For American travelers, few yacht charter destinations are as rewarding, or as easy to reach, as the British Virgin Islands. More than 60 islands and cays sit within short, sheltered sailing distances, the trade winds are reliable, and many of the world's finest crewed catamarans are based right here. After more than 30 years of arranging charters in the Caribbean, the BVI remain one of the destinations we recommend most often to families and groups from the US.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a BVI yacht charter: how to get there, when to go, what it costs in US dollars, and what a perfect week on board can look like.
Why the BVI Are Ideal for a First (or Tenth) Yacht Charter
- Short hops, calm water: most passages take one to two hours, so you spend your days swimming and exploring rather than sailing long distances.
- Line-of-sight navigation: the islands are close together and protected by the Sir Francis Drake Channel, which makes for comfortable conditions even for guests new to sailing.
- US dollar economy: the US dollar is the official currency, so there is no exchange to worry about.
- World-class crewed yachts: the BVI fleet includes many of the Caribbean's most sought-after luxury sailing and power catamarans, with professional captains and chefs.
Getting There from the US
There are two common ways to reach the BVI:
- Fly into Beef Island (EIS), Tortola via a connection, typically through Miami or San Juan.
- Fly into St. Thomas (STT), US Virgin Islands, which has direct flights from many major US cities including New York, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and Boston, then take a short ferry or private water taxi to Tortola.
A valid passport is required to enter the BVI. Many of our crews can also arrange to collect you directly in St. Thomas, so your charter begins the moment you step on board.
When to Go
The main season runs from December to June, with steady trade winds, warm water and very little rain. Late November is a wonderful time to go, with fewer yachts on the water. Peak demand falls over Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and Spring Break, so we recommend reserving holiday weeks 9 to 12 months in advance. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and most crewed yachts reposition or reduce their schedules during this period.
What Does a Crewed BVI Yacht Charter Cost?
Rates depend on the yacht, the number of guests and the season. As a general guide for a week on a fully crewed yacht:
- Luxury sailing catamarans (4 to 5 cabins): often from around US$25,000 to US$60,000 per week.
- Large power catamarans and premium yachts: often US$50,000 to US$120,000+ per week.
- Motor yachts and superyachts: considerably more, depending on size and crew.
Many crewed catamarans in the BVI are offered on an all-inclusive basis, which typically covers meals, standard bar, fuel and water toys. Gratuities for the crew are customary and not included. Holiday weeks usually carry a premium and minimum stays. We always provide a clear, itemized proposal in USD so there are no surprises.
A Sample 7-Night BVI Itinerary
Day 1 | Tortola to Norman Island
Board in Tortola, settle in, and cruise to the Bight at Norman Island. Snorkel the famous Caves before sunset.
Day 2 | Norman Island to Cooper Island
Explore the Indians snorkeling site, then continue to Cooper Island for a relaxed evening ashore.
Day 3 | Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda
Visit The Baths, the iconic granite boulders and grottos, in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Day 4 | North Sound, Virgin Gorda
Paddleboard, kitesurf or simply relax in one of the Caribbean's most beautiful sheltered bays.
Day 5 | Anegada
Sail to this flat coral island for endless white beaches and the legendary Anegada lobster.
Day 6 | Jost Van Dyke
Swim ashore at White Bay and enjoy the island's laid-back beach bars, home of the original Painkiller.
Day 7 | Sandy Spit and Cane Garden Bay
A morning on a picture-perfect sandbar, then a final evening at Cane Garden Bay on Tortola.
Day 8 | Disembark
Breakfast on board before your transfer to the airport or ferry or private water taxi.
Every itinerary is flexible. Your captain will adjust the route to the weather and to your family's interests. You can find more inspiration on our Virgin Islands destination page.
Planning a Thanksgiving or Christmas Charter
A holiday week on a private yacht is one of the most memorable ways for multigenerational families to celebrate together. Your chef can prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or a festive Christmas menu on board, and New Year's Eve at Jost Van Dyke is one of the Caribbean's great celebrations. Because the best yachts are booked early for these weeks, early planning makes all the difference.
Why Book Through a Specialist Broker
Charter rates are the same whether you book directly or through a broker, but an independent specialist brings real value: personal knowledge of the yachts and crews, honest advice on which boat fits your group, and support from the first inquiry until you return home. As an independent, family-run brokerage with more than 30 years of experience, we personally inspect yachts and meet crews at events such as the BVI Charter Yacht Show.
Start Planning Your BVI Charter
Tell us your dates, group size and wishes, and we will send you a hand-picked selection of available yachts with prices in USD. Contact Sonja and Thomas or browse available yachts in the Virgin Islands.