skim1130

So me and a friend are considering sailing around the Caribbean for a couple months starting around January. We are thinking about just stayin on the boat and goin kinda wherever we feel like. So theres a couple questions I have if anyone has any experience in this. Do most Caribbean countries mind if you just sail up and dock as long as you have a passport? Is Cuba out of the question? What is the cheapest way to live? Any help would be great, thanks a lot!

blamona

If you're American, Cuba is out of the question.

You need to go through customs at each country, with a passport.

You need to be pretty expeirenced to go from some islands to others-and it will take a long time, do not underestimate the distances, and the open waters.

You just sail up in dock in spots, to park at a marina you have to pay fees.

There are "clusters" you can stick too, and believe me, in a month you could do 1 cluster.

Virgin Islands are always a good cluster-excellent sailing grounds, many islands to explore.

The Grenadines/and the little islands belong to Grenada are another good cluster.

In Bahamas, Abacos were made for sailing, nice grounping, you could also consider Exumas.

In January, Bahamas area can be chilly.

I would not recommend sailing in between clusters, too much open water, not enough time. I can tell you're not experienced anyway by the questions you ask, you just can't get in a boat and just take off as the wind takes you.

To get an idea of what sailing around 1 of the clusters is like, read "An Embarrassment of Mangoes", you can get it in Amazon.com will give you some idea....

Callaloo

There are probably hundreds of websites and blogs detailing journeys similar to yours, not to mention several wide circulation magazines (e.g. Cruising World). You should absolutely check them out.

Also, where you start determines, in large part, where you will end up, given limitations of time and range. Having a passport is a starter, but lots of countries have lots of paperwork requirements that must be satisfied before you land on their shores. Customs and immigration officials in some countries have reputations of being petty tyrants, so you've got to follow the rules. If you don't, you risk much, including jail and forfeiture of your vessel.

Cruising sailors are notoriously thrifty -- many of them are trying to save money to extend the journey for as long as they can. Many cruisers in the Bahamas, for example, catch fish and conch on a daily basis so as to cut down on grocery bills (make sure you have the appropriate licenses, however ... there are stories about those who don't, and get caught). Marinas are costly, so people mostly anchor out. Water, believe it or not, is quite expensive, so cruisers develop elaborate catchment systems for rainwater, or install watermakers on their boats. One thing you generally CANNOT do, except in US islands (if you are American) is work legally, except perhaps some unofficial barter among others (e.g. your diesel mechanic skills, or sewing skills, traded for some fresh-caught lobster or a haircut).

I have lots of friends who are in the midst of cruising the islands, and have plans to do it myself eventually (other than the 1-week spurts on a charter boat than I manage once or twice a year these days), so I definitely appreciate the urge to do it. It's a great adventure, but it does take some research and planning.

A_Traveller

skim - from your questions it appears you ae a novice so perhaps this will help.

There are bareboat charter companies that will "rent you a boat but you'll have to demonstrate you have the expertise to pilot and handle the boat on your own. You may be required to get certification by taking courses at a boating school. If you don't the charter company will require that you have a qualified captain on board. This will add considerably to your cost.

You should also know that chartering a sailboat is the most economical way (it's called a bareboat charter) to travel but sailboats move slowly (between 8 and 12 mph) and not always in a straight line so you can't cover very much distance in a single day. Most charter companies will not let novices take a boat out into "open water".

If you charter a power boat you can expand your travel distances but fuel costs will greatly expand your budget needs.

Yuo'll have to be proficient at reading charts and navigating as many islands are surrounded by dangerous reefs and shoals.

You'll have to clear immigration and customs everytime you enter or leave a different "island nations" (or clusters as described by blamona). The best Caribbean "clusters" are the USVI's, the BVI's and the Grenadines. Most people recommend first time sailors confine their trip to places where they are never out of sight of land which precludes traveling over open water.

Do a google search on "bareboat charters" and you'll find lots of information to help you.

Read up a bit so you can find out more about sailing the Caribbean. It's a terrific way to see the Caribbean but it is not something the inexperienced should do without expert assistance.

If you've not sailed before consider taking a week or two "crewed charter". This will give you some exposure to what sailing is all about.

RoamsAround

Further to what has already been posted you have to remember that the charter companies will be giving you access to a boat that could cost anywhere from $200,000 and up so they will be very protective about where you can go with it - and that will be determined by your level of experience. Most will only let you sail within a certain distance of their home base as they not only want to protect their investment but they want you close by incase you need emergency assistance.

Moorings (www.moorings.com) is one of the largest yacht charter companies in the world. Their website has a section called "New to sailing" which contains some very good basic information - it's a good place to start your research.

EmpressNile

The British Virgin Islands are great for sailing. There are many options and marinas to choose from. Review Tortola on the web and see if you like.
for places to stay if you want to rest off the boat, you may try Sebastian's on the Beach located at Little Apple Bay - sebastiansbvi.com or 1 284 495 4212.