Caribbean Closes Ports To Yachts Amid COVID-19

COVID-19 UPDATE

Thinking of sheltering in place?  First, in a remote destination?  Second, in private?  Third, on a luxury yacht charter vessel?   Great thought, but STOP.  Before you get your hopes up, we have a report.  Getting on a yacht may be a BIG problem right now. This is a result of more islands closing their borders to yachts. It is particularly difficult for all.

BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS

Traditionally, spring is the most popular season for Caribbean yacht charters.  We have fully-crewed superyachts in position. They are ready to accept guests. For example, from the Bahamas to Bonaire.

Unfortunately, the unexpected outbreak of a global viral pandemic has affected the industry.  It brings the idea of a charter in the Caribbean to a screeching halt.

ADVISORIES AND CURFEWS

This started as travel advisories and then curfews.  It morphed into full closures of most island nations in the Caribbean.  This affects both air and sea access.

GUESTS OR NOT

In some cases, charter guests already onboard may stay onboard.  However, as of March 30, most charter vessels are restricted.  Therefore, they cannot accept new guests in almost every inhabited island in the Caribbean.  For instance, the British Virgin Islands and St. Marten.

CLOSED (no re-opening dates announced)

• TRINIDAD … not only
• ST LUCIA
• ARUBA … but also
• BONAIRE
• CURAÇAO
• BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)
• MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS
• DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR)
• DOMINICA … in addition,
• GRENADA
• ST. MAARTEN (ST. MARTIN)
• MARTINIQUE
• GUADELOUPE
• ANTIGUA and BARBUDA … lastly,
• ST KITTS & NEVIS

RESTRICTIONS

Restrictions exist.  For instance,

• MONTSERRAT.  Mandatory 14 day quarantine
• USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands).  Closed to all visitors for 30 days.  Charter vessels, hotels, guest houses, etc. are restricted. They may not accept new guests. Guests who have already checked in are advised to return home. They cam remain, if they choose, however.  Airport and Seaports are open.  All non-essential businesses are closed.  Residents are asked to stay at home. All bars across the Territory are closed.  In-house dining is not allowed at restaurants.  Take-out services are permissible. Additionally,
• ANGUILLA.  Both sea and air ports are closed to all passengers. This applies for an initial 14-day period, from 20 March.
• BAHAMAS.  Incoming passenger flights are banned.  Significantly, seaports remain open for cargo and supply vessels only.  Moreover, All inter-island sailing and cruising is prohibited.
• BARBADOS.  Airports and marinas are open.  Whether by yacht or plane, all visitors arriving from the UK, Europe, and the United States will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving with a travel history from China, Iran, and South Korea are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. Further,
• DOMINICA.  Airports and seaports closed.  There is an exception for planes and ships bringing vitally-needed cargo and medical relief supplies.
• ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES.  Mandatory 14 day quarantine for any passengers arriving from China and other countries.  For instance, the European Union, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

 STAY INFORMED / DISCLAIMER

In conclusion, this is not a complete list of all restrictions in the Caribbean.  Border and marina/port closures change rapidly.  Moreover, air traffic suspensions change, too.  In the meantime, 1-800 Yacht Charters will keep this information updated as much as possible. We encourage our blog readers to check official country websites and local news sources for the latest travel advisories and closures/restrictions. For specific luxury yacht charter questions, please email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com

This entry was posted in News Yacht Charter Caribbean and tagged Montserrat, United States Virgin Islands, DR, Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, marinas, Marie Galante and the Saints, BVI, Barbados, Antigua, Curacao, Covid-19, British Virgin Islands, airports, Bonaire, Coronavirus, St. Martin, Dominica, Aruba, restrictions, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, ABC's, curfews, USVI, stay informed, Guadeloupe, Trinidad, advisories, St. Maarten, virus updates, Nevis, contact us, Anguilla, Martinique, pandemic, closures, Grenadines, Grenada, global pandemic, St. Kitts, Barbuda, Dominican Republic

About Jana Sheeder

Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Providing The Superyacht Experience(R) since 1976. Private luxury yacht charter vacations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas, South Pacific, South Florida, Miami and The Keys, Italian Rivera, Belize. Megayacht charter company focused on generosity, Pay it Forward, Random Acts of Kindness, Giftivism, giving back to the ocean, to the needy, and the environment with every superyachting charter. Providing eco-friendly alternatives while on yacht charters and known for 6-star customer service, experience, and generosity. One of the original yacht charter companies.
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