British Virgin Islands 2024 Charter Report – What’s new in the BVI?

We recently toured the BVI to see what had changed for 2024 and what had remained timelessly and thankfully the same!

Timeless BVI – What hasn’t changed?

The good news – almost everything that makes the BVI the world’s most special charter destination is timeless and unchanged. We’ve been going to the BVI for over 30 years, and all the things we love – the gorgeous islands, pristine beaches, the snorkeling, the beach bars and restaurants, the amazing sunsets, all bring the same wonder and beauty as they have for decades.

A charter that starts in the Bight on Norman Island, passes through the Indians, the Caves, the Wreck of the Rhone, the Baths, Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, Anegada, Sandy Spit, and the beaches of Jost Van Dyke is still as amazing as ever. When we first bareboated in 1992, we visited Willy T’s, the Pirates, The Bitter End, Foxy’s, and the Soggy Dollar Bar, and, while they all were renewed after Irma’s destruction, we were thrilled to enjoy each one again in this year!

What’s New?

WINDWARD – Bali 5.4 Catamaran

It’s a cat’s world, we’re just sailing in it. The most obvious change in the BVI chartering world is the size and type of yachts. While there are still plenty of monohull bareboats sailing the waters, the BVI is now a catamaran world. And the catamarans have become so much larger and more luxurious! Another change: whereas there are still plenty of Lagoon cats around, Bali catamarans are literally everywhere. Charterers are drawn to their walk-through salon that goes directly to the large foredeck, and their high-quality fit and finish.

We were lucky enough to spend a week aboard WINDWARD, with the delightful Aussie Crew of Jon and Tracy. The salon, kitchen, cabins, and decks were all spacious, comfortable, and impeccably cared for. Consider a Bali catamaran for your next BVI (or anywhere) charter, you’ll be impressed.

Power to the People. Not only have the catamarans become the predominant type of yacht, and much larger than 10 years ago, powercats are everywhere as well. Charterers choose these for their excellent comfort and fuel efficiency, without needing to hoist sails. Five years ago a powercat would be an anomaly, today they can be found at every anchorage.

SOL – Sunreef 80 Eco Power Catamaran

The e-revolution is coming. Dropping in on our friends at Voyage Charters in Sopers Hole, we saw their take on the future of catamaran electrification. I think we can all agree that diesel generators are the most annoying part of sailing yachts – their noise, pollution, and smell are completely incongruous with the fundamental concept of sailing, yet every yacht currently needs one (or two) generators to power the aircon and amenities such as hair dryers. Diesel motors are also noisy and belch smoke when there is insufficient wind to power the boat.

Voyage has redefined this with their new series of electric catamarans such as the Voyage 480 Electric. The diesel motors have been replaced with virtually silent electric engines driven by batteries that can be recharged by solar panels, plugged in ashore, or by onboard generators. Generators are only used when the batteries are below 20% charge, meaning that you will not always need to hear the generator when you’re sleeping, even if you have the aircon on.

We also saw the impressive SOL Sunreef 80 Eco electric power catamaran. She’s gorgeous and virtually silent, with an electric drive train and solar skin. While she also, at times, resorts to backup generators, much of the time cruising and sleeping on SOL is virtually silent.

We expect to see much more of this in the future, as climate-conscious charters are demanding more sustainable options, and hope that soon all sailing yachts will be powered either by the wind or quiet electric motors.

Other Updates and Useful Information

Not crowded over Xmas. We arrived in the BVI on the 19th and finished on the 27th. Surprisingly, it did not seem crowded – the big crowds appear to come after Christmas. We also had no Christmas Winds, making it highly enjoyable to be there, although we sailed less than expected.

Amazing Sunsets on Anegada. It never seems to fail – we’ve been to Anegada countless times, and we’ve always had stunning, nearly hour-long, sunsets. This held true this year. Maybe it’s because of Tortola and JVD off in the distance that creates a weather pattern ideal for sunsets, but Anegada seldom disappoints!

A Caribbean Charter: Embrace Eco-Friendly Activities in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of our favorite destinations for a crewed catamaran charter. But we need to become increasingly conscious of our impact as we travel, so engaging in more eco-friendly activities on vacation is one way to do so.

Our team at Boatbookings has been visiting the Caribbean for years and, unfortunately, is seeing increasing negative impacts on the islands. We want you and future generations to enjoy this paradise, and we need to preserve our planet and oceans. 

So, here are some ways you can enjoy the Caribbean with less of an impact: 

Snorkel in Marine Reserves

One of the best ways to appreciate the Caribbean’s underwater wonders is by snorkeling. There are so many designated marine reserves, like the Tobago Cays Marine Park in St Vincent and the Grenadines, that ensure that these ecosystems continue to be protected. When exploring the underwater world in these regulated parks, refrain from touching or disturbing any marine life and wear reef-friendly suncream to minimize your impact further.

Responsible Wildlife Encounters 

The Caribbean is home to unique and diverse wildlife throughout the islands, from sea turtles nesting on the beaches to exotic birds in the forests. Choose wildlife excursions that adhere to ethical practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals and their habitats. Various islands offer opportunities to witness sea turtle conservation efforts; check out the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network to learn more. 

Community-Based Tourism 

While you are on your crewed charter catamaran, you can engage with local communities in plenty of ways. Contact us to learn about the community-based tourism initiatives in the area you will be cruising. These experiences offer authentic insights into Caribbean culture while directly benefitting local economies. There are plenty of activities that foster a connection with the community and contribute to sustainable development. 

Conservation Projects 

Take part in organized beach cleanups or conservation projects that aim to protect the coastal ecosystems. Many organizations in the Caribbean regularly host community events focused on protecting the coastal and marine environments. If you are chartering in the Bahamas, you can learn about the importance of coral reefs. The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation offers various programs and expert-led snorkeling tours, and you can even adopt your own coral fragment! 

Fish Sustainably 

One particular threat to the Caribbean’s natural balance is the lionfish, an invasive species from the Pacific Ocean. There are various initiatives across the islands to try to control the population. In St Lucia, you can participate in educational lionfish diving and fishing excursions. 

Local Hiking Tours 

You can enjoy guided hiking tours with local tour operators within the lush rainforests that cover the islands. These give you an insight into the incredible environments and local cultures. The Wallings Nature Reserve in Antigua is managed by women from the nearby village of John Hughes, and they led various solo and guided hiking tours, highlighting local flora and species; all fees support the reserve. 

By choosing more eco-friendly activities and supporting sustainable initiatives, generations to come will also be able to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to chat about your next greener crewed charter catamaran vacation in the Caribbean. And leave only footprints! 

How to Have a More Sustainable Caribbean Yacht Charter

We are approaching one of our favorite times of the year – the Caribbean boating season! At Boatbookings, we love cruising the Caribbean, from the azure waters and abundant marine life to pristine beaches. But, like the rest of our planet, the islands are under threat.

The Caribbean is a fragile ecosystem suffering under the various challenges climate change brings. The Caribbean faces many threats, from rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather to ocean acidification. There are so many things we can do to leave less of an impact on our crewed charter catamarans.

Here are some ways you can help minimize your impact this Caribbean season:

Choose a Greener Yacht

The first step is to choose a more eco-friendly yacht from our greener crewed charter catamaran selection. At Boatbookings, we showcase more sustainable boats and look at incorporating catamaran builds, such as Sunreef and Silent Yachts, that champion sustainability. Crewed catamarans are better for our oceans and boast more advantages, such as better efficiency, shallow draft, expansive living areas, and comfortable cruising. The recently launched Sol is perfect for a greener Caribbean charter in the BVIs. This Sunreef 80 power eco has all the luxury facilities and amenities while having sustainability at the core, including vegan interiors and the solar and battery tech found within this Eco-Catamaran range.

An Eco-Conscious Itinerary 

There are a few factors that can help minimize your impact by choosing a more eco-conscious itinerary for a Caribbean charter. Overcrowding can have a negative impact on an ecosystem, so cruising destinations and anchorages that are less crowded will help. Opting for quieter spots also makes for a better experience. There are plenty of natural reserves and marine parks in the Caribbean, especially within the Bahamas, such as Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Visiting these on your charter means you will help support the conservation efforts by abiding by the strict conservation regulations to protect the area.

Better Onboard Practices 

While the crew onboard will already implement sustainable practices, it is important that you are aware of these. The main culprit in the Caribbean is the use of single-use plastic, but most boats now have water filtration systems onboard so that you can reduce any plastic water bottles needed. While in the Caribbean, you will undoubtedly be in the water a lot, so it is important to wear reef-friendly suncream to protect from the toxicity of regular suncream when exploring reefs and marine life. Another way to ensure a greener charter is through the menus you enjoy; ask your chef to create menus that are prioritized with local and seasonal ingredients in mind, helping reduce the carbon footprint of your charter. Always look for opportunities within the Caribbean to incorporate responsibly sourced seafood and avoid overfished species, such as parrotfish that have been overfished in the Caribbean for decades. 

Support Conservation Efforts 

As well as choosing to visit marine parks and natural reserves while following the regulations as charter guests, you can also support by donating to local conservation organizations or participating in beach cleanups. By aligning your charter experience with minimizing your impact, you are contributing to the long-term health of our oceans. Before your charter, you can also use our carbon offsetting calculator.

Charter the Caribbean Today! 

These are just some steps you can take to ensure the Caribbean’s natural beauty lasts for generations to come. Contact the Boatbookings team to book a greener crewed charter catamaran to enjoy the Caribbean this coming season. 

Can you believe it’s Belize?

Longing for that summer holiday? Fed up of being cooped up indoors and just want to focus on something fun for the future? Have your plans been put on hold for your dream summer sailing holiday this year? Looking to splash out for Christmas? Well, its always summer somewhere – but where? Belize!

Enjoy white sand beaches, turquoise water and exceptional sailing conditions in one of the most underrated chartering areas in the world.

Belize yacht charter offers endless opportunities to enjoy amazing snorkelling and diving off the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Belize is an archipelago with over 200 untouched rainforest islands and atolls, charming towns, friendly locals and an Aztec influence.

See our BELIZE BAREBOATS HERE!

Embark in Belize City and benefit from two fantastic Belize yacht charter itineraries. Sail to the popular northern island hotspots of San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, as well as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Alternatively, head to the less frequented southern island hotspots of Man-o-War Caye, Tobacco Caye and Placencia.

Want to find out more? Speak to one of our brokers today who will walk you through what’s possible on your Christmas sailing charter!

A Very British (Virgin Islands) Christmas!

Specializing in Caribbean charters, here are our top 5 reasons to charter a yacht and why the British Virgin Islands is officially one of the best places in the world to charter for your 2020 holiday season!


Escape the bleak mid-winter and spend Christmas 2020 island hopping between the white sand beaches of the British Virgin Islands. The world’s best sailing conditions, island hopping, world-class scuba diving grounds, and a Christmas day conch meal. All of this plus an unforgettable New Year’s Eve makes the British Virgin Islands the only place to charter a yacht this Christmas!!


Christmas day on the yacht

Whether you’re a seasoned yachtie or sailing around the best sailing grounds of the Caribbean is something you’ve always dreamt of, a yacht charter in the BVI is guaranteed to make 2020 your best Christmas yet.

Although you’ll be on a yacht in the Caribbean, don’t worry there’s still plenty of decorations to make you feel just at home. Expect to see masts with fairy lights going to the top, red and white bikinis and palm Christmas trees!

Spend this Christmas walking around the white sand-beaches of Anegada and join in the local celebrations! Chose from having your own personal crew onboard to sailing solo around the many BVI white-sand beached islands.


New years eve at Foxy’s

Be sure to head to the island of Jost Van Dyke to bring in the New Year. Foxy’s on the island is renowned as being one of the top 5 parties in the world on New Year’s Eve.

Instead of celebrating the ‘New Year’, this bar celebrates the ‘Old Year’s Night’, making this iconic location different from every other New Year Party on the globe.

Hop off your boat and enjoy being in one of the best places in the world this New Year. Be sure to catch the theme before deciding on your outfits!


December diving

Switch the traditional family board games on Christmas day for a scuba diving lesson! Scuba dives are an extremely popular Christmas day activity and really make it a Christmas day to remember.

The BVI waters surrounding the islands of Norman Island are renowned for being extremely clear during the months of December and January. The Caribbean waters are full of different corals, turtles, shipwrecks and thousands of different species of fish.

Surprise your loved ones with a diving course and give the gift of the ocean this Christmas!


A Caribbean Christmas lunch

Eat like a local and celebrate the festivities with a freshly grilled lobster or conch! Head over to the Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda for your Christmas lunch, be sure to book early this year as most restaurants serving local Caribbean Christmas delicacies tend to get booked up very quickly.


Unrivalled weather conditions

The trade winds blowing across the islands of the BVI offer a consistent breeze, ideal for sailing and for keeping slightly cool during this period. Christmas is without a doubt one of the best times of year to visit the BVI due to long, sunny days with ocean breezes coming through in the afternoon and slightly cooler evenings.

The BVI is known for ‘line of sight’ sailing and protected bays for anchorages and sailing. Unlike other locations in the Caribbean, the waters in the BVI are usually a lot calmer than many other locations.


Aftermath of Irma

Despite the saddening damage, caused by hurricane IRMA in 2017, the BVI’s are being cared for and maintained. The process of rebuilding infrastructure has been a work in progress since the hurricane struck, however, the BVI is back on track and the boat standards and sailing grounds are as popular as ever.

Don’t let the damage caused in 2017 put you off from a yacht charter in the BVI this Christmas – the BVI is up and running. For current information, we please see our “what is open in the BVI after Irma” page, which is updated regularly.

Give Santa a change from the chimney and let him slide down your mast this Christmas! Get in touch today!