TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Provisioning: Bobby’s vs. RiteWay vs. …?

Hello, I’m about to build my provisioning list and it’s really frustrating. Bobby’s and RiteWays have products listed which don’t exist anymore. I’m not surprised that many people complain about that they deliver so many substituts. They just need to update their product lists. In addition, it seems for me that both supermarkets use some kind of scams to cross-finance their ’free’ delivery. For instance, RiteWay sells 6 gallons of their cheapest water for $23.39. That’s $3.90 per gallon water. If you buy the cheapest jug seperately it’s 4.25 dollar per gallon. That’s much more I pay for a gallon of petrol along the U.S. east coast. And that’s exactly the price for diesel on Tortola. Whatever.

I have just three questions:
1. Because of these outdated provisioning lists, would you rather go shopping or still order for delivery?
2. Does anyone have experience with both supermarkets? Which one is better, RiteWay or Bobby’s?
3. Is there another reasonable supermarket on Tortola? I can’t believe that locals pay 4.25 dollars per gallon water.

Thank you!

I don't recommend drinking petrol, but if you want to save some money bring it along.

Seriously, most locals either drink the tab water (cistern or desal based on where you live) or they reuse their gallon jugs at the refilling stations for $1/gallon. Today, I saw a boater bring 12 empty gallon jugs to the fuel dock and refill with that water for $0.20/gallon. Not a bad idea either.

Keep in mind, it doesn't matter what the price is on the sheet or online. After they assemble your order, they will ring it thru the same register system that is used when you visit the store in person.

Cheers,
Jason

It helps to know what charter company you are using. The Moorings current price for 4 gallons of Spring water is 9.75 put on the boat. The prices your quoted seem really high.
G

I send people in person to Cash & Carry and then Riteway which shares a wall. C&C has more bulk. They take a taxi literally across the street form Moorings base. I guess they could walk but the road is busy and I wouldn't want to spend any more time then necessary in Peebles hospital for crew.

they go with a list. I keep 3 to 4 on boat so we can prep boat and go through briefing...so sending a crew helps minimize all the distractions when I need to be focused on the boat and briefing

we used to have heavy bulk stuff delivered and get lighter stuff and may go back to that

We order from Bobby's and Tico's. Bobby has 6 - 1 gal jugs of water for $12.54, that's $2.09 per gallon.

I normally go into Bobby's a couple of hours before they are going to deliver and discuss any substitutes. That way I can let them know if I will accept the substitute or just leave it off the order. There are no surprises when it shows up at the boat.

Experience Rocks.

You can write "NO Substituitions" and then when delivered, go to finish out in person with the products you wanted to buy in person (Meats, fresh produce)

Hi,
Good Moon Farm is a great option for Tortola grown produce. Added bonus of being organic as well. Plus locally made breads and fresh fish options. Free delivery. I will use them again for our 2020 February charter.

If you are worried about substitutions then I would avoid Good Moon Farms. They have a great list and some of the best pineapples we have every eaten but will never use them again after having most our list substituted out with mustard greens and other things that we would not be likely to use in the islands. Customer service was also not good when we pushed back on 10+ pounds of stuff that we did not want. Will never use again.

Thank you all! Very good advice! I think I will bring some gallons of water from Boston and trade them for the same amount of fuel in the BVIs. ;-)

Question about Good Moon Farms...how responsive are they? I submitted a list a week ago and requested a price estimate...no word. Just wanted to see if that was the norm...I've had quick responses from the other provision companies I'm using. I was hoping to use the farm for the veggies.

If they didn’t respond to your first inquiry then don’t expect Fresh veggies or anything else.

I see him out every evening peddling wares at MC from his RIB.