having some
spare space and weight allowance in my bag for the return trip. I figure
a bottle of rum or two might be a better use of my baggage space.
- Customs
duties... Duty is payable on many
imports with rates varying between 5% to 20%, however, some goods are
exempt. For visitors, imports entering the BVI on a temporary basis are not
subject to duty.
- Duty-free
shopping... Do not confuse the concept of a "duty-free
port" with your duty-free "exemption" or "allowance."
Most countries permit you to take a duty-free "exemption," which
means you don't have to pay any US Import tax bringing back goods worth up
to a certain amount. That figure is $800 for the BVI and $1200 for the USVI.
A "duty-free port" like the USVI is another story. Certain goods
imported to these islands are not subject to import tax duty, and therefore,
can be sold at a discount. (Theoretically, they have never truly entered the
country.) Because of BVI import tax laws, there are no duty-free bargains,
as in the USVI. For those who care, St. Thomas is duty free heaven, but be
forewarned that prices are not always better than what you can find in the
US, regardless of duties. There are other restrictions, depending on the type
of products. You can find the details on this page of the US
Customs web site. When you buy booze
at the airport on STT, you are allowed 6 litres per adult (One must be from
the USVI). The duty-free shop is inside the security area, so you can take
this as carry-on, without issue. If you change planes at an airport en route
to home, do not take your goods outside of the security area of that stop-over
airport, as you will be subject to the liquid restrictions of TSA's
"prohibited items"
- Money
& Credit Cards... The currency is the US
dollar; however, traveler's checks may be desirable, since smaller restaurants
may not honor credit cards. More and more, VISA or MC is
accepted, but there is often a surcharge (~3%). Fortunately, this is also
becoming less common. ATM's are available in more populated areas of
Tortola or Gorda, but all cards may not work. Here is a good link listing
ATM locations
. Cash is king. Canadians seem to find it easier to set up a USD bank account
at home, then use an ATM card in the BVI. Another word about credit cards...
if you don't travel out of the country much, you should notify your CC company
before you leave for the BVI. This will avoid possible "approval problems"
related to their theft protection. You should definitely tell them if you
place a provisioning pre-order. I would also strongly suggest asking your
credit card companies if they charge an extra percentage for charges made
in the BVI - a "foreign transaction fee." It seems unfair, since
the BVI uses US currency, but many cards do this. It may determine which card
you bring and use. Capital One MasterCard is one of the fee cards that does
not add this fee. Again, it's always wise to ask stores and restaurants, in
advance, so you'll be prepared. Charter companies are particularly known for
this extra charge, even for your pre-paying the charter over the phone - so
ask!
- Travel
Insurance... this can actually be a very good idea for
certain people, especially those chartering during hurricane season. It can
cover weather, illness (of anyone in your family, even if they're not going
with you), business relationships, default of the airlines or charter company,
and more. Click
Here to go to a web site with a good explanation of available
services, as well as a comparative listing of travel insurance products. Note
that the timing of your purchase can be important. The sooner you buy a policy
after the purchase of your flight, charter, etc., the better coverage you
get, especially with regard to preexisting conditions. A rule of thumb is
that you will get the best bang for your buck, buying a policy in less than
7 days of your travel tickets. Some can include medical evacuation coverage,
but if you have a ongoing medical condition, and you intend to travel overseas,
you ought to consider paying an annual premium for year-round coverage. Either
for short or long term, it's worth looking at. SkyMed
is a very well respected company used in the Caribbean, as well as around
the world.
- Stamps...
The BVI uses its own postage stamps.
- Taxes...
There is no sales tax. Hotel tax is 7 percent, often, plus a 10-percent
service charge! There is a departure tax, leaving the BVI, costing $20.00
by air or $5.00 by ferry. See "Tipping" below for a word on restaurant
taxes.
- Tipping...
Tipping is customary in the BVI. BEWARE - A confusing, and perhaps
unfortunate occurrence seen on restaurant bills is when a service charge/gratuity
is put on a line item called "tax." The problem is that there is
NO food tax in the BVI. Many visitors accept this practice, while others
ask management about this before leaving any additional tip. The tip on that
tax line is usually shared with other staff, so I usually give something extra
directly to the (deserving) wait person - but beware that you may be unthinkingly
giving a total of a 35% gratuity. Tip taxi drivers appropriately. They can
be a visitor's best ally. That being said, taxi fares have gone up immensely,
so I wouldn't be too generous, unless you get really personal service.
- Electricity...
The electrical current is the same as in the US, 110 volts,
60 cycle AC.
- Drinking
water... The water is quite safe in the BVI,
using a very effective reverse osmosis (salt water conversion). If a hotel,
villa, or restaurant is not on this "town water," then they probably
use their own cistern. Cistern water is usually quite safe, but if you have
doubts, bottled water is widely available.
- Time
zone... The time zone is Atlantic
Standard Time, one hour later than US Eastern Standard time. However,
AST and EST become the same during the months of Daylight Saving time, because
this East Coast practice is not observed in the islands.
- Climate...
Averages run something like this: 84°F degrees water
temperature, 84°F daytime air temperature, 1.95" monthly rainfall
(Jan-Apr), 3.3" monthly rainfall (May-Jul), 4.9" monthly rainfall
(Aug-Dec). Click
Here for the best
BVI weather links. Click
Here for a very nice summary of the year-round weather
and sea conditions.
- Religion...
Although about a third of the population is Methodist, there is quite a range
of other Protestant churches to choose from. About 10% are Catholic, and only
2% are "none." Click
Here for a very comprehensive list of churches.
- Beaches...
There are many beautiful beaches throught the BVI. Here is a very
comprehensive list of beaches
and bays throughout the BVI.
- Cruise
Ships... The presence of cruise
ships in the BVI has grown considerably over the past few years. The crowds
of people that can arrive and overrun a specific area often make the charterer
or low-key land visitor want to avoid certain destinations. Although crowded
conditions usually only last from mid morning to later afternoon, staying
clear, at those times, of places like Cane Garden Bay, Road Town, Gorda Baths,
and a few others would be a good idea. The best cruise ship schedule for your
planning is here
or here.
Check both, as staying up to date is not a strong suit of the islands.
- Sailing
to the USVI... This is a bit of a hassle, so you should
be sure it is worth your time, since there is more in the BVI than you could
possibly do in several charters. If you are going to go, you will have to
pass through customs on St. John or St. Thomas, going and leaving the
USVI, as well as clearing in and out of the BVI with fees.(US citizens can
clear out at the same time they clear in the USVI for a stay 3 or less days.)
If possible avoid Sundays and holidays because you will incur overtime charges.
Check with your charter company for the details when you arrive. Some folks
leave their yacht at a BVI anchorage, and ferry to the USVI. It can save a
lot of time, and be a lot more relaxing. It is very important to note that
it is more difficult for most BVI charter companies to do a chase call
to the USVI because their mechanics are usually not U.S. citizens (or even
BVI citizens). This means they technically need a VISA, and have to clear
in and out. Talk to your charter company about their level support in US waters.
For a good summary page of yacht clearance procedures, click
Here.
- Critters...
Click
Here to learn more on my "Critters
to Watch out For" page. Bird-watchers
look Here.
- Flowers
& trees... Click
Here to see a good PRINTABLE
tree guide.
- Moon
& Sun... Sunrise, sunset, moonrise,
moonset... As a newcomer to this latitude, you may find yourself surprised
by a quick sunset at 6:30pm in April. Northerners used to long summer evenings
often associate balmy weather with longer days. This is important to remember
when on a long snorkel or hike in the forest in the late afternoon.
You may find yourself in the dark when you don't expect or want it. Sunsets
range between about 6:00pm - 7:00pm throughout the year. http://www.bvimarineguide.com/index.html
Hey northerners!
Have you ever seen the crescent moon "smile" at you from
the sky? It's not common in the middle latitudes. You'll see it in the Caribbean
latitudes. Furthermore, since a full moon often rises around the time the
sun sets, try to position yourself some evening so that you can see both simultaneously.
Sitting on your boat watching the big orange ball melt into one horizon, while
a huge moon sphere rises eerily on the other horizon, is an experience you
will cherish for a lifetime. Or, for a less tranquil, more hedonistic full
moon experience, folks party at BOMBA's
(photos). I really prefer the full moon celebration at Trellis Bay, complete
with Mocko Jumbie dancers, and their famous fireball display. It's definitely
a better event for families. See the Trellis
Bay Web site for more information.
- Snorkeling
& Diving... If you don't own snorkeling gear,
consider buying your own gear before you go. A good fitting mask is critically
important if you want to enjoy snorkeling. My advice is to go to a diving
shop where experienced staff can ensure you get a proper mask fit. For some
insight, you can check
this site for a nice summary of the issues. Pay a little more,
and buy a silicone (vs. rubber) mask. Face shape, mustaches, and nose size
should all be accurately accommodated. There is also an interesting range
in snorkel types. Again, I think it's worth a few bucks more to buy a higher
quality snorkel with a silicone mouthpiece and a purge valve. If snorkeling
gear is included with your charter, you may want use the provided fins to
save luggage space. However, I cannot overemphasize the value having a perfectly
fitted mask. If you have to rent gear, a mask, snorkel and fins set will cost
about $6/day (the fins alone for $3). Three other small snorkeling items.
First, bring a netted snorkel gear bag with you. It is wonderful
for storing your gear, carrying your gear ashore, and rinsing it off. Second,
bring anti-fog liquid for your masks. (Baby shampoo works too.) You
can snorkel for two hours without having to rinse out. It works a lot better
than the traditional saliva treatment. Third, purchase a book identifying
fish of tropical coral reefs. The first time you go snorkeling, you will wish
you had one. Obviously, such books are available there, but a wonderful supplement
that you see in island shops are the waterproof, laminated cards for fish
and coral identification. It's a great thing to carry around in your snorkeling
gear bag. I actually sell a variety of ID items on my Sales
Page. Click the scuba diver below to see lots information on the subject,
including a list of well-loved snorkeling & diving locations -
some well known, some not so known !
- Fishing...
There is great fishing in the BVI, especially for boat folks. However,
fishing regulations are take VERY SERIOUSLY here. You MUST have a license
if you are an adult fishing from a boat, or you are going to handle the equipment
in any way. As of 2015, it is governed by the Conservation and Fisheries
Department (284-468-2700). You can get a license via this email contact
cfd@gov.vg (valid in May 2015) - or,
see this application here.
Also, outfits like Island Surf and Sail Watersports (described below)
and Shore Side
Yacht Services will help you through the process for a fee. Shore
Side is a full service agency also helping with clearance, customs, banking,
etc. Looking for some great bonefishing with a great guide? Check out Danny
on Anegada for the real thing !
- Water
Toys...
Contact
a great company called Island
Surf and Sail Watersports BVI
for a full range of water toy rentals including: paddleboards, surfing &
windsurfing boards, kayaks, fishing gear, floats, etc. They are located at
Nanny Cay Marina, on Tortola.
Here are some additional, helpful
links for divers and snorkelers.
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Click the diver to go to a resource page
listing SCUBA
outfits and
other great links for snorkeling and
diving in the BVI.
|
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Click the sailboat to go to a page listing
Day Sail outfits that offer snorkeling
excursions.
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Essential books
to buy before you go. These are a must! Click the book picture to read
about them. We've also got lots of other BVI goodies.
And, now you can purchase them at very low
prices on this site.
.... ..
My Sales Page -- Cruising and Diving
guides, maps, "Drinking Man's Guide to the BVI", and much
more...

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Franko's
BVI Map
This is my best selling item ~ It makes a fantastic gift for
fellow crew and travelling companions !

click to enlarge
26" x 18" foldable , waterproof
This one-of-a-kind map showing every notable scuba and snorkeling
site in the BVI. This is not just for the diver - it's a must for
any BVI visitor - by land or sea, especially for the price. It
includes main boating routes, land features, dive shops, 100+ fish
and coral ID pictures, anchorages, and much more.
Our Special price
$6.95
(suggested retail $9.00)
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Sailing & Cruising Links
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Virgin Islands Weather & Sailing Conditions
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What's chartering all about? Read a great explantion
& vivid description of what it means to charter in the BVI.
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An interesting and unusal range of interesting BVI links.
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The BVI, a tropical paradise!
PHOTOS
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Sailing Instruction
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|
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