British Virgin Islands - A True Destination for Exclusive Sailing
The islands provide you and your crew with countless sailing opportunities between the tens of islands, inhabited or deseted, lots of sunny days throughout the year and a very nice touristic infrastructure allowing for an unforgettable experience in the Caribbean.
General Info
The 16 inhabited and 43 uninhabited islands of the British Virgin Islands group are the perfect place for a sailing holiday for any Yacht Charter enthusiast since they offer a lovely scenery, even lovelier weather and plenty of sailing opportunities in the Caribbean. In fact, sailing is the only way to get from one island to another.
The British Virgin Islands are just east of the American Virgin Islands and of Puerto Rico, in the central Caribbean. Made either of coral or extinct volcanoes, this sunny tropical paradise has fair weather all year round, moderated by the east trade winds with few temperature changes even during hurricane season. Since the economy of the country relies heavily (45% of the national income), you can expect great Yacht Charter services.
The island of Tortola is the largest one of the group and the most visited destination, with the capital city of Road Town being the obligatory stop for all who arrive for their Yacht Charter vacation. The majority of the visitors arrive here by cruise boat, but there are also airplanes flying to the British Virgin Islands. However, expect to change planes in San Juan on Puerto Rico since Beef Island airport servicing the archipelago is suited for large aircraft.
Law & Order
Since it’s a British overseas territory, laws are very well enforced in the Virgin Islands so expect passport and immigration controls. All arriving Yacht Charter tourists must be in possession of a valid passport for at least another 6 months. Visas are not required for US, Canada and European citizens but for some other 90 countries, including Caribbean ones, do require a travel visa which can be acquired from Immigration HQ in Road Town.
Upon entering national waters, you must proceed to a port of entry and clear immigration controls. In order to do so, you must have the ship’s papers, passports of all the crew, and clearance from the last port of call, as well as a complete Yacht Charter crew list. Boats are allowed 30 days to sail around the British Virgin Islands for with a cruising permit which is issued for a fee which is based on tonnage. This is also required for chartered boats as well.
Other important things to know for Yacht Charter skippers are the fact that weapons are strictly prohibited on board during your stay and will be relinquished to immigration control until your departure, jet skis should also be cleared by immigration. Their use is prohibited within the national waters as is fishing without a permit, lobstering and collecting live shells.