Basic Rookie Questions (Caribbean)

[ryanh]

Hi, I'm new here, just had a few basic questions about living aboard in the Caribbean. If anyone could just answer whatever they could that'd be great!
1. I know some places charge for anchoring (like national park areas in the USVIs), how often do anchorages cost money and how much do they usually cost?
2. How much do mooring balls usually cost and how hard are they to come by?
3. Is it safe to leave my boat on a mooring ball while visiting up north? Or is the security of a marina a must?

Thanks so much! Any other rookie advice for me would be much appreciated (fav. destinations, warnings, tips for living aboard)!

[Rubikoop]

Originally Posted by ryanh

Hi, I'm new here, just had a few basic questions about living aboard in the Caribbean. If anyone could just answer whatever they could that'd be great!

1. I know some places charge for anchoring (like national park areas in the USVIs), how often do anchorages cost money and how much do they usually cost?

2. How much do mooring balls usually cost and how hard are they to come by?

3. Is it safe to leave my boat on a mooring ball while visiting up north? Or is the security of a marina a must?



Thanks so much! Any other rookie advice for me would be much appreciated (fav. destinations, warnings, tips for living aboard)!

1. There isn't really any anchoring in most of the USVI parks with few exceptions. There are many mooring balls available for $15/night. Most info is well covered here. http://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisi...oringGuide.pdf

2. Will vary as to where you are. The Caribbean is a large place. Most moorings in BVI are $30/nt.

3. Once again it depends where you are. Most people would at least pay someone to keep an eye on their boat. Most wouldn't leave their boat unattended on a mooring during hurricane season period!


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[MarkJ]

Everywhere is different. Most islands are a different country and have different rules.
South of the Virgin Islands its pretty free with anchorages. Even mooring balls in many places are free in national parks, like St Bart's for 7 days.
To go home you need a paid mooring, usually. Or waste money in a marina.

Lots of guide books for each area, and noonsite.com has regulations for each country.

[Dulcesuenos]

I think the op is looking for info on Free anchoring, not necessarily in a park.

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, ryanh.