By Mandy Walker, owner of WLMS Yacht Charters · Updated October 2026 13 years in crewed charters, 250+ yachts toured every year, CYBA Member.
An all-inclusive crewed yacht charter in The BVI means one weekly rate covers your private yacht, your captain and chef, every meal on board, a stocked bar, the water toys, fuel and cruising permits. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new each morning.
Why do I recommend The BVI for a first crewed charter? The islands shelter these waters from the open sea better than anywhere else in the Caribbean, which in my opinion makes them the best cruising grounds in the region, and arguably the world. The islands sit close together, so you typically sail just one to two hours each morning and spend the rest of the day swimming, snorkeling and exploring. And with about 245 crewed yachts to choose from, The BVI offers more variety in yachts and price points than any other destination I work with.
She took the time to get to know us and the type of charter we were looking for. She was spot on in her recommendations for the type of boat and crew… What started out as a bucket list trip far exceeded any of our expectations.” — Scott W., first BVI charter, December 2024
Scott’s first charter was with Captain Adam and Chef Rosie, who now run Mare Blu. He has since sailed with them again aboard Mare Blu and returns in December 2026 for his third BVI charter.
Below is exactly what’s included, what isn’t, what it typically costs, and what I look for when I step aboard a yacht for you.

Image: “Hammock overlooking the water at Saba Rock, North Sound, Virgin Gorda in The BVI” and its caption to “Saba Rock in North Sound, one of my favorite stops in The BVI.”
What’s Included in an All-Inclusive BVI Yacht Charter
Most crewed yachts in The BVI book on all-inclusive terms. A standard all-inclusive charter includes:
- Your private crew. A licensed captain and a chef on every yacht, plus a stewardess, deckhand or dive instructor on larger yachts. They plan the itinerary around your group’s preferences and the weather conditions for the time of charter.
- Every meal on board. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks or canapés and dinner, planned and customized around your preference sheet and any dietary needs.
- A standard ship’s bar. Branded vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and tequila, mixers, local beer, table wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
- Water toys. Snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, floats and fishing gear on most yachts; many also carry water skis, tubes, Seabobs or eFoils.
- Operating costs. Fuel, water, air conditioning, cruising permits, local taxes and crew wages.
- Housekeeping. Daily cabin tidying and a mid-week linen change.
- Staying connected. Wi-Fi (often Starlink), Bluetooth sound system and, on many yachts, cabin TVs with streaming services.
- Flexible dates. Charters can start any day of the week, typically boarding at 12 noon.
What surprises first-time clients most? The food. Every menu is built around your group’s preferences, so guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions enjoy real culinary delights all week, without the stress or worry.
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What’s Not Included
A few things sit outside the charter rate, so budget for them separately:
- Crew gratuity. At your discretion; the industry guideline is 15–20% of the charter fee.
- Meals and drinks ashore. Restaurant and beach-bar visits are on you.
- Transfers. Getting from the airport or ferry to your yacht. We’re happy to arrange a private car or water taxi.
- Off-yacht excursions. Rendezvous diving with a dive shop, sailing courses, Jeep rentals on Anegada and similar.
- Vintage wines and champagne. Many yachts stock branded spirits and quality wines as part of the standard bar, but vintage wines and champagne are usually extra. Each yacht’s bar is different; we confirm the brands before you book.

The ship’s bar is generous, but excessive alcohol is not included, for everyone’s safety.
What Does an All-Inclusive BVI Charter Cost?

For a full breakdown of rates by yacht size, extras and money-saving tips, see the cost to charter a crewed catamaran in The BVI.
Split across a full group, it’s easier to compare with a resort. An 8-guest catamaran at $28,000 a week works out to $500 per person per night, with meals, drinks, activities and a private crew included. Add 15–20% for crew gratuity.
Rates can vary by time of year and from one yacht to the next, depending on its size, age, crew and amenities. Many yachts also offer 4–6 night charters, child rates and flexible meal plans, so ask us for a quote built around your group.
Finding great yachts under $30,000 a week is a real specialty of ours. I tour these smaller crewed yachts every year, and many of them are ideal for families and couples. Browse our Preferred Budget Collection to see some of my favorites.
A budget-friendly yacht can still deliver the trip of a lifetime when the crew is right. I met Captain Nick and Chef Jade at the boat show and paired them with Laura’s family aboard Kismet, an 8-guest catamaran. Nick and Jade move to Earnout for the coming season.
“She was responsive to all of our questions and helped us choose the right boat for our family… [My son] said, it wasn’t just the sailing, the boat, the waters and the delicious food but I will never forget spending the week with all my favorite people!” — Laura S., Kismet, May 2026
May 2026
Read more reviews from our BVI charter guests · See our Google reviews
What I Look For When I Tour a Yacht
Every year I step aboard more than 250 crewed yachts at the charter shows and in the islands, so I can match you with a boat and crew I’ve seen for myself.
The first things I notice when I step aboard are how the yacht smells and how the crew greets me. It sounds silly, but the way a crew welcomes me is usually the way they’ll welcome your family on day one. I look at how the yacht is staged, because that’s how it should look when you arrive. And I always taste the nibbles they put out; it gives me a real sense of what the chef will serve you all week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cabins like?
Nearly every crewed yacht in The BVI has en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, quality bedding and storage. Layouts vary a lot, from queen cabins in each hull to full-beam master suites on larger yachts. Each featured BVI yacht shows its cabins, crew bios, sample menu and reviews.

Pro tip: for families and mixed groups, I look for yachts with one primary suite plus flexible bedding, including at least one cabin with twin beds that convert to a large queen on request. That way the same yacht works for kids, couples or friends sharing a cabin.
Which islands will I visit?
Most charters start on Tortola, from Nanny Cay, Village Cay or Scrub Island. A typical week includes Norman Island, Cooper Island, The Baths on Virgin Gorda, North Sound (Saba Rock, Bitter End and Oil Nut Bay), Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Your captain shapes the route around your interests and the weather. See our sample 7-night BVI itinerary.

My favorite anchorage is North Sound on Virgin Gorda, because you can enjoy several spots in a single day. Start with Saba Rock, wander over to Bitter End, or buy a day pass at Oil Nut Bay and spend the afternoon on its very private beach, protected by its own reef.
Can we eat ashore during the charter?
Yes. Many yachts offer a local-fare meal plan, typically all breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners on board over 7 nights, so you can try the islands’ restaurants and beach bars. Your crew will recommend favorites along your route and help with reservations. Learn more about half board, local fare and all-inclusive meal plans.
Can we fish?
Often, yes. The yacht must hold a BVI fishing permit, and guests 18 and over need their own fishing license, which your crew can help arrange. Ask us to confirm before you book.
How is the scuba diving?
The BVI has some of the Caribbean’s best diving, including the wreck of the RMS Rhone and the reefs around the Dog Islands. Some yachts carry dive gear and an instructor, and a few offer PADI certification or Discover Scuba dives onboard; others arrange rendezvous diving with a local shop. See our Let’s Get Active collection.
What’s the weather like?
Warm all year, with daytime highs of about 77–88°F (25–31°C) and cooling trade-wind breezes. The water stays 78–84°F (25–29°C). More detail: BVI weather by month and BVI water temperature.
When is the best time for an all-inclusive charter in The BVI?
The main season runs from November through April, with steady trade winds and dry, sunny weather. Holiday weeks book early, often a year ahead. May through July is quieter, with calmer seas and warmer water.
My personal favorite? April through June 1st. The weather is typically still dry, and the water warms to a lovely 82°F (28°C).
Can we charter for less than a week?
Yes. Many yachts offer 4–6 night charters, and some offer sleep-aboard nights, child rates or captain-only options. Tell us your dates and we’ll check what’s possible.
More BVI Planning Resources
- BVI Crewed Catamaran Charter Cost
- Half Board, Local Fare and All-Inclusive Meal Plans Explained
- BVI Weather by Month
- BVI Water Temperature by Month
- How to Get to Tortola for Your Charter
- BVI Hotel Guide: Where to Stay Before or After Your Charter
- Sample 7-Night BVI Itinerary
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