British Virgin Islands

Find everything you need to prepare for a charter in the BVI. From important base information to required documents for international travel, you can use this information as your guide before and during your charter. Don’t forget to pack a copy to take with you.

Plan

Before you Go

Address
Sunsail Tortola
Wickhams Cay II
Road Town
Tortola
The British Virgin Islands

The Sunsail base is located at Wickhams Cay II just outside Road Town.

Base Hours
Reception Opening Hours

Open 7 days a week.

• October – July: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
• August – September: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Evening staff remain on duty until all scheduled flights have arrived.

What to Bring

Passport and Visas

• Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
• If you wish to sail to the US Virgin Islands during your yacht charter you must have a US Visa and a return flight ticket to your country of origin.
• It is your responsibility to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for the refusal of entry or travel due to a lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
• You must fill in a Customs Declaration Form on entry to The BVI, whether you arrive by sea or air.
• Please note country entry/exit requirements are subject to change. Please check https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for the latest information before you leave. Sunsail is not accountable for any requirement changes.

Customs + Immigration

• Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs. A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. It is not possible to take fresh food into most Caribbean islands and airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles that may be confiscated by Customs.
• On departure from Tortola a tax of $20 US per person will be charged – please organize departure tax payment prior to getting in line at the departure gate.
• Environmental Levy: $10 USD per person, payable at the port of entry upon arrival.
• Cruising Tax: Paid on the invoice prior to charter, $6 USD per person per day.

BVI Customs – Ecard Application

• Travelers are required to complete the online Immigration and Customs Form which will be available between 72 and 36 hours prior to your arrival in The British Virgin Islands.
• Once the form is completed, the Immigration and Customs receipts are to be saved to your mobile device or printed and presented to Immigration and Customs upon arrival.
• Note: If you have booked a private water taxi, please contact your relevant taxi provider for the information you will need to complete the form.

Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) During Your Charter

If you plan to visit the USVI on charter, please announce your intention to your Vacation Planner base before you go, so we can advise on the procedure and paperwork required. Please note, we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to visit the USVI during a BVI charter.

If you’re planning to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) during your charter, it’s important to be aware of the necessary customs and immigration procedures.

• The USVI, comprised primarily of: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, are outside of BVI jurisdiction, and any entry into USVI waters requires specific steps to remain compliant with BVI regulations.
• To help you avoid any issues and ensure a smooth journey, we’ve outlined the key requirements below:

*Please note: If your itinerary remains solely within BVI waters, the following does not apply.

BVI Customs & Immigration Requirements for U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Travel

If you plan to visit the USVI during your charter, you are required to officially clear out of the BVI before departure, and clear back in upon return. This process must be completed in person at a designated BVI Customs and Immigration office, and your vessel must leave the territory within 24 hours of checking out.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You will need the following when visiting the Customs office:

• Boat Registration Document
• Commercial Vessel Registration License (CRVL)
• Cruising Permit
• Parks Permit (if applicable)
• Passports for all guests

Step 2: Register with SailClear

Before arriving at the Customs office, you must create a SailClear account and submit your departure or arrival notification online at: https://www.sailclear.com. Please note: Sailclear can be done on the same day you plan to clear out.

Instructions:

• Create an account using your email.
• Enter vessel, and crew.
• Submit a Departure Notification before leaving for the USVI
• Submit an Arrival Notification before returning to the BVI
• An email confirmation will be sent with your Notification ID, which you must present at Customs

Step 3: Visit a BVI Customs Office In Person

BVI Customs Offices are located at:

• Road Town, Tortola
• West End, Soper’s Hole, Tortola
• Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke

You must present your Notification ID and supporting documents at the time of check-out/check-in.

On Arrival in the USVI

You will also need to check in with USVI Customs and Immigration. Available locations include:

• Cruz Bay, St. John
• Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

You will need your passports and vessel documentation.

Please note: Visiting USVI waters without properly clearing out and back in can result in penalties. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us stay in compliance with BVI regulations.

Sailing Licences

Although no sailing licences are required for cruising in the British Virgin Islands, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on holiday with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing CV to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Yacht and Chart Briefings

Chart and Safety Briefings – Online:
The Chart and Health & Safety briefings for this base are available online, please view them before arrival, the link is found in your MyAccount and as part of your pre-departure emails. The chart briefing describes the cruising area and any potential hazards.

Chart Briefing – In-person:
An additional mandatory in-person chart briefing will be provided in the chart briefing room at: 9.30am / 12pm / or 4pm daily.
Guests arriving later than 4pm, who miss the final briefing, must please attend the 9.30am session the following morning.

Yacht Briefing:
The yacht or boat briefing introduces you to your yacht, its systems and rigging. It is carried out individually for each yacht after boarding. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.

All briefings are mandatory.

In addition, please also watch the online chart briefing prior to arrival.

National Park Day Time Mooring Permits

The National Parks Trust of the British Virgin Islands has established a system of daytime moorings in reef sensitive areas. This is to eliminate the erosion of reefs but also to help damaged reefs to recover.

For this reason, should you wish to moor, snorkel or dive in any of the BVI National Parks, a Mooring permit is required. The cost is dependent on the number of passengers but it ranges from $25 per boat per week for 4 people to $55 per boat per week for 10 people. Payment must be made to the sales office in advance with the final balance and the permit is issued on arrival at the base.

There is also a government tax that enables you to cruise around the British Virgin Islands which will be charged by the sales office.

Luggage + Packing list

he base offers secure storage; however, they will not accept liability for items left in the bags. Luggage stored during charter should be empty. If you are leaving your luggage for the duration of the week, please remember to collect your luggage before departure. Sunsail cannot take any responsibility for any eventual damage or loss to the items left in storage.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-coloured, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices
• Please bring your own Snorkel and Snorkel Mask & fins will be provided by the base 

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt, and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean.

For top tips and advice from our sailing experts on what you need to bring with you, check out our ultimate packing list ahead of your BVI yacht charter.

What’s on Board

Coolers
Cool boxes are available at the base on a first-come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged, otherwise, there will be a charge for replacement. Only one per boat.

Mobile phones
Your cellular phone may work when in the BVI please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract.

Music + iPods
All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your iPod while sailing you will need to bring along an iTrip or FM radio transmitter.

Drone
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit http://www.bvi.gov.vg/media-centre/drone-users-are-subject-aviation-rules

Electricity
The standard voltage on all our yachts is 12 volts and you will find plenty of USB sockets throughout the yacht. Throughout the yacht you can also find plenty of 110V AC outlets, standard USA 3 pin outlets (can also take 2 pin USA plugs). To use them, your yacht either needs to be connected to shore power, or be equipped with an inverter, or have the generator running. Most of our catamarans have a generator and inverter, however, be mindful that it depends on the model you booked.

We recommend packing an adaptor or two if you plan to bring local appliances. 

Wi-Fi 
For an additional fee, Wi-Fi can be added to your charter. Please visit our extras page for more information.

Go

How to Get There

Airport
Tortola’s airport is situated at Beef Island, at the eastern end of Tortola. Airport Code: EIS. Beef Island Airport to Wickhams Cay II Marina: – Taxi ride: 30 mins

Transfers
Sunsail can assist with arranging your transfers on Tortola which should be booked and paid in advance. Please send your travel details to our Pre-departure team to assist you with this. If you have a pre-booked transfer, the local driver, from our dedicated transfer provider, Wheatley’s, will be advised of your name and arrival time and carry a Sunsail sign to identify themselves to you at the pick-up location.
  
The cost of the ride is per person:  
From Tortola airport (EIS) to the base (or return) – 30min:  

• Shared: $16 pp  
• Private: 1-2 pax $50pp; $25 per additional passenger  
• VIP: 1-2 pax $100pp; $50 per additional passenger   

Ferry Terminal to the base (or return):

• Road Town – Shared: $8pp  
• Road Town – Private: 1-2 pax $19pp; $10 per additional passenger  
• West End – Shared: $16pp  
• West End – Private: $25pp   

Take this opportunity to pre-book your premium transportation from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (Beef Island) to Sunsail on Tortola, for a stress-free travel experience. You will benefit from:

• No delays waiting for taxis to arrive, or fill up with random travellers.
• Air-conditioned mini buses, from Beef Island direct to Sunsail Reception area
• Reliable on-time service

St. Thomas Transfers

• If you are landing into St Thomas in the morning or before 4 pm (approx) you should be able to take the ferry to Tortola.
• If you are arriving later than 4:30 pm or wish to spend a night at St Thomas, we recommend staying at the Emerald Beach Resort. This hotel is within the downtown area of Charlotte Amalie, where you can walk to various restaurants and duty-free shops. If you are flying in the day before your 6 pm charter start, we would highly recommend that you enjoy a day in St Thomas prior to arriving at the Sunsail base.
• If you travel via St. Thomas, enjoy the benefits of the BVI Tourism Board Meet and Greet service. Staffed with a professional team of tourism ambassadors, the USVI Greeter Program is structured to accommodate guests who seek connections to taxis, ferries, seaplane, luggage inquiries, and more. The service is accessible from kiosks stationed in the Cyril E. King Airport and the Edward Blyden Marine Terminal in Charlotte Amalie. The program is in place throughout the week, serving guests from the United States, South America, Canada, Europe, and the wider Caribbean.
• We are unfortunately no longer able to offer a taxi service unless it has been pre-booked with the sales office prior to arrival. If you choose not to pre-book a taxi and have no other transportation arranged, then you will need to take the first government taxi available at the posted government rates. For more information including tariffs, please visit http://www.bvitourism.com/taxi-services.

Please note: The St. Thomas ferry connection is currently operating with two ferries a day with limited capacity. Until further notice reservations can only be made directly with the ferry companies. Learn more about current BVI ferry options.

Flights
For storage aboard, we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance. You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports, and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials and ensure Property Irregularity Reports (PIR) are completed and submitted. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport.

Ferry
Find latest schedules: https://www.bviports.org/ferry

On Arrival

Checking in + Checking out
All boats are prepared, as per the booking, for a 6 pm boarding time. The first evening is a sleep aboard where you will have the time to unpack provisions and settle into your boat.

The following morning you will receive an on-board boat briefing that is mandatory and takes approx 1 hour. You are also required to attend a chart briefing.

Out of Hours
If you arrive after office hours, a sign will be left at the gate with security, on the office door and on the yacht with the client’s name and booking number. 
Please ensure you have submitted your arrival details via your MyAccount. This enables the base to prepare for your charter and monitor any delays or other disruptions that could affect your arrival.

On Departure
Please disembark by 11 am
Before leaving the yacht, please complete your debrief form and allow 15-20 minutes for an onboard debrief to report any maintenance issues or damage experienced during your charter. Please remove all food, rubbish and personal belongings, return any borrowed equipment and leave the yacht clean and tidy. The base reserves the right to charge for yachts left in an unacceptable condition.

At the airport, you will need to pay the $20 departure tax, $5 for under 6 years old, which can be paid in cash or by credit card.
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Sail

About the Marina

We can’t wait to welcome you to the British Virgin Islands and our fantastic base in Road Town on Tortola for your BVI yacht charter.

Marina facilities

• The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel – Ocean View & Marina View Rooms
• Amara Spa
• Shower facilities
• Restaurants & Bar
• Swimming Pool
• Nearby local supermarkets
• Selection of shops
• Water sport rental
• Sail Caribbean Divers – dive equipment rental

For more detail about facilities available at the marina, please visit:

Fuel
We offer Full Fuel Flexibility.
Our fuel flexibility is simple and flexible. You are in control of your fuel consumption throughout your trip, with stress-free options available upon your return, allowing you to relax and savour your time on the water.

You will start your bareboat charter with a full tank of fuel, with the option to use as little or as much fuel as you need. At the end, you can return your boat with a full tank or pay for any fuel used (at the local marina price).

Exceptions:

• Flotilla Charters – Fuel included in your charter package, excluding Italian Cuisine flotilla.

In the BVI we’ll fill it for you after you have disembarked, and in other bases we’ll assist you to fill up at the end of your trip and then take care of returning your boat to her berth.

Refueling –
Follow the return instructions and contact the base on VHF Channel 12 before docking.
A staff member will check your fuel usage after arrival.
The base will refuel the yacht for you.

Customs Fees	Approx. $30 US (in & out)
Water	Yes
Ice	$3.50 US per bag
Fuel (diesel)	Pre-paid fuel is more cost-effective
Showers	Yes
Laundry	No
Garbage disposal	Yes
Gas	Yes
Provisioning	Yes – use local supermarkets if within 14 days of departure
Accommodation	Yes
Bar & Restaurant	Yes
Money Change	Road Town Monday – Friday only
Bank	Nearby
Jeep/Car Rental	Available through reception

Sailing Grounds/ Licenses

Experience Level

Level 1

• At least 9 days and 100 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
• Level 1 destinations offer the easiest cruising grounds with line-of-sight navigation. Lazy line mooring or mooring balls are common.

Experience levels are based on sailing conditions and the length of passages within your chosen sailing area. This rating scale is designed as a guide based on the prevailing conditions during the most popular season. View here for more information.

Sailing Requirements

To sail in the BVI a formal sailing license is not mandatory, but you will need to complete our online sailing resume and achieve a Level 1 rating to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Sunsail skipper to travel with you – at your own expense.

Skippered Charter Information
The skipper’s time is booked from 12 pm to 12 pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6 pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12 pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight, and must have his own cabin. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the checkout skipper’s time is booked from 6 pm to 6 pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you on how to contact the base, the return to base procedures, and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills, and navigation in general. For one-day check out skippers, it is the client’s responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Download Sunsail’s BVI Cruising Guide here.

Gratuity and industry expectations
A gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion.

Sailing Area Restrictions
There are areas within the BVI where extra caution is required or which may need to be avoided, referred to in our eGuide as Red and Amber Zones. These will also be covered during your in-person chart briefing. Please refer to the eGuide for full details of these areas and any cruising restrictions.
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone; we require a two-person minimum on board.

Night Sailing
Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.

Charts + Pilot books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. 

Formalities + Taxes

• Environmental Levy: paid in cash upon arrival – approx. $10 per person
• BVI Cruising permit: included on your charter invoice
• National Parks Permit: included on your charter invoice
• Virgin Island Search and Rescue (VISAR): included on your charter invoice
• Overnight mooring fees: approx. $55 per night (although this can vary)
• Departure Tax: paid in cash to Customs at the ferry dock – approx. $20 per person

Moorings Fees
Most overnight stops in the BVI will be at mooring buoys/anchors as opposed to alongside quays. Fees are currently approx $30 – $40 f

Health & Safety

Illness or Injury 
If you are sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip please have a member of your party contact the Sunsail base manager as soon as possible.

Swim Safe 
Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents, and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets, and Diver Down flags are all available on board.

Children:

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party, and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming techniques.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open-water swimming can be very different.

Safety
All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use of this equipment during your vacation. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat onboarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing.

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are traveling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 
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Eat

Provisioning

Online Provisioning
Order your provisioning in advance and enjoy more time on the water. Online orders must be placed 5 days prior to your departure date. If within 5 days of your charter, there are local supermarkets located near the base as well as throughout the islands. 

Visit our online BVI Provisioning Store

Late Evening Arrivals

If you are scheduled to arrive at the base late in the evening, we strongly recommend placing a provisioning order in advance. Restaurants and food service outlets may be closed by the time you arrive, and provisioning ahead of time ensures that refreshments and meal essentials are available onboard when you board your yacht.

Dining

Restaurants
As well as the three restaurants on the base, there are numerous restaurants a short taxi ride away from the base. Most restaurants within the BVI close at 10 pm

Moorings Yacht Club: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (at the base)
Charlie’s: lunch and dinner (at the base) 
Ginny’s: coffee and sandwiches (at the base) 
Pussers Road Town – 5-minute taxi

For more information on restaurants in Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost van Dyke, and other islands please speak to our base team who will be happy to provide information and recommendations.

Restaurants closed during September – Low Season
If you decide to travel in low season there is likely to be a limited choice of restaurants to eat ashore and you should provision accordingly. This would be a perfect time of year to enjoy a BBQ off the back of your boat.

Tipping
Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants/bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this to the bill.

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Shop

Around the Base

Hotels
Moorings Yacht Club Hotel 
Located at the Sunsail base, The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel invites you to stay a few days on land. All rooms are fully equipped with air-conditioning, basic cable TV, refrigerator and local phone service. To book your stay at The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel, or for more information regarding pricing and availability, please speak with a Sunsail Vacation Planner or request a room online.

Request a Room

Around our Moorings base in Tortola, you’ll find a selection of fantastic accommodation options, including:

• The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel (Tortola)
• Nanny Cay Resort and Marina (Tortola)
• Leverick Bay Resort (Virgin Gorda) 
• Maria’s By The Sea
• Treasure Isle Hotel
• Nanny Cay Hotel

Currency
USD is the currency used throughout the British Virgin Islands. Credit cards are widely accepted except in smaller establishments. 

US Banks are situated in Road Town, Tortola and Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, and operate under normal banking hours, 9 am – 2 pm Monday – Friday.  Local banks on Tortola include First Caribbean, Banco Popular, Scotia Bank, and First Bank. 

ATMs are limited. Please bring the cash you will need for your entire stay. 

Credit Card Information
Visa and Mastercard are accepted by most restaurants and hotels, as well as by local stores and supermarkets.

Shopping
There is a deli and provisioning facility available at the base. Supermarkets are located in Road Town. Supermarkets are generally open daily and the hours of operation vary based on the day of the week as well as low or high season. 

Post Office
Located on Main Street, Road Town; Tel: 284 494 3701.  Mon. – Fri: 8:30am/4:30pm, Sat.: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Note: A postbox is available at The Moorings Yacht Club Hotel front desk.

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Play

Things to Do

Yoga by Yoganimity
Suitable for all levels, this flowing Hatha yoga class will teach you the fundamentals and foundations of yoga asanas (poses), to develop strength and flexibility in both body and mind. Creative sequencing and synchronizing breath work will have a calming effect on your nervous system leaving you feeling energized and centered.  Private classes are available on request. Classes take place on the deck in the garden by the pool. Mats provided – $15 per class. Schedule is available at the front desk. 

Water Toys + Sports

Watersports for rent

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. SUPs, 1-, and 2-man kayaks, noodles and floats are some of your options. Your added toys will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are also able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Diving
Sunsail’s dive partner, Sail Caribbean Divers (SCD) is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in the British Virgin Islands and is located at our base. They offer rendezvous diving at various points throughout the BVI, as well as equipment rentals for Certified and Non-Certified Divers.

If you are interested in an unforgettable diving experience, please visit Sail Caribbean Divers to see prices and instructions on how to book. If you have any queries regarding the diving packages on offer, please email info@sailcaribbeandivers.com.

Rendezvous Diving
Enjoy the best of BVI diving without having to organise your own dive equipment. Sail Caribbean Divers can meet you and your yacht at a convenient rendezvous location in the BVI, bringing everything you need for a guided dive or snorkelling experience.
Rendezvous locations currently include Cooper Island, Hodges Creek, Norman Island and Peter Island, with other locations available on request. Your dive site will be selected based on your location, weather and sea conditions, and travel time, so specific dive sites cannot always be guaranteed.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying scuba for the first time, Sail Caribbean Divers offers options for different levels of experience:

• Certified divers – Join guided dive trips; proof of certification is required.
• First-time divers – Try scuba with a Discover Scuba Diving experience.
• Returning divers – Refresh your skills before joining a guided dive.
• Snorkellers – Join the trip and explore from the surface.

For bareboat charters (where no staff from Sunsail are onboard the yacht) charterers are permitted to dive from the yacht. Sunsail does not provide such activities so you should ensure that any third parties that you engage with in order to dive should be through reputable third-party operators. Any diving activities are fully undertaken at your own risk and Sunsail shall have no responsibility or liability in connection with your participation in any diving activities, irrespective of whether this takes place from the yacht or an alternative location during your charter. Diving is not permitted under any circumstances whereby there is any skipper or other crew onboard the yacht which is provided by Sunsail.

Snorkelling
We have a range of fins available in various different sizes. You will find them in cockpit lockers in each yacht. We do have limited children’s sizes therefore we recommend bringing your own to avoid disappointment. Please note that we do not provide snorkeling masks or snorkels onboard.

• One person should remain out of the water, keeping watch of the others in the water
• When snorkeling, the diving flag and buoy should be deployed and visible to all passing nearby
• Swim vests should be worn at all times whilst snorkeling

Fishing
If you plan to fish during your BVI charter, anyone aged 18 or older who will be fishing must have a valid recreational fishing licence. Licences are issued by the BVI Ministry of Conservation & Fisheries and are valid for one month. We recommend applying for your licence in advance through Sail Caribbean Divers, as processing can take up to 10 business days.

Please note:

• Fishing is permitted using rod, reel, line and fishing hooks only.
• Spearfishing is prohibited.
• Lobster, turtles, conch, whelks, sharks, rays, snapper and other bottom-dwelling fish may not be taken.
• Billfish, including marlin, sailfish and swordfish, are catch-and-release only.
• A maximum of 30 lbs of fish per boat may be caught or kept.
• Fishing rods with a spinning or trolling reel and tackle can be added to your charter. Please contact our Pre-Travel team to arrange this.

For licence applications and further information, visit Sail Caribbean Divers – Fishing.

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For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here.

Sailing Sustainably with Sunsail

At Sunsail, we’re committed to protecting the oceans we love through Our OCEAN Promise – a sustainability initiative focused on reducing our impact and supporting coastal communities. Across all our destinations, we take steps to tread lightly: from minimizing waste and emissions to promoting responsible travel practices.

You can help too. Before you set sail, consider packing a reusable water bottle, choosing to support local businesses, and raising the sails whenever possible to reduce engine use. Together, we can make every voyage a little kinder to the planet.

Learn more about Our OCEAN Promise

Time Zone
The BVI is – 4 hours GMT.

Language
The language of the British Virgin Islands is English.

Cost of Living
Prices vary from restaurant to restaurant; however, the following is a guide for your reference:

• A bottle of wine costs about $9 in a grocery or supermarket and roughly $22 in a restaurant.
• A bottle of beer costs about $3 to $4
• A cheap snack can be bought for about $5 (local chicken, rice dish)
• A budget meal will cost around $10 to $15 (burger, roti wrap – not including drinks)
• A mid-range meal will cost around $20 to $25 (fish, meat in sit-down restaurant – not including drinks)
• A top-end meal will cost around $60 to $80 (Brandywine Bay, Sugar Mill, etc., 3-course meal – not including drinks).
• The average shopping bill for 4 people for 1 week (suggesting all breakfasts, all lunches, and 4 evening meals are spent on board) would be approximately $350 to $400.