ARRIVING
The flotilla is from Sat 31st October thru Sat 7th November.
You are responsible to get to the Voyage charter base, Sopers Hole, West End, Tortola by 5:00 pm on Saturday 31st. There are several ways to get to Sopers Hole. We have found that the most cost effective way is via Saint Thomas (STT), and cross into the BVI’s on the ferry. You can fly directly into Tortola (EIS) and cab over to Sopers Hole. We can help with transfers if needed.
Friday – 30th October
We (the skippers) are planning on flying into St Thomas (STT) on Friday 30th and spending the night at one of the hotels close to the ferry port. Given the unreliable airline travel, spending the night on St Thomas it is a lot less stressful than racing to catch the last ferry out to the BVIs on Saturday. We will catch the Saturday afternoon ferry over to Tortola, West End, clear customs into the BVIs and head to the charter base.
If you are flying directly into Tortola, Beef Island (EIS), I recommend that you spend the night at a hotel in Road Town. This is the largest port and many great spots to visit. We have stayed at Fort Burt and had a reasonable experience based on what we paid. You will need to catch a cab (about 40 min) to the West End/Sopers Hole on Saturday to arrive by 5:00pm.
Saturday – 31st October
Most of the guests are arriving on Saturday, 31st. Plan to arrive in St Thomas no later than 3:00PM. Transfer directly from the airport to the marine terminal at Charlotte Amelia or Red Hook, depending on what ferry you have chosen. Board the ferry for a 40 minute ride to West End, Tortola, BVI. Clear customs and catch a 5 minute cab ride to the opposite side of the bay where the Voyage Charter Base is nestled in the small town of Sopers Hole. Board the boats between 5:00 - 6:00PM. Stow your gear, pack your provisions (which will be delivered to the boats) and meet the group for dinner and drinks. We will spend the night aboard the boats and depart Sunday mid-morning after the skippers briefing.
Airport Transfers & Ferry
Ferry and cab transfers are NOT included in the charter price. There are several cab companies, public ferries and private water taxis operating in the Virgin Islands. You can choose to make your own arrangements or let me know and I will take care of all transfers for you. Cost is $95 pp return. This includes airport to hotel, hotel to ferry, ferry to charter base and return back to airport.
If you miss the last ferry out of Red Hook, you will have to catch a water taxi at $90 one way.
Flying into Tortola, Beef Island (EIS)
If you are flying into Beef Island, we use Taxi Cab Supervisor Frank Ferrol, 284-443-5654.
Hotels
I have just started looking at hotels. We typically stay at the Best Western on Emerald Beach, costs around $160 per night. I will nail this down before the next information packet. Let me know if you are interested in joining us and we will add your name to the list.
Best Western Plus Emerald Beach Resort
8070 Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, St. Thomas, 00802,
U.S. Virgin Islands, ‎1-866-539-0036‎
DEPARTING
Saturday – 7th November
Book a flight out of St Thomas after 2:00pm. This will give you enough time to clear BVI customs and catch either the 8:30 or 10:00am ferry to the USVI.
Taxi will be available to transport you from Voyage Base back to West End, Tortola Customs and Ferry Terminal. Prior to departure from Tortola you are required to pay a $15.00 (per person) government departure tax from the ferry terminal; a Port Official will collect this fee prior to boarding the ferry. Make sure you have cash.
Ferry departs from West End to Charlotte Amalie/Red Hook. A driver will be available to transfer you from the ferry terminal to the airport or if you have a late flight, luggage can be stored to allow you the freedom to shop or have a leisure lunch prior to being taken to the airport.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Marlin Fishing
Some crew members have indicated an interest in marlin fishing. We are working with several charter companies to get the best rates. If you are interested in marlin fishing, please let me know.
Standup Paddle Boards
Cost is $170 per board. We typically get 2 boards and split the cost amongst the crew.
Scuba Diving
We offer coordinated scuba trips. If you are interested in scuba diving, let me know. Average cost is $120 for 2 dives (Wreck of the Rhone) or a single dive on the Eustacia Reef.
Ciguatera
Ciguatera occurs in marine waters near tropical reefs and is a unique type of food poisoning caused by the consumption of marine species that harbor natural toxins.