British Virgin Islands Update

Welcome Back to the BVI’s” – Save the date: 

NEW DATE: February 2nd – 9th 2019
(OLD DATE: 11/17-24/2018)

The BVI’s are back in business, and they are waiting for us cruiser’s to come back.  We at Cruising Outpost will be hosting a “Share The Sail” flotilla charter for those who want to join us, but there are also specials on bare-boat charters, special rates for resorts, rooms, meals and drinks. 

Traveling to the BVI’s

This Share The Sail will be leaving from the Dream Yacht Charter Basin on Tortola. We will be pleased to welcome you on arrival to Hodge’s Creek Marina.
Fly direct to the BVIs via Beef Island Airport. Or fly to St. Thomas in USVI and then take the ferry. We can arrange airport transfers on request and Beef Island Airport (EIS) is about 3.5km from our base. Make sure your passport is in date and valid for the duration of your stay.
Canadians who fly into the USVI in St. Thomas may need a visa.  Please check with your local authorities.

Getting Around

Traveling around the island is easy, just wave down one of the many taxi mini-vans. The average fare is $1.50 but taxis do not have meters so haggle your price before you get in. If you rent a car, limousine, bicycle or motorbike, drive on the right-hand side and be aware the roads are in variable condition.

Money & Banking

The currency is US Dollars and Euros, travelers cheques, Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but American Express isn’t.  ATMs are easily found in Tortola, look for Virgin Gorda First Bank, Banco Popular, Scotia Bank and First Caribbean Bank. Banks are open Monday to Thursday (8:30am to 3pm) and Friday (8:30am to 5pm). 
Connecting to the Outside World
Getting online is easy with plenty of Wi-Fi spots and cyber cafés. Local internet service providers are Wanadoo, Domaccess, CaribServe, PowerAntilles and ADSL available. There are plenty of letter boxes and the main post office is in Road Town.

Bans

Spear fishing is not allowed and illegal drugs are not tolerated. A fishing permit is required for fishing.

Weather

Tune in to the daily weather forecasts in English on CaribWx (ZBVI radio 780 AM).

Address of Base
DREAM YACHT TORTOLA 
Hodges Creek Marina – Maya Cove 
East End 
TORTOLA/BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 
GPS position: 
N 18°25’33” 
– 
W 64°34’05”
Opening hours:
8AM – 5PM 
Pontoon Number: 
D Dock 

Base Location (click for larger image)

Good Info

Only take soft bags and not suit cases as they are too cumbersome onboard
On land electricity is 110 Volts – 60Hz (pack an American adaptor)
Area code from abroad is 00-1-284-49 + 5 figures of your correspondent. Telephone card is available on spot (Cable & Wireless)
Cell Phones can work depending on zones but don’t forget the roaming fees!
There is internet access via cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots, but you may need to pay
If you want to rent water toys in the BVIs, we are an affiliate partner of Island Surf and Sail

Facilities at the Base

FACILITIES AT THE BASE 
Electricity 
Water 
Toilets 
Showers 
Laundry 
Swimming Pool 
Wifi 
Restaurant(s) 
Bar(s) 
Supermarket / Grocery store 
ATM 
Post Office 
Car park possible in front of the D dork. Some places available

UPDATES

Below are some update photos and info on your favorite places in the BVI.  We will try to update these as we get them…

If you know of a business you visited while cruising in the BVI’s, and they are not here, email Bob!

Anegada Reef Bar

The Anegada Reef Bar is one of the best places to stop for a cold one while visiting the island. Stop by and see why!

Cow Wreck Beach

Cow Wreck Beach, which is our favorite in the islands, is open for all with their “honor bar and great burgers!

Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke

Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke is open for rum, jokes by Foxy and shakin’ your thing on the dance floor. “Come one, come all.

Marche Bar & Grill, Trellis

Marche´ Bar and Grill Trellis Bay has is a popular Beef Island spot and they’re back in business in Trellis Bay.

Maria’s Hotel, Road Town

Maria’s Hotel is the place most cruisers stay when awaiting their boat.  Priced right and comfortable.

Mayett’s Cane Garden Bay

Myett’s Cane Garden Bay Irma Edition. We’re open daily with great food, drinks and a beautiful view. Come join us.

The Soggy Dollar Bar, Jost Van Dyke

The Soggy Dollar Bar in White’s Bay on Jost Van Dyke is ready, able and willing to welcome all back to paradise.

Great News for All Wannabe Pirates & Fans of the Willy T… The William Thornton Has Found a New Home at Peter Island!

May 20, 2018

LATEST UPDATE IN THE WILLY T SAGA: Finally… From bad news to great news for all wannabe pirates and fans of the Willy T all over the world! The owners of the William Thornton floating bar and restaurant have been working with the BVI government and have announced that they have agreed on a new location for the Willy T to operate. According to a statement in BVI News, the Willy T’s owner, Ewan Anderson said, “We are pretty well confirmed to be definitely moving. We are not going to be in The Bight [but] at Great Harbour on Peter Island.” In addition, he said, “It will be ok. It’s another location, it’s on the water, and it’s good for tourism — good for Great Harbour.” On May 15th the Official Willy T Fan Club Facebook page posted the following message. They wrote, “Sooo, when are you all going to come see us over at GREAT HARBOUR on Peter Island??!! This is our new home!! We’re in the process of finalizing all the required permits as we speak. Hope to have that all accomplished this week! Looking forward to seeing everyone over at Great Harbour!! It’s been too long…”

Corsair’s Beach Bar & Restaurant is Now Open with a Limited Menu!

April 24, 2018

Corsair’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke is now open with a limited menu. Stop in on your next visit to JVD and check them out – new building, new pizza oven, new everything. Same great food and atmosphere!

Neptune’s Treasure Hotel… Your Home Away From Home on Anegada!

April 16, 2018

Neptune’s Treasure Hotel posted the following update on their website. They reported, “We are finally open after four and a half months of rebuilding from the 2017 hurricane season.  We are here and ready to serve you. We have made huge improvements with hand-cut stone antiquing walkways from our dinghy dock to the restaurant and guest rooms too. A new tiki bar, twice as big, has been built. All guest rooms and cottages have been repaired inside and out with brand new decor too. Sad to say, we no longer have our grove of palm trees that have been with us since the late 60’s and have been used by sailors as landmarks, but we are still serving the freshest seafood in the BVI. Stop by and see us… Your “Jungle Juice” is waiting.”

Neptune’s Treasure Hotel: +1 284-345-5436

Surfsong Villa Resort on Beef Island is Open on a Limited Basis

April 17, 2018

Surfsong Villa Resort in Well Bay on Beef Island provided the following update on their website. They reported, “Surfsong is currently open on a limited basis to support guests with business interests in the BVI who are in need of accommodation on a longer term basis. The BVI is recovering well with work continuing both at the resort and in the greater community, and we look forward to welcoming guests back in due course. A reopen date will be announced as soon as we confident that we can offer the tranquil setting and luxurious accommodation that Surfsong is renowned for. We thank you for your continued interest and support.”

Surfsong is a boutique resort blending the privacy of a villa with the convenience of a resort including fine dining, concierge services and a beautiful beach. Choose from seven extraordinary one, two or three bedroom villas or reserve the entire resort for your group of up to 30 guests. Stretching across five acres of waterfront property along the south shore of Beef Island, British Virgin Islands, Surfsong has welcomed guests for more than 10 years. The essence of relaxation in a pristine, natural oceanfront setting with a tranquil swimming beach, this intimate resort resonates with warmth in every detail. Each of the seven villa offers individual distinctions and luxuries that include secluded decks, waterfront views, intimate courtyards, elegant furnishings and unique design touches. Renowned for quality service, the Surfsong team is devoted to the enjoyment of guests. On-site amenities include spa services, The Courtyard at Surfsong’s fine dining experience, and many romantic on-site destinations, beach chairs and water sports; guests can choose island adventures from deep-sea or bone fishing to zip-lining, hiking, snorkeling, diving, sailing and much more.

Great News for BVI Visitors… Road Town Ferry Dock Reopens!

May 23, 2018

The following is from an article in the BVI News. They reported, “After more than seven months of being closed, the ferry terminal in Road Town is finally resuming regular operations. The ferry terminal officially reopened on Sunday, May 13. The Ports Authority is now promising faster processing from Customs and Immigration officers based at the jetty, which was extensively damaged during the September 2017 hurricanes.During the repairs, additional space was added to the international terminal at the Road Town-based dock.”

JVD’s Newest Villa, Petite Paradis Opens in Great Harbour!

May 29, 2018

Ivan Stressfree Chinnery has announced that he is taking bookings for a new villa on Jost Van Dyke. The villa’s name is Petite Paradis and it is located in Great Harbour, overlooking the water. Contact Ivan for more information.

Petite Paradis Villa: +1 340-513-1095 | ivansstressfreeguesthouse@yahoo.com

Experience “Glamping” in Beachfront Luxury Tents at Anegada Beach Club!

April 16, 2018

Just got the following update from Anegada Beach club. They said, “What hurricane? We are freshly rebuilt, upgraded and open for business! Spend the day with us for great food, beautiful beach bar and swimming pool.” 

Anegada Beach Club is Anegada’s newest and best in accommodations, beach, activities and dining! Experience “Glamping” in their Beachfront Luxury Tents for one night or ten. The restaurant has a friendly and efficient staff who serve breakfast through dinner daily. Freshly caught grilled lobster is always on the menu, as well as fine dining, local favorites, and tasty snacks. Their complementary shuttle will pick you up at the dock or airport, whether you’re just coming for lunch or staying with for a week. Come and discover the many details that make Anegada Beach Club the best place to visit in the British Virgin Islands!

Anegada Beach Club: +1 284-340-4455 | info@anegadabeachclub.com

Cane Garden Bay and Brewers Bay to Get $1.7 Million Makeover!

May 22, 2018

According to a recent article in the BVI Beacon two key tourist beaches on the north shore will be getting a much needed makeover. The article reported, “New palm trees, a graveyard wall, and a repaired dinghy dock are just some of the $1.7 million worth of improvements the government will be pouring into Cane Garden and Brewers bays over the next month in hopes of luring back the tourists they lost after the hurricanes. Second District Representative Mitch Turnbull, speaking alongside other leaders last Thursday at a community meeting at Rhymer’s Beach Hotel, called the repair of Tortola’s major tourist hub “absolutely essential.”Officials, he said, plan on “getting our communities back to a place where not only can we set that standard of excellence for our guests, [but for] those of us who live here.” He added that the works should be completed quickly, so that representatives from cruise lines who visit the territory soon will see the progress.”

Sugar Mill Hotel Delays Opening to October 2018

April 17, 2018

Although the Sugar Mill Hotel was not as badly damaged as other places, the infrastructure of Tortola has been impacted by the two hurricanes. Repairs are being made but docks, ports and roads etc will not be ready for visitors for many months. So like many of the other high end resorts, they have made the decision to remain closed until October, 2018 in both the restaurant and the hotel.

Sugar Mill Hotel: +1 284-495-4355 | info@sugarmillhotel.com

Get Down and Get Funky at De Loose Mongoose on Trellis Bay!

April 17, 2018

For all of those who love Trellis Bay, I just saw that De Loose Mongoose is in the progress of rebuilding its restaurant and Beef Island Guesthouse with plans to open in late Spring 2018. De Loose Mongoose is a funky beach bar, restaurant and guesthouse nestled on the south-east corner of Trellis Bay. Situated right on the beach, it is great place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their culinary team is lead by award winning chef and owner Mr. Neil Cline. They offer a mixture of Caribbean infused cuisine, great drinks and even live music on certain nights. So come on out, get down, get funky and enjoy a great island vibe at De Loose Mongoose!

De Loose Mongoose: +1 284-495-2303

Great News for All Those Who Love The Bitter End Yacht Club… Construction Has Started!

May 31, 2018

LATEST UPDATE: Great news for all those who know and love the Bitter End Yacht Club. I just saw the following update in post by John Glynn of the Friends of Bitter End Yacht Club Facebook group. John said, “The “heavy lifting” is underway. Big barges off loading big trucks and heavy equipment at the North End of BEYC (where the fitness course used to be). #progress #BringBackBitterEnd Drone photo by resident fab photog Mar Javierto.”

PREVIOUS UPDATE: The Bitter End Yacht Club located in the North Sound on Vigin Gorda has announced a complete, “World-Class” restoration of their iconic resort. The following is their press release: “Virgin Gorda, BVI (February 2, 2018) – The Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda was devastated by Hurricane Irma in September 2017, leaving over 64 acres, one mile of shoreline and over 50 structures destroyed in its path. The task at hand for restoration of the iconic destination is extraordinary, but the Bitter End community is steadfast in its mission to restore Bitter End’s legacy. This week, Bitter End’s ownership family confirmed a temporary closure of the property with plans to announce a reopening date in the coming months.

Good Food and Drinks Are Being Served Daily at Rada’s Restaurant & Bar!

April 15, 2018

Rada’s Restaurant & Bar in North Sound, Virgin Gorda posted the following update. They said, “Dear our valued customers, Rada’s Restaurant & Bar will reopen for business, starting Friday December 8th. Irma knocked us down, but we don’t have to stay down! Love from Rada and staff!” Rada’s is a small family owned restaurant serving good food and drinks where you get to meet the owner everyday!

Rada’s Restaurant and Bar: +1 284-495-7000

Get a Luxurious, Old-World Mediterranean Feel at Scottland Villa Above Smuggler’s Cove!

May 31, 2018

Samantha Pierce, at Villas of Tortola, has advised that Scottland Villa in Smuggler’s Cove is again available for vacation rentals. Nestled discretely in the lush hillside of Tortola’s Northwestern coast, surrounded by banana, lime and coconut trees, overlooking the white sand of Smuggler’s Cove – Scottland House truly harmonizes Mediterranean style with Caribbean flare. This gorgeous two-story, two-bedroom masterpiece showcases natural wood wherever possible – giving this quaint, yet luxurious villa, an old-world Mediterranean feel, right here in the Caribbean.

Lower-level accommodations include a comfortable living room, decorated with local prints and artifacts. This welcoming area lets in plenty of natural light, as it opens fully to the patio, private pool, and magnificent views. Take advantage of this substantial outdoor space by relaxing poolside, firing up the built-in BBQ, and dining on the heavy wooden circular table. Pool measurements (25′ x 8’9″ x 4’8′ deep). Scottland House is home to a well-equipped country kitchen,  adjacent to the living room, through a wide open doorway. The second bedroom, located downstairs, offers a queen bed and half-bath, and is accessed by a short flight of steps from the rear of the kitchen. This bedroom has AC and its shower is outdoors. 

Upstairs awaits a romantic master bedroom suite, with vaulted ceilings and a king size four-poster bed. French doors open wide to a small balcony, exposing views of nearby Islands like Jost Van Dyke, Sandy Cay and several others. This room includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom, where a refreshing rinse in the natural stone shower is the perfect beginning or end to any day. The Master Suite has AC and a SmartTV. Somewhat hidden behind the master suite, is a private tiled courtyard with table and chairs, and a garden path to a pavilion-style gazebo with a perfectly swaying double hammock. 

A 15-minute walk (or quick drive) brings you to Smuggler’s Cove, where you can read on the beach, enjoy snorkeling the crystal clear Caribbean waters, or even imbibe, as friendly locals are sure to be serving cold beverages and hot food. Your neighbor to the East, Long Bay, offers a mile of white, sandy beach in a beautiful resort community as well. 

With a quiet, romantic aura, Scottland House is an elegant and relaxing escape for honeymooners or for couples with their children.

Villas of Tortola: +1 284-542-7872 | sam@villasoftortola.com
 

Turtle Bay House Offers Unparalleled Beauty and Exceptional Privacy!

April 15, 2018

Turtle Bay House offers the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxed comfort. This villa is located in Nail Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda. One of the best features of the home is the beautiful quiet beach accessible by a path below the home. Whilst it’s difficult to have a bad view in the BVI, the views from this exceptional property are truly outstanding.

Turtle Bay House has recently been renovated to the highest of standards with travertine tile, granite, stainless steel hardware of the highest quality, and custom mahogany millwork, doors and windows throughout. Spacious shady terraces from each bedroom and around the pool and lounge area are just perfect for lying back, pina colada in hand, and enjoying the ocean, island and sunset vistas that seem to go on forever.

Situated above Mountain Trunk Bay amidst beautiful tropical gardens, this lovely house offers a king suite, queen suite, double suite and a suite with two twin beds. All suites feature en-suite bathrooms. All rooms open onto spacious patios with breathtaking views down Sir Francis Drake Channel and the islands surrounding Virgin Gorda.   The Great Room is a wonderful place to relax, unwind and enjoy the magnificent views. The unparalleled beauty and exceptional privacy of this home will ensure that your stay at Turtle Bay Villa will truly be an unforgettable experience!

Turtle Bay House: +1 284-495-3000 | info@bvivillarental.com

Leverick Bay

Leverick Bay is located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, BVI.  We took a direct hit with Hurricane Irma and suffered extensive damage.  We lost roofs, outbuildings such as the beach bar, stages and retail shops.  In addition, debris & water filled the entire property.  We were very fortunate to begin the clean up and rebuild literally days after.  Our staff was absolutely amazing and found their way over the roads to assist with the clean up of debris around the resort – they were willing to do anything to help.   We had construction crews start immediately and were able to rebuild completely and open for the season ahead of time.  Of course there were many challenges such as communication, power, water, diesel, etc., etc.  We were able to keep pushing through all of these and I can’t tell you how amazing it was to see the first Charter Boats arrive in our Marina, as well as welcome our land guests & locals for a meal on the Beach.

Leverick Bay Resort & Marina is fully OPEN.  We have a wonderful fine dining restaurant, a casual cove area & beach bar all open for business.  In addition, the Marina is open with both mooring balls & dock slips.  The dock has water, power, ice & fuel.  We also have a grocery store for all your provisioning needs, hotel accommodations, a pool, spa, hot showers, retail shops, water sports, entertainment and more!  We are a full service stop with amazing views, friendly staff & endless amenities.

For any additional information or reservations please contact becky@leverickbay.com or call us 1.284.346.5238 or visit our website www.leverickbay.com.  Virgin Gorda, BVI is looking forward to welcoming you to our island.  #bvistong

Red Rock Restaurant, Tortola.

Located in Penn’s Landing Marina, Tortola.  First rum is on them!

https://www.redrockbvi.net/