Important snorkeling tips: Get yourself prepared before you go snorkeling put sunscreen on your back and the back of your legs. At the first days of your trip you maybe want to wear a t-shirt, to protect you from the sun. Do not put sunscreen in your face or on your feet, it will burn in your eyes and will deteriorate your mask and your fins. Before trying on your fins, wet them and your feet to make it easier. Do not snorkel without fins. You never know if you will get caught in a current. You have no chance to get back to your boat against a current without fins. You want to wear a snorkeling vest. If you only inflate this vest in case of an emergency it will not bother you during your snorkel trip, but it makes you more visible to other watercrafts and you can inflate it easily if you have a problem with you mask or fins. Test your mask for leaks and the fit of your fins close to your yacht, so you can make necessary adjustments before you head out. Do not snorkel alone. Always have a buddy on your side. Take you time and do not rush through the reef. Most of the fishes are shy and hide first if you approach a coral head. If you hover for a minute on top of this coral head you will see them reappear. A reef is like a painting- the longer you look at it the more details you will explore. If you have an underwater camera, take it with you all the time. You never know when you make your picture perfect encounter with you favorite fish or turtle. Disposable cameras without flash only take satisfying pictures in good light conditions and if you are close to the object. Coral reefs millenniums to grow, seconds to destroy The coral reefs are precious and delicate. Their future depends on you. Please take care not to inflict further damage. Touch nothing The slightest touch with hands, fins or equipment can irreparably damage coral polyps, the tiny animals that build the coral reefs. Remember most coral reefs grow only half an inch per year. Remain horizontal in the water and snorkel in water over your depth. Snorkeling on shallow reefs can easily inflict damage to the coral and cause personal injury. In a vertical position your flapping fins are killers. They break coral and stir up sediment that can smother the coral polyps. For equipment adjustment swim out and away from the coral into deep water. Look, enjoy and leave take nothing dead or alive from the reef Feeding the fish Caution, you may be injured. Feeding can make fish aggressive and dangerous. It also upsets species distribution and may introduce disease. Photographers Dont brace yourself on the coral to take a photo. Think, care and enjoy Help the reef give continuing enjoyment 
A passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI. Visitors from some countries may also need a visa - if in doubt ask us to check with the BVI Immigration Office for you. 
These should be brought with you. There are pharmacies on the islands but your particular prescription may be impossible to obtain. Most yachts do carry a basic medical kit.
Rarely do our clients suffer from sea sickness. The many islands that make up the BVI offer wonderful protection from the ocean beyond. You get ideal sailing winds without rough seas. If you are susceptible to motion sickness we recommend you bring over the counter medication - but we don't expect you will need it after the first day.
Bring soft luggage that can be stored in your stateroom. Whatever you bring in the way of clothes will undoubtedly be too much. Repeat guests always pack much lighter the second time around!
Most of the yachts are "no shoes" boats, so please don't go running out to buy some expensive pair of yachting shoes. You probably won't use them. We suggest you bring along sandals, sneakers and maybe reef shoes. If you prefer to wear shoes on deck, talk with your captain about it, before you start your trip.
Modern day sunscreens are very effective. You should come well stocked up. May we just mention that many of the lotions which contain PABA stains the decks and so do oils. Please try to bring PABA free lotion only.
Bring plenty of film for your camera and maybe some spare batteries as well. Many guests bring their own video cameras and it's fun watching the footage at the end of the day! 
We encourage you to bring a selection of your own CDs with you. 
Do not bring towels. The yacht will provide enough towels for you.
Most of the yachts have a phone and some even internet access . So, if you need to keep in touch with your family or business, please let them know that you will call them on the first day and give them your personal number aboard the yacht. 
Most of the yachts do not allow smoking under deck.
Some yachts offer family specials. Children have fun on a yacht vacation if they are water safe.
Yachts are not unlike a small hotel or restaurant and gratuities are very much appreciated. If you are pleased with their service, then the usual guideline for a tip is 15% to 20% of the charter fee, which is shared equally amongst your crew.
About the weather: Lying just over 1000 miles from the equator the BVI enjoys a balmy sub-tropical climate, plied by constant trade winds. Temperatures rarely drop below 77F in the winter or rise above 90F in the summer. The night temperatures vary by only 10F. Hurricanes are very rare and are most likely to occur from late August to the end of September. Our year is characterized as follows: 
While the US Mainland and much of Europe is locked in the icy grip of winter the BVI enjoys fresh trade winds and abundant sunshine. Daytime temperatures average 80 - 85F dropping to 75 - 80F at night. Winds average 10 - 20 knots providing exciting sailing conditions and cool night ventilation. Short localized rain showers may pass over us but these rarely last for more than 30 minutes.
Xmas and New Year are the busiest weeks of the season and the BVI high season is January - April. 
From the middle of April the winter trade winds begin to moderate and we experience a slow increase in daytime temperatures. Daytime highs average 90F, nighttime lows 80F and there is a 20% chance of short showers. The islands take on a fresh green lushness that heralds the arrival of a new season. In Fall it is the reverse pattern, except that we are prone to more rain showers.
Spring represents excellent value to visitors. Anticipating the summer, most prices drop on May 1st and there is a gradual reduction in the number of visitors to the islands. Finding a quiet anchorage gets easier and the snorkeling and diving are fabulous with reduced wave action. 
July, August and September are the quietest months in the BVI. It is the warmest time of year with daytime highs of 95F but nights remain comfortable at 80F. We enjoy the tranquil anchorages and lazy sailing days and we have air-conditioning throughout the boat for those still nights.
Responsible tourism The environment
1. Please take care not to drop litter, which not only is unsightly but is harmful to animals. If you can leave places 'better than you found it' you will help to make a real difference.
2. Take the minimum of packaging with you. Soap boxes, wrappers and so on place additional strain on waste disposal systems that may be unable to cope.
3. Try to use water sparingly. Take showers instead of baths.
4. Use detergents that are eco friendly for cleaning and shampooing, this will prevent pollution to water supplies, the sea and rivers.
5. Turn down/off air conditioning when not required. Switch off lights when leaving a room.
The economy
1. Respect the local culture and traditions. Ensure that your dress and behavior is appropriate for the places you visit.
2. Support local craftsmanship and remember bargaining for the sake of it is accepted, but can be overdone.
3. By enjoying the local cuisine, using local suppliers and local guides you will enrich your holiday experience and help support the local economy.
4. Please don't pick flowers and plants or collect pebbles and seashells. Leave them for others to enjoy. Looking for high end Luxury Yacht Charters? Log on to www.luxury-yachtcharters.com Top yachts, exceptional rates, fast service - We make great sailing vacations! | 
