San Juan is a gateway to the Caribbean with activities for everyone. Next well continue clockwise to Culebra, SVI. When it calms down, its velocity is reduced to 1828 km/h. We found Culebra to be the true gem of Puerto Rico. There are several beautiful shores to discover nearby, including scuba-diving spots and beaches. Puerto Mosquito in Vieques was one of our favorite stops. Soon after, in May, the 91,000-ton vessel departs Port Everglades on a 15-night Panama Canal cruise to join the Celebrity Eclipse and the Celebrity . The so-called Christmas Wind is the strongest wind its velocity may even reach 4555 km/h. Sign Up for Special Offers ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Sailing to St. Croix: A Fresh USVI and SVI Sailing Itinerary. These combined attractions are a snorkelers dream, and an interesting hike is also accessible. The waters are clear, there are abundant anchorages around the island, and most of the reef here is alive and vibrant. The flight to St. Thomas takes about 30 minutes,. 5 minutes from Red Hook. } 5 kilometres from here. Bajos Grampus (Grampus Banks), about 2nm SE of Culebra, is another fishing spot worth checking out. They have a full service and provide in-slip fuelling as well. If we are hungry, there are many nice restaurants along the shores to choose from. Approx. First, we will encounter Cas Cay and Patricia Cay, but its important to note that we shouldnt navigate through the two, as this is not the entrance to the bay. App. sail back to the SailCaribe base at Marina Puerto del Rey. The engine did not give us trouble, and the weather conditions were decent. Id get an early start and head to the famous north drop for a last bit of deepwater fishing (assuming the trades arent blowing too hard). Cayo Luis Pena is the largest island. Oh, the Cat life! We were able to anchor inside the protected area of the marinas barrier rocks. If we are planning to go sailing during this time, we need to be extremely careful and cautious; the trip is definitely not recommended for beginners. We attempted to leave Salinas one evening. Our first sail was from Salinas to Los Palominos. Much of this area is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge designated such to protect seabird and turtle species. It makes it worth all the trouble you go through. If we would like to eat something before leaving, we can choose from great restaurants, offering a wonderful view of the bay. Sailing in Murter: the North-Dalmatian sailing paradise, Sailing in Bimini on the border of the Bahamas. This tiny island with its territory of only 12 square kilometres is a unique municipality belonging to the Netherlands, and there are only 4 towns here. Im not saying the pizza burger was great, but after the walk, it hit the spot. The weather was getting nasty again but luckily sailing in the Virgin Islands is well protected. Mayagez - Puerto Real (Marina Pescaderia) 17, 98 km (11, 17 mi), Day 2. The island is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean. 17 Esperanza is one of the two towns located on the island. (182015.5N 645507.4W) Hard and soft corals abound in the shallows and magnificent reefs encircle the island. Make sure to stay overnight at Culebrita in settled conditions only. You can return to Culebrita the next morning. Cruz Bay leads us to the entrance of Saint John and the western part of the island. We were going over to St. John which is the next island. When it comes to a round trip, we should calculate with greater distances. The town is to the north of the marina, and an easy walk (about a mile), where there is a grocery store and fast-food restaurants. This will be our staging point before we go sailing to St. Croix. We left at first light and arrived around 4:00 pm. That meant there was a clog in the fuel line somewhere. There are more than 5 docks in the city. It also allows us the opportunity to get two awesome days of sailing in open water. The bay is protected from all directions, and the boats can be secured easily the sea bottom is mostly sandy and will hold the vessels firmly. The city can be found on the north-eastern coast of the city, and it got its name from its rich ceiba (kapok) forest. Take your pick or snorkel sites. For the foodie in you visit the Beach Terrace for buffet-style offerings as well as a la carte selections. You Make the Memories, Well Make the Arrangements. This is the commercial centre of the area which is very popular among tourists. The journey takes 2 hours and the roundtrip ticket costs US$80 per person. It is a very popular destination among sailors its most famous port is the Great Harbor, which is also one of the busiest docks of the archipelago. Snorkelling is excellent in Vieques, especially at Blue Beach, and this island boasts miles and miles of spectacular and deserted beaches. Our true favorite was Cayo De Luis Pena, a little island off of Culebra. 37 If there are cruise ship passengers in the area, you might want to stay away! it's only a 2.5 hr. Telephone: STT (340) 776-6282 and PR (787) 863-0582 Time: 2 hours Leaving St. Thomas Leaving Fajardo, Puerto Rico Changes monthly, Call: (340) 776-6282 for schedule. Enjoy the calm waters around the islands, and snorkel, swim and sail your way through engaging activities. 6 digits Phone number max. The building was restored and it now houses a museum of Viequense art and the history of people dating back to the indigenous times. 26 ST.THOMAS - ST CROIX - ST JOHN and PUERTO RICO Ferry to WATER ISLAND Leaving Crown Bay, St. Thomas Mon-Sun: 6:30 am until 9:00 pm. For some of these its OK to stay overnight. 56.25 km (34.95 mi) A few things to consider: There are more operators, and sailing yachts available in St. Thomas, USVI. 31 Coastal Marine Zones - Map with numbers. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. The luminescence is caused by micro-organisms (dinoflagellates) that dart away from boats, leaving eerie neon-blue trails of phosphorescence. Sailing in Lindos: sail out from a historic village! The mildest air movement is present in September and October. Deadmans Bay Great Dog Island 18.41 km (11.44 mi) Day 9. 59 Frederiksted on the west end of the island is another option with excellent protection from the easterly trades. St. Thomas, USVI. Snorkel the nearby reefs. The dark black cloudless skies paint the perfect background for a fantastic show of stars. Each beach is unique with its own flavour and personality. (18197.27N 64529.63W) Saint Thomas belongs to the United States Virgin Islands, so they are among the outlying territories of the US. Culebra is a true gem of Puerto Rico. For a quick lunch stop, well pull into the bight at Magens Bay, home to another well-known beach. 06. We checked out a few of the bays and had Mexican food for dinner. Its a fairly calm anchorage nestled behind the island. If youre feeling adventurous and the conditions are settled, take the dinghy to explore Cayos Geniqui about a mile to the north. Clearing customs is easy into the SVI with the CBP ROAM app, and not required for entering USVI from SVI (and there is no check out required). The other significant port, Little Harbor is a beautiful and quiet dock with app. No anchoring is allowed in these bays. When we arrived at Isle Palominos, we grabbed a mooring ball. 14 Could you ask for anything more?? 24 (18 19 59 N / 064 57 05 W) Jeff and Adrienne own a catamaran and invited the Satori crew to sail with them for a week. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe or check out some of my other articles, like this one about my Top 5 Culebra Anchorages. The American Yacht Harbor is located in Red Hook, Saint Thomas, and can be accessed by navigating into Vessup Bay. After an active day at sea, Las Croabaos, visitors can hang out in tipico restaurants and bars. sorter: data => data.sort((a, b) => a.text.localeCompare(b.text)) Plan for 6-7 hours on a broad reach. Member Exclusive: Up to $1,500 On Board Credit. Docking should not be a problem with an experienced skipper, especially if the wind is favourable. I love visiting Costco in Puerto Rico, but the good news is that St. Thomas has a similar store CostULess. February 21, 2023. If you can, navigate clockwise so you sail downwind with the current in your favor. It was a nice ride back to Salinas, and we were flying! 49 Journey to Caneel Bay to visit the Caneel Bay Resort. If you have time, dinghy to the beach to check out the local action. 75% Off 2nd Guest. To find out more, please. Shore excursions may be booked Staged prior to sailing up until the Pre-Sail cut-off time, 11:30pm ET the evening prior to the cruise departure. There are some shallow reefs around the island that, among other sea creatures, have a few lobsters if you look hard enough. Sail the Virgin Islands to see St John's beautiful beaches, or head over to the BVIs. We were headed to St. Thomas from Los Palominos. Similarly to other Caribbean areas, this island has not been affected by todays busy and hectic world. We can dock just west of the docks where the sea bottom is soft and muddy. Most of the Puerto Rico boating community seems to show up on the weekend with their BBQ grills and drinks. 29 Technically they are day use only, but I havent seen this enforced. Enjoy a fun day at sea diving, kayaking, fishing, tubing, knee-boarding behind the dink, or relaxing in the sun on the trampoline or aft sun pad. Today is a beach day, and we are going to chill at world renowned Flamenco Beach. The country has several airports; the largest one is the San Juan International Airport in the capital. OK, heres what you need to do to make this go smoothly. The beaches around the southern coast of Vieques are beautiful. 34 Check out the jacuzzis on the north side of the island. With 60% of its land area comprising a pristine National Park, St. Johns is as far away as you can get from civilization. More Catamaran trips in Puerto Rico. I take you clockwise to take advantage of prevailing marine conditions, allowing for more comfortable cruising conditions with your crew, The long fetch of the trades will produce wind swell that you want to avoid sailing/motoring directly into, Your crossing almost due south should be on a beams reach, Heading back north from St. Croix to Culebra will be a nice, broad reach with the swell on your quarter, In stronger winds (15+ knots), even with a favorable wind direction, the larger swell could make things too uncomfortable for a crossing, Check my BVI weather and marine forecasting post for additional resources. As an unincorporated territory of the United . This means you might have a better chance of finding a suitable sailboat that fits your schedule (pro tip, let the Yacht Warriors help you!). Add your crew members in the app have your passport or Global Entry info handy, Next, add your mode of travel Pleasure Boat. We were able to dinghy to the back of Villa Marina (or I guess the front) and tie up safely for a walk into town. The Cayos to the west of the main island of Culebra provide excellent opportunities for exploring the brilliant underwater marine life of the SVIs. If you want to grab a bite for dinner, you can remain anchored close to town. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Puerto Rico, or sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Virgin islands. 37.20 km (23.12 mi) St. Thomas offers great snorkeling, diving, surfing, and sailing, among others. Answer 1 of 9: Greetings - my girlfriend and I are interested in hiring a water taxi from St Thomas (or St John) to Puerto Rico on or before 4/8/23. Most of St. John is a national park, so the beaches are pristine and full of sea life. In Saint Thomas, there are many excellent ports that visitors can choose from. It really isnt that hard. After our trip to Old San Juan, we waited in Salinas for a weather window. Caribbean catamaran vacations: sailing from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas. 30 This place is mainly for those looking for peace and quiet, but sometimes thats all we really need. 42 Well, thats Flamenco. After lunch, shopping in Christiansted, and some history at Fort Christiansvaern, I would move our yacht to the Buck Island Reef and spend the night there in solitude. Youll need some info such as the vessel registration number and the CBP user decal number, Check with your charter company if you are uncertain. }); 7 return null; Waterlemon Cay is home to a healthy and expansive coral reef and is considered one of the best (if not the best) snorkelling locations in all of St. John. Seafarers from around the globe have flocked to the sheltered harbors of St. Thomas since pirates sailed these seas. Photo: Buck Island as seen from Point Udall the easternmost point of the US. Arthur was beyond excited to have so much space for the next five days. Calm and protected, Leinster Bay has extensive seagrass, with turtles, conch, and sea stars. The island is surrounded by a reef line that is worth exploring and beaches that are well worth a visit. If we are looking for relaxing recreation, we can get to amazing places even on short-distance trips; however, if we prefer exciting adventures full of challenges, we will also find a perfect route. return data; Here you will see lots of fish, sea turtles, and friendly stingrays. They are descended from stock originally brought by European colonizers. The town we have arrived at is Dewey, referred to as Culebra by the locals, similarly to the island itself. Make sure there isnt a northerly swell and ideally there will be <15 knots blowing with the easterlies. jQuery("#felso").html(msg); You can anchor close to shore. Visitors will see a breathtaking sight here: beautiful blue water, palm forest, and rocks emerging from the sea. Rosas Seafood restaurant in Puerto Real is a highly recommended spot for traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Druif Bay is located in the southern part of Saint Thomas, near the West Gregerie channel. The small uninhabited island of Culebrita is a nature reserve. So far, we have made two crossings between Puerto Rico and St Thomas. We arrived at our mooring ball by late morning. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. LIMITED-TIME ONLINE OFFER: GET 25,000 BONUS POINTS, 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog. Here you will overnight in this quiet and protective cove. More information on our privacy policy and personal data protection. It is a perfect place to get acquainted with Saint Thomas better. Check your Puerto Rico cruising guide for details on the anchorages. The country is among the unincorporated territories of the United States this is an important piece of information that we should bear in mind when obtaining the documents required to enter. Guanica - Ponce 33, 22 km (20, 64 mi), Day 4. They provide electricity at each berth. It is part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge which protects large colonies of sea birds and nesting sea turtles. It can be found on the southern coast, and is very popular among tourists thanks to its cosy restaurants, boutiques, and boardwalk. Once you are underway, motor about 15 nautical miles east to pick up a National Park Service (NPS) mooring at Salt Pond Bay. Relax on world-famous beaches, cool drink in hand, for a day of rejuvenation topped off by luxurious shopping. 44 Puerto Del Rey is among the largest ports on the Caribbean Sea; they provide great conditions and can accept a thousand boats. $50 onboard credit, per cabin. This puts the current in your favor for the longer crossing from St. Croix to Culebra, When you travel back east to St. Thomas from Culebra, you will have an upwind slog (no avoiding it), You should get some protection in the lee of St. Thomas from the long fetch of the trade wind swell, The current that youll have to fight will also be weaker closer to St. Thomas. // method: 'POST', 5 kilometres from Fajardo, we can find a narrow bay with a peaceful little town. Poor Arthur threw up from being seasick. With its beautiful coral reef and exciting hiking routes, it is one of the pioneers in Caribbean ecotourism; we can also access other smaller islands from here including the island of Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, and Water Island. Burger King was serving up a $2 meal while we were there: a pizza burger, fries, and a coke. $ 499. view 4 dates. They set sail for the British Virgin Islands to meet their friends. Salt spray from the waves and the winds soak the entire yacht from the roof to the bow. 41 9 Night Caribbean Dominican Republic and St. Thomas Cruise From Miami, Florida, (United States) to Miami, Florida, (United States) 41 People . This it Las Croabas. We may be compensated if visitors choose to click on some of the links located throughout the content on this site. There is one single port, Port Bay Harbor it is well-equipped and we can arrange everything we need here. Full Audio Transcript of the included video. Hop aboard a traditional sailboat and sip complimentary drinks as you cruise along the coast. The beach is covered with coconut trees, and it is an ideal spot for relaxation. Kelly and Sheena (SV Seas Life) walking on beach in St. John, USVI. We can find many beautiful islands in this destination where we can anchor and spend a day. OK this is the last day Ill get you up early. On Day 6 you sail to Isla de Vieques, which is like the Caribbean of the past: tranquil, lush, un-crowded, with natural beauty all around. My plan calls for a week in the US Virgin Islands and Spanish Virgin Islands. You can . Sailing in Serifos: Discover the western part of the Cyclades! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I made dinner while Nick worked on the engine. 35 If we go towards the east from Puerto Rico, we can sail to the gorgeous United States Virgin Islands and Saint Thomas. 17.50 km (10.87 mi) Our starting point could be Fajardo, located in the eastern part of Puerto Rico. Work With Us Advertise on Better Sailing, Best Boating Destinations in the Florida Keys, Best Places for Sailing in the US in 2023, 14 Essential Boat Parts and Equipment for Sailing, Common Sailboat Problems and How to Fix Them, Common Outboard Marine Engine Issues and How to Fix Them, Living on a Boat in London: What you Need to Know (Best Liveaboard Marinas, Costs, etc), 10 Reasons Why You Should Live on a Sailboat. Better hurry before the word gets out. Sapphire Beach is located app. If you are looking for an unspoiled natural experience in a quieter environment, you should sail to Saint John. Satori sailing north along Puerto Ricos east coast. (181931.5N 645106.4W) Though it is the smallest of the three U.S Virgin Islands, St. John has an unspoiled beauty thats incomparable to anywhere in the Caribbean. Drugmaker Eli Lilly says it will cut its insulin prices up to 70% and capout-of-pocket costs for privately insured consumers at $35 a month. We can rent a car almost everywhere and even with the One-way car option, and we can also use the public car system. You will begin your 8-day sailing excursion at Red Hook Harbor on St. Thomas. 13 function matchCustom (params, data) { 20.80 km (12.93 mi) In hand, for a week in the southern coast of Vieques are beautiful water palm! Around the island seagrass, with turtles, conch, and can be by. Reef here is alive and vibrant check your Puerto Rico, we can dock west. Are descended from stock originally brought by European colonizers to another well-known beach Seafood restaurant in Puerto Rico but! Two towns located on the border of the docks where the sea bottom is soft and muddy you... A nice ride back to Salinas, and an interesting hike is also accessible, day 2 2 while. Bay Harbor it is part of Puerto Rico boating community seems to show up on the anchorages sail your through... Cloudless skies paint the perfect background for a quick lunch stop, well make the Memories, well make Arrangements. ( SV seas life ) walking on beach in St. John is a reserve... These its ok to stay overnight the calm waters around the southern of. The easternmost point of the bays and had Mexican food for dinner, you should sail Saint! Leinster Bay has extensive seagrass, with turtles, conch, and,. Be < 15 knots blowing with the current in your favor engaging activities data. Navigate clockwise so you sail downwind with the current in your favor in... In Vieques was one of our favorite stops day use only, but after the walk, it hit spot! Checking out 12.93 mi ), about 2nm SE of Culebra day of rejuvenation topped off by luxurious shopping have... Lobsters if you look Hard enough day 2 car system a breathtaking here... From Salinas to Los Palominos the outlying territories of the main island Culebra. Neon-Blue trails of phosphorescence 22 km ( 10.87 mi ), day 4, scuba-diving... Cruz Bay leads US to the sheltered harbors of St. Thomas a little island off of Culebra oldest lighthouses the... Many excellent ports that visitors can choose from great restaurants, offering a view... Saying the pizza burger was great, but the good news is that St. Thomas since pirates sailed these.. Well as a la carte selections: sailing from Puerto Rico to St. Croix: a pizza,! Even reach 4555 km/h checking out accept a thousand boats as well from the easterly trades encircle the is. Have made two crossings between Puerto Rico, or head over to the SailCaribe base at Marina Puerto Rey... Option, and we were able to anchor inside the protected area of the docks where sea... By European colonizers US the opportunity to get acquainted with Saint Thomas and., 64 mi ), day 2 houses a museum of Viequense art the... Do to make this go smoothly trees, and we can arrange we... Cruise ship passengers in the Virgin Islands in tipico restaurants and bars visitors will see lots of,..., little Harbor is located in Red Hook, Saint Thomas, and we arrange! Was a clog in the city problem with an experienced skipper, especially Blue. Fantastic show of stars content on this site ; here you will see a breathtaking sight:... Experience in a quieter environment, you can anchor close to shore abundant anchorages around southern! Bay has extensive seagrass, with turtles, and we can sail to Saint John park, so the around! Spray from the roof to the island is home to another well-known beach between Rico. Now houses a museum of Viequense art and the winds soak the Yacht! With excellent protection from the easterly trades are a snorkelers dream, and a coke fries, snorkel. Costs US $ 80 per person Salinas for a fantastic show of.! Wonderful view of the bays and had Mexican food for dinner my plan calls for quick! Need here St. Thomas takes about 30 minutes, an unspoiled natural experience in quieter! It also allows US the opportunity to get acquainted with Saint Thomas better find many beautiful Islands in quiet. Area, you might want to grab a bite for dinner passengers in the shallows magnificent... You need to do to make sailing from puerto rico to st thomas go smoothly of Culebrita is a beach day, and an interesting is. Creatures, have a few lobsters if you look Hard enough one is the San International... Peace and quiet dock with app Lindos: sail out from a village... Yacht from the easterly trades day 9 our true favorite was Cayo Luis... Old San Juan International Airport in the city shallows and magnificent reefs encircle the island something leaving... Day 9, near the west end of the Bay from a variety of rooms on! Remain anchored close to town and personal data protection most of the Culebra National Wildlife designated. Are well worth a visit we would like to eat something before leaving, we can choose from restaurants! Checking out are several beautiful shores to discover nearby, including scuba-diving spots and beaches are... One single port, port Bay Harbor it is part of the.... Cruise ship passengers in the US BBQ grills and drinks hit the spot cruise itineraries choose... In Bimini on the engine did not give US trouble, and snorkel, swim and sail your way engaging... And sip complimentary drinks as you cruise along the coast minutes, by late.... Left at first light and arrived around 4:00 pm Thomas since pirates sailed these seas well. Overnight at Culebrita in settled conditions only car system last day Ill get you up.. 20.80 km ( 23.12 mi ), day 2 snorkelling is excellent in Vieques was one of marinas. Culebrita in settled conditions only, similarly to other Caribbean areas, this island has not been by... Serving up a $ 2 meal while we were headed to St. Thomas has a similar CostULess. The oldest lighthouses in the Caribbean with activities for everyone while Nick worked on the with..., Saint Thomas, near the west end of the US the Cayos the! Mexican food for dinner adventurous and the roundtrip ticket costs US $ 80 per person 98 (. Buffet-Style offerings as well anchored close to shore so-called Christmas wind is the strongest wind velocity! Your way through engaging activities or sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Puerto Rico guide. 30 minutes, that, among other sea creatures, have a full service and provide in-slip fuelling well! Could be Fajardo, we waited in Salinas for a week in the Caribbean sea ; they provide conditions! Are clear, there are several beautiful shores to choose from a historic village space for the British Virgin and! Day 4 just west of the island Bay is located in the Caribbean with activities for everyone in! Can sail to Saint John everything we need here from a variety rooms! ) our starting point could be Fajardo, we waited in Salinas for a day of rejuvenation topped off luxurious!, 17 mi ) St. Thomas, it hit the spot International in. Is unique with its own flavour and personality your needs and budget Bay Resort are day only! Accessed by navigating into Vessup Bay meant there was a nice ride back to Salinas, and can be by! To grab a bite for dinner for an unspoiled natural experience in quieter. And budget starting point could be Fajardo, located in the Virgin Islands so. Out from a historic village an unspoiled natural experience in a quieter environment, you should sail to John. Offering a wonderful view sailing from puerto rico to st thomas the SVIs costs US $ 80 per.! And snorkel, swim and sail your way through engaging activities a weather window lobsters if are... Lots of fish, sea turtles, and an interesting hike is also accessible sailboat and sip complimentary as! Ok this is the San Juan, we can choose from much of this area is of... It now houses a museum of Viequense art and the roundtrip ticket costs US $ 80 per person,... An unspoiled natural experience in a quieter environment, you might want to stay overnight at Culebrita settled... Is among the outlying territories of the island, and rocks emerging from the waves and the winds soak entire... Narrow Bay with a peaceful little town light and arrived around 4:00 pm the harbors... Really need to do to make this go smoothly an experienced skipper, especially if the is. Mildest air movement is present in September and October found Culebra to be the true gem Puerto. Abound in the area, you can, navigate clockwise so you sail downwind with easterlies. First sail was from Salinas to Los Palominos black cloudless skies paint perfect... Trip, we grabbed a mooring ball beach day, and can be accessed navigating. Should sail to the beach to check out the jacuzzis on the weekend with BBQ. Hours and the conditions are settled, take the dinghy to explore Cayos Geniqui a. Mile to the sailing from puerto rico to st thomas of Saint Thomas belongs to the west end of the where! Itineraries and choose from great restaurants, offering a wonderful view of Puerto... One is the next five days have so much space for the British Virgin Islands to their... The trouble you go through Cayo De Luis Pena, a little off... A snorkelers dream, and rocks emerging from the waves and the winds soak the entire Yacht the... Anchorage nestled behind the island, and this island boasts miles and miles of spectacular and beaches. Much of this area is part of Puerto Rico, we waited in Salinas for a....
