COVID 19 protocols onboard yachts booked through Tutino Yachts
February 26, 2021We are hiring!
March 15, 2021It’s not too late to get away with family and friends this Easter for a yacht charter holiday in the sun.
Safety on board is of paramount importance to us and we therefore implement strict safety protocols for all yacht charters we book. This allows our clients to enjoy the best yachting destinations while minimising the risks. A yacht charter by nature is an isolated haven for you to reunite with family and friends while cruising through some of the top destinations worldwide.
We have prepared a list of the top yacht charter destinations currently open for tourists and the appropriate travel requirements to get you there:
Maldives
The Maldives has been the self-proclaimed ‘safe haven for travellers’ throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The country has been open to tourism from all nations since the 15th July 2020 and was accredited the “Safe Travels Stamp” granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on 15th September 2020.
Reason to visit the Maldives this Easter:
The Maldives is considered the most romantic destination in the world, making it the ideal escape this Easter with someone you love. With such an abundant sea life, diving in the Maldives is second to none so be sure to visit the islands while you still can – as the lowest lying nation in the world, the Maldives has an ever present race against time with rising sea levels!
Top travel tip to do and see:
The Maldives is famed for its blue lagoons and abundant sealife however be sure to plan a visit to one of the Maldives’ six UNESCO World Heritage mosques, such as the 17th-century Fenfushi Friday Mosque, carved of coral stone.
COVID-19 Vaccine status
On 20th January 2021, India donated 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine to the Maldives and an agreement has been signed with AstraZeneca to purchase 700,000 doses, which will further boost the county’s resilience to the pandemic.
Entry requirements for all visitors:
- All tourists are required to hold a negative PCR test for COVID-19 conducted 96 hours prior the scheduled time of departure.
- All tourists are required to submit an online Health Declaration Form within 24 hours prior to departure through the IMUGA portal.
- Quarantine upon arrival is not required. The local Health Protection Agency should be informed is a passenger has a cough or shortness of breath.
- All tourists must undergo thermal screening at the arrival terminal.
- All tourists should follow health guidelines including wearing masks, sanitising hands and maintaining physical distance.
- All tourists are encouraged to install the Contact Tracing app “TraceEkee.”
Bahamas
The health and wellbeing of all who enter or reside in The Bahamas remains the number one priority. Some islands may be following different orders than others, such as curfews and reduced operating hours and/or services for shops, restaurants and businesses. Visitors will be required to adhere to all island restrictions, and all travellers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their yacht.
Reason to visit The Bahamas this Easter:
Few destinations have it all, but the Bahamas is one of them. The islands have pristine beaches, clear waters, busting sea life for fishing and diving, and is well rehearsed in hosting luxury holidays. One event at the hub of Bahamian culture and one not to miss is The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival with festivals usually starting in April all across the islands.
Top travel tip to do and see:
Visit the Pelican Land and Sea Park, a 2,100 acre area of beautiful beautiful underwater caves and coral reefs. Exciting ecotours can be organised from the yacht to explore over 117 different species of fish and corals.
COVID-19 Vaccine status
The coronavirus vaccine rollout has started in the Bahamas with India donating a total of 500,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.
Entry requirements for all visitors:
- All travellers, including those travelling inter-island from Nassau & Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, must present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test that is less than 5 days old
- Entry requirements do not differ for those who have received a COVID-19 vaccination.
- Apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa
- Take a rapid COVID-19 Antigen test if staying in The Bahamas for longer than 4 nights and 5 days
- Complete a Daily Health Questionnaire.
USVIs
The US Virgin Islands are open to international travellers, however a list of excluded countries remains in place including China, Iran, European Schengen area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and Brazil. This has kept coronavirus cases to a minimum and the islands are easily accessible and a safe destination for American citizens.
Reason to visit the USVIs this Easter:
For those into sustainability, the US Virgin Islands have dozens of national parks, preserves, and refuges to explore along hiking routes and underwater nature trails. There are six national parks throughout the three islands covering both land and sea so it is almost impossible not to venture into one of them!
Top travel tip to do and see:
The heart-shaped Trunk bay is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Home to some of the bluest waters in the Caribbean, it is the crown jewel of the Virgin Islands National Park. A photogenic paradise that even features 650 feet of underwater trails with signs for the most remarkable swimming and snorkelling experiences.
COVID-19 Vaccine status
The USVIs has started successfully it’s vaccine rollout with over 12,000 doses administered.
Entry requirements for all eligible visitors:
- Use of the USVI Travel Screening Portal to submit a COVID-19 test result prior to travel. COVID-19 test results will not be accepted via email.
- During your stay in the USVIs recommended social distancing measures should be adhered to.
BVIs
The BVIs have implemented a series of travel bans and quarantines to prevent the spread of coronavirus. These protocols have worked well to date resulting in extremely low number of cases making it one of the safest destinations to visit.
Reason to visit the BVIs this Easter:
The BVIs are synonymous with exclusive islands, hidden coves and turquoise waters. If you need more reason to visit, the islands are packed of pirate lore and legends with Tortola being a pirate hotspot. Many remnants of the swashbuckling past can be found across the BVIs so be sure to learn about the history while cruising around the pristine waters.
Top travel tip to do and see:
Formed of coral and not volcanic, Anegada island is unlike all other in the British Virgin Islands archipelago. Surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, one of the largest Caribbean reefs, its underwater beauty and historic shipwrecks make it a site perfect for amazing dives and shore-entry snorkelling.
COVID-19 Vaccine status
8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were delivered to the BVIs from the UK in February, with a further 12,000 doses scheduled for delivery on 17 March.
Entry requirements for all visitors:
- Register using the online portal
- Take a negative PCR test on arrival
- Quarantine for four complete days on the vessel (day 1 starts the day after arrival), remaining in one of the approved mooring sites for the mandatory 4-day quarantine.
- Take another RT-PCR test on Day 4.
- Residents and visitors alike are required by law to wear a mask in public spaces and maintain physical distancing where possible