What’s the Fuzz?
The British Virgin Islands are considered one of the best-crewed catamaran destinations in the world with ideal sailing conditions and stunning destinations. – The distances are short, the tradewinds are consistent and the bars are plentiful.
The size of catamarans is increasing – the 40-60 foot range from a few years ago is increasing to a 60-80 foot range. Catamarans are also becoming more luxurious with better amenities and more toys, making them more comparable to motor yachts.
Make Sure to Book Your BVI Catamaran Charter Early!
The demand for catamarans is much higher than the supply, especially for charters with a BVI trade license that can start and finish charters from Nanny Cay on Tortola. This high demand is due to rescheduled charters from recent turbulent years and record demand for private charters in 2022.
Because of this high demand, the best catamarans get booked up more than a year in advance, and popular dates can be unavailable six months ahead of time. So, if you want the best choice for your charter, it’s best to plan well in advance.
What Should I Know When Planning My BVI Sailing Vacation?
Navigating the world of catamaran charters in the British Virgin Islands can be tricky due to a variety of factors like high demand, changing ownership, and complex and ever-changing regulations. This has created a wide spectrum of catamaran charters, ranging from excellent options with great vessels and crews to catamarans that look good in the catalog but, in reality, have terrible customer service and lack the proper permits.
How can you know which catamaran is good and which one should be avoided?
To ensure you pick one of the good catamarans, rely on recommendations from trusted sources like us. We have been on board a lot of the yachts ourselves. And for those we have not seen in person, we have access to up-to-date photos, walk-through videos, and recent client feedback.
We can help you identify the best options based on your preferences and needs. So, before you book your yacht charter, reach out to us for advice on the most recommended catamarans available in the British Virgin Islands.
Top 10 Crewed BVI Catamaran Charters for 2024/2025
10. Oceana | 49 ft Bali
Oceana is a new Bali 48 from 2021 with 2 aft master cabins with deck access. –This is ideal for 2 couples wanting to share a yacht charter while equally splitting the bill!
Professional and accommodating, the crew makes the boat. Speaking to previous clients, Captain James and Chef Jula are praised in every way. Recurring themes are Julia’s attention to detail and the competence and knowlegde of James. How does the knowledge translate? Picking the right spots to start with. How does the attention to detail translate? EVERY meal was fantastic (“Each day, morning, noon, and night”).
Catamaran Oceana is new (2021) and, therefore, in top shape. The water toys correspond to boat level—wakeboards, sea scooters, kneeboards, paddleboards, and snorkels. “It’s about what you can do with it.” I’d just add—where you do it. Some of the best places to paddle board in my life were near Savannah Bay.
8 guests for the going charter rate make this catamaran really great value for money, and if she’s available, you’ll definitely see Oceana high on our list of options.
Let’s take a look at Oceana’s recent client feedback:
James & Julia:
There is nothing quite like setting high expectations and STILL having them exceeded EXPONENTIALLY! The vessel was top-notch, the weather was (mostly) lovely, the sights and destinations were awe-inspiring, and most of all the captain/crew team were amazing! Everything was timely, safe, comfortable and fun, and the food was not only delicious but also presented like any high-end TV show would want!
We are almost hesitant to tell our friends, because we don’t want to be judged out of future reservations!
– Carolyn, Eric, Max, Sam & Faith, August 2024
9. Ebb & Flo | 56 ft Lagoon
Are you going to be 6 guests?
Fantastic, Ebb & Flo is a great choice – classic 56ft Lagoon with bathing platform (easy access) and deck access from the master cabin. Refit in fall 2022!
- memory foam beds, oil diffusers
- Bose stereo
- wood & white style
- British crew
There is an agreement among charter brokers that Ebb & Flo is one of the best boats out there in terms of crew/boat/price mix. Additionally you might consider the half board option (additional discount) and have your lunch on shore.
I should add that you are guaranteed some good food onboard Ebb & Flow. Chef Rosie is the winner of two awards: The Best in Show (under 53”) at the 2023 CYS Fall Charter Yacht Show onboard a previous yacht and Runner up in the Cocktail competition at the 2020 CYS Fall Charter Yacht Show onboard a previous yacht.
Water toys include:
- Waterskis for kids & adults
- Wakeboard
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Snorkel Gear
- Beach Games
- Underwater Video
8. Respite at Sea | 56 ft Lagoon
Respite at Sea is a recent “Best Crew in Show” winner in its category, and the 2018 Lagoon 56 is one of the first choices for a group of 6 or fewer.
In client feedback, the 2 most repeated topics are Sailing and Cuisine. It might appear that all the catamarans in the BVI have absolutely fabulous chefs. That’s not the case. If you pick one of the catamarans here, that’s the first step. If they’re not available, talk to us. We’re very involved in the BVI crewed yacht community and cooperate on multiple levels, from licensing to articles.
Sailing—it’s not that common to have guests comment on the sailing. With Respite at Sea, that’s the magnet! Personally, I often think of chartering a sailboat. Then family gets involved, problematic guests, heeling… Another catamaran charter… With Respite at Sea, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The upside is that Captain Rubrio has a way to get others involved in the sail, teaching important lessons in the process.
If you’re a group of 6 or less and Respite at Sea is available for your dates, look no further!
Water toys include:
- Seabob
- Wakeboard
- Paddleboards
- Snorkel Gear
- Underwater Camera
- Beach Games
7. Ultra | 63 ft Lagoon
Ultra is a really great catamaran with a very spacious layout, very popular with groups of friends and families.
She is run by the much-loved couple Captain Kyle Foglesong and Chef Jessica Dillow, who have shared 16 years on the water.
Something many clients mention in their reviews is their surprise at how spacious she is.
This is especially apparent on the flybridge: where sailing catamarans have a mast and winches, Ultra has a nice lounging area with a panoramic view over the bow of the yacht—the perfect place to relax while underway or at anchor.
I think Ultra’s interior is very well done. It is both elegant and very homely, with cozy blankets and pillows on all the beds and couches and beautiful tropical island-themed decorations.
I also want to mention that Ultra has a fully stocked Cocktail wet bar on the back deck! She comes with fishing gear, allowing for trolling and fly fishing, snorkeling gear, and underwater cameras for those who prefer to look at the fish!
Water toys include:
- Water Skis
- Wakeboard
- Sea Scooters
- Kayaks
- Floating Mats
- Beach Games
- Snorkeling Gear
- Underwater Video
6. Bagheera | 62 ft 62 Lagoon
If we had to guess the price level just based on pictures and data, we’d probably guess Bagheera a bit higher (note that the price is variable by the number of guests). A 2018 Lagoon 62 like Bagheera is what we call a Jackpot—a great crew on a great boat = a great experience.
Availability can be an issue. Experienced repeat clients book the best boats 1-3 years in advance, taking them off the market. Waiting until 1 month before the charter, especially if the travel dates are in the main season, pretty much guarantees the best boats will be signed.
Food—the keyword is variety. If you’re looking forward to trying new things, you’ll make Chef Melissa very happy. Her 15 years of experience do mean she’s very adaptable.
The captain is great with kids, and Bagheera is a popular boat for families. –Relaxing for the parents while the kids are occupied.
Repeat charterers approve this golden standard boat (great crew, great boat), taking the golden standard to a new limit that should be named – “Better than First Class.”
If the British Virgin Islands are on your bucket list, you have a group of 8, including children, and you want to make sure the crew and the boat will leave you with unforgettable memories. Inquire now. Bagheera might still be available!
5. The Pursuit | 62 ft Lagoon
Are you looking for a BVI Catamaran charter for a larger group? The Pursuit might be for you! This 2021 62-foot sailing Lagoon accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 cabins of equal size, making it ideal for multiple couples wishing to share a charter without having to draw the straw for the “better” suite.
The interior of this catamaran is great; it is spacious and bright, with a modern design. The crew is highly praised, and it should be noted that one of their shared passions is flying drones and underwater filming (Mollie is an underwater photographer), so if you want to leave your yacht vacation with some great documentation to make your memories last forever, this is a great choice.
Guests love The Pursuit:
“Our family trip was epic! The crew went above and beyond to make our experience out of this world. Attention to detail was amazing, and service was excellent. They did a fantastic job answering my 1,000 questions. Quickly, we felt like family and appreciated all the little details. We loved our anchorage in all the remote locations, which made for unforgettable views. Our chef was 5-star, and all dishes left us asking for recipes! Kids loved tubing, while I really enjoyed sailing and snorkeling.”
Water toys include:
- Seabob
- Wakeboard
- Sea Scooter
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Floating Mats
- Snorkel Gear
- Underwater Video
- Beach Games
4. Valentine | 60 ft Sunreef
Now that we have looked at many Lagoon Catamarans, which are some of the most popular in small catamaran charter, I want to give you a Sunreef Catamaran, renowned for offering some of the best mid-size to larger charter catamarans.
Sunreef Yachts is the industry standard bearer when it comes to designing and building high-end sailing multihulls. Valentine is one of Sunreef Yachts’ latest creations, and she was meticulously crafted to provide all her guests with the highest levels of performance, luxury, and security on their charter.
This premium sailing catamaran comes with all the bells and whistles and a crew that more than lives up to the standard of this next-step-up charter catamaran.
“Incredible food; every meal was more than 5 stars. The most amazing spot I’ve ever been kitesurfing was Anegada. It was a dream kitesurfing with pink flamingos in turquoise water. The dive spot at Salt Island – the Wreck of the Rhone was really cool! Thanks for taking us to see all those beautiful places! We’ll never forget this week.”
– Luisa, Alicia, Erich, March 2024
Water toys include:
- Seabob
- Wakeboard
- Water Skis
- Paddleboards
- Floating Mats
- Snorkel Gear
- Underwater Video
3. Reve Bleu | 67 ft Lagoon
Back to a Lagoon, we are now looking at a 67-foot sailing catamaran built in 2023–she is brand new! Plus, we are stepping up to a whole 4 crew!
Reve Blue is a French-flagged charter catamaran with an all-French crew (all fluent in English). Reve Bleu spends the summer season in the Mediterranean and the winter season in the British Virgin Islands.
Reve Bleu has a nice flexible cabin layout, suitable for various group dynamics, with 1 master, 2 double VIPs, and 1 twin cabin that can convert to a double. -perfect for a family with kids.
Reve Bleu is an all-around luxurious Catamaran with a fantastic layout, amenities, and top-notch service!
Water toys include:
- Seabob
- Water Skis for kids & adults
- Wakeboard
- Paddleboards
- Snorkel Gear
- First Mate Cyrille Gatel has his Divemaster PADI
2. Seaclusion | 80 ft Sunreef
Seaclusion is the perfect example of the direction the BVI crewed charters are taking. At 80 feet, it offers some serious space, an inspired chef, and a touch of yoga. Seaclusion is collecting trophies left and right, and the reviews are great.
The experienced crew anticipates your desires and makes you feel special and pampered. That might seem generic, but it’s not. One of our charter reviews literally says, “The crew is a real ‘gem’—keep it a secret—tell no one.”
Sailing is a thing taken seriously on Seaclusion. Some of your best memories will happen cruising between locations—even for first-time charterers.
If you’re having a hard time getting up, the breakfast is described as “fantastic.”
There is a wide range of water toys:
- Water Skis kids & adults
- Wakeboard
- Kneeboard
- Sea Scooter
- Kayak
- Floating Mats
- Snorkel Gear
- Beach Games
If you’re looking for a wonderful boat and lovely people and your budget allows Seaclusion, this is it!
1. Endless Summer III | 65 ft Lagoon
If you are looking for a high-tech, sustainable luxury catamaran charter with a highly-rated crew (in this case, all-British) with experience from around the world, a good selection of water-based activities, and a cuisine that will blow your socks off, Endless Summer III might just be the charter catamaran for you.
Endless Summer III is a unique yacht with benefits not present in today’s market. It offers one of the most advanced eco-friendly yachts in Caribbean yacht charter.
Some of the unique features will be a large lithium power bank for extended daytime silent running powered by renewable power (solar and wind), sustainably sourced cork decking for cooler decks and lower internal temperatures requiring less cooling energy, and a water-maker and purification system.
Endless Summer III accommodates up to 10 guests in 5 ensuite cabins: 4 queens and 1 king convertible to twin. She is ideal for a group of friends or a family with kids.
As per usual with a successful charter it is the crew that guests highlight in their feedback:
“Harry, Martha & Candace, Thank you so much for all of your planning and preparation to make our week’s voyage so wonderful! Top that off with your joy as you present and it doesn’t get any better. Again, an over the top super bowl party! So fun to celebrate another KC Chiefs win! Add to that our special and delicious Valentine’s Day dinner, treats and drinks and we can’t be more thankful. We were also so pleased that you celebrated Lee & Barbs 50th Anniversary! You are no part of our very special friends group. We see how you love each other and how you enjoy what you do. Thank you so much!”
Water toys include:
- Seabob
- Scurfer
- Water Skis
- Wakeboard
- Paddleboards
- Floating Mats
- Snorkel Gear
- Beach Games
What Our Clients Say
Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their British Virgin Islands yacht charter experiences.
BH
Colin
Aug 06, 2024
5 Star Customer Experience
Contact at the outset wasn’t forced, there was no ‘hard sell’ and responses to questions were fast and deeply explanatory. Sarah was amazing, she provided very clear information that made it very easy to understand every aspect of our planned trip.
S
Tony Bonacuse
Jul 10, 2024
Professional Experience and Great Time!
We worked with Chris de Kock at DMA Yachting. Chris was a pleasure to work with – he is very professional and responded to all of our questions immediately. DMA made the process very easy, and our cruise could not have gone better. Professional in every respect. If you’re considering taking a cruise, I would highly recommend Chris and DMA – I definitely will be using them in the future!
S
Malloy – Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jun 11, 2024
An incredible experience
Very professional, communicated clearly and planned an amazing trip for us. Louis Lamprell did an amazing job connecting us with the unbridled yacht and crew. It was a trip of a lifetime. Our family highly recommends both DMA yachting and the unbridled charter. Everything was perfection!
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