Xmas In July – 2023

The Xmas in July is an annual event celebrated at Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda hosted by Wally Castro Marine, Marcos Rivera, and the BVI Tourist Board.

It is one of the most awaited nautical events for boaters (with a record participation of 400 boats and more than 4,000 people) this weekend event brings together the boating community from Puerto Rico -affectionately called the PR Navy, as well as the local community and BVI visitors to celebrate with lots of fun a summer’s-end tradition.

During this family event, guests can expect to see hundreds of boats together enjoying a beach party with live music with bands from the BVI and Puerto Rico, local restaurants, food, and drinks. In addition, Xmas in July is an event that creates an impact locally, giving back to non-profit organizations and environmental conservation through various initiatives during the event.

Planning your route through the British Virgin Islands

About the British Virgin Islands

• Known as a valuable destination rich in undiscovered experiences, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an attractive archipelago of 60 islands and cays located 80 kilometers (60 miles) east of Puerto Rico in the northwest region of the Caribbean Sea.
• The main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke have attracted travelers from around the globe with their Caribbean cultural authenticity. Located on Tortola, Road Town is the capital of the British Virgin Islands.
• Considered the sailing capital of the Caribbean, the BVI also boasts some of the world’s most famous snorkeling and diving spots. The destination’s vast topography provides unique opportunities for hiking, outdoor adventures and sustainable tourism.
• Whether you choose to explore by ferry or chartered yacht, some of the must-see attractions in the BVI include The Baths of Virgin Gorda, the Rhone Shipwreck off the coast of Salt Island, the caves off the coast of Norman Island, the flamingos on Anegada, White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, and Sage Mountain on Tortola.
• Despite being a territory of the United Kingdom, the BVI uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency.
• The islands are the perfect place to practice the well-known “Island Hopping” where you can rent a boat or take as a base one of the islands and use the ferries to visit different islands and places.

Entry Protocols

• Currently, you only need your valid passport to enter the territory.

How to get to the BVI

The BVI can be reached in two ways:

• By plane
• By private pleasure boat

By plane

To get to the British Virgin Islands you can fly direct to Tortola (Code: EIS) or Virgin Gorda (Code: VIJ).

If you travel by plane there are several airlines that have direct flights, these are:

• CapeAir
• InterCaribbean
• Silver Airways

By private pleasure boat

Ports of entry (Effective since May 1^st, 2023)

• West End – 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Road Town – 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Jost Van Dyke – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town) – 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Daily | 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

SailClear

It is now an entry requirement for vessels to complete the Customs process through the SailClear platform. Follow the steps below:

• Register at www.sailclear.com
• Upload your vessel and crew documents.
• Create an entry notification
• Go through customs with your entry notification at your preferred port of entry.

For more information, contact the British Virgin Islands Tourism Office in Puerto Rico at: 787-721-2525 or bvi@prlinksco.com.