by Sailorman Chuck

Caribbean Adventures

Important Random Stuff

Currency

The US dollar is the official currency on both the US and British Virgin Islands.

 

At Sea Communications

Monitor VHF channel 16 during the day light hours. You may have the opportunity to help a fellow sailor in distress. You can also make initial contact with VI Radio or Tortola radio for ship-to-shore communications. Most charter companies now provide a cell phone for contact with the charter office and for emergency use only.

 

Use VHF channel 16 to contact restaurants for reservations and hours. They occasionally answer. 

 

Shore to-Ship-Communications

Make sure to verify the shore telephone numbers with the charter company. The phone numbers are as follows:

USVI    VI Radio         776-8282

BVI      Tortola Radio   494-4116 or 44116 while on Tortola

 

Customs and Immigration for Boaters

There is currently no charge for boaters clearing customs into the USVI. There are a number of fees for boaters clearing customs into the BVI. There is a $7 processing fee and you a $4 per person per day cruising tax for boats not registered in the BVI. The fees and taxes are less for boats registered in the BVI.

 

VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure to clear customs back into the USVI if you have cruised in the BVI. You can be arrested, fined and the boat may be confiscated if you fail to clear customs in a timely manner.

 

Trash Disposal

It is now illegal to bring trash into the USVI from the BVI. This is a difficult requirement since trash disposal facilities are somewhat inconvenient. Marinas have trash disposal facilities and they usually charge $2 per bag. You may want to make sure that you us large bags rather than a lot of small bags.

 

Driving

Learn how to drive on the left very quickly or keep your eyes closed while driving.  It's probably a good idea for the passengers anyway. Drive on the left on both the US and British Virgin Islands. It can be very confusing when driving at night. The sight of headlights coming toward you on a sharp curve has resulted in many head on collisions. Do not become a statistic. Be very careful.

 

Sunburn

Suntan lotion, sun block, and a hat are important.  The temperature is in the mid-80s year 'round with few clouds. It is easy to turn red and hurt.

 

Medical Facilities and Medication

The medical facilities in the US and British Virgin Islands are very good. It is important to remember that they are not easily accessible since you are on a boat. Make sure that you know the locations of the medical facilities and how to get help when needed. Remember that channel 16 is the emergency channel. The local marine authorities monitor channel 16 and it should also be monitored by every boat.

 

Always know your coordinates or Island location and be able to give a clear description of your boat. If all else fails, call the charter company for advice.

 

Make sure to pack enough prescription medication to last the duration of your trip plus several days extra in the event of travel delays.

 

Rent a Car

Rent a car if you spend much time on St. Thomas, St. John, or Tortola.  Cab fare seems to vary with the number of people, the number of bags, and the distance you plan to go.  Janis, four friends, and I shared a Cab from the airport to Redhook.  The fare was over $25.  A small car is only $30 for the day. 

 

You will find the major car rental companies and a few local rental companies on St. Thomas. You will probably have to use a local company on St. John and on the BVI.

 

Inter-Island Transportation

Transportation between the USVI and BVI is an adventure in itself.  Janis and I have traveled from St. Thomas to Tortola via seaplane.  I recommend this mode of travel for several reasons. The seaplane shuttle flies daily and the view of the islands is truly spectacular.  There are "SPEEDY BOATS" that ferry humans, animals and cargo.  This is somewhat less expensive and is a good way to experience sea travel.  You need to plan you travels around their schedules.  There are daily runs between the USVI and the BVI; however, the BVI destinations vary according to the day.  You may want to go to Virgin Gorda (Fat Virgin) Island and find that your return trip is two days later.

 

Audio Sensory Therapy

Ok, you Parrot Heads figured it out. For the poor uninformed non-Parrot Heads, it is an absolute requirement that you have several Jimmy Buffet CDs onboard. I suggest that you start listening to Jimmy Buffet tunes now. It is not too late. You can have lower stress and you may even figure out the meaning of life. Listen to the tunes and find the actual lyrics.

A nice rain shower and a beautiful rainbow viewed from our anchorage at Sandy Cay, BVI.

      Somewhere in the Caribbean or

        Contact Sailorman Chuck:

E-mail: Sailorman Chuck