PHYSALIA
Physalia Yacht Charter
Step aboard the S/V Physalia, a luxurious vessel designed for adventure and serenity in equal measure. Operated by the dynamic duo Chris and Kaya, both masters-level marine scientists, this yacht offers more than just a voyage—it promises an immersive exploration of the natural world. Chris and Kaya’s profound knowledge of oceanic ecosystems, geology, and wildlife adds an extraordinary layer to every charter. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned ocean enthusiast, their engaging storytelling and expertise bring the wonders of the Virgin Islands to life.
Unparalleled Onboard Experiences
What sets Physalia apart is its exceptional blend of relaxation and high-energy activities. For thrill-seekers, the yacht offers unrivaled water sports support, including kitesurfing, wing-foiling, and SCUBA diving. Certified instruction is available for those eager to learn or refine their skills beneath the waves. A true standout feature of Physalia is its 15-foot crew-style rowing boat, perfect for guests who wish to glide across serene waters in a double or single scull—a rare and delightful amenity.
For guests who prefer a tranquil escape, Physalia’s itineraries include hidden anchorages and guided scenic hikes led by Chris and Kaya. You can savor moments of peaceful paddleboarding, kayak along pristine coastlines, or try your hand at fishing and freediving. Each experience is tailored to offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Culinary Delights with a Global Flair
Dining aboard Physalia is nothing short of exceptional. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, Chris and Kaya curate a menu that takes you on a global culinary journey. Their creations blend the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with international cuisines, earning glowing praise from delighted guests. Whether it’s a fresh seafood feast or a tropical fruit medley, every meal is an event to savor, enjoyed against the backdrop of breathtaking ocean views.
A Loyal Companion at Sea
Adding to the yacht’s charm is Waldo, the ship’s friendly and impeccably trained canine ambassador. Waldo’s gentle nature and heartwarming presence make him an instant favorite among guests. Whether he’s greeting you on deck or joining you for a leisurely stroll along a secluded beach, Waldo brings an extra layer of joy and companionship to your journey.
Luxurious Accommodations
Physalia offers three elegantly appointed queen cabins, each designed with comfort and style in mind. The serene interiors create a private sanctuary for restful nights, ensuring you wake refreshed and ready for another day of adventure. The cabins feature ample space and modern amenities, making your stay as luxurious as it is memorable.
Embark on the Ultimate Escape
Ready to embark on a voyage filled with discovery, relaxation, and unforgettable moments? The S/V Physalia invites you to explore the Caribbean in unparalleled comfort and style. Secure your spot today for the vacation of a lifetime and experience the beauty and wonder of the Virgin Islands like never before.
3 queen cabins
Accommodations | |
---|---|
Cabins: | 3 |
Queen: | 3 |
Single Cabins: | 1 |
Showers: | 3 |
Electric Heads: | 3 |
Engine Details | |
---|---|
2 Yanmar engines and 1 generator | |
Fuel Consumption: | 1.5 |
Cruising Speed: | 6-8 knots |
Max Speed: | 10 knotsUS Gall/Hr |
Details | |
---|---|
Type: | Cat |
Beam: | 28.5 Feet |
Draft: | 4.7 Feet |
Pax: | 6 |
Refit: | 2016, 2022, 2024 |
YearBuilt: | 2007 |
Builder: | Lagoon |
Engines: | 2 Yanmar engines and 1 generator |
JetSkis: | No |
Flag: | US |
SatTv: | No |
RegNum: | FRCNB50023G607 |
Jacuzzi: | No |
A/C: | Full |
Locations | |
---|---|
Winter Area: | Caribbean Virgin Islands (US) |
Summer Area: | Caribbean Windwards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US) |
Pick Up Locations | |
---|---|
Pref. Pick-up: | - |
Other Pick-up: | - |

Amenities | |
---|---|
Salon Tv/VCR: | No |
Salon Stereo: | Yes |
Sat Tv: | - |
Camcorder: | No |
Books: | Yes |
Board Games: | Yes |
Deck Shower: | Yes |
Water Maker: | Yes |
Special Diets: | Yes |
Kosher: | No |
BBQ: | Yes |
Minimum Age: | Water safe |
Inverter: | Yes 115V |
Voltages: | 12 Volt and 115v onboard |
Water Maker: | Yes |
Ice Maker: | Yes |
Sailing Instructions: | No |
Internet Access: | Onboard WIFI |
Hairdryers: | No |
Guests Smokes: | Transom steps |
Crew Smokes: | No |
Pets Aboard: | Yes |
Hammock: | Yes |
Water Sports | |
---|---|
Dinghy size: | 13ft |
Dinghy hp: | 40hp |
Water Skis Adult: | No |
Water Skis Kids: | No |
Jet Skis: | No |
Kneeboard: | Yes |
Windsurfer: | No |
Snorkel Gear: | Yes |
Tube: | No |
Scurfer: | No |
Wake Board: | Yes |
Kayaks 1 Pax: | Yes |
Kayaks (2 Pax): | No |
Floating Mats: | Yes |
Swim Platform: | No |
Boarding Ladder (Loc/Type): | Aft Sugar Scoop |
Sailing Dinghy: | No |
Beach Games: | Yes |
Fishing Gear: | Yes |
Gear Type: | Trolling |
Rods: | 6 |
$65 per 1-tank dive for certified divers, this includes all equipment
Note: Certified divers must present evidence of dives within the 12 months prior to the charter or they will need to complete a PADI ReActivate refresher short course for their first dive. Rendezvous dives with local operators may not be subject to this requirement.
$200+$75 PADI ReActivate Refresher dive for previously certified PADI SCUBA divers are available, this includes all equipment, instructor, and one dive for $200. The elearning is $75 purchased from PADI directly.
$200 for initial PADI Discover SCUBA Dive ("DSD" aka “resort course”), this includes all equipment and provides an introduction to SCUBA diving with qualified Divemaster or Instructor accompanying the uncertified diver, and $120 for additional DSD dives.
Get certified on-charter! We encourage interested guests to do a referral certification which combines doing the classroom and pool work before charter at your home dive shop and then arriving ready to jump into the water with your instructor and start diving!
Referral certification dives are available for $135 per dive, 4 dives are generally required. These fees include rental equipment aboard the vessel which currently includes 5
regulators, 1 XS, 2 Sm, 3 Lg and 1 XL BCD. Any additional equipment required may be rented
at dive shop rates and will be reimbursed at cost.
Diving Costs information
-

Chris has been sailing since he was a small child growing up surrounded by the barrier islands and marshes of the Carolinas. His first jobs were teaching sailing and then crewing larger monohulls which led to several months aboard a 120’ schooner in New Zealand at 18. At the College of Charleston, he doubled in Anthropology and Geology with a minor in Archeology while first working as a Divemaster and Aquarium Diver, and then later joining the scientific and marine crews aboard oceanographic research vessels. Chris continued working aboard research and survey vessels through grad school while completing his Masters in Geology at UCSB. In this time, he made the first maps of tens of thousands of seafloor methane seeps in offshore California, the Gulf of Mexico, and Siberia. He also began taking friends on epic bareboat sailing adventures in the Channel Islands while advancing his scuba background and exploring his new obsession of kitesurfing.
Following grad school, he continued working in the marine geophysical survey and oceanography industries beginning in Antarctica. In 2013, he established his own freelance consulting business, and to date has worked in all the world's oceans and continents while maintaining an excellent offshore safety record. A passionate maritime tour guide, Chris holds a 100-ton USCG Master Captain license and loves introducing his charter guests to the wonders of the Virgin Islands. A life-long extrovert, Chris loves meeting people from all walks of life and sharing stories. He spends his free time traveling, kitesurfing/foiling, trying to break out of the beginner ranks of free diving and wing foiling, and playing in the ocean with his wife Kaya.
Kaya was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She spent her life fishing, crewing, and living aboard boats traversing the British, US, and Spanish Virgin Islands, particularly Culebra Island where her family vacation home was located. Kaya was introduced into the world of scientific SCUBA diving at Florida International University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree and worked in a seagrass ecology lab. Kaya graduated summa cum laude, with undergraduate research experience, and membership into Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her marine biology career continued soon after in the Virgin Islands, where she completed her Master's degree and expanded her diving experience, becoming a certified technical diver with TDI advanced nitrox and decompression diving.
More recently, Kaya’s marine science career focuses on tropical coral and fish ecology. Her diving experiences have been incredibly unique with hundreds of scientific dives completing surveys for coral health, coral reef fishes, lobster, and more. Kaya is also a highly skilled captain and holds a USCG 100-ton Master license. Apart from her ocean experiences, Kaya is fully bilingual and grew up in a family of passionate foodies including several professional chefs. Her food passion started with Puerto Rican cuisine, but grew after traveling the world where she learned and became passionate about authentic foods from Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Greece, Peru, South Korea, Morocco, and many other countries, cooking and learning from locals at homestays throughout her multiple backpacking journeys. Kaya can provide signature dishes from many regions of the world and cater to a broad array of pallets.
Kaya and Chris met on a marine science job in Culebra, PR in 2015 and were soon spending every free moment together. After the job, Chris followed Kaya first around Puerto Rico, and then began visiting her between jobs. Conspiring with her sisters, Chris surprised Kaya during a visit to see family in Ireland when she finally agreed to be his girlfriend. They have since crossed the US via campervan, traveled through dozens of countries, and lived in CA, FL, PR, and the USVI together. They have made a point of taking regional cooking classes as they have traveled the world, and take pride in being adventurous eaters. They are both passionate marine scientists with teaching experience at the university level, and love introducing their guests to the wonders of the ocean world. Their combined skills and experience offer travelers a broad array of options for indulging in all aspects of life at sea. They specialize in the BVI, USVI, and Spanish VI where Kaya grew up cruising and they both know intimately. Chris and Kaya got engaged on a trip to Australia in 2022 and celebrated their wedding in June 2024.
Be sure to follow Physalia on instagram! @sv_physalia
Season | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Winter 2024 to 2025 | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 | $23,000 |
Summer 2025 | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 | $23,000 |
Summer 2024 | $18,000 | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 |
Unless otherwise specified-Caribbean Standard All-Inclusive Charters include the following:
- Standard check-in/check-out of 12pm
- Light daily housekeeping
- Breakfast, lunch, canapés/afternoon tea, dinner and snacks
- Standard ship’s bar: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, triple sec, mixers, local beers, table wine and water/coffee/tea and soft drinks
- Stereo with MP3/iPhone connection with indoor/outdoor speakers; 3G/4G Wi-Fi access point
- Snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, kayaks, dingy tender with outboard motors
- Water toys such as floating islands, and air mattresses
- Separate bathroom and living quarters for crew
- Reputable and licensed crew who have local knowledge of waters and are able to adjust menus based on guest’s preferences and dietary restrictions
- Operating expenses including: use of air conditioning, fuel, water, sailing permits/taxes, local taxes and crew wages
What Is Not Included in Standard All-Inclusive Charters:
- Gratuity for crew. Gratuity is at guest discretion and is typically between 15-20%
- Meals and beverages at restaurants and bars
- Rendezvous diving, ASA sailing certification courses and any other offshore excursions
- Premium wines and spirits
*****As of August 23, 2024
Physalia is taking new bookings in the following cruising grounds:
USVI only Dec-April,
USVI and Spanish May-July.
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Yacht is available for charter in ST. Vincent and the Grenadines August 1 - August 22, 2025
6 NIGHT CHARTERS
Rate divide by 7 X 6.4Nights
LESS THAN 6 NIGHT CHARTERS
Rate divided by 6N X number of nights
CHRISTMAS $25,000 (Up to 6 guests and must end by 12/26)
NEW YEARS RATES: $27,500 (Up to 6 guests)
HALF-BOARD RATES (7/4/3 BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER): $150 discount per person
***4 lunches and 3 dinners ashore at client expense***
LOCAL FARE OPTION: No Local Fare offered
CHILD DISCOUNT: No child discount offered
X
Available
X
Booked
X
Hold
X
Unavailable
- : Cat
- : 28.5 Feet
- : 4.7 Feet
- : 6
- : 2016, 2022, 2024
- : 2007
- : Lagoon
- : 6-8 knots
- : 10 knots
- : 2 Yanmar engines and 1 generator
- : No
- : No
- : Onboard
- : Chris Stubbs
- : US
- : No
- : FRCNB50023G607
Accommodations | |
---|---|
Cabins: | 3 |
Queen: | 3 |
Single Cabins: | 1 |
Showers: | 3 |
Wash Basins: | 3 |
Heads: | 3 |
Electric Heads: | 3 |
Engine Details | |
---|---|
2 Yanmar engines and 1 generator | |
Fuel Consumption: | 1.5 |
Cruising Speed: | 6-8 knots |
Max Speed: | 10 knotsUS Gall/Hr |
Details | |
---|---|
Refit: | 2016, 2022, 2024 |
Helipad: | No |
Jacuzzi: | No |
A/C: | Full |
Locations | |
---|---|
Winter Area: | Caribbean Virgin Islands (US) |
Summer Area: | Caribbean Windwards, Caribbean Virgin Islands (US) |
Pick Up Locations | |
---|---|
Pref. Pick-up: | - |
Other Pick-up: | - |

Amenities | |
---|---|
Salon Tv/VCR: | No |
Salon Stereo: | Yes |
Sat Tv: | - |
# of Videos: | - |
# DVDs/Movies: | No |
# CD's: | Yes |
Camcorder: | No |
Books: | Yes |
Board Games: | Yes |
Sun Awning: | Yes |
Deck Shower: | Yes |
Bimini: | Yes |
Water Maker: | Yes |
Special Diets: | Yes |
Kosher: | No |
BBQ: | Yes |
# Dine In: | 8 |
Minimum Age: | Water safe |
Generator: | Yes |
Inverter: | Yes 115V |
Voltages: | 12 Volt and 115v onboard |
Water Maker: | Yes |
Water Cap: | 254 GAL |
Ice Maker: | Yes |
Sailing Instructions: | No |
Internet Access: | Onboard WIFI |
Gay Charters: | Yes |
Nude: | Inq |
Hairdryers: | No |
# Port Hatches: | Yes |
Guests Smokes: | Transom steps |
Crew Smokes: | No |
Pets Aboard: | Yes |
Pet Type: | inquire |
Guest Pets: | Yes |
Children Ok: | Yes |
Hammock: | Yes |
Windscoops: | - |
Water Sports | |
---|---|
Dinghy size: | 13ft |
Dinghy hp: | 40hp |
Dinghy # pax: | 8 |
Water Skis Adult: | No |
Water Skis Kids: | No |
Jet Skis: | No |
Wave Runners: | No |
Kneeboard: | Yes |
Windsurfer: | No |
Snorkel Gear: | Yes |
Tube: | No |
Scurfer: | No |
Wake Board: | Yes |
Kayaks 1 Pax: | Yes |
Kayaks (2 Pax): | No |
Floating Mats: | Yes |
Swim Platform: | No |
Boarding Ladder (Loc/Type): | Aft Sugar Scoop |
Sailing Dinghy: | No |
Beach Games: | Yes |
Fishing Gear: | Yes |
Gear Type: | Trolling |
Rods: | 6 |
$65 per 1-tank dive for certified divers, this includes all equipment
Note: Certified divers must present evidence of dives within the 12 months prior to the charter or they will need to complete a PADI ReActivate refresher short course for their first dive. Rendezvous dives with local operators may not be subject to this requirement.
$200+$75 PADI ReActivate Refresher dive for previously certified PADI SCUBA divers are available, this includes all equipment, instructor, and one dive for $200. The elearning is $75 purchased from PADI directly.
$200 for initial PADI Discover SCUBA Dive ("DSD" aka “resort course”), this includes all equipment and provides an introduction to SCUBA diving with qualified Divemaster or Instructor accompanying the uncertified diver, and $120 for additional DSD dives.
Get certified on-charter! We encourage interested guests to do a referral certification which combines doing the classroom and pool work before charter at your home dive shop and then arriving ready to jump into the water with your instructor and start diving!
Referral certification dives are available for $135 per dive, 4 dives are generally required. These fees include rental equipment aboard the vessel which currently includes 5
regulators, 1 XS, 2 Sm, 3 Lg and 1 XL BCD. Any additional equipment required may be rented
at dive shop rates and will be reimbursed at cost.
Diving Costs information
-

Chris has been sailing since he was a small child growing up surrounded by the barrier islands and marshes of the Carolinas. His first jobs were teaching sailing and then crewing larger monohulls which led to several months aboard a 120’ schooner in New Zealand at 18. At the College of Charleston, he doubled in Anthropology and Geology with a minor in Archeology while first working as a Divemaster and Aquarium Diver, and then later joining the scientific and marine crews aboard oceanographic research vessels. Chris continued working aboard research and survey vessels through grad school while completing his Masters in Geology at UCSB. In this time, he made the first maps of tens of thousands of seafloor methane seeps in offshore California, the Gulf of Mexico, and Siberia. He also began taking friends on epic bareboat sailing adventures in the Channel Islands while advancing his scuba background and exploring his new obsession of kitesurfing.
Following grad school, he continued working in the marine geophysical survey and oceanography industries beginning in Antarctica. In 2013, he established his own freelance consulting business, and to date has worked in all the world's oceans and continents while maintaining an excellent offshore safety record. A passionate maritime tour guide, Chris holds a 100-ton USCG Master Captain license and loves introducing his charter guests to the wonders of the Virgin Islands. A life-long extrovert, Chris loves meeting people from all walks of life and sharing stories. He spends his free time traveling, kitesurfing/foiling, trying to break out of the beginner ranks of free diving and wing foiling, and playing in the ocean with his wife Kaya.
Kaya was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She spent her life fishing, crewing, and living aboard boats traversing the British, US, and Spanish Virgin Islands, particularly Culebra Island where her family vacation home was located. Kaya was introduced into the world of scientific SCUBA diving at Florida International University where she obtained her Bachelor's degree and worked in a seagrass ecology lab. Kaya graduated summa cum laude, with undergraduate research experience, and membership into Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Her marine biology career continued soon after in the Virgin Islands, where she completed her Master's degree and expanded her diving experience, becoming a certified technical diver with TDI advanced nitrox and decompression diving.
More recently, Kaya’s marine science career focuses on tropical coral and fish ecology. Her diving experiences have been incredibly unique with hundreds of scientific dives completing surveys for coral health, coral reef fishes, lobster, and more. Kaya is also a highly skilled captain and holds a USCG 100-ton Master license. Apart from her ocean experiences, Kaya is fully bilingual and grew up in a family of passionate foodies including several professional chefs. Her food passion started with Puerto Rican cuisine, but grew after traveling the world where she learned and became passionate about authentic foods from Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Greece, Peru, South Korea, Morocco, and many other countries, cooking and learning from locals at homestays throughout her multiple backpacking journeys. Kaya can provide signature dishes from many regions of the world and cater to a broad array of pallets.
Kaya and Chris met on a marine science job in Culebra, PR in 2015 and were soon spending every free moment together. After the job, Chris followed Kaya first around Puerto Rico, and then began visiting her between jobs. Conspiring with her sisters, Chris surprised Kaya during a visit to see family in Ireland when she finally agreed to be his girlfriend. They have since crossed the US via campervan, traveled through dozens of countries, and lived in CA, FL, PR, and the USVI together. They have made a point of taking regional cooking classes as they have traveled the world, and take pride in being adventurous eaters. They are both passionate marine scientists with teaching experience at the university level, and love introducing their guests to the wonders of the ocean world. Their combined skills and experience offer travelers a broad array of options for indulging in all aspects of life at sea. They specialize in the BVI, USVI, and Spanish VI where Kaya grew up cruising and they both know intimately. Chris and Kaya got engaged on a trip to Australia in 2022 and celebrated their wedding in June 2024.
Be sure to follow Physalia on instagram! @sv_physalia
BREAKFAST
Gravlax, soft boiled eggs, avocado, sourdough
Quiche of the day
Tortilla de patatas
Lemon ricotta pancakes
Sourdough, Caribbean pumpkin, goat cheese, sage brown butter, caramelized shallots, poached egg
Brioche French toast, rum maple syrup
Yogurt, seasonal fruit, granola, honey
LUNCH
Jicama tacos, panko shrimp, mango salsa, spicy mayo
Beer battered local fish sandwich on homemade potato bun
Fresh baked focaccia, turkey, pesto, mozzarella, semi sundried tomatoes, balsamic glaze
Seared duck breast, Vietnamese green papaya salad
Local fish ceviche, breadfruit tostones
Puerto Rican asopao, lobster, avocado, plantain tostones
Lionfish taco on homemade corn tortilla
APPETIZERS
Baba ghanoush, flatbread
Lobster croquettes
Fermented tea leaf salad
Soft shell crab bao bun
Fresh baked potato buns, herbed butter
Fish of the day carpaccio
Mushroom soup
DINNER
Rack of lamb, honey glazed carrots, harissa, saffron couscous
Puerto Rican oxtail fricassee, rice, avocado, plantains
Burmese chicken coconut curry, jasmine rice, roti
Sushi night!
Cedar plank fish of the day, celery root puree, parsley aioli, asparagus
Pan seared local fish, Greek salad, lemon roasted potatoes, flatbread, tzatziki
Homemade pumpkin tortelini, sage brown butter, toasted hazelnut
DESSERTS
pistachio cake
Coquito
Red wine poached pears
Gooey chocolate chip cookies, sea salt
Flourless chocolate cake, vanilla ice cream
Basque burnt cheesecake
Tiramisu
Season | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Winter 2024 to 2025 | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 | $23,000 |
Summer 2025 | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 | $23,000 |
Summer 2024 | $18,000 | $19,000 | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,000 |
Unless otherwise specified-Caribbean Standard All-Inclusive Charters include the following:
- Standard check-in/check-out of 12pm
- Light daily housekeeping
- Breakfast, lunch, canapés/afternoon tea, dinner and snacks
- Standard ship’s bar: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, triple sec, mixers, local beers, table wine and water/coffee/tea and soft drinks
- Stereo with MP3/iPhone connection with indoor/outdoor speakers; 3G/4G Wi-Fi access point
- Snorkeling equipment, fishing gear, kayaks, dingy tender with outboard motors
- Water toys such as floating islands, and air mattresses
- Separate bathroom and living quarters for crew
- Reputable and licensed crew who have local knowledge of waters and are able to adjust menus based on guest’s preferences and dietary restrictions
- Operating expenses including: use of air conditioning, fuel, water, sailing permits/taxes, local taxes and crew wages
What Is Not Included in Standard All-Inclusive Charters:
- Gratuity for crew. Gratuity is at guest discretion and is typically between 15-20%
- Meals and beverages at restaurants and bars
- Rendezvous diving, ASA sailing certification courses and any other offshore excursions
- Premium wines and spirits
*****As of August 23, 2024
Physalia is taking new bookings in the following cruising grounds:
USVI only Dec-April,
USVI and Spanish May-July.
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Yacht is available for charter in ST. Vincent and the Grenadines August 1 - August 22, 2025
6 NIGHT CHARTERS
Rate divide by 7 X 6.4Nights
LESS THAN 6 NIGHT CHARTERS
Rate divided by 6N X number of nights
CHRISTMAS $25,000 (Up to 6 guests and must end by 12/26)
NEW YEARS RATES: $27,500 (Up to 6 guests)
HALF-BOARD RATES (7/4/3 BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER): $150 discount per person
***4 lunches and 3 dinners ashore at client expense***
LOCAL FARE OPTION: No Local Fare offered
CHILD DISCOUNT: No child discount offered