Many visitors to St Thomas and St John have a day trip to the BVI (usually the Baths) on their must-do list.There are several options from bare boat to luxury AI boats with captain and crew. We have friends who wanted to bare boat and we tagged along. We had a 28' Fountain with twin 150hp. outboards. The weather was perfect for motor boating- 5-10 knot winds from the southeast and flat seas.

Our friend wanted to go to North Sound. We left the dock at about 9 after the check-out. Very interesting that they are cautioning people against going to the BVI now, mostly because of the nickle and diming fees that are being added on. They do give some good USVI itineraries including the new spot on the south side of St Thomas as an alternative beach bar.

Anyway, It took us 1 1/4 hour to get to Spanish Town, full tilt up the lake that was the north side of Tortola. We saw a friend of ours who does a crewed charter to Virgin Gorda pull in as were were leaving, so we must have made good time. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> We zoomed to the Bitter End for our friends to shop while we had a lovely drink with Bacchus, a bartender from St Lucia, discussing life in the BVI vs. St Lucia. We arrived there around 11:30. I didn't check the time, but we went over to Saba Rock for lunch. As an aside, this is our favorite place in North Sound, but we haven't been there in 2 years. They have made major upgrades to the place- from the bathrooms to the observation decks off the garden. They have a helipad and are redoing the rooms. Really nice job! We had lunch, a tour of the changes, shopping for the shoppers. Checked out the lion fish in the aquarium and then in was off. Full tilt boogie again. We arrived back at American Yacht Harbor at 4:30 to fill up and return the boat.

The editorial part: We spent a bunch of time going real fast to have 2 1/2 hours in North Sound. That was our friend's goal, so that was okay. But honestly, if you want to see the Baths or Virgin Gorda, go, stay a few days and enjoy. We had the perfect weather for this trip, most days it would have been less comfortable. I also would suggest a captained charter for the local knowledge edge. I know lots of people have this "I want to drive!" mentality. The cost is really not that different per person for the same size boat.

Nutmeg - how does customs work on a day trip?

Goozee

They give you all the paperwork to fill out before you leave. We went through Customs in Virgin Gorda. Only one person has to go. He said there were three windows and you had to stop and be assessed at each. There was a boat fee, a per person fee and (my least favorite) a departure tax. He said it wasn't the same as he was quoted, but was less, so he didn't say anything. LOL.

On the way back, you are supposed to stop at Cruz Bay. Everyone has to get out, take off their shades and hat so they can get a good look at you. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Not supposed to bring in any trash and you are supposed to pay the Port Authority a fee for the use of their lovely dock.

I really see why people are wanting to stay in the USVI for day trips. Both governments are making it difficult for everyone.

Wow - that is time consuming and costly. I think a 2-3 day would be more relaxing.

Thanks for the info.

Goozee

Thank you Nutmeg for the info. That is alot of time and expense for a short trip. Definitely worth it to take a 2-3 day trip to VG, if possible.

I don't see where Nutmeg mentioned any specific pricing, why would you say it was expensive. She did not say how much time it took either. We have never been charged by USVI and check in is usually less then 10 minutes, unless there is a tour in front of you.

We left at 9 and returned at 4:30. We were in North Sound for a little over 2 1/2 hours. We didn't pay for the boat, gas was about $140. Fees were around $40 per couple (we thought it was going to be $40 per person). Sometimes folks just have to see the Baths, or whatever, it all depends how much you want to do that and if you want to pay the amount.

But shouldn't you have checked in at Sopers first?

Secondly, you say went up the North side of Tortola. Little longer that way isn't it. Most would have taken the SFD?

And twice you say "supposed" with regard to Cruz Bay?

Give Candice some slack. If the seas were that calm, which I’ve seen before you would have got no where close to Sopers coming from St. Thomas. Thru Current Cut and straight north. Hang a right north/west of JVD and straight to the North Sound. Customs are available there.

Actually you go right by Sopers Hole/ West End if you pass Mary Point on STJ and The Narrows and it is a fairly easy place to clear in unless there are ferries arriving.
You can exit around Steele Point and on a flat day the N. side of Tortola isn't a bad choice although I have found Rough Point aptly named .

I don't think going North and West of JVD is a good course.

I thought one was supposed to clear in at the closest port of entry upon entering into the country? I'm not trying make an issue, just trying to learn,

http://www.bvitourism.com/ports-entry

Thought I've read where a boat could get in trouble if they bypassed the first port of entry.

Speedy's ferry goes direct from Charlotte Amalie to Spanish Town and vice versa.

It's not enforced at all. They're just happy if you clear in. I work on the water everyday here, and it's completely acceptable to clear in at Spanish Town coming in from the USVI.
C&I doesn't even care about seeing the passengers. All they want to see is my check!

Agree with bfox..as long as you don't stop at another island before VG you are fine to clear at Spanish Town. All of the crewed AI boats that go to the Baths clear at Spanish Town. Now if you plan to stop at Norman/Cooper or another spot before VG you must clear in first. In that case West End would be your spot. Also if you are just heading to JVD you may clear in at Great Harbor as well.

Glad you had a smooth day Nutmeg. It's a fun run up to VG with smooth seas. We've been lucky enough to hit a few of those days over the years when we've visited and been able to really enjoy a full day on the water.
Cheers,
Chip