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General Info
| Dive Services
| Travel/Tips
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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group
of over 50 islands and Cays, located in the Leeward Islands,
about 90 miles East of Puerto Rico and North East of the US
Virgin Islands. The main island of Tortola is about 54 square
miles, with Virgin Gorda about 8 square miles. Most of the islands
are made up of rolling hills, although Anegada is completely
flat rising to only a few feet above sea level.
The dive sites are concentrated around Gorda and the Sir Francis
Drake Channel islands.
The dives off Sir Francis Drake Channel islands boosts sinkholes
and ledges as well as a wide variety of caves and canyons. Another
feature of the area is some of the finest sponge encrusted walls
in the region. On the walls you will find sides with tunnels,
majestic arches and caves. The site known as Painted Walls is
the most obvious example, but there are many other equally colorful
scenes.
Of the Sir Francis Drake Channel dives, the R.M.S. Rhone is
a very popular and reputable wreck dive. Though there are no
such old wrecks with a dramatic story like the R.M.S. Rhone
- there are several other interesting wrecks in the area. Of
these wrecks nearly all are within the ability level of most
divers giving novice wreck divers a thrilling experience.
Climate Winter: 72-82F (22-27C) Summer: 80-90F (26-32C)
Water Temp Winter 75F - Summer 85F (summer) (23-29C) Visibility
60-100 ft (18-30m)
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Dive
Services & Accommodations
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Belmont
House
Location: Tortola, BVI
Mailing Address:
PO Box 30378
St. Thomas
VI 00803
Tel.: 284 495 4477
A
2 story, 2 bedroom, 2 bath free standing villa overlooking
sparkling Smugglers Cove Beach in wooded Belmont Estate.
All water vistas looking out to Jost Van Dyke. Scuba diving
available.
E-Mail: belmonthouse@surfbvi.com
Web: http://www.belmont-house.com |
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Blue Water
Divers
Nanny Cay & Sopers Hole
PO Box 846,
Tortola, BVI
Tel. 284 494 2847
Fax. 284 494 0198
Come Dive the Fabulous "Blue Water" of the British
Virgin Islands! Make your BVI scuba diving vacation one
of your best ever! Our dive boats leave the dock each
morning from either of our Tortola bases and all scuba
equipment is included with your dives.
»
Number of Dive Boats: 4
» Maximum Number of Divers per Boat: 4, 8, 12, 12
» Gear Provided: Tanks, weights, bc's, regulators,
wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel
» Rental Gear Available: Tanks, weights, bc's, regulators,
computers, wetsuits, mask, fins, snorkels, boogie boards,
Oxygen Kits, floats (Cressi Sub, Sherwood, Mares, Sea
Dive, Dacor)
» Nitrox Available: No
» Type of Diving Available: Reef, Wreck, Pinacles
» Total Dive Sites: 50
» Minimum Time to Dive Sites: 20
» Maximum Time to Dive Sites: 35
» Certification Agencies: PADI, SSI and Universal
» Courses Offered: Discover Scuba, Open Water, Advanced
Open Water, Rescue, DiveMaster, Specialities
bwdbvi@surfbvi.com
http://www.bluewaterdiversbvi.com |
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Mango
Bay Resort
PO Box 1062
The Valley
Virgin Gorda
British Virgin Islands
Tel.: 284-495-5672
Fax.: 284-495-5674
Hikers
and nature lovers can explore nearby trails winding through
tropical foliage and see endless vistas from hilltops.
Many activities are available on the island such as windsurfing
lessons, water skiing, scuba diving (we arrange for our
guests), fishing, tennis, and renting a small whaler,
all available within a short drive of the resort.
E-Mail: mangobay@surfbvi.com
Web: http://www.mangobayresort.com |
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Sebastian's
on the Beach
P.O. Box 441
Road Town/Tortola
British Virgin Islands VG1110
Tel.: 284-495-4212
Fax.: 284-495-4466
We are located on a luxurious, white sand beach in Little
Apple Bay on Tortola's North Shore. Our charming hotel
offers the ultimate in breathtaking scenery and total
relaxation. It is BVI's best kept secret.
E-Mail: sebhotel@surfbvi.com
Web: http://www.sebastiansbvi.com |
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Trimarine
Box 3069, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands,
VG1110
Tel. 1 284 494 2490
Fax. 1 284 494 5774
105 ft 20 passenger luxury liveaboard trimaran "Cuan
Law". Includes many watersports. Large cabins with
own bathroom. Great varied diving. Mostly sheltered waters.
Fabulous food.
cuanlaw@surfbvi.com
http://www.BVIdiving.com |
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UBS
Dive Center
PO Box 3283
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel. 284 494 0024
Fax. 284 494 0623
UBS Dive Center is the BVI's only private diving service.
We allocate each group of family and friends their own
boat, captain/instructor, all equipment and drinks for
the day. Free delivery & pick up of rental equipment
with full dive site briefings and card showing 11 air
fill stations in the BVI.
mail@scubabvi.com
http://www.scubabvi.com |
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Travel
To BVI
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The
British Virgin Islands are home to three airports. Beef
Island Airport (EIS) is the gateway by air to our islands
and is located on the eastern end of Tortola. Daily scheduled
commercial flights, private jets and charter flights arrive
from and depart for larger, neighbouring Caribbean islands.
Virgin Gorda has a small airport, with a lighter inter-Caribbean
schedule. Anegada has the third airport for flights in and
out of other British Virgins Islands.
Inter Island Ferry Services
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Smith's,
Native Son, Nubian Princess and Inter-Island Ferry
Companies each have ferries between the US Virgin
Islands and the British Virgin Islands. For travel
within the British Virgin Islands, use the North Sound
Express, Speedy's or Smith's to and from Virgin Gorda.
Peter, Marina Cay and Jost Van Dyke each have ferry
services between Tortola and these respective islands. |
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To
and from St. Thomas, St. John and Tortola |
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All
schedules are subject to change without notice. Those
intending to travel are advised to call the ferry
companies in advance to confirm departure times. Crossing
time to West End, Tortola is approximately 55 minutes
from Charlotte Amalie and 30 minutes from Red Hook,
St.Thomas. |
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Smith's
Ferry Services |
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Tel:
(284) 495-4495 / 494-2355. |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Road
Town |
M-F |
6:15
am, 2:15 (Wed only) |
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West
End |
M-F |
7
am, 10 am, 3 pm |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
M-F |
8:25
am, 11:15 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm |
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Road
Town |
Sat |
6:15
am, 9 am, 2 pm, 5:30 pm |
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West
End |
Sat |
7
am, 10 am, 2:30 pm, 6 pm |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
Sat |
8:25
am, 12, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm |
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West
End |
Sun |
9:15
am, 12:20 pm, 3:35 pm, 4:05 pm |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
Sun |
8
am, 10:45 am, 2:15 pm, 5:15 pm |
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West
End (Stops in St. John) |
Daily |
6:30
am, 8:50 am, 12:20 pm, 3:45 pm |
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Red
Hook |
Daily |
8
am, 11:15 am, 2:55 pm, 5:30 pm |
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Road
Town |
M-F |
6:15
am, 2:15 (Wed only) |
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West
End |
M-F |
7
am, 10 am, 3 pm |
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Native
Son Inc. |
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Tel:
(284) 495-4617 *Check availability |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Road
Town |
M-F |
6:15
am, 2:15 (Wed only) |
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West
End |
M-F |
7
am, 10 am, 3 pm |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
M-F |
*7:30
am, 8:25 am, 12:15 pm, *2:30 pm. *4 pm, 4:30 pm |
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Road
Town |
Sat |
6:15
am, *8:45 am, 2 pm |
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West
End |
Sat |
7
am, 10 am, 2:30 pm, 5:45 pm |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
Sat |
8:25
am, 12 , 2:30 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm |
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Road
Town |
Sun |
3:15
pm |
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West
End |
Sun |
9:30
am, 3:50 pm |
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Red
Hook |
Sun |
8
am, 10:45 am, *2:45 pm, *4 pm, 5:45 pm |
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West
End |
Daily |
6:45
am, 8:30 am, 12:30 pm (continues to Charlotte Amalie);
4 pm |
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Red
Hook |
Daily |
7:45
am, 11:15 am, 3:20 pm, 5 pm |
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Nubian
Princess |
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Tel:
(284) 495-4999 |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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West
End** |
Sun-Fri |
8
am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm |
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Red
Hook |
Sun-Fri |
10:45
am, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm **Stops in St. John |
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Inter-Island
Boat Services |
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Tel:
(284) 495-2166 |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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West
End |
Mon-Sat |
9:15
am, 12:15 pm, 4:15 pm; 5:30 pm (Fri. only) |
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St.
John |
Mon-Sat |
8:30
am, 11:30 pm, 3:30 pm; 5:00 pm (Fri. only) |
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West
End |
Sun |
9:15
am, 12:15pm, 5:15 pm |
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St.
John |
Sun |
8:30
am, 11:30 am, 4:30 pm |
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To
and from St. Thomas, St. John and Virgin Gorda |
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Inter-Island
Boat Services |
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Tel:
(340) 776-6597 |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Red
Hook |
T,
Th, Su |
8:00
am |
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St.
John |
T,
Th, Su |
8:30
am |
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Virgin
Gorda |
T,
Th, Su |
3:00
pm |
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Speedy's |
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Tel:
(284) 495-5240 |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Virgin
Gorda |
T,
Th |
6:30
am, 2:45 pm |
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Road
Town |
T,
Th |
7:15
am, 3:25 pm |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
T,
Th |
8:45
am, 5:00 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
Sat |
8:30
am |
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Road
Town |
Sat |
9:15
am |
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Charlotte
Amalie |
Sat |
3:30
pm |
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To
and from Tortola and Virgin Gorda |
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Speedy's |
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Tel:
(284) 495-5240 / 495-5235 |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Road
Town |
Mon-Sat |
9:00
am, 12:00 noon, 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
Mon-Sat |
8:00
am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 3:30 pm |
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Road
Town |
T,
Th |
10:10
am, 6:15 pm |
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Road
Town |
Sun |
9:00
am, 5:15 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
Sun |
8:00
am, 4:30 pm |
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Smith's
Ferry Services |
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Tel:
(284) 495-4495 / 494-2355.
Daphne Elise & Marie Elise. Virgin Gorda &
Road Town *To St. John & St. Thomas via
West End, Tortola |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Road
Town |
M-F |
7
am, 8:50 am, 12:30 pm, 3:15 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
M-F |
*7:50
am, *10:15am, 2:15 pm, 4 pm |
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Road
Town |
Sat |
7
am, 8:50 am, 12:30 pm, 4:15 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
Sat |
*7:50
am, *10:15am, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 5 pm |
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Road
Town |
Sun |
8:50
am, 12:30 pm, 4:15 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
Sun |
10:15
am, 3 pm, 5 pm |
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North
Sound Express |
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Tel:
(284) 495-2138
Operates between Beef Island, Tortola and Spanish
Town and Bitter End, Virgin Gorda. Reservations required. |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Beef
Island |
Daily |
8:15
am, 11:15 am, 1:00 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm |
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Spanish
Town |
Daily |
8:30
am, 11:30 am, 4:00 pm, 5:45 pm |
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Bitter
End |
Daily |
6:45
am, 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, 2:45 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:15 pm |
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Virgin
Gorda |
Sat |
*7:50
am, *10:15am, 2:15 pm, 3:00 pm, 5 pm |
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To
and from Tortola and Marina Cay |
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Pusser's
Marina Cay |
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Tel:
(284) 494-2174 |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Beef
Island |
Daily |
10:30
am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm,
6:00 pm, 7:00 pm |
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Marina
Cay |
Daily |
10:15
am, 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 2:45 pm, 3:45 pm, 4:45pm,
5:45 pm, 6:45 pm |
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To
and from Jost Van Dyke, Tortola and St. John |
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Jost
Van Dyke Ferry Service "When" |
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Tel:
(284) 494-2997
Operates between West End, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke.
Available for charter. |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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West
End |
Mon-Sat |
7:30
am, 9:45 am, 1:30 pm, 4:00 p.m |
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Jost
Van Dyke |
Mon-Sat |
8:30
am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm |
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To
and from Peter Island and Torola |
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Peter
Island Ferry |
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Tel:
(284) 495-2000
Operates between Road Town at the Peter Island Ferry
dock and Peter Island Resort |
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Departing
From |
Days |
Departure
Times |
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Road
Town |
Daily |
7:00
am, 8:30 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm, 3:30 pm,
5:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, 10:30 pm |
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Peter
Island |
Daily |
8:00
am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm,
6:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 10: 00 pm, 11:30 pm |
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**New Travel Requirements**
The Department of State and Homeland Security have
announced a "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" in which they are proposing to require all U.S. Citizens,
Canadians, citizens of Bermuda and citizens of Mexico to have a passport or other accepted secure document to enter
or re-enter the U.S. by January 1, 2008.
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport,
Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present
a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative
changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements
as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport
cards for land/sea entries. |
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