Jon7:

We need more information from you....
1. What time of year?
2. How many people?
3. Sailboat or power boat?
4. Are you a certified (ASA) captain (bare boat)? Or are you looking to hire a captain? Captains usually charge $125. - $175./day + meals & tips.
5. It would probably be better to charter out of Tortola to avoid immigration/customs check-ins.
6. The cost would depend on the type and size of boat and number of days. Shorter than 7 days usually requires a surcharge.

F.I.

Dear Future Islander,

We will be in the VI around the holidays. There are going to be either 4 or 5 people in our group. It doesn't matter whether it is a sailboat or a power boat. We will be needing a captain as we would like that person to have knowledge of the best spots in the VI to see. Unfortunately, there is no choice for us but to charter out of STT as that is where we are landing. I know about the customs fee and that should be fine since we hope to stay in the BVI throughout our travels. We were thinking of getting a boat for anywhere from 3-7 days depending on available options.

I hope this helps focus our search. Any names of companies or advice on how to best approach this trip would be greatly appreciated. Again, we are hoping not to spend an exorbitant amount of money so if anyone knows any reasonably priced companies that would also be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

Just because you are landing in STT you can take the ferry over to the bvi's to charter.

Hi Jon7, there are a few companies listed on this site that offer overnight and term charters; if you emailed them with your requests they can let you know what they have available & help you plan out a few days in the BVI. Take a look at their websites too for details. Check it out at Overnight & Term Charters.

--Islander

Jon7:

The holiday season is usually (unfortunately) the highest priced season for chartering boats in the USVI/BVI's. Note: Availability may be a problem this late in the year.

You can take a ferry to Tortola and charter a boat there or as Islander indicated use a St. Thomas firm.

I don't know the pricing for St. Thomas as we only charter out of the BVIs....but I imagine they're about the same.

Also, we only charter sailboats, so my knowledge of pricing for power boats is limited.

Having 4 or 5 people does matter (assuming that you have 2 couples and an extra person), since you'll want a boat that sleeps 6 or 8 (3 or 4 cabins) (remember the captain needs a cabin to sleep in, also). There is a difference in pricing for boats that sleep 6 or 8.

Here's an estimate of costs (remember this is only an estimate): (Source: BVI Yacht Charters, Tortola)

Sailboat (sleeps 6) - 40 to 46 feet long - for 7 days: $3,600. to $4,800. plus insurance & fuel.
Captain: $135./day = $945./week plus tips and the captain's meals.
Provisions: Cost of food and initial set-up items like condiments, toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, charcoal, matches, etc. .... oops........ I forgot "rum"....lots of rum.

We always figure on about $1,500./person (non-holiday season) for 4 people (2 couples) for a week of sailing.....(but Mrs F.I. and I are captains).

Another thing...if you want a catamaran then the prices will be significantly higher.

Hope this helps.

F.I.