General Travel Information
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Tortola, the capitol city of the British Virgin Islands can be reached through San Juan Puerto Rico or St. Thomas. San Juan offers flights directly into Beef Island Airport, while from St. Thomas you will take a very enjoyable ferry ride from the Charlotte Amalie pier located in downtown St. Thomas. Be sure to save time for some great shopping! The ferry will take you to West End, Tortola, where you will clear customs. Remember the last ferry leaves St. Thomas at 4:30 pm. Our Yacht INN HARMONY is located at the Harbourview Marina on East End, James Young/Pro-Valor Dock behind the Right-Breeze, Fat Hogs Bay, East End Tortola. Have the Cab driver drop you off behind the Rite Breeze Market you will then see a small blue hut that says James Young Marine on it. Phone number for Pro-Valor is 1-284-495-1931. If you are having travel delays please call Pro-Valor or Stacey at 404-374-4754. Tip: Taxi's shared with others are less costly. |
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We will meet at 5pm on Saturday evenings. Look for your Captain Stacey Brooks. We will load luggage, assign bunks, do a welcome orientation, boat and safety walk through, chart review and welcome cocktail hour. You will overnight at the dock Saturday nights. We then leave early on Sunday mornings between 8 and 9am. We will return at 10am Friday to the dock. You may make travel arrangements after 1pm on Fridays. |
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Here is a listing of a few hotels for your stay post trip:
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All people entering the BVI must have a valid and current passport. |
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The currency of the B.V.I.'s is the US dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many but not at all establishments. We are typically not close to the downtown areas where banks and ATM services are found. Cash is better than travelers' checks. |
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Airlines that service Beef Island/Tortola from San Juan are Liat (284.495.1187),American Eagle(284.495.2559),Air Sunshine(284.495.8900), and Cape Air (284.495.2100). Air Sunshine and Cape Air also offer daily flights from St. Thomas to Beef Island. |
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International direct dialing is available. Use of phone calling cards is recommended. |
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Water is safe to drink in the B.V.I.'s. There are no dangerous animals or snakes on the islands, however we will point out a few plants and trees that you don't want to come in contact with. |
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The possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs is a criminal offense and punishable by very strict laws. Leave the drugs at home! |
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Please be sure to bring all prescription medicines. Make sure you pack them in your carry-on bags. Items such as suntan lotions, film, and personal hygiene products command a premium price. It's best to bring your own. |
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Dress on the islands is casual. The ladies wear shorts and casual sundresses and for men shorts are fine. When going ashore you will want to cover yourself (no bare chest or midriffs). On the boat we wear swimsuits or shorts. Be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses. Sailing gloves are also recommended. Boat shoes or tennis shoes should be worn on the boat. Bring some type of sandal for beach walking. Snorkel gear is provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. The key is to pack light and in duffel-like bags that can be easily stored. |
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The climate is excellent year-round. Average temperatures range from 80° to 88° F (26° to 31° C). Constant trade winds provide premier sailing and a natural air conditioning. Rain showers do not last long, but you may want to bring a light jacket or light foul weather gear. |
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Any of our past students (our sailing family) would be happy to talk to you regarding our trips. Please contact us, we will be happy to provide these references. |
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Feel free to tip the instructor if you feel he/she has earned it (typically 10% of the course fee). |
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look forward to seeing you on the dock.
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| *for more information on the B.V.I.'s check out this web site: www.bviwelcome.com |
