Abstract:
If you’re planning to dock your catamaran at The Catamaran Company’s marina in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, then this is exactly what you need to read.This isn’t an official guide—it’s my personal account as an ordinary American boat owner who’s been moored here for over three years, covering the setbacks I’ve faced, the money I’ve saved, and the hidden costs that newcomers often overlook.This article provides a detailed breakdown of mooring fees, utility costs, maintenance expenses, seasonal discounts, tips for negotiating long-term contracts, and a few “hidden pitfalls” you’d never even imagine. After reading this, you’ll never again be scared off by a quote or end up wasting thousands of dollars.
Who I Am and Why I’m Writing This
Let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Mike, and since 2019, I’ve had my 42-foot Lagoon 42 moored at The Catamaran Company’s BVI Marina. Prior to that, I had moored it in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for five years. I later relocated to the Caribbean due to a job transfer. At first, I too scoured the internet for information, but what I found online was either official promotional material or scattered complaints on forums. I’ve gone through quite a few ups and downs myself, and later helped three friends negotiate their marina contracts—one of whom saved nearly 20% on their annual fees.So, this article isn’t plagiarized—it’s based on my own experiences, gained by paying out of pocket, signing contracts, and even having coffee with the marina manager.
Let’s start by answering the question you’re most curious about: How much does it actually cost?
Alright, let’s get straight to the numbers. You might see all kinds of quotes online, but the actual price you end up paying depends on the size of your boat, the length of your stay, the season, and even your negotiating skills.
Here are the latest rates I obtained for 2025 (using a 42-foot catamaran as an example):
| Item | Daily Rate (USD) | Monthly Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Berth (30–45 feet) | 3.50–4.50 per foot | 105–135 per foot | Calculated based on length, not beam |
| Utilities (Base) | Included in the berth fee | Includes basic usage | Excess usage is billed separately; this will be covered later |
| High-speed WiFi | 15 / day | 250 / month | Signal strength is average—don’t expect to stream 4K videos |
| Garbage Disposal | Free | Free | But the sorting requirements are very strict |
| Security Surveillance | Included | Includes | 24 hours, but patrols are infrequent at night |
Wait a minute—have you noticed that the prices I’ve listed are lower than those on some websites? That’s right—the reason is that many websites list “list prices,” whereas the prices I’ve secured are the actual rates after long-term contracts and off-season discounts.In my first year, I naively paid the listed price, but later found out that the guy on the boat next to me was paying 15% less than I was. So, don’t just take the listed price at face value—you absolutely have to negotiate!
Those “Hidden Fees” That Cost You Hundreds of Dollars
This might be the most valuable part of this post. It took me a whole year to figure out these pitfalls.
Pitfall #1: Penalties for Exceeding Water, Electricity, and Gas Limits
The berthing fees at most marinas typically include a certain allowance for water and electricity—for example, 50 gallons of water and 30 degrees of electricity per day. That sounds like plenty, right? However, if you’re like me and run the air conditioning on your boat during the summer, or wash the boat and use a seawater desalination system, it’s easy to go over the allotted limits.I went over the limit three times during my first summer, and each time I was charged between $80 and $120. Later, I applied to the marina manager for a fixed monthly package—paying an extra $50 a month—but I never had to worry about exceeding the limit again. Many beginners aren’t aware of this option.
Pitfall #2: The “Fine Print” on Berth Sizes
Official quotes are based on the boat’s length overall (LOA), but if you’re mooring a catamaran—which is significantly wider than a monohull—you might be charged at a higher rate.I’ve personally witnessed a boat owner whose vessel was 38 feet long, yet the marina charged him for a 45-foot berth because his boat’s beam encroached on the adjacent berth.Before signing a contract, be sure to confirm with the marina whether fees are based on the boat’s length overall or on the “area of water occupied.” In my experience, if the boat’s beam exceeds 15 feet, I recommend requesting a separate quote based on the actual mooring arrangement.
Pitfall #3: Mandatory Minimum Stays During Peak Season
The period from December through April of the following year is the peak season in the BVI. During this time, some marinas may require you to stay for at least one month or force you to purchase their fuel packages. The Catamaran Company is relatively transparent; however, during the 2022 peak season, I was required to participate in their “New Year’s event,” which cost me an extra $200 for a barbecue ticket that no one wanted to attend. I recommend asking clearly whether there are any additional charges during peak season before signing a long-term contract.
The Most Common Mistake Beginners Make: “Time Traps” in Contracts
When I first arrived, I signed a 6-month contract, assuming it offered considerable flexibility. However, what was the reality? The contract explicitly stated, “A minimum stay of 6 months is required; early termination will incur a one-month fee.”I had originally planned to stay in the Virgin Islands for only four months, but ended up paying for two extra months. Afterward, I learned my lesson: before signing a contract, I always make sure to ask in detail about the minimum mooring period, the specific penalties for early termination, and whether the berth can be sublet.
There’s a detail many people aren’t aware of: if you have friends or acquaintances who’d like to temporarily use your berth, some marinas allow you to find a sublessee on your own—but you must give advance notice.The benefit of doing so is that while you’re away for several weeks, someone else will cover the fees for you, so you won’t have to pay for the berth while it sits vacant.However, this arrangement must be clearly stipulated in the contract; otherwise, it constitutes a breach of contract.
Money-Saving Tips: Timing, Negotiation, and “Hidden Discounts”
1. Off-Season Mooring: Saving 30% Is Not a Pipe Dream
May through November is hurricane season in the BVI, and it’s also the off-season, when dock vacancy rates are quite high. When I renewed my lease in May 2023, I told the manager directly that I planned to keep the berth occupied year-round, but that I couldn’t afford to pay peak-season rates during the off-season months.As a result, he offered me a year-round contract with a 30% discount during the off-season months. Working out the numbers, my average monthly rate per foot for the entire year came to just $90—nearly 25% cheaper than the listed price.
2. Negotiating as a Group of Boat Owners
I have a friend who organized a group of three boats. All three boats negotiated long-term contracts with The Catamaran Company at the same time. To retain multiple clients like this, the marina offered them a group discount. This group discount saved everyone 10%. If you know other boat owners, you might want to try this approach.
3. Trade “maintenance services” for a discount
There are many service providers at the marina, such as carpenters, electricians, and sailmakers. If you’re willing to let the marina arrange these services for you—and pay a fee—some marinas will offer you a discount on your slip fee.I know a boat owner whose marina performed a major maintenance job for $1,500, but his monthly slip fee was reduced by $200. This is a win-win situation, but be sure to negotiate the price upfront so you don’t end up paying more than you would elsewhere.
Real-Life Scenario: My Day at the Marina
At 6:00 a.m., I woke up and connected my phone to the marina’s Wi-Fi. The connection speed was decent enough—just barely fast enough to send emails.After turning on the boat’s air conditioning, I noticed the water temperature was slightly higher than usual—because the sun had been so intense yesterday afternoon that the parts of the boat below the waterline had become hot to the touch.I walked toward the marina office, intending to ask if they had any awnings for rent, but the manager said they didn’t and suggested I buy one myself. In the end, I spent $800 on a custom awning and spent two days installing it myself.A word of caution for beginners: the sun in the BVI is extremely intense. If you plan to stay there for more than two weeks, I strongly recommend installing a sun awning; otherwise, the deck temperature can reach 50 degrees.
Around noon, I went to the convenience store in the marina area to buy ice and found that the price was exactly double what it was in town.After that, I got smart: every week, I’d go to the supermarket in Road Town to buy a case of ice and stock up for later use. Almost everything at the marina is overpriced, so if you can bring your own supplies, try not to buy them locally.
In the evening, the guy from the boat next to mine came over to chat. He told me he’d been staying there for five years and had nearly been swept away by a hurricane last year.He told me that every summer, he moves his boat to a deeper part of the bay or simply hauls it ashore. If you plan to stay here year-round, be sure to check with the marina about their hurricane emergency procedures.Some marinas will require you to move your boat when a hurricane warning is issued, or they may charge an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions: I’ve asked on your behalf
Q: I’d like to dock for two weeks in January 2026. The official website lists the rate at $4.50 per foot per day—is there a discount available?
A: During peak season, there are generally no discounts for single-week stays. However, if you’re willing to accept a less desirable berth (such as one near the fuel dock, which can be a bit noisy), you can ask if they have any “berths for sale.”I’ve seen others secure a similar spot for $3.80 per foot. Also, if you’re staying for more than 10 consecutive days, you can try asking to have one day’s fee waived or to receive a free Wi-Fi package.
Q: My boat is a 55-foot catamaran. Do they have a suitable berth?
Here’s a suggested rewrite: First, the answer is yes, but such berths are indeed rare. At The Catamaran Company’s marina, the maximum depth is only 12 feet. While draft might not be an issue for a 55-foot catamaran, finding a berth becomes difficult if the boat is wider than 25 feet.I recommend sending an email to inquire first, preferably attaching your boat’s plans. If they don’t have a suitable berth, they may recommend the nearby Nanny Cay Marina, which can accommodate larger vessels.
Q: Does the contract include a “most-favored customer” clause?
The answer is yes—your question hits the nail on the head. The first contract I signed didn’t include this, but I later requested that a clause be added: if the marina offers a lower rate to any new customer during the term of the contract, I would also be entitled to the same discount.The marina manager wasn’t exactly thrilled at the time, but ultimately agreed. This clause is rarely mentioned online, but it’s actually quite useful.
Q: I plan to take a one-year break, but I might return to my home country for two months during that time. Can I suspend the contract?
The answer is that most marinas do not allow “suspensions,” but you can try to “sublet” your berth.My contract clearly states that if I plan to be away for more than 30 days, I can notify the marina in writing, and they will allow me to find another boat owner to temporarily use my berth.This is subject to prior verification of the other party’s eligibility, and I am required to pay a small processing fee ($50). If you do not make arrangements in advance and leave the berth vacant for two months, you will still be required to pay the fee.
The author notes that this article is based on my personal experience at The Catamaran Company BVI Marina, as well as records from multiple communications with the marina management between 2022 and 2025.I do not represent any marina or yacht charter company, and all advice provided is for reference only. If you have any questions regarding the terms of the contract, I recommend consulting a local maritime attorney.