You can start and end your charter on any day of the week; with a minimum booking of 5 to 7 days, although some charter companies are closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day, so you won’t be able to start, finish, or sleep aboard on either of these days.
Bareboat rates do not include crew, provisioning, cruising tax, National Parks permit, fuel costs or insurance fees.
In addition to the basic bareboat fees, the following charges are applicable for all charters:
Cruising Tax: All charterers sailing the BVI waters are required to purchase a Cruising Permit
$2.00 per person per day from December 1st to April 30th
0.75 per person per day from May 1 to November 30th.
National Parks: A National Parks Permit allows you to pick up day mooring balls in any of the BVI’s marine parks.
$25.00/week for up to 4 guests
$35.00/week for 5 to 6 guests
$45.00/week for 7 to 8 guests
$55.00/week for 9 to 10 guests
Add $5.00/person for the first 7 nights for 11 people or more.
Weekly rates double if chartering 8 to 14 nights and triple if chartering 15 nights or more.
V.I.S.A.R: Virgin Islands Search and Rescue is a volunteer Organization dedicated to saving life at sea which operates on donations from the sailing community. Charter companies usually ask for a donation of $1.00 or $2.00 per person, of course you can donate any amount more that you would like to the organization, which will be greatly appreciated.
Yacht Provisioning –We recommend RiteWay or Bobby's Market Place located in Road Town ,They have an excellent selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, seafood, wine, liquor, beer, soda and a wide variety of non-perishable goods, fresh bread, cheese, frozen foods, snacks and typical market items. For more information on BVI provisioning, go to link on site.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE YACHT
Your boat is outfitted with a fully equipped galley (dishes, silverware, glasses, pots and pans and cooking utensils), all linens, (bath towels, face towels and hand towels), a charcoal or gas barbeque, VHF Radio, Cellular Phone, Chart, Cruising Guide, Binoculars, Flashlight, safety gear, AM/FM/CD Stereo with auxiliary jack & Cockpit Speakers and a dinghy and outboard. Snorkel gear is usually available for your use with no charge. (Some charter companies provide beach towels). Most companies offer a complimentary (starter kit) of consumable products such as dish liquid, hand soap, matches, paper towels and toilet paper to start your charter. Anything consumable is your responsibility once the starter kit has been used. Free items vary by company.
You will be provided with full fuel and water tanks for your charter start and you may be requested to return the boat with full fuel tanks. Some companies may also re-fuel with a surcharge.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO CHARTER A YACHT?
You will need to complete a sailing resume. Most charter companies are looking for experience of you having sailed a similar sized vessel to the one you are looking to charter and any sailing courses you may have taken; Of course if you have a certification or license, do submit it, as it will help. If a company feels your resume is weak, you will need to take a checkout captain for your first day to assess your skills.
HIRING A CAPTAIN
Local captains can be arranged for your charter; whether you would like one just for the first day to brush up on your skills or for the whole week so you can put your feet up and relax. You can even hire an instructional captain, who can teach you and share his knowledge, or an ASA/RYA instructor to get you certified. Cost varies per Charter Company.
DO YOU NEED A PASSPORT OR VISA TO ENTER THE BVI?
All persons, including US citizens, require a passport when entering the British Virgin Islands. Your passport must be valid for another 6 months upon entering the territory. Visitors from some countries may also require a visa for entry. If in doubt about the necessity of a visa check http://www.dgo.gov.vg, or contact the nearest BVI Tourist Board Office, the nearest British Embassy, or the Chief Immigration Officer, Immigration Department, BVI Government at 1(284) 494-3471 or 1(284) 468-3701 ext. 2538.