Q. Can you pick up and drop off in the USVI?
A. Yes, although you will use extra time going through customs and immigration
both ways. Doing this will take about half a day in and half a day
out. There is an extra charge of $500 that includes all customs and immigration
fees. The fast ferry runs from St Thomas to Road Town in 50 minutes now and
costs $25. Check out the schedule at http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/.
Q. How much can I expect to pay for provisions for 9 people for the week?
A. Most of the groups pay around $20 per person per day. This does not include
drinks but does account for a couple of lunches on shore and four dinners
out. Remember you feed the captain!!
Q. How much can I expect to pay to eat out in the BVI
A. Our experience tell us that you can expect at least $30 to $40 a plate
to eat in a local restaurant. More if you are drinking more than a couple
of beers.
Q. Are credit cards accepted everywhere?
A. Most bars and restaurants do accept Visa and Mastercard- AMX not so much.
But beware; when the system crashes (and it does) you had better have cash!!
Q. What about crime and pirates?
A. Crime does of course exist in the BVI but most of it is directed to dingy
theft. Check out www.traveltalkonline.com for
the latest news.
Pirates are only found selling diesel fuel in the marinas!!!!
Q. How much luggage should I bring?
A. If you can’t bring it as hand luggage you have too much!! Soft
luggage is best as it stows easily.
Q. What about snorkeling gear?
A. We have sets of face-mask, snorkels and flippers on Lionheart but many
people prefer to bring their own facemask and snorkel.
Q. Should we bring towels?
A. Lionheart is fully equipped with towels but bring your own if you prefer.
Lots of people are bringing a “shamwow”. It is small and soaks
up a lot of water before the towel.
Q. Can I bring my hair dryer or other 110 volt appliances?
A. Lionheart has a large generator that will look after anything with a
plug attached- we just must ask the Captain to turn on the genny before we
use it!!
Q. How much is the customary tip for the crew?
A. The tip works out to be the main source of income for the crew.
It is usually between 10 and 20% of the charter fee. As in any service industry,
the amount given depends on the satisfaction of the guest.
Q. Does this have to be cash?
A. No, a credit card form is available if required.
Q. Is the Internet available in the islands?
A. Internet connections can be intermittent, however most bars and restaurants
have an unsecured internet connection. This is either free or paid for by
the minute. Lionheart has a secure dedicated wireless connection that is
available for $80 for the week.
Q. Can I choose the route we take?
A. Much of the time the route we take is determined by the wind and
the waves but we plan it as a group taking in as much as we can.
Q. How much galley space is there?
A. The galley is large (for a boat) with a big freezer, and three fridges.
A large gas stove and an outside barbeque is available. All pots and pans,
cooking gear and cutlery is supplied.
Q. What do I need to buy besides food?
A. It is the guests responsibility to provide everything required that is
consumed except toilet paper, however, we very often have carry over from
previous guests in the condiment area.
Q. Can we provision as we go?
A. It is best to do the major provisioning at the start of the trip but
there are many smaller stores on the way to restock if you run out of anything
(like beer and ice).
Q. Can we SCUBA dive off the boat if we are certified?
A. Yes, however, experience tells us that the difference in price of rendezvous
diving and the hiring of equipment down here and jumping off the boat is
not that much. The advantage of rendezvous diving is the experience of the
dive master who will take you to see that best spots and you wont have all
that gear laying around.
Q. What if I think I might get seasick?
A. If you are prone to sickness bring some anti seasick medication with
you. Research it before hand and try it just in case you are allergic to
it!! Most find that the action of a catamaran does not make them ill. The
best cure at the end of the day is to hug a tree!
Q. Do I have to know how to sail to enjoy the trip?
A. No. Part of the joy of the trip is to learn how to sail if you
want or to watch others doing it if you don’t!!!. The captain is fully
capable of sailing the boat on his own but does appreciate help!!!
Q Where can I find more info about the BVI?
A. There are many great web sites about the BVI, just google BVI charters,
but lots of information can be found at www.traveltalkonline.com.
Q. Where do you pick up and drop off?
A. We can pick you up in Trellis Bay (by the Beef Island Airport) or in
Road Town. It is possible to pick up in St Thomas but there is an extra charge
of $500. This covers the extra time and fuel it takes to get there as well
as the immigration costs as we cross the border. If you do this it will take
time out of your vacation at customs doing paperwork and getting to and from
St Thomas.
Q. Do I need a current passport?
A. Yes. The BVI now insist on a current passport for entry.
Q. If I need to spend a night on shore near Beef Island airport (EIS) where
should I stay?
A. The Beef Island Guesthouse is a great spot to stay for a night or a week.
It is a short walk from the airport and is home to "De Loose Mongoose" a
famous Caribbean bar. Lionheart's home mooring is just yards away from this great
place.