Picking Up Charter in USVI > Sailing on to BVI

This will be our third trip in as many years as a family of 12 traveling to BVI. In the past we have travelled from California to St. Thomas (spent the night) and then taken a ferry or private boat on to Tortola where we have picked up our charter. The travel time eats up a lot of the vacation so this year we decided to pick up our charter in St. Thomas and then set sail! Love that it cuts off a large portion of travel time and expense but now we have a few questions:

1) This year we are thinking of bringing a cooler of meat with us…haven't had good luck with meat choices the past two years and it seems many people on this forum have packed polar bear soft coolers and had great luck…question is…do you check the cooler or carry on? Any customs issues with bringing meat into the country?
2) We usually order our food and alcohol ahead of time from Riteway and Tico in Road Town and have it delivered to our charter…since we are picking up our boat in St. Thomas this time we need to know where to do our provisioning near Red Hook. Any suggestions?
3) We are excited to add St. John to the itinerary as we make our way to BVI…any particular suggestions here? The plan is to hit several snorkeling spots on the north side of the island as we head over to BVI. Recommendations for good overnight moorings?
4) How do we handle the customs issue going from USVI to BVI and then back again? Obviously we will clear into USVI when we get to the airport. What about when we get to BVI? Do we stop in St. John again on the way back? If so, does it make more sense to hit the St. John spots on our way back to USVI?
5) Any don't miss restaurant recommendations in St. John?
6) Lastly, we've not had much luck spotting sea turtles while in BVI…any recommendations where we'd be likely to see them?

I've done several searches already but as most of you know the USVI index is not nearly as informative as the BVI index and I'm hoping some of you have experience doing both! This forum has been a lifesaver and huge resource in planning two GREAT trips the last two years...Thanks for any tips and suggestions...

We've brought frozen meat in for Kevin Campbell, our taxi driver, and no Customs issues since St. Thomas is a U.S. territory.
You don't need to check out of the USVI, and depending on the # of days you'll be in the BVI, you can check in and out at the same time. You'll need to stop at Cruz Bay on St. John when coming back into the USVI. So, I would hit the snorkeling spots on the way to the BVI.
Diamond Cay on JVD is a turtle breeding ground and we normally see tons there.

Kevin! That's who we use as well…Thanks for the snorkeling tips and info. on customs @tradewinds

We charter out of the BVI and have been bringing frozen meat(steaks, pork chops, brats, bacon) for the past several years with no issues checking it in the US and no issues bringing it though BVI customs in Road Town. It is always still frozen when we arrive too. In August we saw numerous sea turtles in Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay on St. John. The sea turtles are around Cooper Island as well and agree at Diamond Cay too. We found Maho Bay to be a good overnight anchorage on our St. John visit.

Polar Bear coolers ROCK, always remain frozen for at least 12 - 14 hours and ALWAYS carryon. I suggest vacuum sealing the frozen product and put the "sticker" in with the frozen product so it's visible in case of any BVI custom questions.

BTW, buy the Polar Bear online now as they have a 10% discount. Before using, place in a freezer as that helps.

1. We brought a polar bear cooler with us in March of this year. We checked it as luggage. No issues with USVI. When we went thru customs in BVI's it was fine to bring in but they asked the value and charged us 10% of the value (I guessed $100 so $10 fee) Since you're checking in by boat and won't have luggage with you I'd assume it's a non issue.
3. We love snorkeling Waterlemon Cay off St John.

We just did our provisioning for 10 out of STT/CYOA with Fine Foods Afloat and they were great. We had zero substitutions. Bringing some of your frozen proteins for a big crew is a money saver.

The north shore anchorages of St. John are amazing and our favorites. Francis/Maho and Leinster are our favorites with $15 moorings. Cruz Bay is good for a last night. You will see turtles at those two anchorages, along with a lot of other critters. Both are very close to Sopers Hole. The only anchorage in the BVIs that compares to these two pristine anchorages is Diamond Cay, and Diamond Cay is more developed.

Your charter company will give you BVI forms. Make certain you have a BVI immigration form for each person filled out and one customs form per family. You'll pay about $280 in cruising fees when you check in at the BVI.

For US check in, forms are at http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/s...e=0#Post1513459 . No need for the individual forms. Your charter company can provide the info you'll need to prefill these forms.

Cruz Bay has LOT of restaurants. For well handled big groups we like Lime Inn, Banana Deck, Cruz Bay Landing and High Tide. The beach strip in Cruz Bay is great with the Beach Bar, Joe's Rum Hut and High Tide. Joe's Rum Hut has cheap happy hour specials.

Cheers, RickG

Okay - I have always sworn we would not bring meat down with us....but we really won't have any opportunity to shop on our next trip down. We are land-based on JVD and we will ferry over from St. John - does anyone know if there's a decent place to buy some good meat and veggies in Cruz Bay that we could put in a cooler for the ferry ride? Riteway can provision everything else and send it on the ferry for our little cottage but we want to grill some decent steaks and I just don't like trusting that choice and getting charged an arm and a leg.....

Starfish Market in the Marketplace in Cruz Bay is where we go for meats. Starfish also have a really nice gourmet store right there in the little mall area, with wines, cheeses, liquor, etc.

Dolphin Market is the closest place in Cruz Bay, it's easily walkable from the ferry dock, just up the hill from the National Park docks. They have really upgraded the place over the past couple years. We provision from them when we stay on St John and have been pleased with the quality of the meat.

http://newsofstjohn.com/2015/08/17/dolphins-getting-a-major-makeover/

Also, Starfish Market is slightly further but still walkable. It's down past where the car barge loads, and most anyone could give you directions if you need to walk over there if Dolphin doesn't have what you want.

Again, you can normally carry on a Polar Bear if you choose.

What size polar bear do we need? We are feeding 11 people for 7 nights...a 24 pack? Can you carry on a 24 pack cooler or does it need to be checked? Seems unlikely to fit under a seat...?

RickG,
Is $280 BVI customs and immigration fees the same regardless of the number of people on board? How much would it be for only two on board? Also, I heard St. John moorings are may be increasing in price come January to $26 a night. Does anyone know if that passed?
Thanks!

Last time we went to the BVI it was with 8 people on a 40 foot cat and the total cost was about $400 for a week. There was a cost for the boat, and then per person per day. Then there's a charge if you want to use BVI park moorings. I don't have the breakout. If I had to guess... probably about $150 for the boat and mooring, and $250 for the 8 people. Just a guess.

Thanks for the responses re: shopping in STJ! Looks like it will be very do-able for us to get whatever meats we need the day we head over to Jost! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Since you are likely landing in STT and taking a ferry to STJ --- in Red Hook Moes Market has some excellent meat available and a bit West of there, Food Center has Henry behind the butcher counter and he is the best.

What about alcohol provisioning? Does Moe's or Food Center carry alcohol or do we have to buy specifically from a liquor/spirits provider? An alternative would be to have Tico's deliver the alcohol to the boat on Tortola before it is delivered to us in St. Thomas....thoughts?

LC ROBERTS ----For your group - 11 people / 7days I would absolutely seriously consider shopping at CostULess -- Moe's is about the most expensive market on island for that kind of provisioning.
Moes --Yes they do have alcohol, but high priced in comparison to almost anywhere else.

LocalSailor...is that a membership, big box type (like Costco) place? How's their meat selection? I presume they also have alcohol?

Since I have to pick up a group in Redhook which I have not done before I wondered where you dock? Anyone have suggestions for a hour of so?
G

Does anyone have an idea of the cost to leave the BVIs on a charter boat (fees in BVIs already Paid)go to USVI to pick up family and return to BVI for a week of vacation on the boat. Then do it again- Return them to USVI to airport area, and return boat back to BVIs where it is based. Idea is to be able to spend more time with family and avoid ferry down time and expense as well.
I have spoke to Crown Marina and they allow this and do not charge unless you want to spend the night of course , if it is for family members etc.
I have not been able to get an idea of the fees charged by C&I in the US or BVI

Any input is appreciated

I have done the USVI airport pickup many times. Works better when combining a long trip with stops in St. John. Generally, charter companies in the BVI require that you get your BVI cruising permits for the length of your charter. If you bring that with you to customs when re-entering into the BVI they will not charge you for the cruising permits you already have, but will charge you for the new people you are bringing in. Also, its cheaper to bring a boat based in the BVI back in than a US based boat. I remember the cost being pretty cheap bringing a BVI boat back in (about $20 if I recall) during low season when the cruising permit cost is $0.75 per person per day.

Also, if picking up people at the airport, Crown is nice, but if you don't mind using your dingy, Lindberg is the best. People get off the plane, 400yd walk to emerald beach where you can pick them up in your Dingy. I'm sooo jealous of the people that get to walk off a plan onto a provisioned, checked out, ready to go boat! It can get a little rolley in a mono, but definitely worth it if your not spending the night. I've spend the night on cats many times and the kids love the pool at the Emerald Beach Best Western and the resturant / bar is adequate for a non-boat meal.

Great, thanks for the input. I have the crew already on the cruising permits (not sure if I was going to do the STT airport thing or not) and I also own the boat but it is in the charter program so using owners time. I am going a day early and it is a power cat so I can make the trip pretty easy. I thought about the Lindbergh bay and may try that on the return. I will go over there and visually inspect that when in the vicinity. I'd rather have them siting at crown bay waiting on me if I run into snag than just hanging on a beach. I have Kevin lined up to take care or them plus they have more luggage coming down than going home.

Once you have done something in person or seen it, it is always easier. but many thanks for suggestions.

George, try to time the pick-up and pull up to the fuel dock @ AYH. Take on cheaper fuel and water along with your guests.

Moe's may be more expensive - but they have the best quality of fruits, vegetables and meat that we have seen on island.

goozee

I agree, particularly the meat selection.

Sadly we will be full of both fuel and water since its day one of the charter. The Moorings covers the fuel also. Might just send the dinghy in while the boat hovers!
G

We have had good experience with Cost-U-Less for most things (really cheap booze)...we supplement with other spots

If your boat is based out of the BVIs then the fees for checking in and out of the BVIs are minimal. Just make sure you grab a few extra customs forms when you first check in so they can fill those out on the way back before you check back in. I would also recommend making sure you have all information you need for the BVI and US forms. We have saved the info since we are down quite a bit. AYC will charge a small fee for drop offs or you can also reserve a slip for a few hours. Customs experience is night and day compared to the ferry. Just make sure you have some small bills especially if you check out of Gun Creek or Jost.

It's basically free to leave. There might be a very nominal charge.
G

We've spent approximately $400 for the cost to cruise in the BVI for a week. This is for 8 people on a 40-ish foot catamaran.
Normally we check in and out on the same day, usually at Great Harbor, Jost.

"Just make sure you grab a few extra customs forms when you first check in so they can fill those out on the way back before you check back in"

you can use the same forms to check back in with. BVI charges for the forms, the USVI's can be filled out on line and downloaded

We are doing a split pick up in April (half in St Thomas and half in Tortola - anyone know about how long it takes for a cat to get to West End from Red Hook? Crewed, so captain will be sailing.

Less than 2 hours in most winds plus time to clear customs

Well we leave in two days for our next adventure! We will pick up our Moorings charter in St. Thomas this time (yay! no ferry hassles!) and spend the first 2-3 days exploring the north side of St. John. From there we plan to head to Great Harbor JVD. As far as customs go, am I correct in understanding we do not need to check IN in St. John ? What about BVI...can we check in (and out at the same time?) at Great Harbor/JVD (we will spend the next four days cruising the BVI's)?. Where else can we check out of BVI ? And when we head back to USVI, I understand we should stop at Cruz Bay to check back in USVI? Is that a good place to overnight moor before we head to Red Hook the next morning? Thanks for any advice...

Check in and out of the BVI at the same time, and you don't have to worry about checking out later.

Christmas Cove, Great St. James is a good last night anchorage.

See this post about USVI--> BVI C&I.

http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/s...e=0#Post1513459

JVD is pretty easy check in -- Sopers Hole not too bad either - yes do IN and Out at that time - only the Captain needs to appear with all forms and passports.. Cruz Bay is easiest if you pick up a mooring outside and dinghy in - everyone must appear at C&I - mooring free in the day time, $26 - Christmas Cove is a better overnight for a Red Hook morning arrival in many ways except for the dining and bars available in Cruz Bay. Anchor or free moorings in Great St James.

Icroberts,
1 & 2. we have always flown into STT, taxi from airport (used Alvin from Islander Taxi but will try Kevin based on awesome TTOL recommendations!)to Compass Point Marina/Benner
Bay. Taxi driver drops me and one crew member off at Food Center which is a few miles before Red Hook - you will pass right by Food Center from airport on the way to Red Hook. The Marina Market grocery store that used to be in Red Hook is closed. I get groceries at Food Center while others unload at the dock. Taxi driver returns 30 mins later and picks me and groceries up, takes me back to boat at marina. Check with a medical doctor or nurse friend of yours, get them to save you one of the large styrofoam coolers that drugs are shipped in. These coolers hold about 50 lbs weight which is standard weight limit on most airlines w/o surcharge. Buy meat in advance and freeze meat. Use a few of the freezer packs that are shipped in the coolers with the drug shipments. I always take one whole beef tenderloin which when cut will make 8-10 very nice size filets mignon. Be sure that the butcher does not take it out of the original cryovac (sp?) packaging. Frozen, I throw this in with my suitcase with clothes, etc. On my 6 hour trip from South Carolina to STT, it is still frozen in my suitcase when I arrive in STT. Kept in a cooler (it will not leak if still in original cryovac packaging) it will hold for at least 3 - 4 days. I plan my menu to include some type boneless chicken breasts, which I slice in tenderloin "chicken strip" lengths, season with olive oil, greek, mexican or whatever seasoning you prefer, seal in ziplock type bag, freeze and pack in the styrofoam cooler. Buy flat package sandwich meats - my wife doesn't like oscar mayer or other package sandwich meats because of preservatives but for BVI trip preservatives are good. Get brand that is packaged in flat and not boxy type container. Flat packs well in cooler and uses less space than boxy square type containers.
Freeze sandwich meat. Get flat packaged cheese as well, but no need to freeze. Make hamburger patties, wrap with saran wrap, freeze flat in ziplock for cheseburgers in paradise night - we usually have those at Cooper Isl. Buy a flat or two of the precooked bacon. Pack all of these meat and cheese items in medical styrofoam cooler; the frozen items will function as ice and keep cheese, etc. cool. Seal cooler well with duct taqpe (but before sealing, I put a partial roll of the duct tape inside cooler, on top, with note: Dear US Customs: If you inspect this cooler, will you kindly use the extra roll of duct tape and re-tape the cooler after your inspection. Thank you for the great work you do." They have never inspected my cooler even though they have often gone through my suitcase. Find a cardboard box that the cooler will fit tightly into. Check it just as you would a suitcase. I have each of the other 7 in my group pack a few spices, etc. in their luggage - no need to buy 8 or 9 full size spices in BIV when you will only use a small amount. No problems with taking food into BVI. It will be on your boat and you will go ashore once in BVI to clear customs. BVI customs does not ask about items aboard your vessel. Th Food Center in STT will have everything else you need. You can trash the free styrofoam cooler or give it to one of the guys on the dock. Re-supply bread, eggs, veggies, bottled water half way on cruise, at Bobby's CGB or at Trellis Bay.
3. Restaurant in Cruz BAy - several, but Cruz Bay is always our last stop (we do the circle backwards I guess. We sail from STT to JVD for first night, clearing customs at JVD. Go clockwise around the circle, last night on St. John anchoring at Caneel Bay for short taxi or dinghy to Cruz). We always like Cafe Roma - food is very good; it may not be fancy or the best restaurant in Cruz Bay, but we love it, especially last night when we are worn out). We have tried others Rhumb Line, Banana ____ something or another...but have always liked Cafe Roma the best for our last night. Will see what others have to say about snorkeling on St John as nowhere in the USVI is near the top of my list. We have seen many sea turtles in Hawksnest Bay, snorkeling at Trunk bay is supposed to be good but a lot better in BVI at Monkey Point, Loblolly, Norman Isl., etc. Trunk Bay reminds me too much of US - way too many signs, do this, don't do that, etc. Everything in BVI seems to work perfectly well without US Park Service posting signs everywhere.
4. We clear customs going into BVI at JVD but do paperwork ahead of time - your charter company in STT should have blank BVI customs forms for you ahead of time. Otherwise plan on spending an hour or so clearing. WE then clear back into US at Cruz Bay - easy.
I've probably gone on for too long here but we have always done exactly as you are planning to do on this trip. Yo0u may pm me if you want more details. My next trip this June will be from Moorings in Tortola so I will posting for restaurant tips, provisioning, etc in Tortola early next year.

diving and snorkeling is amazing in the USVI, just not Trunk Bay where a zillion cruise passengers exclusively go.

Like the south and east side? No more info or everyone will be there