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Tag Archives: Barbuda

Caribbean Closes Ports To Yachts Amid COVID-19

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Drawing. In background is a yellow triangle with a black border. There is a black exdamation point in the center of the triangle. The words, Travel Advisory, are almost stamped across the top section of the triangle. The words are in a black rectangle, and the words are in white lettering. There is a white border around the black box and words.

COVID-19 UPDATE

Thinking of sheltering in place?  First, in a remote destination?  Second, in private?  Third, on a luxury yacht charter vessel?   Great thought, but STOP.  Before you get your hopes up, we have a report.  Getting on a yacht may be a BIG problem right now. This is a result of more islands closing their borders to yachts. It is particularly difficult for all.

 

BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS

Traditionally, spring is the most popular season for Caribbean yacht charters.  We have fully-crewed superyachts in position. They are ready to accept guests. For example, from the Bahamas to Bonaire.

Unfortunately, the unexpected outbreak of a global viral pandemic has affected the industry.  It brings the idea of a charter in the Caribbean to a screeching halt.

 

ADVISORIES AND CURFEWS

This started as travel advisories and then curfews.  It morphed into full closures of most island nations in the Caribbean.  This affects both air and sea access.

 

GUESTS OR NOT

In some cases, charter guests already onboard may stay onboard.  However, as of March 30, most charter vessels are restricted.  Therefore, they cannot accept new guests in almost every inhabited island in the Caribbean.  For instance, the British Virgin Islands and St. Marten.

 

CLOSED (no re-opening dates announced)

  • TRINIDAD … not only
  • ST LUCIA
  • ARUBA … but also
  • BONAIRE
  • CURAÇAO
  • BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)
  • MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS
  • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR)
  • DOMINICA … in addition,
  • GRENADA
  • ST. MAARTEN (ST. MARTIN)
  • MARTINIQUE
  • GUADELOUPE
  • ANTIGUA and BARBUDA … lastly,
  • ST KITTS & NEVIS

RESTRICTIONS

Restrictions exist.  For instance,

  • MONTSERRAT.  Mandatory 14 day quarantine
  • USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands).  Closed to all visitors for 30 days.  Charter vessels, hotels, guest houses, etc. are restricted. They may not accept new guests. Guests who have already checked in are advised to return home. They cam remain, if they choose, however.  Airport and Seaports are open.  All non-essential businesses are closed.  Residents are asked to stay at home. All bars across the Territory are closed.  In-house dining is not allowed at restaurants.  Take-out services are permissible. Additionally,
  • ANGUILLA.  Both sea and air ports are closed to all passengers. This applies for an initial 14-day period, from 20 March.
  • BAHAMAS.  Incoming passenger flights are banned.  Significantly, seaports remain open for cargo and supply vessels only.  Moreover, All inter-island sailing and cruising is prohibited.
  • BARBADOS.  Airports and marinas are open.  Whether by yacht or plane, all visitors arriving from the UK, Europe, and the United States will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving with a travel history from China, Iran, and South Korea are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. Further,
  • DOMINICA.  Airports and seaports closed.  There is an exception for planes and ships bringing vitally-needed cargo and medical relief supplies.
  • ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES.  Mandatory 14 day quarantine for any passengers arriving from China and other countries.  For instance, the European Union, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 

 STAY INFORMED / DISCLAIMER

In conclusion, this is not a complete list of all restrictions in the Caribbean.  Border and marina/port closures change rapidly.  Moreover, air traffic suspensions change, too.  In the meantime, 1-800 Yacht Charters will keep this information updated as much as possible. We encourage our blog readers to check official country websites and local news sources for the latest travel advisories and closures/restrictions. For specific luxury yacht charter questions, please email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com

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Caribbean Yacht Charters | SailAway’s Top Three Secret Caribbean Beaches

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Photograph of white sand beach with waves lapping up on the sand. Turquoise water with a green tree-laden island in the background

 The SailAway Yacht Charter Group’s Picks for
Best Secret Beaches in the Caribbean  

* Lameshur Bay Beach, St. John
* Happy Bay, St. Martin
* Palm Beach, Barbuda

THE STORY

For years,  travel agents and yacht charter brokers have promoted the British Virgin Islands as “Nature’s Little Secret.”  Unfortunately for luxury sailing charter travelers seeking solace and quiet anchorages, the secret is out.  While the BVI and most of the Caribbean remains a fantastic sailing destination, there’s no denying it – it is getting harder and harder to anchor off the shore of a quiet beach. 
The good news is that there are still undiscovered beaches in the Caribbean — blissful hideaways where tourism hasn’t yet eclipsed the local culture. 

THE STORY CONTINUES

The most experienced Caribbean yacht charter skippers know these secret beaches but are reluctant to disclose their locations.  Fortunately, our loyalties are to our charter clients – and we are more than willing to share these hidden gems with our readers!

TOP 3 SECRET BEACHES

First, Lameshur Bay Beach, St. John, USVI
While the bareboat yacht charter crowd is anchored off the Baths in Virgin Gorda, BVI, we like slide across Drake Channel to the US side of the Virgin Islands and go ashore on the secluded southeast coast of St. John, at Lameshur Bay beach.  At the end of the cobblestone beach at Lameshur is a more isolated, sandier strip known as Donkey Bight. Snorkelers love this beach, as it leads to Beehive Cove, a warren of caves and tunnels filled with coral and sea sponges and teaming with fish.
Physical fitness buffs can also enjoy a 1.2 mile hike up a trail to the 1,000-foot peak of Bordeaux Mountain, which overlooks the bay below.  Photograph of a beige sand beach, seagrape leaves in the left hand and front of the photo, and island at the back right side of the photo. Turquoise water that blends to dark blue as it gets further away.

SECOND TOP SECRET BEACH

Happy Bay, St. Martin
Located on the French side of St. Martin, Happy Bay is an underpopulated stretch of crème-colored sand. Thick underbrush surrounds the beach and serves as a challenging barrier to most shore-based tourists. The privacy of this beach has made it a popular spot for clothing optional tourists.  Snorkelers marvel at the vast numbers of tropical fish in the crystal waters.

THIRD SECRET BEACH

Palm Beach, Barbuda
While nearby Antigua flaunts bustling beachside hotels, Barbuda offers quiet beaches with pink sands, the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, and only a handful of resorts.  Antigua is a great place to begin a superyacht charter (international airport, and excellent megayacht marinas) but do yourself a favor after your board.  Cruise over to Barbuda and enjoy the solitude.

WHERE TO TRAVEL THIS SUMMER

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