Hi - I've sailed the SVI but never the USVI. I'm trying to get a handle on what the USVI is like. I am looking for nature and no crowds (don't need restaurants, night life, etc). I always assumed USVI would be more busy and commercial, but am wondering if I was wrong.

If I stick to going around St John, what are the anchorages like? Also, I understand in the park area (I assume that's where it's most quiet) I must use a mooring and not anchor. Do I run the risk of them filling up and not getting a mooring?

Any experience you can share is appreciated. Specifically about end of May. I understand that's out of the main season, but maybe this year is more busy anyway due to there being a lot of charter boats moved to USVI from BVI?

Finally going back to BVI in November. Can anyone recommend a private charter A/L to go from SJU - EIS?

Does anyone know what is happened with the resort? Are they rebuilding? Their website hasn’t been updated since the storms.

It's a happy day. Just finalized all the details involved with returning to our beloved island for 2 weeks in December. Hopefully by then fully vaxed visitors won't have to go through the testing routine (either coming or going) but only time will tell.

This year we will be spending one week at SImpson Bay Resort before we move to Oyster Bay (our home resort) for week 2 and I'm really looking forward to trying out some different restaurants on that side of the island. I will be paying lots of attention to trip reports from y'all between now and then!

We are able to get all the way back to PHX in one day, but it's a long one. Snagged first class on Delta for only $200 more than Comfort Plus, the extra room to try to catch some rest will be most welcome.

Spending the night at JFK in the TWA Hotel on the way down, should be pretty entertaining!

Here at RP for two weeks on II exchange...just got email of first weeks bill...I can confirm Todd’s experience...no $25 daily activities fee for exchanges, only $50 weekly Sxm tourist tax....current management and staff couldn’t be friendlier and more helpful and glad to see us....dave

Does anyone know if there are any companies or airbnb type catamaran charters in this area? I did a google search but did not find any only came up with day trips. Nothing fancy just me and my husband and would like just a skipper/captain. If there isn't any why? Thank you.

Link

Can you say, "no way, Jose!!" ??

Any news on private vessels entering the BVI or still nothing?

Thanks

I was checking their website and it says the laundromat is currently unavailable due construction of the new Chef's Pantry building. Has anyone visited recently and can give an update? We aren't going until July

Also, and I certainly don't want to open up a BoatyBall discussion, but from their map it appears that mooring balls close to Leverick are reserve only and out towards Malone Bay are BoatBall FCFS balls. Does that leave any strictly Leverick Bay controlled balls or all of them BoatyBall.

Finally, it appears we won't be stuck with a 4 day quarantine but if something were to change, in looking at the map of mooring balls, how does one tell where Leverick Bay ends and Malone Bay begins?

Sadly our last full day. Nothing major to report except dinner.

We were looking for something different and after much debate we decided on Avantika. What a great last night dinner. We sat outside and really loved the setting.

Started with fried spring rolls. Absolutely scrumptious. And not too much, saving room for dinner. Also started with mojitos. My first ever. I'm not much for mint but now I think I've found a new summer drink. Dinner for me was the Jungle Curry with shrimp. I ordered it medium hot and it was that and more. Loved it. Lots of shrimp and fresh veggies. My wife had Thai Basil with roasted duck. She loved it and we agreed this was the best meal of the trip. Great ambience, a delightful server, Gee. Oh and tiramiso was delightful too.

Home to pack for the trip home.