The engine did not give us trouble, and the weather conditions were decent. The radar must have been wiped out during Hurricane Maria. }).done(function(msg) { If we need help with docking, we can ask the trained staff. It is still just a short distance from upscale jewellery stores and boutiques. Hes trying to talk us into upgrading Satori. Oh, the Cat life! Visitors usually go hiking to the breathtaking top hill view. St. Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands . Third and fourth guests are free in the same cabin. Watch this video to see: Lets ditch the tried and true and mix it up with a fresh, exciting sailing itinerary that few charter boats attempt. Checking out is not required. If we are hungry, there are many nice restaurants along the shores to choose from. There are two large fuel docks both for boats using gasoline and diesel fuel. If we prefer not to use the engine of our boat too much, we should try to avoid the Christmas Wind in December and January. A few things to consider: There are more operators, and sailing yachts available in St. Thomas, USVI. Im not saying the pizza burger was great, but after the walk, it hit the spot. We should definitely head to the capital, Charlotte Amelie first. 14 Calm and protected, Leinster Bay has extensive seagrass, with turtles, conch, and sea stars. 4 It was a nice ride back to Salinas, and we were flying! It is a natural preserve with its long coral island, and it belongs to the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. 21 5 kilometres from here. We can explore dozens of spots here where we can relax and have a beer or a coffee while admiring the bay. But if we want our final destination to be Saint Thomas, we have to do shorter distances day by day, and we will have more time for sightseeing, walking around the city or for any activity we prefer. Sailors used to bypass the area as the American military forces held firearms training here. If you are serious about it, you can veer more to the north and pick up the South Drop. There is a large supermarket in the village nearby. From Ram Head, its about 32 nautical miles to the channel markers at the entrance to Christiansted. Better hurry before the word gets out. There is one single port, Port Bay Harbor it is well-equipped and we can arrange everything we need here. Suites: Premium Amenities & On Board Credit. It is easily accessible and free of any obstructions. Today is a bit longer than the last, but the sailing might even be sweeter, so its worth it. Sailing westward from St. Thomas or St. John, stops in Culebra are possible. I would plan to spend the entire day here. This third crossing, we experienced the Christmas trade winds, a strong, predominately east wind that blows steadily until January. Its also another great day for fishing!! If youre lucky, youll have some fresh mahi fillets to whip up into fish tacos. There are several beautiful shores to discover nearby, including scuba-diving spots and beaches. Another Vieques attraction is stargazing. The only limit of the port is the depth of water unfortunately, it is very shallow, but we still have other opportunities outside the dock to secure our boat. They are descended from stock originally brought by European colonizers. Our Yanmar engine was giving us trouble. Hooray! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Sailing to St. Croix: A Fresh USVI and SVI Sailing Itinerary. // method: 'POST', This time of year, the weather seemed to be particularly awful, at least for sailing East. 24 59 $ 499. view 4 dates. Saga Haven Culebrita 41.70 km (25.91 mi) Day 13. If you thought Flamenco Beach was awesome, wait until you see Playa Tortuga. San Juan, Puerto Rico . This always seems to happen when you are trying to meet friends. Salt spray from the waves and the winds soak the entire yacht from the roof to the bow. Get to the NPS site early enough to take advantage of the famous snorkeling at the Underwater Trail inside the lagoon. Vodice sailing: Discover the beautiful nearby islands! This puts the current in your favor for the longer crossing from St. Croix to Culebra, When you travel back east to St. Thomas from Culebra, you will have an upwind slog (no avoiding it), You should get some protection in the lee of St. Thomas from the long fetch of the trade wind swell, The current that youll have to fight will also be weaker closer to St. Thomas. They set sail for the British Virgin Islands to meet their friends. 28 We watched a local drive his powerboat aground several times on his way out of the bay. Puerto Real - Guanica 52, 23 km (32, 45 mi), Day 3. 5 kilometres from the shores of Fajardo. Rosas Seafood restaurant in Puerto Real is a highly recommended spot for traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Then a few minutes later, there was another storm. With both east crossings, we were lucky to find a nice west wind to our backs, an unusual occurrence here. The beaches around the southern coast of Vieques are beautiful. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why should you book a yacht charter with us? Jost van Dyke is located app. We can get water and refuel our boat here. If you can rent something that sails well close hauled you might be able to sail from Vieques to St Thomas but from Culebra you will most likely be going dead into the wind and a 1-2 kt current. Updates. Here, you are exposed to the trade winds, but the reef provides excellent protection from the swell. If you want to avoid a lot of motoring, make it to St. Martin before the Christmas trade winds kick in. If you have time, dinghy to the beach to check out the local action. After an active day at sea, Las Croabaos, visitors can hang out in tipico restaurants and bars. It is a very popular destination among sailors its most famous port is the Great Harbor, which is also one of the busiest docks of the archipelago. This area is lively on the weekends with hoards of kayakers banging around the bay on their way to the mangrove trail that leads to the bioluminescent bay. Early morning sail to Culebra. Day 1. If we are planning to go sailing during this time, we need to be extremely careful and cautious; the trip is definitely not recommended for beginners. You have a couple options for anchorages once you arrive. It is scary because when you do that, water comes gushing into the boat. Of course, to reach St. Thomas from Culebra, it is one more 25 nm bashing or motor sailing into the wind with a staysail. it's only a 2.5 hr. Eli Lilly slashes insulin prices amid federal pressure to lower costs. The Buccaneer Golf Course is nearby and has many distracting views of the ocean! They also seem to be having more fun than the hotel guests (who are paying $10 a drink at the island bar). The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands has some recommendations for a day tour. I love visiting Costco in Puerto Rico, but the good news is that St. Thomas has a similar store CostULess. The boat needs a DTOPS sticker, Technically, you need to be at the port of entry to report your arrival. The area between Puerto Rico and Culebra is scattered with shallow reefs that provide excellent grounds for snorkeling. (182004.9N 645056.3W) 46 Our high-speed lift-on/lift-off vessels are the world's first environmentally friendly commercial container ships and are supported by a seamless network of port facilities, support systems and inland transportation resources. Bajos Grampus (Grampus Banks), about 2nm SE of Culebra, is another fishing spot worth checking out. We found Culebra to be the true gem of Puerto Rico. The winds that are constantly present in the area make it easier to bear the hot weather on the boat, but it is still recommended to protect our skin from the sun. To find out more, please. Its almost impossible to find while underway. We did hear that there is a laundry facility here that boats can use (along with free wifi inside the laundry mat). The second engine issue came up shortly after the first issue was solved. Work With Us Advertise on Better Sailing, Best Boating Destinations in the Florida Keys, Best Places for Sailing in the US in 2023, 14 Essential Boat Parts and Equipment for Sailing, Common Sailboat Problems and How to Fix Them, Common Outboard Marine Engine Issues and How to Fix Them, Living on a Boat in London: What you Need to Know (Best Liveaboard Marinas, Costs, etc), 10 Reasons Why You Should Live on a Sailboat. The island is surrounded by a reef line that is worth exploring and beaches that are well worth a visit. I take you clockwise to take advantage of prevailing marine conditions, allowing for more comfortable cruising conditions with your crew, The long fetch of the trades will produce wind swell that you want to avoid sailing/motoring directly into, Your crossing almost due south should be on a beams reach, Heading back north from St. Croix to Culebra will be a nice, broad reach with the swell on your quarter, In stronger winds (15+ knots), even with a favorable wind direction, the larger swell could make things too uncomfortable for a crossing, Check my BVI weather and marine forecasting post for additional resources. The capital is Isabella Segunda. On Day 6 you sail to Isla de Vieques, which is like the Caribbean of the past: tranquil, lush, un-crowded, with natural beauty all around. Jeff and Adrienne own a catamaran and invited the Satori crew to sail with them for a week. Saint James Bay Cruz Bay (Saint John) 4.90 km (3.05 mi) Day 6. Most of the island is a natural preserve. Most folks motor or motor sail. Hop aboard a traditional sailboat and sip complimentary drinks as you cruise along the coast. Castaway Catamaran Sail & Snorkel to Shipwreck Cove (ST29) Nature, Beach and Water Adventures; $69.00* (ages 10 and up), $49.00* (ages 5 to 9) St. Thomas, U.S.Virgin Islands . A crewed yacht charter is one of the best ways to explore and experience the vast offerings of the British Virgin Islands. We were trying desperately to meet our friends, so that meant another early run the following day. We can navigate through the West Gregorie channel. (181931.5N 645106.4W) You can also go for a more refined dining experience at The Sugar Mill Restaurant where you will be introduced to the herbs, spices, and native cuisine of St. Johns and the Virgin Islands. Puerto Mosquito Ensenada Honda Bay (Culebra) 41.90 km (26.03 mi) Day 3. sorter: data => data.sort((a, b) => a.text.localeCompare(b.text)) Only Vieques and Culebra have a resident population. We also anchored off of Playa Sardinera for a night. There have been ongoing efforts since the early 2000s to remove the unexploded ordinance. Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands offer unspoiled cruising grounds and anchorages unlike other Caribbean charter destinations. Required fields are marked *. (182015.5N 645507.4W) Copyright 2022 BVI, All rights reserved. 9 Night Caribbean Dominican Republic and St. Thomas Cruise From Miami, Florida, (United States) to Miami, Florida, (United States) 41 People . 47 18 There are nearly 100 established docking places and a 96-meter-long fuel dock here; they offer fair prices, too. Sailing in Folegandros: Discover the south-western part of the Cyclades! The anchorage outside the bay is not an ideal place for an overnight stay, so we made a stop for a few hours, toured the bay, and then moved the boat over to Puerto Ferro. $3,299. Nothing is required to re-enter the US Virgin Islands from Puerto Rico. The luminescence is caused by micro-organisms (dinoflagellates) that dart away from boats, leaving eerie neon-blue trails of phosphorescence. if (destName.indexOf(search) == 0) { At that point, we decided to call it and turn around. return null; And, the island has the largest natural wildlife refuge in the Caribbean covering 3100 acres. This is where our friends Jeff and Adrienne met us with their catamaran. Grilled fish and lobster are their specialties. Saga Haven is located in the south-eastern part of the island; we can access it through Benner Bay. About 2 hours in, we hit a storm. These combined attractions are a snorkelers dream, and an interesting hike is also accessible. The depth of the pool is 6 metres; it is well-visible and free of any obstructions. If we go for the latter, we can explore the marvellous Spanish Virgin Islands between Saint Thomas and Puerto Rico. The other significant port, Little Harbor is a beautiful and quiet dock with app. Interestingly, there is a DIY dockyard here we have the opportunity to fix up our boat on the small courtyard. We can hike right from Carlos Rosario (check out my post on the Spanish Virgin Islands where I talk more about the hike) or better yet, we are going to anchor right in front of the beach. We can benefit from the good-quality berths offered here for free. 12. Today is a beach day, and we are going to chill at world renowned Flamenco Beach. The waters surrounding the Virgin Islands can easily be accessed from Yacht Haven Grande. There is a good docking spot just south of the island, directly behind the coral reef of the island of Palominos. Sailing in Lindos: sail out from a historic village! Try to pick a night with no moon if you really want to see the bioluminescence. Its a popular bar/restaurant that always brings in the party crowd. If you want to grab a bite for dinner, you can remain anchored close to town. Being a naval centre, most docks are well-equipped and offer full service. Buck Island Reef National Monument youll need to apply for a NPS permit to anchor here. Palomino Island Fajardo 9.60 km (5.96 mi). if ($.trim(params.term) === "") { Departs From Miami, Florida. Telephone: STT (340) 776-6282 and PR (787) 863-0582 Time: 2 hours Leaving St. Thomas Leaving Fajardo, Puerto Rico Changes monthly, Call: (340) 776-6282 for schedule. Together, they make a terrific destination for enthusiastic snorkelers. Sailing from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands, Old San Juan: Why you need to visit this beautiful historic city, Boat Tour 1989 Morgan 44 Center Cockpit (Sailing Satori), Beautifully Calm Downwind Sailing to the DR, Stocking Up and Shipping Out, Beautiful Spinnaker Sailing S2:E28, Marina Review Puerto Del Rey Marina, Puerto Rico, Hanging Out in the Beautiful US Virgin Islands, 10 Amazing Things To Do in the British Virgin Islands, Abandon ship in the British Virgin Islands, Abandon ship in the British Virgin Islands - Sailing Satori, Tampa Bay Sailing Co. on NBCs American Ninja Warrior St. Pete Sailing Charters, Dominica The Indian River Tour S3:E23. We can find boat stops at most bays, and if we have some spare time and feel like exploring, we can visit the Virgin Islands National Park. The anchorage off of Isleta Marina was another overnight stop for us. It really isnt that hard. *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. Enjoy the thrill of sailing through the turquoise Caribbean Sea on the Castaway Girl, a catamaran that will take you to Voted "The Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line" 2013-2022 by World Travel Awards, This website uses cookies. Your email address will not be published. Laid back vibe, gorgeous beaches, and phenomenal snorkeling are some of the features drawing me back. There are many well-maintained berths, docks and yacht clubs all over the country and on the eastern islands, and we can also find ports with free berths. It is a perfect place to get acquainted with Saint Thomas better. The seaweed was getting stuck in the thru-hull and causing our engine to overheat. From what I've been able to find searching online, it seems there used to be a ferry that ran regularly but. They have great docking places in the north-eastern corner of the bay, but they are fairly crowded during the day. If I had an extra day, I might even try and squeeze in a round of golf. Some people have been known to request the check-in when several miles out, Once you report your arrival, the CBP officer may get in contact, but they may also just clear you for entry. This might be enough reason alone to do one or the other. Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. Weve spent the last couple weeks bumming around the east side of Puerto Rico, Culebra, Vieques, and the Virgin Islands. Ensenada Honda Bay Elephant Bay (Saint Thomas) 35.05 km (21, 78 mi) Day 4. 6 What the exact problem was is still a mystery. They provide electricity at each berth. The entire area is surrounded by the sea the marvellous archipelago and the crystal-clear water will provide us with the experience of a lifetime. This period can take as long as weeks. Shore excursions may be booked Staged prior to sailing up until the Pre-Sail cut-off time, 11:30pm ET the evening prior to the cruise departure. The area is well-known for its beautiful beaches such as Nazareth Bay with its protected waters. 26 For relaxing, we recommend the Tortuga, which is named after the islands native tortoise. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 53 As we near our final destination of Fajardothere are many small islands and cays to explore. You will begin your 8-day sailing excursion at Red Hook Harbor on St. Thomas. This worked! Kayaking through these amazing waters is an experience not to be missed! Get that gaff ready for a monster wahoo. Its a fairly calm anchorage nestled behind the island. Vela Luka sailing: One of the safest bays of the Adriatic, Tortola sailing and sights. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. Hire a yacht in Culebra, Puerto Rico Best Price Guarantee Free Cancelation Verified Boats Only up to 35% Early Booking Discount Free Personal Travel Expert 30 Cruises that visit St. Thomas offer some of the best photo opportunities in the Caribbean. There are several flights a day back and forth between Christiansted and Charlotte Amalie. Puerto Rico is an understated destination, not just for what it has but for what it puts you in reach of: magical places inviting you to explore by sailboat, A yacht charter in Puerto Rico usually includes the archipelago known as the Spanish Virgin islands, the region's main sailing destination. jQuery.ajax({ } Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are among those places on Earth that all sailing enthusiasts must visit. For some of these its OK to stay overnight. 10 In St. Thomas, you can even have close encounters with the marine wildlife. 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