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The current weather in Culebra
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Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Marnieric (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   10-07-09 16:31

or Sandy Bay in St. Thomas on January 23rd.

If you look on a map or on Google earth it's the closest point on St. Thomas to Culebra and seems to be easily accessible by boat.

Just trying to hop from one Island to the next and I am dying to visit Culebra but cannot afford the extra (expensive) air fare for that segment of the trip.

A small motor boat should do it; it's just 2 of us and it should be about 2 to 3 hours max round trip.

Anybody?

Sorry for the redundancy in my posts, I am just a stubborn New Yorker not helped by his Parisian roots.

Please...

Eric in trying to secretly organize the mother of all honeymoons.

Gracias y salutationes!
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ishtuva mela (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   10-08-09 00:31

My first thought is why would you want to give up any time on Culebra?

My second observation has to do with what you consider a "small boat." It can be a rough ride over, and once you get there, you might find that it is an even rougher ride back to Culebra. The cahnge in weather could in fact leave you stranded, missing flights and connections back home.

Maps can mislead.

Hopefully others here can can provide more cogent responses.

Me. I'd stay on the best island and savor my time.

Good luck.
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date:   10-08-09 07:43

The problem is the legality as well as comfort. Nobody will want to risk 'just dropping you off' - You need to go through customs and the paperwork alone will cost time = money to your captain!

You might be able to hitch a ride on a yacht. But again the captain is responsible for bringing you and getting you out of there.

I would not take a passenger on my boat, since most likely I have plans beyond St. Thomas.

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Marnieric (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   10-08-09 17:25

Thank you for your answer Michael.

I know there are customs procedures but PR and USVI are both unincorporated territories of the United States and we are both American citizens, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

We would register once on St. Thomas.

Are customs vessels patrolling the north western waters of St. Thomas?.. personally I doubt it.

Our plan is after having spent 12 days in PR to eventually rally the BVI before flying back to NYC from St. Thomas.

Is the water usually rough between Culebra and St. Thomas at the end of January?

$400 to $500 for 2 round trip fares for a 20 minute-flight is outrageous.

It's incredible that there is not a cheaper option given the short distance.
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date:   10-08-09 17:37

I have sailed the passage many times - often it is very rough. Especially in the St. Thomas direction.

I personally would not risk 'getting caught' for 400, 500 or even 1000 USD. And I have been caught 'not going to Customs right away' ... It's not the way you want to spend your vacation! - trust me :)

The BVI's are worth a trip, but I suggest you fly to St. Thomas on a separate trip and maybe charter a cat. The anchorages are beautiful. I still prefer Culebra though :)

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: cw (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date:   10-09-09 09:22

Marnieric,
i assume the flight charter rates you got were from cleo hodge's outfit? If not check him out http://aceflightcentervi.com/

Also, there used to be a guy named Felix that hung out at the town dock in Culebra that would take people to St. Thomas. Somewhere in range of 80 - 150 per person can't remember. About a 3 hour trip according to him. I'm not sure if he is still around. Maybe someone else knows.

good luck.
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Bowden (---.nycap.res.rr.com)
Date:   10-09-09 17:43

It looks one way on the map but here's what it looks like
from the helipad on Culebra. St Thomas is the island beyond
the smaller island in the foreground. We rented a powerboat
on Culebra from Butch (no longer possible) and went to Culebrita.
I have to say, I wouldn't have wanted to try for St Thomas in it.
There are large swells, it would be unpleasant and dangerous in
a too small boat. I think you may have to accept the expense if
you want to follow your itinerary as it stands.

Congratulations BTW ;>)

http://www.pbase.com/peterb/image/39939209
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Re: Desperately Seeking Water Passage from Culebra to Botany Bay...
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: pate (---.dsl.emhril.sbcglobal.net)
Date:   10-11-09 20:20

Saw this on the Lonely Planet Website, hope it helps!
Boat charter
Captain Luis of Culebra Boats (787-360-9807) will often charter a boat for one to four people to St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Phone to enquire about availability and prices.
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