How To Choose Your Next Virgin Islands Charter
Planning your trip to the US or British Virgin Islands is not going to be your run-of-the-mill vacation. You’ll probably get on a boat at least once, while you’re vacationing in the British Virgin Islands, either because that’s how you arrived at an island, or that’s how you like to roll while vacationing in style in the Virgin Islands.
Choosing the charter you want to use during your stay at the British or US Virgin Islands can be quite difficult, especially with so many on-water options available. To make your lives easier (and because we love you so much!) we have combed the web to find the best ways of getting a Virgin Islands yacht.
The Price
While there’s plenty of options when it comes to a Virgin Islands boat rental, you will find that some charters are more expensive than others. Sometimes, the extra price tag means you will be getting more for that price, but that’s not always the case. If you find a Virgin Islands yacht that you like, don’t be shy to ask for the services and amenities you will be getting for that price.
The Type of Boat
Be clear of what you are looking for when it comes to the boat. Do you want a monohull or a catamaran? What size are you looking for? The answer to this usually depends on the number of people who are taking the trip with you.
Some charters of the same length are more spacious than others, while some charters offer more amenities so that a person feels at home as compared to others. Try to visit as many boats you can before making a decision. No, this does not mean walking up and down the harbor, you can easily find the perfect boat for you by visiting services such as Mr. Charter and compare boats and prices online.
Boat Category
A Virgin Islands boat rental caters to every customer. Here, you will find charters that are offered in various flavors, from bareboating, for the more experienced skipper whose confident in their sailing skills, to larger charter outfits, where the traveler gets to sit back and let others handle the hard work while you enjoy the sea breeze and intoxicating views.
Then, there’s a third option where you will have the option of travelling in a flotilla, where the skipper will be tagging along for the trip on a support boat. This is the best option of hiring a Virgin Islands yacht, since you get to sit back and be guided by someone who has more local knowledge than you.
Maintenance
Needless to say, the older the boat, the more likely it is that something will go wrong during the trip. This is not necessarily bad, since serious issues are rarely heard of, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask the owner of the Virgin Islands yacht about the age of the equipment and the maintenance of the boat you are about to set sail on.
Charter companies in the US and British Virgin Islands regularly maintain their boats to ensure that they are in working order, but it is also true that the increase in demand and the fast turn-around time means that sometimes those maintenance schedules are skipped, so it won’t hurt to ask. After all, you wouldn’t want to have to call the chaser to come fix things while on vacation.
Availability
Boats are in high demand in the US and British Virgin Islands so if you want something in particular, such as a 38’ catamaran, you’ll have to book one in advance. But a large Virgin Islands yacht company will most likely have the boat you want, when you want it.
Location of the Charter
The good news is that all of the charter companies (in the BVI at least) are located at Tortola, which is not inconvenient to reach at all. That being said, you might want to opt for a Virgin Islands yacht service that’s a bit closer to the airport.
Extra/Hidden Charges
This is something that you need to be very careful of. While most Virgin Islands charter companies are good about not taking on any hidden charges, the same cannot be said for all of them. Even if that is true, the renter will still have to pay extra for essentials such as a cooler, ice or water toys. You should also read the fine print to make sure you don’t have to pay for the fuel once you get back. A good Virgin Islands yacht company should have no qualms sharing that information with you, while you are booking the charter.
Want to Go Snorkeling?
If you’re hiring a Virgin Islands yacht, you’ll want to get the most out of your trip. A USVI charter usually includes snorkeling as part of the trip, and the gear is provided by the charter. Water activities such as snorkeling is a highlight of your Virgin Islands trip, but it also takes up a lot of time, so if you’re just planning to visit for a day, you’d want to skip this option and continue island hopping so that you are able to see the most of what the Virgin Islands has to offer.
Visitors can book a full-day charter if they wish to explore the coral and various sea life in the area. A Virgin Islands boat rental will usually include an inflatable swim vest and other swimming accessories so you can have a quick dip at each destination before moving on during your trip through the Virgin Islands. Those who want to remain dry for their trip and are fine with sipping a cocktail and relaxing on the deck of their charter should consider hiring an sunset Virgin Islands yacht, but don’t forget to take your camera, since that’s not included in the package.