Yacht Entry and Clearance Procedures for an Antigua Yacht Charter Keep Caribbean Waters Safe

The rules and regulations of yacht entry differ from port to port around the world. For the yachting capital of the West Indies, Antigua & Barbuda, there are very specific standards and regulations for yacht entry into these high volume ports. Below are several of the clearance regulations for Antigua & Barbuda that are applicable to captains, crew and guests. While many yachties are experts when it comes to touring the Caribbean, staying informed may help their Antigua Yacht Charter run a little smoother.

All yachts and vessels arriving from an overseas port who request entry must fly a yellow ‘Q’ quarantine flag from a high point in the rigging of a sailing yacht or at the bridge of a motor yacht just before they anchor or dock alongside a marina. This ensures officials that members on board are all healthy and fit to enter the island.

All passengers and crew must remain on board until clearance has been obtained. Since crewmembers are included in these rules, only the Captain (skipper) may go ashore to the customs and immigration offices. Captains of vessels arriving after hours must make sure that no one from the vessel goes ashore before they have been cleared at the earliest opportunity. Antigua’s ports anticipate providing 24-hour customs and immigration services in the near future.

As of right now, opening hours of Customs and Immigration offices vary from port to port. Agents and captains may check for opening hours with the Port Authority on CH68 or by contacting the marina directly. Some charter agencies or yacht services will provide an agent on site to handle the clearance procedures. If prior arrangements are made, the agent can clear your vessel before your yacht even arrives.

If you are aboard a Caribbean Yacht Charter and wish to cruise in the waters of Antigua & Barbuda, the captain must check with the local Port Authority for permission to do so. The port officials will issue a Cruising Permit which can range anywhere from $8.00- $20.00 depending on the length of the vessel. This permit will allow the vessel to cruise in all Antigua & Barbuda waters unless a specific area has been prohibited for draft or national security reasons.

Last, all passengers and crew wishing to depart from a vessel that will remain in Antigua & Barbuda’s waters must have a valid airline ticket or proof of exit to another island or country that will accept them without question. This ticket or substantial proof must be presented to the immigration officer before guests may depart from the vessel onto land.

The island’s strict berthing and cruising laws make these Caribbean waters safe to enjoy. While passport and immigration laws continue to change, Caribbean travelers are becoming yacht charter aficionados to maximize the benefits of their travels.

Tips for a Cayman Islands Yacht Charter in the Caribbean

The thriving economy and exotic diving destinations in the Cayman Islands have made this a viable luxury yacht charter location. These islands offer luxury, fun and adventure to international travelers. The information listed below provides you with tips to help your Cayman Islands Yacht Charter run smoothly.

Yacht Entry & Clearance
For passengers planning to charter a yacht to the Cayman Islands, have your charter broker or directly contact an on shore agent and provide them with all of your group’s personal information at least one week before the vessel’s arrival. The on shore agent will make sure that all of the paperwork will be ready when the yacht arrives at port. Quick processing with advanced notice will allow the group to have more time enjoying their vacation.

Currency
For travelers from Europe and the US, the Caymans are affordable but there is an exchange difference in currency. Both the Cayman Island Dollar and the US Dollar are accepted in all locations although the exchange rate is fixed.
.82 = $1.00 USD

Inter- Island Travel
If your vacation is going to be based out of Grand Cayman, consider chartering a plane or helicopter to visit the other Cayman Islands in record time. Have your agent or broker get into contact with Grand Cayman Island Air or Caymanhellis. Depending on your vessel, it may be feasible to have the helicopter pick you up directly from a launch pad on the yacht.

Private Helicopters
Helicopters may be approved by the Cayman Island Civil Aviation Authority to clear in and prepare for guest arrivals and departures.

Provisioning and Supplies
One of the major benefits of traveling aboard a Cayman Islands Yacht Charter . While you are tucked away in an island oasis, the proximity to the United States allows provisioning requests for food and supplies to be fulfilled within less than 24 hours.

Tides
The maximum tidal range in the Cayman Islands during the year is about 18 inches. The seas are notably flat calm for 95% of the year. The serene waters make this Caribbean escape the optimum located for cruising, fishing or skiing from a tender that launches from the luxury yacht. Optimum conditions contribute to an enjoyable yacht charter vacation with less seasickness and the ability to do more activities than in rough waters.

Resources
The Cayman Islands offer numerous benefits to Caribbean Yacht Charter adventurers. If you are looking to book a charter to these islands for the first time, two great resources to utilize for information are the Cayman Islands Tourism Authority Guide as well as Boats Wain’s Beach.

Most yacht charter firms will provide their clients with all of the travel information they need and take care of the details such as provisioning and yacht entry. It is still to the vacationer’s benefit to know more about their destination in order to get the most from their yacht charter experience.