Provisioning a charter in Tortola is easy. Although quality meat, fish and produce in Tortola is more expensive than in many other countries, beer, liquor and local wines are often less expensive in Tortola. Reliable suppliers offer online pre-ordering and free delivery to your boat, and they accept major credit cards.
The island capital of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. Charterers often fly into Road Town, Tortola or St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Before going on a charter in Tortola, plan each meal. Write down what you will really need to feed all people (and pets) on the charter. Most people tend to eat a light breakfast and dinners are usually eaten on shore.
Go online and research Tortola provisioners. The four major charter provisioners in Tortola are Bobby’s Market Place (considered by locals and visitors to be the best choice), Riteway (five stores and competitively priced), OneMart Superstore (two stores in Road Town offering a huge range of products) and Ample Hamper (for charterers wanting an upscale experience). You can do most of your shopping online before you arrive in Tortola and coordinate delivery with the vendor.
Decide which foods to buy in Tortola and which foods to bring with you. Small foods that are easy to transport should be brought from home to the charter in Tortola. Bringing your own portable foods will save money because items like coffee, spices and meat are expensive in Tortola. Meat can be frozen in a carry-on travel cooler. Consider fishing from a charter in Tortola for a fresh catch.
Buy most provisioned liquids in Tortola. Buy rum, gin and vodka in Tortola because liquor is relatively inexpensive in the British Virgin Islands. Fine wines are expensive in Tortola, so check online to compare prices prior to arrival. Ship water because even though people in the industry tell you that it is potable, water acquires an unpleasant flavor from the holding tanks onboard. Plan on provisioning bottled water at a half-gallon per person per day.
Challenges with bugs is certain on a charter in Tortola. Even the nicest boats for charter in Tortola can have bugs. Be sure to confirm with your charter company that they have recently sprayed for vermin onboard. To avoid carrying vermin onto the boat, move the provisions from the vendor’s cardboard boxes to the charter boat's food containers.
