Question 1

What Should You Consider When Booking a BVI Charter?

Accepted Answer

The first step when considering a BVI Yacht Charter is researching your options. Countless companies offer vessels for various aesthetic preferences, budgets, and itineraries. With this abundance of choices, making an informed decision can be difficult. So, taking time to familiarize oneself with each option available is highly recommended before settling on any particular company or vessel.

Question 2

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Charter In BVI?

Accepted Answer

The summer months from May to October are generally considered the optimum period for sailing charters in the BVI due to warm temperatures and good winds. However, these can be unpredictable during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Planning and booking early are advisable as some yachts may become unavailable closer to peak times or during storms.

Question 3

What Is The Best Month To Sail In BVI?

Accepted Answer

The answer depends on what type of sailing vacation you’re seeking. The dry season in the BVI runs from December through April, making these months ideal for those who prefer longer days filled with sunbathing and swimming opportunities. In addition, the average air temperature during this period can reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius). This makes it an optimal time for snorkeling or scuba diving around some of the islands’ most colorful marine life.

Question 4

What Day Of The Week Do Charters Start And Finish?

Accepted Answer

Charters usually start on a Monday and end on a Friday. But if you're looking for a flexible schedule for the week, you should ask charter companies if your desired charter dates are available for sailing.

Question 5

What Should I Consider Before Booking the Charter Dates?

Accepted Answer

Booking Procedures - Most charter companies require full payment for crewed charters at least one month or two weeks in advance for bareboat charters. Chart and boat briefings may also be conducted before departure, which should be factored into the timeline.

Question 6

What Can You Expect When Chartering A Yacht?

Accepted Answer

One of the most important things to consider when chartering a yacht is accommodation. Luxury charter yachts typically have spacious cabins, full-service kitchens, and modern amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Some charter yachts even include personal chef and butler services, so you're sure to enjoy home comforts while aboard.

Question 7

What Is Included With A BVI Yacht?

Accepted Answer

A BVI yacht charter experience offers a vacationer the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Depending on your specific needs and preferences, one can choose from a motor or sailing yacht or even opt for a bareboat charter where no crew is included. Along with accommodation aboard, many yachts have personal chefs and amenities such as kayaks and paddle boards.

Question 8

Do You Pay For Drinks When You Charter A Yacht?

Accepted Answer

Generally, an APA is an upfront fee that covers the costs of food and drinks during a charter. This fee is often included in the overall charter cost but can also be paid separately. The amount of the APA will depend on the type of charter and the length of the trip. In most cases, the APA covers the cost of drinks.

Question 9

What are the Costs Associated with Your Charter Trip?

Accepted Answer

Luxury yacht charters come with a variety of associated costs. Cancellation insurance is generally necessary when booking a charter, as it covers any non-refundable costs that may occur if the trip must be canceled due to illness or bad weather. It is also recommended to purchase travel insurance or ‘cruising’ insurance, which will cover medical evacuation fees and other expenses related to physical injury while onboard a vessel. Instructional captains are also available for hire, particularly if you are inexperienced in sailing and would like someone knowledgeable on board. Lastly, some companies may charge wire transfer fees when booking a charter, so check the payment options available.

Question 10

What Are Additional Expenses On A Yacht Charter?

Accepted Answer

Mooring Fees: When sailing around different islands within the British Virgin Islands, one must pay mooring fees to dock their yacht at certain locations (i.e., Cooper Island Beach Club or Nanny Cay Marina).

Question 11

What Is The Typical Payment Structure For a Yacht Charter?

Accepted Answer

When booking a BVI yacht charter, it is important to know what to expect in terms of payment before the charter begins. Most charters require full payment before arriving at the boat, with some exceptions for late arrivals after hours. Typically, an initial deposit and a balance will be due depending on the yacht charter’s requirements. This information will typically be outlined in your contract or agreement with your chosen yacht charter company.

Question 12

What Is The Typical Tip For a Yacht Charter?

Accepted Answer

Gratuity tips are customary in luxury yacht charters and range from 10-15% based on experiences while cruising around these beautiful islands. The amount depends entirely on how satisfied you were with the service provided during your stay aboard. However, considering the cost involved in completing such complicated itineraries through often difficult sailing conditions, 15% is considered a standard form of appreciation from guests towards crew members working tirelessly behind the scenes.

Question 13

Do I Need A Passport Or Visa To Enter The BVI?

Accepted Answer

When planning a BVI yacht charter, knowing you will need a valid passport to enter and exit the British Virgin Islands is important. In addition, citizens of some countries also require a visa for entry into the Caribbean islands. It is highly recommended to research whether or not your country requires this beforehand. While most vessels depart from St Thomas or Tortola in the US Virgin Islands, many other ports are available throughout the region, such as Monkey Point on Guana Island, Road Town on Tortola, and Spanish Town on Virgin Gorda.

Question 14

Why Are Shoes Not Allowed On Yachts?

Accepted Answer

The primary reason why shoes are not permitted onboard yachts is that they can cause damage or scratches to other areas of the vessel. Shoes tend to have hard soles, which can easily leave marks on the flooring surfaces and furniture when walked upon. In addition, wearing shoes increases the risk of slips or falls onboard since wet decks can become slippery from spilling drinks or splashing water off deck showers.

Question 15

Are Meals Included In A BVI Yacht Charter?

Accepted Answer

Crewed charters include full-service staff, such as crew members, who prepare meals and clean up after each meal, but all food ingredients must be provided by the client or acquired through provisioning services. Bareboat charters do not include any staffing services and will not include meals unless specifically requested beforehand. All-inclusive charters offer complete packages, including a skipper (or captain), meals prepared by a chef onboard, snacks, and drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits without additional charges.

Question 16

Is There A Minimum Age Requirement To Charter A Yacht?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, most BVI rental companies will not allow passengers under 16 years old without proper supervision from an adult who has signed all relevant paperwork. Moreover, some providers require that at least one person over 21 be on board throughout the charter. This can make finding the ideal vessel more difficult if someone in your group does not meet these criteria.

Question 17

Are Pets Allowed On Board?

Accepted Answer

The presence of pets onboard must be communicated beforehand so proper preparations can be made. The safety of both guests and crew members is paramount. So, boundaries must be established between human and animal passengers during the voyage. Pet owners should inform themselves thoroughly about local ordinances concerning leash laws and other requirements for containing animals while ashore. Adequate cleanup equipment must also be taken to ensure no trace remains from having had an animal onboard once disembarked from the vessel at the end of the journey.

Question 18

What Type Of Payment Is Accepted For A Bvi Yacht Charter?

Accepted Answer

When booking a BVI yacht charter, one of the most important questions is what type of payment is accepted. Fortunately, there are several options for paying for your charter. Many suppliers generally accept credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Additionally, some suppliers may accept PayPal or other online payment methods. Furthermore, cash payments are typically acceptable in certain circumstances.

Author: Stephanie