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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: BaardJ]
#115076
12/23/2016 01:28 PM
12/23/2016 01:28 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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We've simply paid the price for Cape Air. It is getting more expensive, so I'll be looking more closely at our other options moving forward, but it is our preferred option. Direct form Boston to San Juan and then a short Cape Air flight and taxi ride and we're there.. vs a longer ordeal going through St. Thomas.
Matt
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Thirsty_Toad]
#115077
12/23/2016 01:33 PM
12/23/2016 01:33 PM
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,275 Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
tpcook
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 4,275
Vero Beach, Fl and South Sound...
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Hello i have a villa on VG, so I take speedy ferry on tues and thurs direct flight. To get to Tortola, take Roadtown Fast Ferry which leave at 4:15PM STT and is a 1 hour ride. Going back I take Speedy ferry or Roadtown Fast Ferry at 10PM ,so there is enough time for a 2PM ride out of the airport. I have given up on Beef Island and hope that maybe the new Air BVI out of Miami might work for me. Merry Christmas
tpcook
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: BaardJ]
#115078
12/23/2016 01:37 PM
12/23/2016 01:37 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 70 Tyler Texas
Thirsty_Toad
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OP
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Posts: 70
Tyler Texas
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BaardJ said: Fly to STT. Taxi 6 minutes to CYOA dock. Step on board boat. Relax. I'll keep that in mind for my next charter. I'm already paid in with Sunsail.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: StormJib]
#115081
12/23/2016 02:06 PM
12/23/2016 02:06 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,686 Memphis, BVI, CT
RatmansWife
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,686
Memphis, BVI, CT
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We really don't see much of a change since AE pulled out. We always fly to Beef, buying all of our flights on one ticket: American, Delta or United. Jet Blue also works if they serve your city. They all partner with Cape Air or Seaborne. The ticket prices are reasonable, if you don't fly on a prime day, because the airlines have gotten really good at maximizing their revenue - good for them!
If you are flying Southwest to San Juan, then, yes, the connecting flights can be expensive. Try InterCaribbean. You can usually save money by coming in late, staying at the airport and taking the early Seaborne flight.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: ggffrr11]
#115084
12/23/2016 03:14 PM
12/23/2016 03:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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SW to SJU, SJU to Beef on Cape Air. Pretty easy for us. I never minded the ferry, but the wait at customs in Roadtown always seems to take forever after a long day of travel.
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Kirk]
#115085
12/23/2016 03:25 PM
12/23/2016 03:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62 TN USA
IslandGator
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 62
TN USA
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The harder to get there, the better...as I see it. Making the BVI a destination that's too much for most to tolerate is part of the reason it is such an exclusive destination. If it were in the mainsteam of cattle car cruising, it would turn into another Jamaican Dunn's River Falls. Having to endure scheduling irregularities with Ferries and obscure flights makes it that much less traveled. All pluses in my book. My .02
~Eric
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Kirk]
#115087
12/23/2016 05:24 PM
12/23/2016 05:24 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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Posts: 8,530
Ya never know...
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I avoid RoadTown Customs. West End is always quick and easy, RT can be a nightmare,especially if it is a "shopping day" for the locals.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Mdsmurph]
#115089
12/23/2016 05:56 PM
12/23/2016 05:56 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,213 GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
sail2wind
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Posts: 10,213
GJ, CO S/V Long Overdue
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Mdsmurph said: Glad to figure out who the other TTOLer in Tyler is! I plan on doing another bareboat charter in next year but We also decided again on St. Maarten/Anguilla for the Spring due to the ease of getting there from DFW. Good luck! How is getting to SXM easy from DFW. there are no non stops, you still have to fly through Miami. From Miami non stops to STT are always available
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: sail2wind]
#115090
12/23/2016 06:02 PM
12/23/2016 06:02 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 70 Tyler Texas
Thirsty_Toad
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Posts: 70
Tyler Texas
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sail2wind said:Mdsmurph said: Glad to figure out who the other TTOLer in Tyler is! I plan on doing another bareboat charter in next year but We also decided again on St. Maarten/Anguilla for the Spring due to the ease of getting there from DFW. Good luck! How is getting to SXM easy from DFW. there are no non stops, you still have to fly through Miami. From Miami non stops to STT are always available I flew to SXM from DFW just 2 months ago. 2.5 hours to MIA, then another 2.5 hours direct to SXM. Pretty easy. AA only has one DFW-SJU direct flight per day, and it's a more expensive flight than going through MIA.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: BaardJ]
#115091
12/23/2016 07:09 PM
12/23/2016 07:09 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559 Apex, NC
agrimsrud
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559
Apex, NC
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BaardJ said: Fly to STT. Taxi 6 minutes to CYOA dock. Step on board boat. Relax. Baard, I must have had a slow taxi or I got one of the lights red. Pretty sure it was a 7 minute travel time <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />
Life's short - sail more!
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: CaptainJay]
#115092
12/23/2016 07:11 PM
12/23/2016 07:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 559 Apex, NC
agrimsrud
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Traveler
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Posts: 559
Apex, NC
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CaptainJay said: Forget Beef Island and the Ferry's. Charter one of our boats at CYOA in St Thomas and drive your own ferry. You will also get to see St John.
BTW... not all the boats at CYOA are ferry sized!
Life's short - sail more!
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: StormJib]
#115093
12/23/2016 09:07 PM
12/23/2016 09:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545 Here and There
rita_irvine
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,545
Here and There
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AA still flys direct into EIS via Cape Air and Seaborne. More expensive than into STT but I figure my time is worth it. It use to be that I could get from Seattle to Eis leaving at 11pm Seattle arriving noon in Eis next day. Now we do not get in until 4:30 pm. Not horrible but I would prefer the earlier connection. You should be able to leave DFW early am and be in EIS by late afternoon
Rita It is better to be happy than it is to be right
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: rita_irvine]
#115094
12/23/2016 10:45 PM
12/23/2016 10:45 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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If you are going to go with Cape air, I'd look both at booking all the way on the same ticket as well as looking at booking separately. You can secure a lower price with Cape Air by buying their commuter books. 10 one way tickets for a fixed price. You do pay bag fees now though.
Matt
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: IslandGator]
#115095
12/24/2016 02:05 AM
12/24/2016 02:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 304 California
Sunnykm
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 304
California
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I get that if it is not easy to get to BVI and it might discourage some visitors but the issue now are the cruise ships that are at White Bay, the Baths, Cane Garden Bay. So yah, it might be difficult for us to get there but when we do we have to avoid Soggy, Baths, Anegada, CGB on the cruise ship schedule. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by Sunnykm; 12/24/2016 02:05 AM.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: GeorgeC1]
#115098
12/24/2016 11:46 AM
12/24/2016 11:46 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347 USVI
LocalSailor
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,347
USVI
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GeorgeC1 said: One thing to mention if you do charter out of the USVI. Customs has recently enforced the rule on bringing any fruits, meats and vegetables into the USVI. There is hope this is one overzealous customs agent but be prepared to surrender all the above items when you clear in at Cruz bay. It does not matter if they were purchased in the US or not or are in sealed packages. G Perhaps is was a mistype -- but there is no reason to check in at Cruz Bay if you [color:"red"]do charter out of the USVI. [/color] . Bringing meats and other food into the USVI and arriving by plane is no problem.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: LocalSailor]
#115099
12/24/2016 12:32 PM
12/24/2016 12:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,096 GA/NC
GeorgeC1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,096
GA/NC
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I should have made the post a little more clear. If you go to the BVI or originate in the BVI you have to check in with customs on your return. By the letter of the law you can not have meat, fruits or vegetables onboard. If you do they must be turned in and incinerated by customs. This has not been enforced in the past. I am now aware of two boats where it was enforced in Cruz Bay. It's not a big problem for a USVI charter coming back on the last day however it is a big issue if you are a BVI charter visiting the USVI or coming back with a few days left on charter. I had planned on having my boat brought over to Redhook provisioned on my next charter but now have to look at other options. If you arrive in the USVI from the US the rule does not apply. If you arrive from another country it does. G
Last edited by GeorgeC1; 12/24/2016 12:37 PM.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: LocalSailor]
#115100
12/24/2016 12:33 PM
12/24/2016 12:33 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 276 Atlantic Highlands, NJ
MarkS
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 276
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
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Of my six Bareboat Charters in the BVI i've flown JFK-SJU-EIS twice and JFK-STT / ferry four times. Believe it or not we've had more problems doing the EIS route than with the ferries. We typically catch a morning flight to arrive STT around 1:30. We take a taxi to the Ferry Dock and relax with a Painkiller or 3 at the Petit Pump Room at the Ferry Dock waiting for the 3:00pm Ferry. If we can make an earlier ferry then we take it. We check in to our boat by 6:00pm and spend the evening sorting out our provisioning (wither going through the delivery or shopping at Riteway, or some combination of both). Then a nice dinner on Tortola before the sleep aboard. If you need to do the Chart Briefing there is usually one t 6:00pm. In the morning we do the boat briefing as early as possible, have a light breakfast and off we go.
On the return we usually sleep at the dock the night before the end of our charter since my crew usually wants a real shower by then. Alternatively Norman or Cooper are good last night anchorages. because you can be hack across quickly in the morning. We have never had a problem checking the boat in and being at the ferry dock in plenty of time for the 10:00am ferry. Even with delays we are usually at CA by Noon and have no problem making the 1:30 - 3:30 flight home.
The ferry option has proven to be the cheapest over the years and although i'm probably jinxing myself I've never missed a connection. My crew look at the ferry ride as part of the vacation and fun.
If and when delays or problems arise, remember that you are on vacation and could otherwise be back in your real life! As Boots, a wise taxt driver in Road Town told us time and again... No stress no mess!
Mark Shichtman "Live for Today!"
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Thirsty_Toad]
#115104
12/24/2016 02:36 PM
12/24/2016 02:36 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392
Maryland
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Thirsty_Toad said:
Looking at my dates for June, it's approx $325 per person cheaper to fly into STT than EIS. That's enough to possibly justify extending my charter for a day.
Murph, agree 100% about SXM. Dog Island off Anguilla is my favorite spot ever. To be fair shouldn't you factor in cabs and ferry fees as well?
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Kirk]
#115105
12/24/2016 03:54 PM
12/24/2016 03:54 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 197
zhawk
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Traveler
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 197
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Kirk said:Thirsty_Toad said:
Looking at my dates for June, it's approx $325 per person cheaper to fly into STT than EIS. That's enough to possibly justify extending my charter for a day.
Murph, agree 100% about SXM. Dog Island off Anguilla is my favorite spot ever. To be fair shouldn't you factor in cabs and ferry fees as well? Sure, but ferries and taxis still not gonna eat up over $300 PP. Plus the ferry seems 10x more fun than the layover/puddle jumper in SJU. I'll take time on the water over time in an airport/airplane any day.
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: zhawk]
#115106
12/24/2016 04:42 PM
12/24/2016 04:42 PM
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,392 Maryland
Kirk
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Maryland
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zhawk said:Kirk said:Thirsty_Toad said:
Looking at my dates for June, it's approx $325 per person cheaper to fly into STT than EIS. That's enough to possibly justify extending my charter for a day.
Murph, agree 100% about SXM. Dog Island off Anguilla is my favorite spot ever. To be fair shouldn't you factor in cabs and ferry fees as well? Sure, but ferries and taxis still not gonna eat up over $300 PP. Plus the ferry seems 10x more fun than the layover/puddle jumper in SJU. I'll take time on the water over time in an airport/airplane any day. I never said it would eat up $300, but you mentioned the difference in price so it seemed like it was an important factor to you. Clearly it's less than the amount you mention when you add them in. That's all I'm saying... Go what ever way works for you.
Kirk in Maryland
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Kirk]
#115107
12/24/2016 05:08 PM
12/24/2016 05:08 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,530 Ya never know...
HillsideView
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Ya never know...
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"De ones in a rush to get here, they mash up everyting. Dey miss what we are about mehson."
No truer words, spoken to me around 1981 in CGB.
My foot fits right into my shoe and my shoe will fit right into your...
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Re: Why is getting there such a PITA now?
[Re: Sunnykm]
#115109
12/25/2016 09:13 AM
12/25/2016 09:13 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,148 road town
sleepychef
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Posts: 1,148
road town
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Sunnykm said: I get that if it is not easy to get to BVI and it might discourage some visitors but the issue now are the cruise ships that are at White Bay, the Baths, Cane Garden Bay. So yah, it might be difficult for us to get there but when we do we have to avoid Soggy, Baths, Anegada, CGB on the cruise ship schedule. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> There are no cruise ship passengers on Anegada <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
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