Book a crewed power catamaran through a locally-based BVI charter broker for the most direct path to a luxury week on the water. Virgin Charter Yachts, operating out of Tortola for 30+ years, handles fleet selection, provisioning, crew, and itinerary in a single conversation. You get a captain who knows every anchorage, a chef who shops the local markets, and a yacht that covers the BVI's many islands without the fuel anxiety of a sailboat.
- Who to contact: Virgin Charter Yachts, a family-owned BVI charter broker based in Road Town, Tortola.
- Lead time: Book well ahead for peak-season dates; inquiries made closer to departure often narrow your yacht choices considerably.
- Next step: Send your travel dates, guest count, and preferred activities to lock in availability.
Pro Tip: Secure your preferred dates by submitting a soft inquiry nine to twelve months before your ideal departure, even if you haven’t finalized the guest list. Operators hold dates briefly for serious inquiries, and the BVI’s peak window from December through April fills fast.
Table of Contents
- What power catamarans are used for BVI charters?
- How do you choose the right power catamaran charter in the BVI?
- What does a crewed BVI power catamaran charter actually cost?
- What does a 7-day BVI power catamaran itinerary look like?
- What are the logistics for a BVI charter from the U.S.?
- Why book your BVI charter through Virgincharteryachts?
- Key Takeaways
- What clients actually ask when planning a BVI charter week
- Ready to check availability for your BVI charter?
- Useful sources and further reading
What power catamarans are used for BVI charters?
A power catamaran is a twin-hulled motorized yacht. Unlike a sailing catamaran, it relies entirely on engines, which means no waiting on wind, consistent cruising speeds of 14–25 knots, and a flat, stable ride that suits guests who prioritize comfort over sailing experience. In the BVI, that speed matters: you can cover the full island chain in a day and still anchor early enough for a sunset swim.
Charter fleets typically split into two tiers.
Large luxury yachts generally over 60 feet in length
These are the flagships. Yachts in this range typically carry multiple guests across several staterooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Crew quarters are separate, so guests have full run of the main deck. Expect a flybridge, a large cockpit for al fresco dining, a tender garage, and a full watersports kit. Top speeds reach high cruising speeds typical for luxury power catamarans. These yachts suit groups that want a hotel-level experience on the water.
Mid-size week charters usually range from around 45 to 56 feet
The practical sweet spot for most BVI trips. A mid-size power catamaran in this range typically offers several cabins and berths with en-suite bathrooms — enough for two couples or a family of four to six without feeling crowded. Cruising speeds allow for quick transfers, such as reaching Virgin Gorda from Tortola in under an hour.
| Spec | Mid-size (45–56 ft) | Large Luxury (60–80 ft+) |
|---|---|---|
| Guest capacity typically ranges to accommodate several guests comfortably |
| Cabins usually number several, depending on yacht size | | En-suite bathrooms match cabin counts in most yachts | | Typical cruising speed offers efficient transit between islands | | Crew cabins provide private space for crew members | | Watersports kit | Standard | Full (jet ski, kayaks, paddleboards, dive gear) | | Flybridge | Sometimes | Standard |
Virgin Charter Yacht's fleet draws from brands including Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, Aquila, Aventura, Lagoon, Horizon, and Two Oceans. Each brand has a slightly different design philosophy: Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon lean toward wide, social deck layouts; Aquila and Leopard tend to prioritize speed and fuel efficiency; Horizon builds toward the larger, semi-custom end.
Pro Tip: When reviewing spec sheets, check the beam (width) of the cockpit and the headroom in the cabins — not just the length. A 50-foot cat with a narrow cockpit feels smaller than a 46-footer with a wide, open stern.
How do you choose the right power catamaran charter in the BVI?
Work through these steps before you send your first inquiry. They take 20 minutes and prevent the most common booking regrets.
- Nail down your group size and cabin needs. Count guests, then make sure you have enough cabins. Most yachts are set up with Queen cabins which can accommodate 2 guests per cabin. Most power catamarans are designed with 3-4 cabins, and Aquila and Aventura offer a bareboat powercat with 5 cabins and Aventura uniquely offers a powercat with 6 cabins. For a crewed powercat charter, the maximum number of cabins is 5 on a Sunreef 80 powercat.
- Decide: crewed or bareboat. Crewed charters include a captain and at least one other crew member, a chef/mate. Bareboat means you take the helm yourself, and you are your own home. To be approved to bareboat in the BVI generally requires a valid sailing or powerboat license and ownership or extensive operational time at the helm of a similar sized yacht. Most affluent travelers choose a fully crewed charter for the obvious reason: you’re on vacation, and want to relax and not work!
- Clarify provisioning and catering. Fully-crewed charters include a chef who will do all the provisioning for you and prepare all your meals. On a bareboat charter you will coordinate your own provisions, meals and if you chose to eat ashore. Even on a fully-crewed charter, you can still chose to eat meals ashore, but the meals prepared by your onboard chef are normally a higher quality than anything you will have in a restaurant.
- Ask about the fuel policy. Power catamarans burn more fuel than sailing cats. Most fully-crewed, all-inclusive charters include fuel in the rate; occasionally there is a fuel surcharge based on actual consumption. For a bareboat charter, the powercat will be provided to you full of fuel and then you will need to fill it up on your return to the charter base. On a week-long BVI trip, fuel costs can add $800–$2,000+ depending on how much ground you cover and at what speed you travel.
- Read the insurance and cancellation terms carefully. Standard charter agreements require a security deposit held against damage; cancellation policies vary and may include partial refunds if cancelled well ahead of time. Trip insurance is worth it.
Questions to ask in your first inquiry
- What are the captain’s certifications and BVI-specific experience?
- Is the chef included, or is that an add-on?
- What watersports equipment is onboard, and is it included?
- What is the fuel policy — included, capped, or consumption-based?
- Are mooring fees and BVI cruising permits included in the rate?
- What is the tender situation (RIB, outboard, capacity)?
Red flags to watch for: a broker who can’t name the captain, a fuel policy described only as “standard,” and an inventory list that changes between inquiry and contract. If the answer to “what water sports are included?” is “we’ll confirm closer to the date,” push for specifics in writing before you sign.
A strong answer to the fuel question sounds like this: “Fuel is included up to 3 hours of motoring per day; consumption beyond that is billed at cost at the end of the charter, with a detailed log provided.” Vague answers cost money later.
What does a crewed BVI power catamaran charter actually cost?
Weekly rates for crewed power catamaran charters in the BVI generally fall into three bands, driven by yacht size, season, and what’s included.
| Cost Component | Entry-Level Week | Mid-Range Week | Premium Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base charter rates vary widely depending on yacht size, season, and inclusions. |
| BVI cruising permit and port fees are additional costs that vary by charter. |
| Provisioning costs depend on meal plans and preferences and add to the weekly charter cost. |
| Fuel surcharges apply if fuel is not included, varying with usage and yacht size. |
| Crew gratuity is generally suggested as a percentage of the base charter rate and is given as a thank-you for good service. |
| Estimated total | ~$20,000–$31,000 | ~$33,000–$60,000 | $65,000–$130,000+ |
The gratuity line surprises first-timers. Fully-crewed charter guests need to plan for gratuity, and the industry standard is 15–20% of the charter rate for a crew that performs well. On a $40,000 charter, that’s $6,000–$8,000 on top of everything else. Gratuity can be provided in cash, via wire transfer sent ahead of your charter and held in escrow until the last day, and some crew are able to accept PayPal or Venmo.
What’s typically included in a crewed charter
- Captain and one or two crew (chef/mate)
- Use of the yacht and all standard onboard equipment
- Linens, towels, basic toiletries, sunscreen etc.
- Standard provisioning for all meals on board and standard alcohol. Most yachts include brands like; Titos, Grey Goose, Hendricks, Patron etc.
- Basic watersports equipment (paddleboards, snorkel gear)
Common extras charged separately
- 'Premium' or 'vintage' wines, spirits, and specialty provisions I.e. Veuve champagne, $50-100 bottles of wine, specialty caviar selections etc.
- Scuba diving and dive equipment rental
- Jet ski or motorized watersports beyond the standard inclusions
- Airport transfers
- Docking fees at certain marinas (some are included, some aren’t)
- Fuel beyond any included allowance
Payment terms typically follow a two-stage schedule: 50% deposit at signing, with the balance due 60–90 days before departure. Cancellation usually means forfeiting the full balance, which is exactly why trip insurance matters.
What does a 7-day BVI power catamaran itinerary look like?
The BVI’s compact geography is one of its best features for power cat charters. You can cover the whole chain without long passages, and the variety — calm anchorages, open-ocean snorkeling, beach bars, and deserted cays — keeps every day different.
Classic BVI loop (Road Town base)
- Day 1 — Road Town to Norman Island. Depart Tortola, anchor at The Bight. Snorkel the famous caves at Treasure Point in the afternoon.
- Day 2 — Norman Island to Peter Island. Morning snorkel at the Indians. Anchor at Deadman’s Bay for lunch and a beach afternoon.
- Day 3 — Peter Island to Cooper Island. Dive or snorkel Wreck of the Rhone (one of the Caribbean’s best wreck dives). Overnight at Cooper Island Beach Club.
- Day 4 — Cooper Island to Virgin Gorda. Cruise to The Baths — the BVI’s signature boulder grottos. Anchor at Spring Bay or North Sound for the night.
- Day 5 — Virgin Gorda to Anegada. The one longer passage (about 14 nautical miles north). Anegada’s flat reef island and lobster dinners are worth it. Overnight on the mooring field.
- Day 6 — Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. Return west, stop at Sandy Cay for a swim, then anchor at White Bay. Painkiller cocktails at the Soggy Dollar Bar are non-negotiable.
- Day 7 — Jost Van Dyke to Road Town. Morning snorkel at Green Cay, then a relaxed return to Tortola for disembarkation.
Off-the-beaten-path variant
Swap Anegada for Guana Island and Eustatia Sound, add a night at Saba Rock in North Sound, and replace the Soggy Dollar stop with a private beach picnic at Sandy Spit. This route suits groups who want fewer crowds and more privacy.
A power catamaran covers 15–20 nautical miles in under an hour at cruising speed, so daily passages rarely exceed 90 minutes. That leaves the bulk of each day for water activities, beach time, and meals.
Pro Tip: Tell your captain your priorities before departure: if the group cares most about diving, the itinerary should anchor near the Rhone and the Indians first. If it’s cuisine, build the schedule around Anegada lobster and a provisioned chef dinner at anchor. The itinerary is a starting point, not a contract.
What are the logistics for a BVI charter from the U.S.?
Getting there
The main entry point is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, connected to Tortola by a short bridge. Most U.S. travelers connect through Miami, New York JFK, or San Juan (Puerto Rico), with American Airlines and Cape Air serving the route. San Juan is the most reliable hub, with multiple daily connections. Flight time from Miami is roughly 2.5 hours; from New York, about 4 hours with a connection.
From the airport, Road Town is a 20-minute taxi ride. Most charter bases are in or near Road Town’s marina district.
Best time to go
December through April is peak season: trade winds are steady, temperatures sit in the low 80s°F, and rainfall is minimal. The water is calm enough for comfortable power cat cruising even for guests who are prone to seasickness.
May through July offers lighter crowds and with conditions are still great for powercat charters because the tradewinds are lighter, so the water is often even more calm and flat. August through November is hurricane season, and most charter operators reduce their BVI fleet or suspend operations during the peak risk window - August through October.
Entry requirements and safety
U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory, so entry is straightforward for Americans with no visa required for stays under 30 days. A BVI cruising permit is required for all charter yachts and is typically arranged by the broker before departure.
Standard safety protocol at embarkation includes a full vessel orientation: location of life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and the life raft, plus emergency contact procedures. Crew hold current first aid certifications. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended — the nearest major hospital is in St. Thomas, USVI, a short flight away.
Pro Tip: Book flights that arrive the day before your charter start date. A delayed flight on embarkation day is one of the most common sources of lost charter time, and most operators can’t hold the yacht past a certain hour.
Why book your BVI charter through Virgin Charter Yachts?
Virgin Charter Yachts has operated from Tortola since 1996, making it one of the longest-established locally based charter brokers in the BVI. That tenure matters in ways that aren’t obvious from a website: the team knows which anchorages are crowded on a Tuesday in February, which mooring fields are the best for which activities, and which local suppliers deliver the freshest local provisions.
Key proof points:
- 30 years on the ground in Tortola. Local presence means faster problem-solving when a weather window shifts or a guest changes plans mid-week.
- Fleet from top builders. The roster includes Fountaine Pajot, Leopard, Aquila, Aventura, Lagoon, Horizon, Sunreef and Two Oceans — brands that represent the current standard in power catamaran design and reliability.
- Bespoke provisioning and private chef options. Menus are built around guest preferences, dietary requirements, and local market availability. This is not a pre-packaged food box or a standard 7-day menu that is used for every charter.
- Tailored activities and concierge logistics. Private snorkeling or fishing guides, curated dive excursions, island restaurant reservations, and airport transfers are all arranged through a single point of contact.
- Family-owned operation. Decisions are made by people who live and work in the BVI, not a call center or a charter base in the USA or on another continent.
Clients consistently highlight the personal attention and the quality of crew recommendations as the differentiators. Check availability directly through Virgin Charter Yachts to confirm your dates and preferred yacht.
Key Takeaways
A crewed power catamaran booked through a locally based BVI broker like Virgin Charter Yachts gives affluent travelers the fastest, most fully supported path to a luxury week in the British Virgin Islands.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Book early for best selection | Book well ahead for peak-season dates; inquiries made closer to departure often narrow your yacht choices considerably. |
| Crewed charters suit most travelers | A captain, chef, and crew are included, so you focus on the experience rather than navigation or provisioning logistics. | | Budget the all-in cost | Add provisioning, fuel, BVI permits, and 15–20% crew gratuity to the base rate for an accurate total. | | The BVI is ideal for power cats | Speeds of 18–25 knots let you cover the full island chain daily, with short passages and maximum time at anchor. | | Virgin Charter Yachts is the local expert | 30 years based in Tortola, a fleet from top builders, and bespoke service from a team that knows the BVI firsthand. |
What clients actually ask when planning a BVI charter week
Most clients come to me with the same three questions: How much space do we need for our group? What will we actually eat? Where do we go each day and how do we decide? Those three questions (along with a target charter budget) give me the key things I need to start matching a group with the right yacht.
Space is usually the easiest to solve. A four-cabin power catamaran with a separate crew quarters means guests have the full main deck and cockpit to themselves from dinner onward. Power catamarans are typically designed to accommodate 6-8 guests. There are a few power catamarans for 10 guests, but those are much less common. The harder conversation is pacing. Some groups want to cover every island on the map; others want to anchor in Virgin Gorda for two days and not move. The itinerary I suggest, and that crew build's personally for each guest, reflects individual conversation, not a template.
On cuisine: the difference between a provisioned galley and a private chef is significant, and it’s worth the budget for most of the clients I work with. A good chef sources locally in Anegada and Tortola, builds menus around what’s fresh, and turns the cockpit into a dining experience that most shoreside restaurants can’t match.
Safety is always part of the conversation too. Every yacht in the fleet carries certified emergency equipment, and crew hold current first aid training. The BVI’s waters are well-charted and relatively protected, but a proper safety briefing at embarkation is standard, not optional.
Being based in BVI, and being a member of CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association) as well as VIPCA (Virgin Island Professional Charter Association) I have the experience and knowledge to ensure I match my clients with the very best yacht for their charter needs. The yacht and crews are ones I know personally, some of which are even based on the dock right outside my office! This personal, local knowledge is key to ensuring that all my clients have the once-in-a-lifetime charter experience they are dreaming of!
Ready to check availability for your BVI charter?
Thirty years of local knowledge, a fleet built from the best power catamaran manufacturers in the business, and a team that handles every detail from provisioning to port permits — that’s what Virgin Charter Yachts brings to every booking.
When you reach out, have three things ready: your preferred travel dates, your guest count, and a short note on what matters most to your group (yacht size, number of cabins, cuisine, diving, islands to visit). The team typically responds within one business day with available yachts, sample itineraries, and a full cost breakdown that includes all fees.
No surprises on the invoice, no generic itinerary, and no call center. Just a direct conversation with people who live and work in the BVI.
Check availability and start your inquiry with Virgin Charter Yachts today.
Useful sources and further reading
The sources below cover fleet specifications, broker standards, and BVI entry logistics. Use them to verify details, review model specs, and confirm current entry requirements before you travel.
- Virgincharteryachts — fleet, bespoke services, and booking: The primary booking page for BVI power catamaran charters, including fleet brands, provisioning options, and direct inquiry.
- CYBA — Charter Yacht Brokers Association member directoryhttp://www.cyba.net: The industry’s main broker credentialing body; use the member directory to verify broker affiliations and professional standards.
- BBB profile — Virgin Island Sailing: Independent business profile for reference on charter operator standing.
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