international processing fees BVI

[docwood]

Another question-does anyone know if you have to pay international processing fees when flying directly into the BVI or is this just a fee when going to BVI from St. Thomas. By the time you add up ground taxis, water taxis and processing fee it is almost $350 a person. Holy crap. Thats a lotta mulla to cross between two islands you can see from each other. Flights to BVI directly are terrible time wise and more costly so I think yhey know they have you by the mooring balls. Considering renting out of St. Thomas and forgetting about the BVI totally...and BVI cruising fee..and fishing license and etc.Anyone just every tule around St. Thomas for a week?

[john61ct]

For me worth every penny extra to stay on the pommie side, and that's with family in CA

Flying direct didn't used to be so bad? but it has been a while.

[Zanshin]

There's a $25 departure tax at the airport in addition to the ticket price. Flying into the BVI has always been one of the more expensive airports with lots of hidden fees and surcharges in the ticket. Most seasoned BVI travelers fly into St. Thomas and then take the $30 ferry and save hundreds of dollars in airfare. Unfortunately, the ferry system leaves something to be desired as well. I've been keeping my boat in the BVI for years and they are pricing themselves out of the market. Many Americans charter in St. Thomas and then spend a couple of days sailing around the BVI.

[Tupaia]

Give the BVI's a miss, the officials were the most obnoxious bordering nasty that I have ever experienced. The standard of service everywhere was truly appalling, even a visiting local said they felt ashamed. One of the few places we would never consider returning to.

The USVI's is much better the officials were pleasant, even helpful. Cruising around the islands there are many free anchorages and good mooring balls within the National Park which are all properly maintained and reasonably priced. Facilities are superior, standards of service were exemplary and locals friendly.

No contest.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Give the BVI's a miss, the officials were the most obnoxious bordering nasty that I have ever experienced. The standard of service everywhere was truly appalling, even a visiting local said they felt ashamed. One of the few places we would never consider returning to.

Did you check in at Road Town? Known to be unpleasant. We're all waiting for one particular woman to retire. Jost Van Dyke and Gun Creek are both much preferable. In JVD I've found a sign at C&I that says "At Foxy's" and checked in there. *grin*