BVI boundary issues

[caradow]

Wow late to the table however have been at sea so did not read all the stories of cruisers being fined aggressively in the BVI's, jailed cruisers, boats being impounded, charter companies having difficulties with the government etc. Ha not to mention the jailed prime minister apparently on drug charges.
However have spoken first hand with a cruiser who had his boat impounded fined and jailed for crossing the exclusion zone! Cost him $20k only for the government to drop the case! Several more second hand stories where the government illegally imposed taxes on private boats that were registered in the BVI's.
I have been through the BVI's probably more than 10 times, actually kept my boat in Sopers Hole for 2 seasons but never again. Have no plans to ever enter their waters again. Yes they were wiped out in storms but so where other places that have a much healthier attitude towards boaters.
Have a friend who just returned from the BVI's a few days ago and was constantly hassled by officials.
I wish those who disagree have a wonderful time and do hope your experiences are furfilling in this otherwise geographical paradise.

[keioki]

We just returned from the BVIs and the only time I saw a BVI Customs boat was in a narrow stretch of of water along Frenchman's Cay and Little Thatch. We were in a water taxi going from Tortola to St. John to clear immigration into the US. Most of the mandates prohibiting boats from entering BVI waters were retracted in May 2021. Now you can be vaccinated, take a test within 48 hours of arrival, and show a vaccine card without much hassle.