Catamary

THE ALTERNATIVE

Compass

Skip the Customs Line

The BVI is famous, but the USVI is quietly superior for Americans. No passports required, no $16/day cruising taxes, and no fighting 300 boats for a mooring ball.

The USVI Advantage

Most charterers fly into St. Thomas (STT) and immediately take a ferry to Tortola. This is a mistake. Staying in the USVI offers massive logistical advantages.

  • Cost: Provisioning in St. Thomas is 40% cheaper than Tortola. You have access to Costco-style stores (PriceSmart) and standard US supermarkets.
  • Crowds: St. John (mostly National Park) has incredible bays (Maho, Francis, Leinster) that rarely fill up before 4 PM. In the BVI, you are fighting for space at 1 PM.
  • Anchoring: Unlike the BVI where you are forced onto expensive mooring balls, the USVI has vast areas where you can drop the hook for free.

The Downside: Swell

The USVI is less protected from the Northern groundswells that roll in during the winter. Anchorages on the north shore of St. John can become untenable, forcing you to the south shore (Coral Bay), which requires longer transit times.

USVI vs BVI Cost Comparison

See the hidden logistical costs of crossing the border.

Common Mistakes

Mistake The Reality
Trying to do both in 7 days Clearing customs in both directions will burn two full half-days of your vacation. Pick one country and stay there.
Anchoring in seagrass St. John is heavily protected. If you anchor in seagrass (turtle grass), you will be fined heavily. Aim for the sand patches.

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