Return trip after 5 years...

I'm returning to the BVIs in April 2024. It will be my first visit in 5 years (my last 2 charters were in the Grenadines and there was the pandemic which impacted my sailing trips).

My questions are related to what has changed. I've been following people's experiences on the board and, as usual, TTOL remains a fantastic resource.

Ferry from USVI to BVI
Do I need to book a ferry in advance? I see mixed messages here and on a couple BVI Facebook groups that I'm a member of. My tentative plan is to arrive on a Thursday but leave on a Sunday.

On previous visits, checking luggage on the ferry was encouraged but not mandatory. I travel with carry on only and would prefer to keep it with me. On previous crossings I've seen luggage get piled up on the bow and get soaked on the crossing and I've also seen stuff unloaded at West End with the owners bound for Roadtown. Do I have to check my gear on the ferry no matter what the size?

Boaty Ball
We are 2 boats with most on their first visit to the BVIs so they'll want to hit the popular spots. My thoughts are the chances of both boats getting a BB reservation seem slim (based on comments people post about everything booked by 705AM).

How less busy is it in April than February (the only month I've ever visited)? Do we need to concern ourselves with BB in April?

We'll be there during Full Moon and on past trips, Trellis Bay has always filled up early (sometimes the day before). Are we likely to get a mooring in TB the day of the April FMP? How are the other FMP in the BVIs?

Thanks in advance

Don

Don - My two cents of a few of your questions:
- Ferries: We usually do not advance purchase unless we are 100% sure of the ferry we want to take. Flight delays can foul you up. Plus, I don't think the ferries are booked up generally speaking and walk-up ticket purchase is pretty safe (except possibly for high season weekend travel). If you have a big group, a private water taxi may be a practical alternative. They typically want you to check your bags (including carry-on roller boards) although its not a problem carrying your purse or day pack.....they don't want bags taking up seating space.
- Boaty balls: We typically don't bother with them, except for Cooper if its crowded. If you are comfortable anchoring you'll have much more flexibility. We have not had any trouble getting FCFS mooring balls the last couple seasons....even arriving late in the day.
-Feb vs April - I don't have a good feel. I've been down in both months and don't recall much difference in the crowds.
See you down there.
Hucker.

Ferry reservations became essential when the passenger carrying capacity was restricted due to COVID. Now that they are back to filling the boats, it seems much less necessary.

CanadianSailor, I'm in the same boat
We've bareboated the BVI's a few times, with the last being at least 10 years ago.

I'm curious, how did you like chartering in the Grenadines? We've vacationed at Palm Island a few times and done some excursions. I think I'd like bareboating there.

Grenadines are beautiful, more blue water sailing. Sometimes very rough North of St. Vincents. Security issues. We were boarded twice at night! Be careful!

Kevin Quinn

You just gonna leave us hanging like this?

There have been some nasty issues in that area. What happened might be deeply personal and tgey may not want to discuss it.

I sailed Grenada to Tobago Cays and back this past August. Great trip. The people were really friendly and we had a blast, and felt very safe. Further North up in St. Vincent have certainly had some problems. The reef in Tobago Cays was the healthiest that I've seen in a very long time. It was nothing short of beautiful.