Visiting Puerto Rico’s eastern islands of Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques and more, often nicknamed the ‘Spanish Virgin Islands’, is now easier via a day or week-long crewed charter from the U.S. Virgin Islands. In September, members of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) received a ruling from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) in Washington, D.C., clarifying entrance and departure requirements specifically for VIPCA-member yachts. This development offers an alternative destination to the British Virgin Islands.
“I am ecstatic that our yacht Starfish is now able to offer the ‘Spanish Virgin Islands’ to our guests,” says Jennifer Augspurger, Chef/First Mate aboard the 46-foot Leopard catamaran, Starfish, and VIPCA president. “The Spanish Virgins do not receive a lot of crewed charter yachts, so this is truly virgin charter grounds for those who are looking for a new destination filled with turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, quaint villages, great snorkeling and diving, and a wonderful Hispanic vibe reflected in the local food, music and conversation. We can’t wait to share this ‘secret’ gem of a destination with our guests!”
Vessels, crews and brokers can learn more about chartering in Puerto Rico’s offshore Spanish Virgin Islands during the always-anticipated ‘State of the Industry’ address presented at the USVI Charter Yacht Show, November 11 to 14, at IGY’s Marina at Yacht Haven Grande. For more information and to learn how to become a VIPCA member, please Email: info@vipca.org or visit: vipca.org
