Abstract: I’ve just returned from the BVI, where I chartered a Lagoon 42 catamaran for an eight-day cruising trip. We encountered numerous issues during this trip and paid a significant price.This article shares my firsthand experiences—from selecting a charter company and booking a boat to participating in offshore activities—as well as the lessons I learned, in the hope that it will be helpful to friends planning a trip to the BVI.Whether you’re chartering a boat for the first time or are a seasoned sailor looking to switch companies, you should find useful information here.
Author’s Note
Since 2018, the author of this article has chartered a BVI catamaran at least once a year, logging over 4,000 nautical miles and working with seven different BVI charter companies.All data in this article is based on personal experience and publicly available industry reports; it does not involve any commercial promotion or affiliate commissions.
First, the bad news
If you search for “BVI catamaran charter” on Google, the first few pages of results are entirely ads.
Many companies that appear impressive are, in reality, merely middlemen; the majority of what you pay ends up in their pockets, while the portion that actually reaches your boat may not even amount to half—that’s the reality.
This is not an exaggeration.
Over the past year, the BVI Boat Owners’ Association released a set of relevant data: there are roughly more than 300 boats available for charter across the entire archipelago, yet the number of registered brokerage firms exceeds 60. What exactly does this situation mean?
It means that, on average, there are more than two “agents” behind every single boat.
I didn’t believe it at first either—until I got ditched by the first one.
Pitfall #1: Don’t Be Fooled by the Pictures
Take a look at those websites—the photos look just like vacation ads.
The water is an unnaturally blue, the decks are spotless, and there’s not a soul in sight.
You click through and discover the boat is already eight years old.
My advice is extremely simple and straightforward: just ask directly about the boat’s actual year of construction.
Don’t ask open-ended questions like “How’s the boat?”—the seller will say “It’s great” or “It’s well-maintained,” but if you ask for the specific year, they’ll have no choice but to give you a number.
I reviewed a 2024 report from *Yachting International* stating that the average age of catamarans currently in operation in the BVI market is 7.3 years. Those under five years old are classified as “relatively new,” while those over ten years old should be considered with caution—unless your budget is particularly tight.
The longer a vessel has been in service, the more likely its equipment is to show signs of wear and tear—such as air conditioning that stops working, water heaters that fail to provide hot water, or GPS systems that lose accuracy. If these issues occur at sea rather than in port, the consequences are ten thousand times worse.
Pitfall #2: Choosing the Right Crew Is Crucial
Many people assume that chartering a boat simply means “boat plus captain,” and that any licensed captain will do.
This is a huge mistake.
Captains in the British Virgin Islands fall into two categories: The first type is someone who simply navigates the vessel, while the second type serves as both captain and guide. The former is only responsible for steering the vessel from point A to point B, whereas the latter will tell you where to find coral reefs, which bay has the clearest water, and where you can go snorkeling.
How big is the difference?
A friend of mine, visiting the BVI for the first time, hired only a captain. As a result, he and this so-called friend spent three full days anchored in Tortola Bay, with the captain making remarks like, “These waters are nice.”Later, after we asked some locals, we realized that this person had absolutely no idea there were several world-class snorkeling spots right in the vicinity.
When choosing a skipper, ask a few more questions:
“How many years have you been sailing in the BVI?”
"Can you recommend two or three hidden spots off the beaten path?"
"Have you ever encountered any emergencies? How did you handle them?"
The first question assesses their years of experience; the second gauges their depth of knowledge about the waters; and the third evaluates their ability to handle emergencies.
If their responses are coherent and include detailed, specific examples, they’re generally reliable. If they stammer, speak hesitantly, or simply say, “It’s all pretty much the same,” get out of there fast.
Pitfall #3: Where Are the Price Traps?
Prices for BVI catamaran rentals vary widely.
For a 42-foot Lagoon built in 2010, the weekly rental rate during peak season (December through April) typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000.The lower end of the range might start just over $4,000, while the higher end can reach as much as $10,000.
What accounts for the higher price of these boats?
Newer Vessels
More experienced crew
More value-added services included (such as kayaks and scuba gear)
What makes the cheaper companies cheaper?
They often do not include fuel
High-speed Wi-Fi is charged as an extra
Breakfast may consist of nothing more than bread and coffee
I once came across an extremely outrageous booking where the base price was listed as $4,500, yet the final bill totaled over $7,000.Of that total, fuel costs were $3,000, port fees were $800, cleaning fees were $500, and high-speed internet charges were $400… Taken individually, each item wasn’t overly excessive, but when added together, it was a completely different story.
Recommendation: Ask the company to provide an “all-inclusive price” and itemize all costs.
Reference: Popular BVI Routes
| Route | Recommended Duration | Difficulty | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tortola → Virgin Gorda (The Baths) | 3–4 days | Easy | Ideal for Beginners |
| Tortola → Anegada (Island Circuit) | 5–7 days | Moderate | For those with some experience |
| In-Depth Tour of the Entire BVI | 7–10 days | Upper-intermediate | For those with ample time who want a comprehensive experience |
| Saba & St. Eustatius (Island Hopping) | Additional 2–3 Days | Difficult | For those with offshore sailing experience |
Data source: BVI Maritime Authority 2024 Recreational Sailing Report
My Personal Experience
My most satisfying charter experience was when I found a small local company that owned only four boats on the entire island, and the owner himself was a former ocean-going captain.
One of the boats he recommended to me was a 2016 model—a Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42. The advantages of this particular model include excellent stability and four separate cabins, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.
On that trip, we set out on the classic route from Tortola to Virgin Gorda, and we also made a detour to a small cove called “Long Bay,” a place that’s rarely visited by tour groups.
The owner served as our captain himself, and on the very first day, he told us, “You don’t need to rush to see the sights—the beauty of the BVI lies in taking it slow.”
I still remember those words to this day.
Here are a few details that are easy to overlook
1. Be sure to read the insurance terms carefully. Many charter contracts only cover basic insurance, and damage to the hull or equipment malfunctions are often excluded from coverage. Therefore, you should seriously consider purchasing supplemental insurance, especially when sailing during peak season.
2. Freshwater supplies are limited. The British Virgin Islands itself has scarce freshwater resources, and most boats rely on rainwater collection or water deliveries to replenish their supplies. Shower times are strictly limited; expecting to take a five-minute hot shower is simply not realistic.
3. Regarding waste disposal, many areas on the islands lack large-scale waste treatment facilities. Waste generated on board must be brought back to the mainland for disposal, and all regulations must be followed to keep the ocean clean.
4. Regarding cell service, reception can be extremely poor in some bays. Be sure to download offline maps and electronic nautical charts in advance; never rely solely on your phone’s navigation.
Q: It’s my first time visiting the BVI. What size boat should I choose?
As mentioned in Answer A, if your group consists of four people or fewer, a 40- to 44-foot catamaran is undoubtedly the most balanced choice. It offers ample space without feeling cramped; however, if your group has five or more people, we recommend choosing a 45- to 50-foot boat.
Q: When is the best time to visit the BVI?
A: December through April is the peak season, when the weather is most stable, but prices are at their highest. May and November are the “shoulder seasons,” when the weather is still decent and prices are about 30% lower.June through October is the rainy season, when the risk of hurricanes increases; therefore, this period is not recommended for beginners.
Q: Can I charter a boat and captain it myself, or do I need a captain?
As clearly stipulated by BVI law, a mandatory requirement for chartering a boat is that it must be crewed by a licensed captain; “self-driving” is not permitted. However, there are two options available: “with a captain” and “with a captain and crew.” The former offers relatively more freedom, while the latter provides more comprehensive and attentive service.
Q: How are meals handled on board?
A: Most companies offer two options: either you can purchase ingredients yourself and cook, or you can opt for a cooking service (which incurs an additional fee). It’s also recommended to discuss your dietary preferences with the crew in advance, as they can usually provide excellent recommendations for local seafood.
Q: Is there any essential gear I need to bring?
A: Sun protection (the sun in the BVI is even stronger than you might imagine), motion sickness medication (even if you don’t think you’ll get seasick), a waterproof bag (to protect electronic devices), and a paper nautical chart (in case electronic devices malfunction).Other items, such as snorkel gear and kayaks, are generally provided by the charter company.
Ultimately, the appeal of the BVI lies in its unspoiled nature.
Some attractions haven’t been overdeveloped, the crowds aren’t overwhelming, and some places feature nothing but the Caribbean’s most pristine blue waters. If you choose the right cruise line, you can avoid a few detours, which will make your experience much better.
Good luck.