Caribbean › British Virgin Islands
BVI crewed yacht charter
TL;DR: A BVI crewed yacht charter puts you on a catamaran or motor yacht with a captain and chef, among some sixty islands that are rarely more than two hours apart. Crewed catamarans for six guests usually run $20,000 to $45,000 a week, often all-inclusive. December to April is the main season.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rates are indicative, vary by yacht, season and itinerary, and are confirmed only in a charter contract.
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Why the BVI suits a first crewed charter
The British Virgin Islands have more crewed charter yachts per square mile than almost anywhere in the Caribbean. The islands sit inside the Sir Francis Drake Channel, so the water between them is sheltered, and most passages take one to two hours. That leaves the week for swimming, snorkeling and long lunches rather than long sea days.
It's also one of the few places where a crewed catamaran with a captain and chef is the normal way to charter, not a premium extra. That keeps prices lower than in the Mediterranean for the same level of service.
What a BVI crewed charter costs
| Yacht | Guests | Charter fee per week (indicative) | Usual terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crewed catamaran, 45–60 ft | 4–8 | $20,000–$45,000 | All-inclusive |
| Large catamaran, 60–80 ft | 6–12 | $45,000–$95,000 | All-inclusive or plus expenses |
| Motor yacht, 80–120 ft | 8–12 | $60,000–$200,000 | Plus expenses (APA 25–35%) |
On top of the charter fee:
- Cruising permit: about $4 per person per day on BVI-based yachts, about $16 on yachts based elsewhere (for example the USVI).
- National park moorings and environmental fee: small per-week charges, usually passed through by the crew.
- Crew gratuity: customary, 10–20% of the charter fee. Like a restaurant tip: 10% is standard, 20% is for exceptional service.
- APA: only on plus-expenses yachts. It covers fuel, food, drinks and dockage and is reconciled at the end of the week.
Worked example: a 52-foot all-inclusive catamaran for six guests at $32,000 a week, plus $168 in cruising permits (6 guests × 7 days × $4) and a 10% gratuity of $3,200, comes to about $35,400, or roughly $5,900 per guest. At 20% for exceptional service, the gratuity is $6,400 and the week comes to about $38,600. The same yacht based in the USVI would add about $504 in BVI permits instead of $168.
See the line-by-line charter cost guide for how APA and all-inclusive terms compare.
A typical week
| Day | Where | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tortola to Norman Island | The Caves for snorkeling; the Bight anchorage |
| 2 | Cooper and Salt Island | The wreck of the RMS Rhone (dive or snorkel) |
| 3 | Virgin Gorda | The Baths: granite boulders and tidal pools. Arrive early |
| 4 | North Sound | Calm water, kitesurfing, Saba Rock |
| 5 | Anegada | Flat coral island, empty beaches, lobster dinners. Weather permitting |
| 6 | Jost Van Dyke | White Bay, Great Harbour, Sandy Spit |
| 7 | Back to Tortola | Disembark |
The captain sets the order around wind and swell. Anegada needs a clear weather window because it sits outside the channel.
When to go
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| December–April | Main season. Trade winds 15–20 knots, dry, warm. Christmas and New Year book 6–12 months ahead |
| May–June | Lighter winds, warmer water, more availability and lower rates on some yachts |
| July–November | Hurricane season. Peak risk August–October; many crewed yachts pause or relocate |
Getting there
- Beef Island, Tortola (EIS): the closest airport to most charter bases, served by connections from San Juan, Antigua and St. Thomas.
- St. Thomas, USVI (STT): more direct flights from the US mainland, then a ferry of about an hour to Tortola. Bring passports; you clear BVI customs on arrival.
- Charter bases: most crewed yachts start from Road Town, Nanny Cay, Village Cay or Scrub Island on Tortola.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is the yacht based in the BVI or the USVI? It changes the permit cost and where you start.
- What does "all-inclusive" exclude? Premium spirits, fuel for water toys and marina nights are common exceptions.
- Who are the captain and chef this season, and how long have they worked together?
- What happens if a named storm forces a change of dates?
Common questions
How much does a BVI crewed yacht charter cost?
A crewed catamaran of 45 to 60 feet for six guests usually runs about $20,000 to $45,000 a week, often all-inclusive. Larger catamarans of 60 to 80 feet run about $45,000 to $95,000. Motor yachts are usually quoted plus expenses (APA). Add the cruising permit and a crew gratuity of 10 to 20 percent: 10 is standard, 20 is for exceptional service.
What is the BVI cruising permit fee?
Charter yachts based in the BVI pay about $4 per person per day. Yachts based elsewhere, such as the USVI, pay about $16 per person per day. National park mooring and environmental fees are added on top.
When is the best time for a BVI charter?
December through April is the main season, with steady trade winds. May and June are quieter and often cheaper. June through November is hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October.
Is a catamaran or a motor yacht better in the BVI?
For most groups, a crewed catamaran. The islands are close together, the anchorages are calm, and catamarans are usually all-inclusive. A motor yacht makes sense for larger groups, more crew, or a combined BVI and USVI itinerary.
Other destinations
Ask about BVI availability
Send your dates, guest count and budget range. Established charter brokerages check which crewed yachts are free in the BVI and reply with a shortlist and the full estimated cost.