TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Private boats - PR Navy!

There is a nice view from my Sunset Cam of the Puerto Rican Navy boats in CGB. There has been a nice parade of beautiful boats coming from West End and stopping in CGB. Probably at least 25 or 30 over the last few days! Great to see them back.

I have the camera temporarily zoomed in a little bit for a better view! Just click on the Sunset Cam button at the top of my website.

Thanks Jason. Great shot!!

Thanks Jason!

Rafting is permissible? Now?

So, my question is,,,, does this mean the BVI is now open to allowing private boats to enter? If so my question is,,,,, owning a boat in the BVI, can you leave BVI to visit Spanish Virgin Islands and then return to the BVI? If the answer is yes, how many hoops do you need to jump through? In the past, I often “checked out” of the BVI, went over to St John for a few days and returned. What would be the current rules regarding COVID tests????
Just wondering, Frank

Assuming those are not charter boats.

(Edit): Charter companies do not allow rafting.

There are no rules against rafting in the BVI that I am aware off.

Keep in mind that they are private boats, and their presence is usually not completely legal? That whole check-in check-out thing gets in the way sometimes.....

My understanding is that people on boats clearing in at West End do not get tested. They should need a PCR test to get back to Puerto Rico.

I don't think these guys coming over from PR with their $2m+ sport fisher, towing their $400k center console, with 3 or 4 $12k efoil boards are going to risk immigration and potential seizure issues to avoid a stop at West End or JVD. Filling out the gateway and taking a rapid test (which I've heard they are currently skipping) isn't that big of a deal.

There has been a noticeable increase in marine patrols including the customs and police boats. I think they are mostly patrolling for curfew but I'd bet the increase in private boats entering also has their attention.

Technically, it's been open to private boats up to 78' for several weeks. Not sure what the regulations are but if you're interested, it might make sense to start with one of the concierge services. They seem to have good information for most of the protocols.

I'm guessing the Spanish VI follows the PR protocols which requires a PCR or Antigen test within 72 hours and an approval from their Travel Safe portal. To return to the BVI, a PCR or Antigen test within 5 days, filling out the gateway, and a rapid antigen test on arrival (or PCR and 7 day quarantine for non-vaxxed).

Small Vessel Entry and Water Taxi Protocols Approved:

https://bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/sma...ycWVKbzRVgx0NeZIW1xoOHkmEy1y93-_l60AfUCE

Yeah, good point. I am still used to "the good old days".

Here are the actual protocols for anyone wanting to bring their boat in.

PCR test to enter PR no longer needed if you've been vaxxed

That should make it much easier to come and go to PR. I wonder how they are getting around the CDC requirement for testing of international arrivals. Too bad the BVI vaccines aren't on their list!

Does the CDC requirement only apply to air arrivals?

The CDC applies only to air arrivals however the USVI has their own requirements.