Cruising Permit Fees Up

http://bviplatinum.com/news.php?articleId=27243

All the charter companies need to get together and meet with the Minister and tell him directly just as the Trust companies did to stop the work permit increases.

"Arguing about $2, $6 sends the wrong message. The charter boats owners should not do this, the guests will be paying…"

Seems evident the "guests" are only valued for what can be emptied out of their wallets.

It's just another addition to a:
Rude Welcome
Overpriced restaurants and bars
Rude slow service
Ridiculous tipping demands

I was in Culebra the weekend before last. A lobster dinner was $30. Drinks where $4 and the moorings are free. Customs is handled with a phone call, also for free.

Pic looks more like Culebrita to me!

Definitely Culebrita!!!

Yes it is Culebrita and the moorings where free there as well. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

These are Culebra




Jay

Yes, Culebra is definitely a bargain with a lot of friendly people and the moorings are well maintained and free. You can also fish without a permit.
Just have to stay away on holidays because of the crowds.

We just took our first trip to Culebra/Culebrita a few weeks ago and LOVED it! Great food, less crowds, inexpensive and very friendly locals! The only negative was a small group of people who showed up in the Culebrita anchorage in a twin engine speedboat at 11 PM and blared their music until 1 AM. Quite unexpected on a Wednesday night.

Dakity and Flamenco Beach, nice pics!

The first rule of the SVIs is: You do not talk about the SVIs. The second rule of the SVIs is: You DO NOT talk about the SVIs. Shall I continue?

Hopefully the SVIs aren't on a course similar to that of the BVIs several years ago. However, as more and more people look for alternatives to the BVIs they are going to quickly realize that the SVIs are much easier to get to, much less expensive, much less crowded, just as beautiful as the BVIs, and in general, a great alternative to the BVIs. I guess there are differences such as not as easily navigable waters, no cruise ship docks, less places to hide from the wind and swell, and the SVIs are not their own country. Nevertheless, the BVI government seems to be doing their best to try to give every other island in the Caribbean a bigger piece of the charter pie.

BTW, does anyone know when the increase in BVI cruising permit fees is going to hit? Or has it already?

Matt

Heading to the Spanish Virgins from STT in October for those reasons, and: (1) No ferries, (2) Fewer people, (3) No ferries, (4) No cruise ships, and (5) No ferries! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Where did you have the lobster on Culebra? We are going in early July.

The Dinghy Dock. Ahi Tuna Tacos for $3.50 at Zaco's Taco's as well.

Jay

The SVI and the USVI are people friendly.
When you have dinner you don't have to wait to recharge you cocktail or have a photogenic Moose ignoring you.

Those that have gone to the SVIs do you usually charter out of Puerto Rico or St Thomas?

I think most people that sail the SVIs charter out of St. Thomas. Up until recently there has only been one viable option out of Puerto Rico - SailCaribe. However, there are now at least two additional charter companies with small bases in Fajardo - Dream Yacht Charters and Moorings. My guess is that the jump in companies offering charters out of Puerto Rico is in response to the increase in fees to charter in the BVIs coupled with the increased cost and complexity in getting to the BVIs.

I personally prefer to start from Puerto Rico as we get the upwind portion of the charter out of the way first. That way we are not going to be forced to grind into less than desirable conditions in order to get the boat back to the charter base on time. This worked out well for us a few charters ago when we had 20-25 knot winds and 8-12' swells the last few days of the charter. I was sure glad we we were headed downwind back to Fajardo versus straight into the wind and back to St. Thomas in those conditions.

Additionally, I find that at least for us, Puerto Rico is significantly less expensive and quite a bit easier to get to than to St. Thomas, plus Puerto Rico offers much more in terms of infrastructure, provisioning, and pre/post charter options. The territory is going through some financial troubles right now but so far it has not been apparent to the tourist in terms of inconvenience or overall safety. In my eyes it's all the more reason to spend some time there and try to make a contribution to their economy, albeit a very small contribution.

Matt