Wanting to Retire in the US Virgin Islands

[born4sailing]

Thanks for all of the thoughts. I especially appreciate hearing about cell and medical services. Our plan at this point is to go down to BVI next winter. This winter I was convinced to go to Mexico...on dry land.

Thanks again and I look forward to leaning more from the shared experiences on this board!

[Looking4Neptune]

I was in the BVI and USVI in November and I purchased a Digicell prepaid card in Roadtown BVI. It worked well and when I got to the USVI, I was surprised to find that it worked there as well.

[Symphony]

Do any of you leaving your boats in PR, USVI, or BVI have some type of security or monitoring system on the boat when you are away?

[nicholson31]

Very interesting info as we are "1984 days" from retirement, yes the countdown is underway and hoping to do the same.
unfortunatly "born4sailing" I am affraid that all these good suggestions maybe non-applicable to both of us in 5-8 years time?

[born4sailing]

Originally Posted by Enrique100

Did you consider St Croix? Just a day's sail to the south...

EDIT: But not much of a charter base in St Croix if that's what you're looking for...


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I am still just exploring area and while Nicholson31 has another good point, my early search is aimed at where I could call a home base. A Marina in a area that is close to the fun areas to sail around, but not too far away from the US. And exploring the pros and cons of US territorial waters.

I'm not going to discount St Croix or Puerto Rico, but if I want to sail around St John and BVI, there would need to be a compelling reason to be a day's sail away. (ie. Great Marina, more stable shopping, easier to fly in and out of....)

And, I agree that cell service, internet and even customs will likely be different in 2024 - trade winds, natural harbors, access to food and many other things will be substantially the same. I had culture shock on North Bimini island when I went to the "Grocery store". It looked like a 3rd world country. Oh, wait..... Anyway, we plan to continue the investigating over these next 8 years and thereby monitor the changes. But the ideas I am getting will help guide our search!

As for medical care, yes the USA is expensive, but I am thinking about Medicare paying in US territories vs. outside the US. And the quality of care needs to be checked out.

And I am not sold on any particular place yet. I am, however, enjoying the investigation. (While Bimini is not where I want to base out of, there are 100 islands in that area to investigate too. Maybe the Exumas? ) I do want to be close enough to the US for my kids to visit and visa versa.

[gts1544]

born4sailing, We keep a USCG documented 41' Beneteau in the BVI's year round. You can purchase a TEMPORARY IMPORTATION PERMIT each January for $200 at the BVI Customs at the Road Town Ferry Terminal. This negates the need to purchase expensive cruising permits as it is valid for the entire year.

Possession of the permit also allows you to purchase a BVI National Parks Annual Permit for $75, instead of $150, which permits you to use premium diving and snorkeling day mooring balls all over the islands.

I won't get into the pros and cons of the locations other than to say that we sail Puerto Rico / Spanish VI's / USVI's and the BVI's. Our favorite is Ensenada Honda in Culebra, PR, halfway between PR and STT, with $3 ferry service to Fajardo, PR, with its Super WalMart and West Marine. Please feel free to PM me for my phone if you wish to talk further. George

[sailcrazy]

Symphony...when we go up on the hard at Puerto Del Rey we do not have any concerns regarding security. We hire a local firm (young, married American) to check on our boat routinely, looking for things like mold and mildew, water leaks, ants, current battery status, etc, etc. We leave a key with him for the boat, but not with anyone else. We get regular emails/phone calls regarding the condition and status. The marina yard is gated and fenced, with full time security, and my insurance has no problems with the boat being there, based on their reputation and facilities.....full coverage in force. All in all, not an issue!

[sailcrazy]

gts44..please tell me more about this temp importation permit for the BVI. What docs do you need to get it? How long can you stay at one time in the BVI? Any down sides? Available only at the Road Town office? Sounds like a really good deal!!!

[boating2go]

I'd recommend checking availability of specialists you may need as well as general care. We planned to sail and bare bone after we retired but due to health reasons are unable to because of the availability of specialists in the islands. We checked and PR has hardly any specialists for most things you have to fly to Miami. USVI has almost as limited selection of specialists as PR.

You definitely are on the right track for your planned retirement and 8 years is not that far away. Just keep checking medical availability, sometimes it is better to go to a foreign territory where specialists are available.

[Looking4Neptune]

You also might be surprised at the availability and price of healthcare in the Dominican Republic. Maybe not for unusual issues, but very good for common things and communicable diseases.

It is also an inexpensive place to live and the people are really nice. But it is a poor country and sailing east on the north coast is generally difficult except at night when the wind off the land protects you somewhat from the trade winds.

Pat

[Dulcesuenos]

What about the $1 per foot per day that some of the custom offices in bvi are charging? For foreign boats I read recently that some charge it and others dont?

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[CaptMarc]

Here are a few links with info about moving and living in the VI's...

Good Luck
Marc

VIMovingCenter - The Ultimate Resource for Relocating and Living in the Virgin Islands

USVI Relocation Message Board

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by gts1544

Our favorite is Ensenada Honda in Culebra, PR, halfway between PR and STT, with $3 ferry service to Fajardo, PR, with its Super WalMart and West Marine. Please feel free to PM me for my phone if you wish to talk further. George

Oh no, the secret is out! There goes perfect.

[born4sailing]

Originally Posted by CaptMarc

Here are a few links with info about moving and living in the VI's...

Good Luck
Marc

VIMovingCenter - The Ultimate Resource for Relocating and Living in the Virgin Islands

USVI Relocation Message Board

Wow, these links were great sources of information! Thanks!

[born4sailing]

We are researching a winter trip (Jan - Feb 2017) and the flights to BVI are $1700 per person verses $500 to St Thomas. Am I missing something? We are looking to charter, and a mono hull is one option. (I thought we should at least try it.)


Any advise on flights?