As the world slowly reopens after over a year of restrictions, we know many of you are eager to get back to some normality and travel. So, if you’re dreaming of your perfect holiday on a private yacht charter, we have chosen several locations for Americans that are easy to reach and have done well in their Covid-19 reopening plans.
Our selection: the US Virgin Islands, Belize, Bahamas, and Sint Maarten/St Martin.
Aside from stunningly beautiful places, we have chosen these tropical locales for being open to Americans and their ease of travel during these Covid times. All of these charter destinations have direct flights from the US and there is no need for additional regional flights or ferries.
We have the most updated travel requirements for each location and we have included some of our favourite yachts and spots!
U.S. Virgin Islands:
Let’s be honest, as I spend half the year in St Thomas, I know first hand just how easy travel is to the USVI’s! Previously overlooked, these stunning islands have taken over as the main hub while the British Virgin Islands work on their reopening plans. A flight into St Thomas is easy and you can head off on your adventure very quickly. Many charters begin in Yacht Haven Grande Marina- a lovely starting point not far from the main town of Charlotte Amelie.
There are 3 main US Virgin Islands- St Thomas, St John, and St Croix… with a plethora of fun, little uninhabited islands and rocks to visit, swim, snorkel, and relax the day away on island time.
Current Travel Requirements:
- No restrictions or quarantine required
- Negative PCR TEST, rapid test or antibody test within 5 days of arrival
- All passengers are required to fill out a health questionnaire prior to boarding flight
- QR code of approval on your phone
- Hard copy of your negative covid test
- Temperature check upon disembarkation of aircraft
- No Covid test required to return to the US mainland
Upon arrival in St Thomas, the entry process is quick- it takes about 5 minutes from disembarking the aircraft… then, head off on your holiday!
US Virgin Islands Yacht Recommendations (with some availability for spring/summer 2021)
Aelous-a 65′ Lagoon catamaran
Azulia II-a Lagoon 56′ catamaran
Shangri-La-a 52′ Lagoon catamaran
Tortuga-a Lagoon 46′ catamaran
Nutmeg-a Dean 50′ catamaran
Our Favorite Spots to Visit:
Magen’s Bay, St Thomas
National Park Reserve, St John- ideal for hiking and exploring.
Maho Bay, St John
Coral Bay, St John- head to Limeout, the floating taco bar!
Belize:
Belize holds a special place in our hearts as we have all lived there! Mandy and Jason built Mata Grande Grocery on Ambergris Caye; and, both Jason and Rory worked as charter captains on catamarans. With so much time and experience in this gorgeous country, we are happy to share our favourite islands and get you out adventuring along the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Once you pass through arrivals in Belize City, you are whisked away to Cucumber Beach Marina and are greeted like family. Onboard your yacht, you can easily decompress and head off on either a northern or southern itinerary.
The calm waters within the reef are positively incredible and are teeming with beautiful corals, colourful fish, and an array of marine life- such as green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, moray eels, and nurse sharks. A natural aquarium just waiting for you to explore!
Current Travel Requirements:
- Fully vaccinated guests are not required to have a Covid test
- Negative PCR test 3 days prior to arrival
- Screening protocols at airport take about 45 to 90 minutes
- No restrictions or quarantine required
- Belize has several locations for testing for re-entry to the US
- Charter crews will arrange tests for guests
Belize Yacht Recommendations:
Nowhere– a Fountaine Pajot Saba 50′ Catamaran
Tranquilo– a Fountaine Pajot Saona 47′ Catamaran
Mary- a 47′ Leopard Catamaran
Spots to Visit:
Northern Itinerary Favorites:
Aurora’s Grill at Secret Beach– Ambergris Caye- we love Aurora and Evan- the food there is local and delicious!
El Fagon– restaurant in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye- traditional wood fired fagon cooking.
Estel’s Dine by the Sea– restaurant in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye- known for best island breakfasts and weekend BBQ!
Hol Chan Marine Reserve- an absolute must for spectacular snorkelling and diving with marine life.
Colourful fish, turtles, moray eels, rays, and nurse sharks… nature at its finest!
Caye Caulker- with the island motto- ‘No shirt, no shoes, no problem’… get in the chill vibe.
Drowned Cayes- mangrove islands that are so quiet and the perfect places to kayak.
Enjoy visits from dolphins and manatees.
Southern Itinerary Favorites:
Tobacco Caye- tucked just on the reef, this quiet little island has great snorkelling and a fabulous beach bar.
Rendezvous Caye- along the reef for exceptional snorkelling right from the yacht.
South Water Caye- a beautifully relaxing island and some of the best snorkelling in all of Belize!
Pelican Cayes- a cluster of 8 mangrove islands and the perfect escape- get in and snorkel among incredible corals and marine life.
Bahamas:
The Bahamas are so close, yet feel a world away! The stunningly clear blue waters and soft white sands will wash away all of the stress of last year. While there is a yacht ‘quarantine’, guests are welcome to visit uninhabited islands during their first four days. Major Cay, home of the famous Bahamas swimming pigs, is on the list!
With easy flights and well-organised Covid plans, you can safely enjoy the sun, sand, and water. Once you receive a day 5 negative test result, you are able to extend your adventures to the inhabited islands and head out to the local restaurants and bars.
The incredible snorkelling and beautiful Caribbean waters of the Bahamas should definitely be on your travel list!
Current Travel Requirements:
Bahamas covid portal and entry detail: https://www.bahamas.com/tourism-reopening
- Negative PCR test 5 days prior to arrival
- Upload results in their travel portal
- Covid test required on day 5 – also serves as your re-entry test for return to the US
- First 4 days- guests are permitted to get off the boat on uninhabited islands
- Unspoiled white sand beaches – including Major Cay (swimming pigs)
- After a negative test result on day 5, guests are free to visit populated islands
- Charter crews will arrange tests for guests
Bahamas Yacht Recommendations:
Sur L’Eau-a 74′ Privilege Catamaran
Ohana-a 60′ Horizon Powercat
Synergy- a Bali 5.4 55′ Catamaran
Kittiwake- a Catana 48′ Catamaran
Sint Maarten/St Martin:
Sint Maarten/St Martin is European flair mixed with the Caribbean island zest for life! Exceptional foods, verdant mountains, and that Caribbean hospitality we all love. The island is both Dutch and French- offering different experiences packed into a tiny area.
Join the party on the Dutch side or head to one of the famous beaches on the French side- passing between the two is not a problem. Your charter crew will certainly make any of the necessary arrangements for tests and let you know what is needed for your specific itinerary then get out and explore. The beautiful waters and fabulous beaches await- take this time to rejuvenate after the stress of the last year… it has been earned!
Current Requirements:
Sint Maarten entry details: https://www.st-martin.org/us/covid-19/terms-and-conditions-of-travel
Sint Maarten entry online form: https://stmaartenehas.com/application-form/
- Entry similar to US-Health Portal and Negative PCR test
- Covid test required for re-entry to US
- Charter crews will arrange tests for guests for their return
Sint Maarten/St Martin Yacht Recommendations:
Allure 64– a Privilege S6- 64′ Catamaran
Eclipse 114- a Couach 114′ Motor Yacht
Serenity Now- a Lagoon 62′ Catamaran
Libra 50- a Fountaine Pajot Saba 50′ Catamaran
