BVI Crewed Yacht Charter FAQs - 2025-2026

Boatbookings' Most Frequently Asked Questions about Crewed Catamaran Charters in the British Virgin Islands

We have compiled the following information to help you plan your BVI Crewed Catamaran Charter holiday, helping to understand the terminology, costs, and general guidelines for crewed catamarans in the British Virgin Islands.

What are the advantages of a Crewed BVI Catamaran Charter?

When you charter a crewed catamaran in the BVI, the extraordinary crew takes care of nearly everything for you! They greet you, help you plan your itinerary with their insider knowledge, sail the boat (you can help if you want!), prepare the meals to your specific tastes, clean up, operate the tender, and set up the water toys! Typically, you will have a crew of two, who will split the duties between the Captain and the Stewardess/Cook, and often become lifelong friends.

BVI crewed catamarans are "all inclusive", which means exactly that. All meals, snacks, and drinks (with some exceptions), water toy use, snorkeling gear, and all facilities of the boat are included in the charter fee. You pay for fuel, top-shelf spirits and wines, and the crew gratuity.

What is the best time to charter in the BVI?

Generally speaking, the best combination of weather and winds is from December to April. This is considered Peak Season, and the charter rates reflect this. Christmas/New Years charters are highly desired, and come with a surcharge because of this demand.

May to June is the "Shoulder Season," where the weather is also good and crowds are lower. Winds are not typically as strong as in the Peak Season, but still make for a great sail. You have a slightly higher chance of rain in the Shoulder Season.

The Off-Season is July - November. This is the typical hurricane season. Many charter yachts are unavailable, and some fleet managers are closed altogether. While direct hits from hurricanes are rare, danger lurks throughout the Caribbean, and hurricanes are notoriously difficult to predict. Storms have become stronger in recent years due to warmer waters, making them more powerful and dangerous.

Is it possible to charter during hurricane season? Do you recommend it? What are the risks?

Yes, it is possible to charter during hurricane season, which technically runs from June 1 to November 30. We recommend avoiding this season if possible, to reduce the risk of a major disruption to your holiday.  During hurricane season, fewer yachts are available to charter, as many move to other regions during that time. You are less likely to encounter hurricanes in early June and late November, so consider those time slots if the only time you can sail is during low season.

If you charter during hurricane season, we strongly advise buying travel insurance. Look for a policy that includes "cancel for any reason" or specifically lists hurricanes. If a hurricane warning is issued during your charter, your boat will be called back to port. You will not be allowed to sail or receive a refund from the boat owner. Your only financial recourse is travel insurance.

How much does it cost to charter a crewed catamaran in the BVI?

The cost of crewed catamaran charters in the BVI typically starts around $20K and rises from there based on the size of the yacht and number of crew. This price is all-inclusive, making it a great value compared to a 5-star hotel holiday - see our detailed explanation of the value of an all-inclusive charter. Here is our selection of the best crewed catamarans in the BVI.

What's the best way to get to the BVI? Can I fly to the BVI? Can I fly to St Thomas?

The BVI has a small airport reachable from Miami, St Thomas, Puerto Rico, and many of the other Caribbean Islands. The Terrance B. Lettsome Airport is located on Beef Island, which is connected to Tortola via a bridge. Currently, the only major airline that flies to Road Town is American. 

Due to the high number of flights to St Thomas, we typically recommend you fly to St Thomas and take a water taxi directly to your marina. You will need to stop at customs before entering the BVI. Alternatively, Cape Air offers a direct flight to Beef Island from Puerto Rico, if that's more convenient.

In some cases, your charter catamaran will pick you up directly in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, and then take you through customs. Please discuss alternatives with your Boatbookings Charter Consultant.

Where do BVI charters start? Where do I meet the boat?

Nearly all BVI charter yachts are located in one of the marinas in Road Town on Tortola. All are an easy taxi ride from the Airport or the Road Town Customs house. A few yachts are located in Sopers Hole, on the west side of Tortola. This is a longer ride, but you get the benefit of beginning in a lovely, relaxed atmosphere! Your Charter Consultant will assist you with any required transportation.

How many days should I plan for a BVI charter?

A typical charter runs for 8 days/7 nights. This gives you time to see nearly all of the islands, including sailing to Anegada, and allows you to moor on 7 different islands! You will board after 4 pm on the afternoon of the first day and need to be off the boat by 10 am on the final day.

We do not recommend chartering for fewer than 7 days, although you can typically book 5 or 6. It's not enough time to see all of the amazing sites of the BVI, and you will be leaving just as you're feeling relaxed and in sync with the pace of the BVI.

10-day or 2-week charters are also common - you will never run out of things to do, and will have more opportunities for hiking, exploring, and staying longer in your favorite spots.

What are the best/most highly recommended crewed catamarans in the BVI?

The definition of "best" will vary based on your tastes, but we compile our listings of the top BVI yachts based on 1) friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable crew, 2) cleanliness and overall fitness of the boat, 3) top-quality cuisine and 4) consistent 5-star ratings from our charter clients. Please see our listing of the top BVI crewed catamarans for 2025 - 2026.

What is the best BVI crewed catamaran itinerary?

Crewed Catamaran charters typically begin in Road Town on Tortola, and proceed counter-clockwise to Norman Island, Peter Island, Cooper Island, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. We've compiled our highly recommended 7-day crewed catamaran itinerary here.

This is just a suggestion to begin your planning - we recommend that you discuss it with your Boatbookings charter consultant and your Captain. As always on a boat, weather and tides may force a change to this itinerary.

What's the difference between the BVI and the Grenadines for sailing?

Map of the Grenadines

Both the BVI and the Grenadines (technically St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a country that includes many sailing favorites such as Carriacou, Union Island, and Canaoun) offer fabulous sailing and a true immersion in all things Caribbean.  In general, the BVI sailing is more protected, as the bulk of your sailing will be in the Sir Francis Drake Channel. The Channel reduces the swell (waves) and quiets the winds. The main open water sailing in the BVI is between Virgin Gorda and Anegada, where you are in the Atlantic.

The Grenadines' islands are further apart and are in a north-south line, with each taking the full force of the trade winds. Moving between islands always requires sailing in the open ocean. This leads to more thrilling sailing for those who are looking for it. Most islands are also less built up than the BVI, so you will gain a true feeling of Caribbean deserted beaches, small beach bars, and untouched snorkeling spots.

What are the restrictions on crewed catamaran capacity?

The maximum number of guests allowed on board is generally 12 as per maritime safety regulations, but depending on the size, it could be lower, and also depends on the insurance of each specific yacht. For crewed yachts, it will depend on the size, but usually, the rule is the number of berths stated in the charter yacht capacity, therefore a 5 cabin will be able to host 10 passengers + crew. This is set by government safety regulations and is not flexible. There is no difference between adults and children.

See our Yacht Charter Basics page for full information.