We been cruising around the USVI & BVI for nearly a month now and even though we’ve chartered boats here numerous times, cruising is definitely different and we are newbies - again. We were kicked off the very first mooring ball we picked up in a bay on St.John (anchoring not allowed for our boat), goofed up our visa permits, had to use loose change to get the correct amount for our first mooring, and learned that Tortola doesn’t have a bus system, only taxi (s) which charge by the person.

Frances Bay was our first stop and the mooring we selected apparently was reserved for larger boats so we were politely asked to move – not a big deal since there were plenty of moorings. We went to the self pay floating kiosk with our $15 only to learn they increased the fees to $26 per night. Not $25 or $30, but $26 and neither one of us had any one dollars bills (although we did find a bunch of pesos that we need to take home) so we collected enough loose change to make up the dollar.

Since we weren’t exactly sure of our itinerary for the month, we were given a thirty day visa. After our friends left on Saturday, we checked out and headed to St.John for a few days which should have restarted our clock – not so, depending on who you speak with! The gal we had made us keep our visa which didn’t allow it to restart so now we have visit the main office and request an extension. This can only be done within two days of the expiration and we have to show proof that we plan to actually leave. This wouldn’t matter so much except we have family visiting in two days for a week so we have to make time during their visit on Monday or Tuesday to obtain the extension or we’ll be showing them St.John instead of BVI!

Provisioning and eating meals out are definitely more expensive in the USVI and BVI than Mexico. As a result, we try to hit the box type stores (Cost U Less) and larger grocery stores. They now have mooring balls outside of Roadtown which is great if the weather conditions are good especially considering a taxi from Sopers Hole to Roadtown is $15 per person, each way. Rent a car you say? Brilliant – coincidentally, that is also $60!

Aside from a few mistakes/frustrations and missing all of the friends we made cruising Mexico, we are excited to be here. We love the beautiful blue water, stunning anchorages, and fantastic snorkeling. So now we’ll wait to see if we get to show our family BVI or get bounced to St.John!