FAQ
Why choose the British Virgin Islands for your vacation?
With little desire for mass tourism, the BVI has remained an escape from the bustling souvenir shops and glittery nightlife associated with many Caribbean islands. The BVI has miles of serene beaches, and is considered the best cruising/sailing location in the world. The crystal clear blue waters also provide a perfect setting for unparalleled diving, snorkeling, kayaking and numerous other adventure
Where are the British Virgin Islands and how do we get there?
Located only 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands are very accessible. Tortola is the largest island in the BVI chain and is easily reached by air from San Juan, PR or by ferry from St. Thomas, USVI.
Which airlines service the British Virgin Islands?
With several flights daily these airlines will get you where you need to go. Cape Air, InterCaribbean and Seaborne. These airlines offer codeshare flights with many major airlines including American, United, Jet Blue & Continental. Code for BVI is EIS.
Do I need a passport?
All visitors are required to have a passport. Non-US citizens should check with the appropriate consulate regarding visas - we are happy to ask on your behalf. Everyone visiting the BVI must have a return ticket.
What currency do I need?
U.S. Dollars
Are there any additional travel expenses?
There is a small departure tax at both the airport and ferry dock. Like all government taxes, we have no way of controlling this. If you need details, please ask us near your travel date.
What if there is a Hurricane while I'm in the British Virgin Islands?
The Named Storm season runs from June to November, with the heaviest activity in the BVI historically in September and October when we schedule our annual maintenance break. We are very lucky that we offer such a tiny target for any Named Storm activity, but we do have the following policy in place for guest safety - just in case.
- In the event of the approach of a Named Storm, guests will not be permitted to remain on board the Cuan Law.
- They may fly home or stay ashore and return to complete the charter aboard Cuan Law when conditions permit. Trimarine Boat Company/Cuan Law will not be responsible for any airfares or shore expenses.
- Guests must ensure that if the Cuan Law is deemed to be unavailable due to storm conditions, their trip cancellation policy will cover their loss of time on board. Cuan Law will NOT reimburse for this lost time. Cancellation for storm reasons ahead of a trip MUST also be covered by guest insurance.
Is there a set itinerary?
No, our itinerary is never set in stone since we try to offer the best diving and sailing each day, depending on the weather etc. We always dive or snorkel the wreck of the RMS Rhone off Salt Island and we always spend time at the Baths on Virgin Gorda. Aside from that you can expect to visit many of the islands off the Sir Frances Drake passage including Norman Island, Peter Island, Cooper Island and Ginger Island. On headboat trips, we usually offer 3 guided dives a day, including a night dive which leaves plenty of time for use of the water toys. On wholeboat bookings, the group can change the itinerary to include more or less diving, or not to dive at all.
I dont dive. Is there a price reduction?
No, sorry. We offer diving much as some hotels offer tennis. Should you not play tennis there is no change in the rate for your stay.
I dont dive. Is this the vacation for me?
Yes! As long as you enjoy the ocean, we offer plenty to do on board, use of the water "Toys" ( hobie cats, sea kayaks, knee boards etc) and on shore, beach combing, strolling or simply unwinding in hammock on deck. The BVI is one of the very best places in the world for a water based vacation and our crews are trained to treat non divers as First Class citizens.
What is the best time of year to sail or dive with Cuan Law in the British Virgin Islands?
With average 78 degree water temperatures in winter and 82 in summer, every month has incredible diving in the BVI and the trade winds offer spectacular, consistent sailing conditions year round. The BVI has plenty of sheltered dive sites throughout the year. In the winter months the southern anchorages are fan favorites and the amazing northern locales are generally dived in summer due to lighter trade winds and fewer Atlantic swells. The winter is more popular because of the winter climate in the USA.
Is there a Water Taxi from St Thomas?
When travelling from St Thomas, if you use Cuan Law's preferred partner, Dolphin Water Taxi, you can take advantage of the following benefits: A 10% discount for Cuan Law guests (plus further discounts for larger groups), door to door service from Baggage Claim to Cuan Law, late arrivals welcome, and express customs clearance. Read more about St. Thomas transfer services from Dolphin Water Taxi.
Do I have to book the whole boat?
No, you can come alone or as a couple on one of our “Headboat” trips. You can also bring a few friends or take all 20 spaces.
What’s included?
Almost everything! Six nights, seven days accommodation in two person cabins, twin or queen, each with private bathroom. 24 hour air conditioning or natural ventilation through hatches and windows. Three meals per day, hors d'oeuvres and snacks. All hot and cold drinks including basic alcoholic drinks and wine with dinner. Use of all sporting equipment and scuba tanks, air, weights and snorkeling gear. Instruction in water sports except SCUBA. Help and guidance from crew including scuba. Use of tenders, driven by crew at all times. Limited Wifi - suitable for emails only, most days, Dockage.
Soap, beach towels?
We provide beach and bath towels, hand soap, and our shower gel & shampoo are courtesy of a great local eco-freindly company E/C Soap www.ecsoapco.com
What’s NOT included?
Diving equipment rental except masks, fins, snorkel, tanks, weight belt, and air as detailed above. Nitrox
Here's more information about our rental gear and prices: Rental Dive Gear
Diving instruction. Here's more information about our dive courses and prices: PADI Scuba Instruction Courses
All expenses before and after stay on vessel.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, on Headboat trips kids 10 and older are welcome, and any family members 17 or younger get a reduction of $1,000.00 per person off the regular rate! On wholeboat bookings, there is no minimum age and Family Pricing is available on request.Here's more information about our rental gear and prices: Rental Dive Gear
Diving instruction. Here's more information about our dive courses and prices: PADI Scuba Instruction Courses
All expenses before and after stay on vessel.
What is the power onboard?
We have regular US 110V power throughout Cuan Law. You can charge everything as usual. We don’t provide hairdryers, but you are welcome to bring them.
What is the diving like?
The British Virgin Islands have some of the most popular wreck dives in the Caribbean. Discover the history and hidden secrets of wrecks like the famous R.M.S. Rhone, the Chikuzen, the Beata, and the Marie L. Crystal blue waters, spectacular coral highlight graceful creatures such as sea turtles, rays, barracuda, and even sharks make this a perfect dive location for every skill level. We can offer easy dives for beginners and low time divers and adventure dives for the more experienced.
Can we rent scuba gear?
Yes. We rent regulators and BCDs (the jacket that holds the air tank). We DO NOT rent wetsuits.
What is the water temperature and do I need a wetsuit?
The water temperature ranges from 78° in the winter months to 82° in the summer months. We suggest a short, 3mm wetsuit if you tend to get chilled during a dive. We do not have any for rent on board but they are available at dive shops on Tortola.