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 adventures.

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, Caribbean Air 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?

US 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 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. The trade winds offer spectacular, consistent sailing conditions year round.  The BVI offers sheltered dive sites throughout the year but they are more numerous in summer due to lighter trade winds and no Atlantic swells.   The winter is popular because of the awful winter climate in the USA but you do need a thin wetsuit in winter.

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.

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 alcoholic drinks and wine with dinner.  Fuel for diesels, generators and tenders. (No fuel surcharges). 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. Wifi, Dockage, Local taxes.

Soap, beach towels?

We provide towels and hand soap, but not shampoo etc.

What’s NOT included?

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. 

Travel insurance:
You are NOT covered by Insurance whilst NOT on board Cuan Law. Our P&I covers you against “onboard” risks, however, it does not cover you during any “in the water” activities or for any possible accidents when you are off the Cuan Law. We strongly advise you to make sure you are covered against these risks. DAN provides excellent coverage for diving including “Medivac”. Call them at 1- 800-446 -2671. For more extensive coverage we suggest you look at personal accident insurance too which would cover you for any part of your vacation as well as trip cancellation.  www.travelguard.com is a helpful website in this regard. The purchase of these insurances is compulsory and we ask you to sign that you have or will comply.

Are kids welcome?

Yes, on Headboat trips kids 10 and older are welcome, and any family members 18 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.

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 have a full line of well maintained, Genesis scuba equipment available for rent.

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.

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 don't 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 don't 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.

Are trips always 6 nights?

Individually booked trips usually run 6 nights from noon Sunday to 10.00am Saturday. If you have a group of 10 or more please ask about longer itineraries.

Can I bring more than 20 guests?

We can’t sleep more than 20 people on board, but we can offer suggestions for larger groups. Please ask us.

Can I bring my iPod?

Yes, please do!

Do you have wifi?

We have Wifi available throughout the yacht but, like all marine services it is not very fast. Good for emails and a few webpages and maybe Skype without a camera, but if you want to download big files or movies you have will have to be patient!

What about special diets?

We can cater to most dietary restrictions except for full kosher or halal menus. Please let us know about allergies when booking.