Navigating Covid, 2-Weeks to Cast-off

The Covid-related regulations in the Caribbean frequently change. As I type this, most of the Caribbean remains in “lock down.” Most of the islands we intended to visit are not open to travelers. Some are simply “closed,” while others are “open,” but impose impediments that effectively preclude entry. The British Virgin Islands, for example, are “closed,” as is Dominica, Martinique, and Guadalupe. By contrast, Turks & Caicos is “open,” but only to those with proof of a negative coronavirus test, taken within 5 days of arrival. The problem, however, is that there is no testing facility within a five day sail of Turks & Caicos.

The Bahamas impose a similar restriction, requiring proof a negative PCR test within 5 days of arrival. Because there are two ports of entry within 54 nautical miles off of Miami Beach, we have a target. Yet, not all Bahamian islands are open for tourism and many have imposed a curfew.

The Eleuthra islands are the latest such casualty. Arrival via air or sea is now prohibited and a 6pm-5am curfew is imposed. These regulations, so far, only affect the main island in the chain. Our delivery destination of Spanish Wells, has been specifically excluded from the closure order, so far. As for the curfew? fine with us. We’re pretty old anyway, and prefer day-drinking. It was doubtful, even before Covid, that we’d be enjoying much of the nightlife.

To gain entry to the Bahamas, each of us must obtain a traveler’s health visa from the Bahamian Health Ministry. The requirements are proof a negative coronavirus test and purchase of short-term local health insurance (about $60 USD). Our plan, therefore, is to take a rapid PCR test at “the LAB Doctor” in Fort Lauderdale, which promises a written response within 24 hours. Once proof is uploaded to the Bahamian Health Ministry, along with our applications and fees, we should be granted a health visa within 72 hours. The visa must be printed in Miami and presented at Bahamian customs. That leaves us 48 hours to make landfall and clear customs, or we’ll have to sail back to Miami. Threading the needle here.