Sail the British Virgin Islands during Covid-19!

What’s the Scoop?

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is open, and it only takes a bit of extra planning before you can be amongst its beautiful ocean, beaches, and coral reefs. The BVI has implemented certain protocols to keep you and the islanders safe while on vacation. The BVI have reduced protocols for Fully Vaccinated Travelers, Half-vaccinated, and Children travelling with Fully Vaccinated parents. Please see this link for more information about Travel Protocols. Unvaccinated travelers will be required to complete a 7-day quarantine, however there are still many beautiful anchorages that can be seen while in quarantine.

Have a look at what you can do and where you can sail when you visit the BVI, if you have been Half-vaccinated (travelers that have been vaccinated but do not meet the full vaccination standard).

Sample Itinerary for Half-Vaccinated Travelers

Day 0 – Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola to Little Harbour, Peter Island. Arrive at Terrace B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) and take a designated taxi to your chosen yacht at Nanny Cay Marina. Enjoy a welcome cocktail as you meet the crew and have a safety briefing before setting sail to Little Harbour. Little Harbour’s crystal-clear water is a perfect spot for a late afternoon swim or some fun kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling. Watch the sunset as your chef prepares a beautiful first dinner.

*Please note upon arrival there are some specific protocols (please see the Travel Protocols section)

Day 1 – Little Harbour to Hallovers Bay, Cooper Island. Wake up on island time and enjoy some morning fun in the sun swimming with turtles or floating around with a cocktail. Motor around the corner to Deadman’s Bay, Peter Island for lunch with the view of a beautiful white sandy beach. Don’t forget to ask your captain about why it is called Deadman’s Bay! Sail over to Hallovers Bay for the second night anchorage and snorkel some beautiful reefs.

Day 2- Hallovers Bay to Mountain Point, Virgin Gorda. Sail over to Mountain Point, another beautiful spot to snorkel along a reef and play with some water toys. Grab a book and sit on the bow as you listen to the waves crashing and birds signing. Relax with an afternoon Rum Punch or Piña Colada, some of the islander’s favourites. Don’t forget to head up to the top deck for some start gazing.

Day 3 – Mountain Point to Marlone Bay, Virgin Gorda. After another beautiful breakfast made by your chef, grab the best seat next to your captain and get the grand tour of North Sound (The Billionaires Playground). Scout out Richard Branson’s two Islands, Mosquito and Necker Island and learn about the growing BVI. There is always another option to grab a good book and find a spot in the sun to unwind. Remember that the trip can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like, allowing you to create your own personal vacation.

Day 4 - Marlone Bay to Manchioneel Bay, Little Jost Van Dyke. Head over to Spanish Town in Virgin Gorda for the last Covid-19 test and then set sail for Manchioneel Bay. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales as you sail along the Northwest of the main island Tortola. Manchioneel Bay is another great spot to have some fun with water toys and sports. Jump in for a snorkel or grab a paddle board as the sun starts to set. Enjoy another amazing dinner cooked with your preferences by your chef.

Day 5- Manchioneel Bay to The Bight, Norman Island. Wake up to a negative Covid-19 test and hike 15 minutes along a goat path to the Bubbly Pools, a natural formation of waves crashing over boulders creating a big bubbly bath. Sail over to White Bay for a well-deserved lunch before heading ashore for a famous Pain Killer at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Play some beach games, do a little shopping, and relax amongst the palm trees. Set sail in the late afternoon to The Bight where the famous Willy-T, a legendary floating bar awaits the evening party lovers.

Day 6 – The Bite to Marina Cay. Start the day with some morning yoga on the bow of the boat before heading over to the Caves and the Indians for a snorkel. At the Caves you might spot some beautiful Parrot Fish, Angelfish, and even a Barracuda. The Indians have some beautiful colours of coral reefs and schools of fish will swim right by you as you snorkel around. Don’t forget to ask your Captain for some fish charts to spot the fish you see. Set sail for your last anchorage, Marina Cay. Explore Scrub Island Resort or pre-book a spa treatment to top off your chartered yacht vacation. If you are up for another snorkel, Diamond Reef is a short distance away. Indulge as you have you last dinner aboard before another restful night’s sleep.

Day 7 – Marina Cay to Trellis Bay, Tortola. Wake up for a morning swim before heading over to Trellis Bay. Your Captain will make sure everyone has enough time to catch their flights. One last chance to grab any souvenirs from Arawak, a boutique clothing and gifts store with many locally made items. Take a 1-minute taxi ride or walk 5 minutes from the dock to the Airport before catching your flight home

Travel Protocols

Of course, Covid-19 has made all travelling a bit more difficult, but there is no reason not to choose one of the most desired yachting destinations in the world. The BVI wants to welcome you in the safest way possible. In doing so, the government has created specific protocols for pre-arrival and requirements during your visit.

Pre-Arrival

Before arriving into the BVI all travelers need to complete these requirements.

A mandatory certified negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result from a test taken within five days prior to arrival.
Visitors must provide proof of travel insurance that includes comprehensive medical coverage
Apply for a BVI Gateway Traveler Authorization Certificate 7 days prior to travel with a minimum of at least 48 hours to finalize the application

Upon Arrival

Effective May 15th, 2021

Unvaccinated travelers will be required to complete a 7-day quarantine and to complete two negative Covid-19 tests (One test taken upon arrival and one test taken at a later date). All visitors will be asked to activate a tracking system on their phones and where a wristband monitoring device. During the 7-days of quarantine, you can sail around to designated anchorages, one being Little Harbour on Peter Island where you can swim with turtles, snorkel and lay out in the sun in crystal clear water. This 7-day quarantine is completely different when on-board a Yacht. You are able to enjoy almost all aspects of your chartered yacht vacation. There is a $175 per-person fee upon arrival and this covers both Covid-19 tests, the rented tracking bracelet, and mobile app. All these protocols taken by the government are to protect you and those who live in the BVI. Please see the Official Protocols chart below for more information.

Please follow this link for more information about travel protocols for Fully Vaccinated, Half-vaccinated, and Children traveling with fully vaccinated parents.

For the latest information about the BVI reopening link here. You will find more information about how to get to the BVI, the BVI Gateway Certificate, Covid-19 Travel Insurance, and other important information.

How to get to/from Tortola, BVI to/from St. Thomas, USVI.

While the BVI continues to reopen as normal, the seaports are currently closed and have made the BVI a much more exclusive destination. Just a few sailing boats and enough people to make this vacation an absolute must-do!

Fly through Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport

Ferry

Ferry Schedule During Covid-19

Ferry Arrival Guide Ferry Departure Guide

Water Taxi

Dolphin Water Taxi

Small Plane

Inter-island aviation options