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Anyone Interested in Splitting The Cost of an Island Birds Charter on Dec 8 to Virgin Gorda?

Posted By: Fitzhughlaw

Anyone Interested in Splitting The Cost of an Island Birds Charter on Dec 8 to Virgin Gorda? - 08/23/2022 08:35 PM

I hope that I'm not violating the terms of service by posting this, but I've looked at Cape Air flights from SJU to VIJ and the least expensive is $600. I called Island Birds and it would charge $2,300 for a five passenger plane for that route, or ~$1,200 for that same plane from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda. I am coming from Boston so I can schedule my first leg to land at either SJU or STT.

My return date is flexible (12/21 through 12/23), but I can address that later and right now would be glad to arrange it just one way, going to VIJ on the 8th.

If you might be interested in splitting a charter, feel free to send me a private message.
Posted By: Manpot

Re: Anyone Interested in Splitting The Cost of an Island Birds Charter on Dec 8 to Virgin Gorda? - 08/23/2022 09:56 PM

I just dont get paying $$$$$ when you can fly to STT and jump on the ferry! Maybe that's just me, but having a cold one with Michael up the Petite Pump Room and watching the seaplanes while I wait for the ferry ride is still special to me and says..I'm here and almost home.
Posted By: Fitzhughlaw

Re: Anyone Interested in Splitting The Cost of an Island Birds Charter on Dec 8 to Virgin Gorda? - 08/23/2022 10:57 PM

Maybe I've been too inattentive to the schedules, but my understanding is that there's no direct ferry from STT to Virgin Gorda, other than Speedy's which runs only two days per week, with two departures on Tuesday and only one on Saturday. https://www.virginbookings.com/ferry/st-thomas-to-virgin-gorda

While it's great that unlike other ferries, with Speedy's there's no need to take a taxi across St. Thomas so as to get to Red Hook, I'd rather not be limited to two days per week, and I like the idea of getting to Virgin Gorda more quickly (and on my own schedule).
Posted By: jagmansr

Re: Anyone Interested in Splitting The Cost of an Island Birds Charter on Dec 8 to Virgin Gorda? - 08/24/2022 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Manpot
I just dont get paying $$$$$ when you can fly to STT and jump on the ferry! Maybe that's just me, but having a cold one with Michael up the Petite Pump Room and watching the seaplanes while I wait for the ferry ride is still special to me and says..I'm here and almost home.



I fully agree with Manpot. I go down about five times a year and love enjoying a Bushwacker at Petite Pump Room, soaking in atmosphere getting ready for a new sailing adventure. System I've be doing for 8 years. Plus, the 45 minute ferry ride reminds you, your back "home" A great feeling! And the money savedcan pay for lobster dinners for the whole crew.
Posted By: RatmansWife

Re: Anyone Interested in Splitting The Cost of an Island Birds Charter on Dec 8 to Virgin Gorda? - 08/24/2022 01:22 PM

For those going to Tortola, flying to St. Thomas and taking the ferry works. It often doesn't for those heading further east, including Virgin Gorda.

In our case, the earliest flight into STT arrives at 2:16. I believe that would put us on the 5pm ferry, and through Customs in Road Town at maybe 6:30pm. No way to get to Trellis Bay and across before dark. So we would have to add a night in a hotel.

Expense wise, with four checked bags and two carry-ons, you have an extra $60 in baggage fees on the ferry, plus in the taxi. By the time one adds it all up, if going to STT, it's little more to fly Cape Air or Island Birds, plus one gets in before dark and avoids the extra night in a hotel. Anegada can be even more difficult.

So, in our case it's three flights through STT or SJU. And very often SJU is cheaper, and avoids the extra taxi and ferry fees.
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