Florida – January 3, 2020 – See below for a February Update
How to travel to the Caribbean safely this winter?
Looking to travel to the Caribbean this winter season, but unsure where you can safely cruise on a charter superyacht? Following the outbreak of COVID-19, many regions throughout the Caribbean closed down their borders and waterways to travellers. However, as cases continue to decline due to new safety and health measures, restrictions are easing, and many regions are open and welcoming travellers once more. Here we share some of the reasons why you should book a Caribbean yacht charter this winter, and how to cruise around the region safely.
One of the most beautifully exotic destinations in the world, the Caribbean is seen by many as one of the leading charter destinations. Best known for its sparkling turquoise waters, powder-soft sandy beaches and laid-back way of life, the region is home to over 700 islands teeming with hidden bays, reefs and cays. Split into two main groups; the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles, the region offers a blend of diverse and rich cultures that have landed on their shores over the last centuries, including Dutch, French, British, Spanish and North American influences. The perfect destination to explore a variety of landscapes and seascapes, including coral reefs, tropical rainforests, plantations and volcanoes, countless options are waiting to be discovered.
At this moment yacht travel to the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands is limited. However, there are plenty of other gorgeous destinations in the Caribbean open to charter yachts. For example, The Bahamas, home to some of the most stunning coral reefs in the world, is currently open to private and yacht travel. Commercial activities are allowed, as long as social distancing and sanitisation rules are adhered to, making this region the ideal starting point for your Caribbean yacht charter. While certain areas such as Grand Bahama and Crooked Islands do have a curfew in place, several islands like Long Cay and the Spanish Wells do not. The perfect paradise to explore by water, be sure to indulge in watersports such as diving, snorkelling and kitesurfing while cruising in the area. The islands of Antigua & Barbuda are currently open for international travel – including charter yachts. All restaurants, stores, hotels and public beaches are open, with social distancing and sanitisation regulations in place. With more than 365 beaches to explore, Antigua is the ideal location to visit by charter yacht for those looking to kick-back and get some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Home to the only Georgian dockyard in the world, enjoy exploring its historical English Harbour and small cobbled streets. The stunning island of Jamaica reopened its borders to international tourists who meet its specific travel and testing criteria, which includes a negative COVID-19 test for travellers from specific regions to keep cases down in the region. But do not let this deter you from visiting – as the third largest island in the Greater Antilles, be sure to take its beautiful British-colonial architecture, lush rainforests and reef-lined beaches. Other vital regions open to yacht travel in the Caribbean include Turks & Caicos as well as St.Lucia, so reach out to FGI Yachts today to book your Caribbean Yacht Charter.
February 04 Update:
- BVIS are still closed
- USVIS are open
- St Barth is closed now
- Antigua is on curfew and everything is closed for the next few weeks
- St Lucia has a 14-day quarantine
- Anguilla is also closed. Open beach open.
