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Below are some frequently asked questions we get about charter planning. If you have any other questions that you do not see listed here, you can always call our Charter Agents toll free 866 VIP YACHTS (866 847 9224) outside US: 1-340-774-9224
during business hours.
St. Thomas enjoys direct service from the U.S. mainland. There are numerous
non-stop flights from major U.S. Gateway Cities. Links for Travel to the
Virgin Islands can be found here.
English is the main language spoken in the USVI and British Virgin Islands. Atlantic Standard time (one hour ahead of Eastern) is used, Daylight Savings is not.
The U.S. dollar is the local currency throughout the Virgin Islands. Major credit cards are widely accepted but do not expect to use them at the smaller establishments. As you will be visiting several small islands, it is a good idea to carry traveler's checks in smaller denominations. Personal checks are not accepted anywhere.
For visitors entering the U.S. Virgin Islands from the United States, there are no customs or immigration requirements, since you are still in U.S. territory. However, when you leave the St. Thomas free port area by air for the U.S. mainland on your return home give yourself 2 hours to go through customs and immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens are allowed to return to the US with $1200/person (including children) of duty-free merchandise every thirty days. US residents over the age of 21 may also return with 5 liters of liquor duty free.
We will brief you on the morning of your arrival at the base, on the procedures for clearing in and out of Customs when cruising between the U.S. and British territories. Basically, when you travel to the BVI you must clear customs and immigration - Passports are preferred, but you may use a drivers license and an original birth certificate (copies are not accepted and will result in the denial of entry). In June 2008, a passport will be required for reentry to the USVI from the BVI.
Your transportation between the airport and the base can be pre-arranged by your Charter Coordinator (the charge is $11/person, or a minimum of $35, which you pay directly to the driver). Taxi service is available on the main populated islands. Although taxi fares are not metered, there are official taxi rates. The prudent traveler should inquire of the rate beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.
Both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands offer a variety of car rental agencies, should you decide to spend some time touring on land. Advance reservations are advisable during peak travel seasons. But remember to drive on the left-hand side throughout the Virgin Islands!
Both the US and the British Virgin Islands can be accessed by dialing 1, plus the area code, plus the number. USVI area code is 340, the BVIs are 284 and Puerto Rico is 787.
From pay phones ashore, calls can be made collect, with a pre-paid phone card or credit card. All VIP yachts have cellular phones onboard that can be activated for access with a personal PIN number when you arrive. Your personal cell phone will most likely work in the U.S. islands - if this is an essential requirement, your provider will be able to advise you ahead of time. In British waters your personal cell phone will need to be activated, this can be done with the operators assistance by dialing '0' & Send - you will be issued with a new number.
All VIP yachts are equipped with a VHF radio. Channel 16 is used as a calling frequency, but the user must switch to a second channel once contact has been established to keep CH16 open.
The Virgin Islands are recognized as one of the world's top dive destinations. Superb reefs for both snorkeling and diving are found in and around most of the anchorages. The U.S. Virgin Islands have underwater parks at Coki Beach on St. Thomas and Trunk Bay on St. John. In the British Virgin Islands you will find the wreck of the R.M.S. Rhone, regarded by many as the best wreck dive in the Western Hemisphere, as well as over 300 documented wrecks surrounding the island of Anegada.
Professional dive shops and dive tour operators are located throughout the islands, providing complete services from equipment rental and air tank refills to tours and instruction. There is a dive shop at our docks which will rent tanks and arrange for lessons, certification or rendezvous dives, check with your Charter Coordinator. You will need to bring your certification card as proof of qualification (for most services). Adult masks, snorkels and fins are included with your charter. However, if you require a prescription mask or have kids under 10 years old, you should bring your own equipment.
All yachts are equipped with sufficient USCG approved Type II buoyancy aids for all passengers. Should you require that your crew wear jackets routinely while on board, you may wish to bring "vest type" jackets which are more comfortable for prolonged use. Again, for kids under 10, you should bring properly fitting jackets with you.
The fishing is excellent in the Virgin Islands. If you are an avid angler, you'll find a wide variety of game fish looking for a fight. Bring your own tackle or rent it locally.
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