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When planning a charter vacation, it’s important to understand that costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as the season, demand, boat, and amenities. While some charter companies may offer packaged deals, it’s best to be prepared for all types of additional costs to avoid any surprises.
When considering a charter, think of it like a fine steak house with a la carte pricing. Every line item has a cost, including food, kayaks, paddleboards, travel, taxis, tips/gratuity, diesel, water, charter, captain/skipper, and crew. Typically, snorkel gear is included, but you may want to bring your own.
It’s crucial to understand who is paying for what before embarking on a charter. Misunderstandings about the money situation can lead to resentment and friction among boat companions. Make sure to have a clear understanding of the financial responsibilities before arriving at your destination, as figuring it out when you’re in the BVIs could lead to discord among group members.
The most common expenses to expect include:
- Charter fee: This is the cost to rent the boat for the duration of the trip.
- Insurance: Most charter companies require that you purchase insurance for the boat and yourself.
- Security deposit: A refundable deposit may be required to cover any damages to the boat.
- Fuel: You will be responsible for the cost of fuel for the boat during the trip.
- Provisioning: You will need to purchase food and drinks for the trip. Many charter companies offer provisioning services, but they can be costly.
- Mooring/docking fees: Some marinas and mooring fields in the BVI charge fees to dock or anchor overnight.
- Customs and immigration fees: These fees are required to enter and exit the BVI, and you will be responsible for paying them.
- Excursions and activities: If you plan to participate in activities such as snorkeling, diving, or island hopping, you will need to pay for these separately.
- Tips and Gratuity: If you have a crew you will be expected to tip them, and depending on the charter company and the service it could be a significant amount.
It’s important to note that prices in the BVI are high (because it costs so much to get stuff there), so it’s a good idea to budget accordingly. It’s always a good idea to ask the charter company for a detailed breakdown of the costs and to check if there are any additional expenses that may come up during your trip.
Cost Estimates and Ranges
When planning a bareboat charter cruise in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), it’s difficult to give exact cost ranges per item as they can vary greatly depending on the season, demand, boat, and amenities. However, here are some rough estimates of the costs you may expect for each item:
- Charter fee: The cost to rent the boat for the duration of the trip can range from around $3,000 to $15,000 or more depending on the size and type of boat,
- Insurance: The cost of insurance can vary, but it’s typically around 5-10% of the charter fee.
- Security deposit: Security deposit ranges from $1000 to $5000 or more, depending on the value of the boat.
- Fuel: Fuel costs can vary depending on the size of the boat, the duration of the trip, and how much you use the boat. It can range from around $500 to $3000 or more.
- Provisioning: Provisioning costs can vary depending on how much you want to spend on food and drinks, but it can range from around $500 to $2000.
- Mooring/docking fees: Mooring/docking fees can range from around $20 to $50 per night, depending on the marina or mooring field.
- Customs and immigration fees: Customs and immigration fees can range from around $30 to $50 per person.
- Excursions and activities: Excursion and activity costs can vary greatly depending on what you choose to do, but they can range from around $50 to $500 or more.
- Tips and Gratuity: The cost of tips and gratuity will depend on the crew and the service they offer, but it’s usually around 10-20% of the charter fee.
Based on the estimates provided, the overall cost range for a bareboat charter cruise in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) can be quite wide and can vary greatly depending on the season, demand, boat, and amenities. However, using the rough estimates provided, the overall cost range of a charter can be between $4000 – $25,000 or more.
Don’t forget hotel or lodging expenses.
Some charter companies require that you arrive the day before your charter to complete paperwork and receive a boat orientation, and also recommend that you stay the night after the charter to rest before your travel back home <- the good idea this is can not be overstated. If you have never done this before, don’t skimp on the expense of this idea.
The cost of hotel rooms can vary depending on the location, season, and level of luxury, but here are some rough estimates:
- Hotel rooms the day before the charter: The cost of a hotel room for the night before your charter can range from around $100 to $300 or more per night, depending on the location and level of luxury.
- Hotel rooms the day after the charter: Typically the exact same because it makes sense to book at the same place. $100 to $300 or more per night.
It is important to keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and the final cost will depend on the specific details of your trip. Additional expenses such as travel costs, additional excursions, or extra amenities can also add to the final cost. It’s always a good idea to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs and to check if there are any additional expenses that may come up during your trip.
More Articles On What To Expect In The British Virgin Islands
These articles aim to help control customer expectations when chartering on the British Virgin Islands. The pretty pictures of light blue water and tan attractive people don't always tell the full story. Here are some of the other things to expect. These are written from first-hand accounts. We've tried to identify the major things that have led to people having a negative experience. These articles are not meant to dissuade you from enjoying the British Virgin Islands. On the contrary. Instead, they are intended to arm you with the right information to maximize your excellent vacation time! They are organized by title, not by priority.
10 Things To Always Be Mindful Of When On Charter
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Attitude
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Barracuda while Snorkeling
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Be Prepared For “Island Time”
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Chores
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Cleanliness
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Dishes
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Extra Gear To Bring To The BVIs
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Food
Before you embark on your adventure you need to know what the food situation is. Before you get into where you might eat, provisioning is a part of the charter, and often a hefty cost. With current prices, food for 5 people for a week may exceed $1500. Who is paying for the provisions? Who…
Gratuity
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Heads
By heads we mean toilet. The head on a boat is not like your toilet at home, or even in an RV (although RV living helps). Things going wrong with the head have been the core of some ruined trips. Most heads now do not have a manual pump handle to literally suck the waste…
Heat
In the name of knowing what to expect, you can expect heat. You can expect humidity above 70% and you can expect that makes you sweaty and sticky. Yes, with more heat and sweating you’ll break out more, get more zits and find it harder to not stink. Don’t let this be a deterrent to…
Hygiene
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Jellyfish
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Mini Moke!
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Safety Considerations
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Sea sickness
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The Basics To Be Aware Of
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The Mornings
Mornings on a boat charter are more than just the start of a new day; they’re the foundation for the entire crew’s mood and energy. Whether it’s a well-rested, upbeat morning or a sluggish, irritable start, mornings can make or break the day’s vibe on board. Between adjusting to new surroundings, possible hangovers, dehydration, and…
Top 5 Hazards In The Ocean In The British Virgin Islands
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Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before Chartering A Bareboat In the BVI
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Trash
Believe it or not trash and how to handle it can be a large friction point. First, it should go without saying, that trash should never be disposed of in the ocean. While there are specific laws around this, this will hold true while on charter in the BVIs. Many people feel it is okay…
Water Usage
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What if our hired skipper is the Man Over Board?
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What to look for in your charter boat captain
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You Are On The Ocean!
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