When planning your BVI crewed yacht charter vacation, one of the most common questions is: what does “Half Board” or “Local Fare” mean compared to All-Inclusive? The difference often comes down to flexibility, dining preferences, and budget.
What Is an All-Inclusive Crewed Yacht Charter?
An all-inclusive crewed yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands covers nearly everything you’ll need during your trip. This includes:
- All meals prepared by your onboard chef
- Standard bar and beverages
- Snacks and appetizers
- Use of water toys and equipment
- Running expenses such as fuel, mooring fees, and permits
Guests choosing an all-inclusive package can expect a seamless experience where every meal is tailored to their preferences, enjoyed onboard against the backdrop of turquoise waters and stunning anchorages.
What Is a Half Board Crewed Yacht Charter?
A Half Board yacht charter in the BVI provides a blend of onboard dining and opportunities to explore the islands’ vibrant restaurant scene. While this can vary from yacht to yacht, Half Board typically includes the following meal plan on the yacht:
- All breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners
- The remaining meal taken ashore at a local restaurant (guests cover these costs)
- Snacks, ship’s bar, water toys and all other operating expenses are still INCLUDED.
Half Board is often chosen by guests who want to immerse themselves in BVI culture and cuisine while keeping costs a bit lower. It’s also a great option for foodies who love experiencing a mix of private chef creations and authentic island dining.
What About A Local Fare Meal Plan?
Some yachts also offer a Local Fare Meal Plan, which falls between Half Board and All-Inclusive. With this plan, the charter fee INCLUDES:
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners during a 7 night charter
- This allows for a bit flexibility in the itinerary
- All other items such as ship’s bar, water toys, and expenses are INCLUDED.
The Local Fare plan is ideal for guests who want to stay onboard for most meals but still experience the authentic taste of the islands.
Why Choose Half Board or Local Fare in the BVI?
- Variety: Sample island specialties like lobster, conch fritters, and rum cocktails.
- Local Flavor: Support beloved BVI restaurants and enjoy dining with your toes in the sand.
- Flexibility: Ideal for those who don’t want every meal onboard but still enjoy the comfort of chef-prepared breakfasts and lunches.
Is Half Board A Popular Meal Plan Option?
In 2017, when the BVI was devastated by Hurricane Irma, half board and local fare meal plans became less popular as there were not as many restaurants available for guests to enjoy. Just as the restaurants were returning, COVID then took out a number of restaurants in 2020 and made guests less likely to enjoy meals off the boat.
As we are now entering the 2025/2026 charter season in The British Virgin Islands, there are now many wonderful restaurants to try and enjoy. While many guests often prefer the meals on their yacht, there are some wonderful options to consider in the region!
Popular BVI Restaurants to Visit on Charter
On a typical 7-night BVI yacht charter itinerary, your crew will guide you to local favorites where you can enjoy meals ashore. Some popular stops include:
- Foxy’s Tamarind Bar (Jost Van Dyke): Famous for BBQ nights, live music, and a laid-back island vibe.
- Soggy Dollar Bar (White Bay, Jost Van Dyke): Known as the birthplace of the Painkiller cocktail, with casual beach fare.
- CocoMaya (Virgin Gorda): Upscale beachside dining with a fusion of Asian and Latin flavors.
- The Baths’ Top of the Baths Restaurant (Virgin Gorda): Perfect for lunch with panoramic views after exploring the iconic boulders.
- Willy T (Norman Island): A floating bar and grill offering fun, casual meals with a lively atmosphere.
- Hendo’s Hideout (Jost Van Dyke): A newer favorite on White Bay serving fresh seafood and island cocktails.
Which Option Is Right for You?
- Choose All-Inclusive if you prefer the ease of having every detail handled by your crew. This is particularly important if you have any food allergies as many local restaurants are not large enough to address severe food allergies and cross contamination issues.
- Choose Half Board if you’d like to balance gourmet onboard meals with local dining adventures.
- Not sure which plan is perfect for you? We can help you with that!
