Frequently Asked Questions
Don't let your unfamiliarity with chartering a yacht deter you from enjoying the vacation of your dreams. Read through these frequently asked questions and then contact us with any others. We love introducing newcomers to the joy of boating.
Planning Your Charter
Can I afford a yachting vacation?
Can I afford a yachting vacation?
Absolutely. When shared among family or friends, the per-person cost of a private yacht vacation can be comparable to a quality resort or cruise—with far more privacy, freedom, space, and adventure. Our Vacation Planners can help you select the yacht and dates that best fit your group and budget.
Which yacht is best for me?
Which yacht is best for me?
That depends on your group and the experience you want to create. Our Aquila power catamarans offer options for couples, families, and larger groups, with spacious salons, flybridges, private cabins, and en-suite accommodations. Your Vacation Planner will help match your group size, preferences, and budget with the ideal yacht.
What additional expenses should I expect?
What additional expenses should I expect?
In addition to your charter, plan for items such as fuel, moorings or dockage, provisions, dining ashore, transfers, and optional activities or excursions. Some government or travel fees may also apply. Your Vacation Planner can help estimate these costs in advance so there are no surprises.
Do I have to start on a particular day?
Do I have to start on a particular day?
No. One of the advantages of MarineMax Vacations is flexibility. Subject to yacht availability and minimum-stay requirements, we'll help arrange your charter around the travel dates that work best for you.
Can I charter by myself?
Can I charter by myself?
For safety, BVI bareboat charters require at least two people aboard. Traveling solo? Ask our Vacation Planners about skippered or crewed charter options.
Travel and Arrival
What if I arrive before my charter begins?
What if I arrive before my charter begins?
You have several options. Depending on availability, a sleep-aboard may allow you to settle into your yacht the evening before departure, or we can recommend nearby hotel accommodations. Your Vacation Planner can help coordinate the option that works best with your flights.
What are my travel options?
What are my travel options?
Getting to the BVI is easier than you might think. Our Vacation Planners can help coordinate the best combination of flights, ferries, and ground transfers based on your departure city and arrival plans.
Will I need a passport?
Will I need a passport?
Yes. A valid passport is required for travel to the British Virgin Islands and many of our international charter destinations. Always confirm current entry requirements before traveling.
Will I need to go through Customs?
Will I need to go through Customs?
Yes. International travelers clear Immigration and Customs when entering the BVI and complete the appropriate formalities when departing. Your Vacation Planner can explain what to expect based on your travel itinerary.
What currency is used?
What currency is used?
The U.S. dollar is the official currency of the British Virgin Islands, making purchases convenient for U.S. travelers. Major credit cards are widely accepted, although carrying some cash is helpful.
Are taxi and ferry transfers included?
Are taxi and ferry transfers included?
Transfers are generally additional to the charter price, but we're happy to help arrange them. Once we know your travel schedule, our team can coordinate convenient transportation to and from the marina.
Packing for Your Trip
How much luggage should I bring?
How much luggage should I bring?
Less is more in the islands. Pack light and use soft-sided luggage that can easily be stored aboard. You'll spend most of your vacation in swimwear and casual resort attire, so there's little need to overpack.
What should I pack?
What should I pack?
Think casual Caribbean: swimsuits, shorts, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and comfortable non-marking footwear. Water shoes can be useful for exploring beaches and shorelines, and a light layer is nice for breezy evenings.
Captain and Crew
Do I need a license to captain my yacht?
Do I need a license to captain my yacht?
A formal boating license is not generally required for BVI bareboat charters, but appropriate boating experience is. Submit your boating résumé and our team will review your experience and determine whether you're qualified to captain one of our yachts.
Can I hire a captain and chef?
Can I hire a captain and chef?
Absolutely. Add a professional captain, culinary professional, or both and enjoy an entirely different level of relaxation. We can arrange anything from skipper assistance to a fully crewed, all-inclusive yacht vacation. Crew accommodations must be considered when selecting your yacht.
Life Aboard and Itinerary
What happens before I leave the marina?
What happens before I leave the marina?
We'll make sure you're comfortable and confident before departure. Your orientation covers your yacht's systems and operation, while the chart briefing reviews navigation, safety, your itinerary, recommended anchorages, and local cruising considerations.
What time will I leave the dock?
What time will I leave the dock?
Departure depends on your selected boarding time, arrival schedule, and completion of your yacht orientation and chart briefing. We recommend allowing plenty of time so your vacation begins relaxed rather than rushed.
Where will we stay each night?
Where will we stay each night?
That's part of the adventure. Choose a peaceful anchorage, pick up a mooring near a favorite beach or restaurant, or spend the evening at a marina or yacht club. Your Vacation Planner can help design an itinerary combining all three.
What's the weather like?
What's the weather like?
The BVI enjoys a warm tropical climate, abundant sunshine, and cooling trade winds throughout much of the year. Brief tropical showers are possible, but they often pass quickly and give way to sunshine.
What are the wind conditions?
What are the wind conditions?
The BVI is famous for steady trade winds that keep temperatures comfortable and make time on the water especially enjoyable. Conditions vary by season and day, and you'll receive current guidance before departure.
Will I get seasick?
Will I get seasick?
The protected waters of the BVI generally provide comfortable cruising conditions, and Aquila power catamarans are known for their stability. If you're sensitive to motion, consider bringing your preferred over-the-counter remedy and discussing options with your physician or pharmacist before traveling.
Onboard Comfort
What are our dining options?
What are our dining options?
As casual or indulgent as you'd like. Have provisions delivered to your yacht before arrival, prepare meals aboard, or explore the BVI's remarkable collection of beach bars, waterfront restaurants, resorts, and fine-dining experiences. Most guests enjoy a combination of both.
Is smoking allowed aboard?
Is smoking allowed aboard?
Smoking is not permitted inside or below deck aboard our charter yachts. Ask our team about the current policy for exterior areas.
Can I use a hair dryer aboard?
Can I use a hair dryer aboard?
Yes, but we recommend a compact, lower-wattage travel model. Your Vacation Planner can confirm the electrical capabilities of your specific yacht before you pack.
Are pets allowed?
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted aboard our charter fleet.
Equipment and Connectivity
What equipment will I find aboard?
What equipment will I find aboard?
Our Aquila power catamarans are exceptionally well equipped for island living, with modern navigation electronics, generators, watermakers, air conditioning, entertainment systems, outdoor grills, comfortable galleys, refrigeration, and much more. Equipment varies by model, so ask your Vacation Planner about your specific yacht.
What electrical service is aboard?
What electrical service is aboard?
Our BVI charter yachts provide 110V electrical service for many familiar household and personal devices. Your Vacation Planner can confirm requirements for any specialty equipment you plan to bring.
Will I have cell service?
Will I have cell service?
Cellular coverage is available in many areas of the BVI, but international roaming charges may apply. Check with your carrier before departure and consider adding an international plan.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. Wi-Fi connectivity is available aboard our BVI charter yachts through the Connectivity Bundle, making it easy to stay connected when needed—although you may discover that disconnecting is even better.
Can I play my own music aboard?
Can I play my own music aboard?
Absolutely. Our yachts feature onboard entertainment systems so you can bring the soundtrack to your vacation. Connectivity varies by yacht, so check with your Vacation Planner for specifics.
Activities and Recreation
Is a dinghy included?
Is a dinghy included?
Yes. A dinghy with an outboard motor is included, giving you convenient access from your yacht to beaches, restaurants, docks, and island adventures.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is available for BVI charter guests. Reserve your sizes in advance and we'll have your gear ready for your adventure.
What are my scuba diving options?
What are my scuba diving options?
The BVI offers outstanding diving. Certified divers can arrange equipment rentals or enjoy convenient rendezvous diving, where a local dive operator meets your yacht near the day's dive site with the equipment you need. Our Vacation Planners can help coordinate everything before arrival.
Is a fishing license required?
Is a fishing license required?
Yes. Fishing in the BVI requires the appropriate local license. Regulations and procedures can change, so let our Vacation Planners help you understand the current requirements and arrange what you need before your charter.
