How Much Does a Week-Long Charter in the British Virgin Islands Cost?

September 22, 2025 6 min

Dreaming of a week-long yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)? You’re imagining one of the most rewarding sailing vacations in the world. From crystal-clear waters and steady trade winds to sheltered anchorages and lively beach bars, the BVI offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. But how much does it cost to make it happen?

The price of a seven-day BVI yacht charter with Sunsail can range anywhere from $3,500* to over $25,000, depending on your preferences (such as yacht size, inclusions, & seasonality). Let’s break down the key factors that influence what you’ll pay.^(*^{Please note that all pricing is subject to change and is based on information available at the time of publication}^.)

1. Type of Charter & Vessel
2. Seasonality
3. The Duration of Your Charter
4. Boat Size, Age & Amenities
5. Included vs. Extra Costs
6. Timing of Booking & Group Size

How Much Does a Week-Long Charter in the British Virgin Islands Cost?

1. Type of Charter & Vessel

The type of yacht and level of service you choose is the biggest driver of cost.

Bareboat Monohulls
For the sailor who loves the feel of the heel and the thrill of a responsive helm, our classic monohulls offer the purest sailing experience at the most accessible price point. On a Bareboat Charter, you are the skipper, with the freedom to chart your own course.

Bareboat Sailing Catamarans
Offering exceptional stability and wide-open living spaces, our Catamarans are your private floating villa. They’re perfect for families and groups who want to blend exhilarating sailing with ultimate comfort, giving you more room to connect and relax together on the water.

Power Catamarans
If you want to cover more ground quickly and enjoy extra living space, power cats are a great choice. Our sister brand, The Moorings, has a range of Power Catamarans in the BVI at your disposal.

Skippered Charters
Want all of the adventure with none of the pressure? Hire a professional skipper to take the helm. You’ll cover the cost of their fee in addition to the yacht and need to provide the skipper’s meals, but it’s the perfect choice if you’re new to sailing or simply want to relax and benefit from your skipper’s local expertise.

Fully Crewed Charters
The ultimate all-inclusive experience, available through our sister brand, The Moorings, with a captain and chef to handle every detail. The cost for Crewed Charters are higher, but so is the level of comfort and included services.

Uncommon Caribbean Patrick Bennet Garden Bay

2. Seasonality

The time of year you sail shapes your BVI experience including the cost as much as the yacht you choose.

High Season (December – April):
These months offer the most desirable weather in the BVI and with that, an elevated demand – rates can be double or more compared to low season pricing. Average rates during high season start at approximately $7,000* for a weeklong bareboat charter on a 42ft monohull or $10,000 for a 4-cabin catamaran and can be a lot higher than that, especially around holidays like Christmas or Spring Break.

Low Season (May – November):
For those who prefer quieter anchorages and greater value, the low season is a hidden gem. You’ll find more affordable rates, with bareboat rates for a 42ft monohull starting around $3,500* for a week, and a 4-cabin catamaran from about $5,700. While this period includes hurricane season, it often rewards flexible travelers with serene sailing conditions and feeling that the islands are all yours.

The best way to compare pricing is to experiment with our “Build My Quote” tool, where you can compare dates and yachts in real-time. Ultimately, the best time to visit the BVI is a personal choice – it all depends on the story you want to write on the water.

3. The Duration of Your Charter

A weeklong, 7-night charter is the classic way to experience the BVI, giving you the perfect amount of time to truly unwind and embrace the rhythm of island life. This gives you the freedom to linger in a favorite anchorage or discover the extra hidden cove without feeling rushed.

While we do offer short 5 or 6-night getaways, it’s good to know that a 7-night trip often provides the best value, with a lower average daily rate.

4. Boat Size, Age & Amenities

The yacht you choose is the heart of your vacation, and its size, age and features all shape your experience on the water.

Newer and/or larger yachts in our Premier and Premier Plus categories offer the latest in comfort and technology – think cool air-conditioning for a restful sleep after a day in the sun, a premium sound system for your perfect sailing playlist, and a spacious deck layout perfect for sunset cocktails with your group.

If you love the classic sailing experience and prefer to prioritize value, a yacht from our Classic fleet offers everything you need for an incredible adventure. Every boat in our fleet is maintained to the highest standards, ensuring that no matter your choice, you’re set for a world-class vacation.

5. Included vs. Extra Costs

We believe in clear skies and even clearer pricing. To help you plan your budget with confidence, here’s a simple guide to the additional costs for a bareboat or skippered charter. That way, you can focus less on the logistics and more on the adventure ahead.

All-Inclusive Crewed Charters with our sister brand The Moorings are the most complete and with that easiest kind of sailing vacation to budget for.
These charters typically include a captain and chef, all meals and snacks on board, beverages (including standard bar selection), water sports gear and toys, fuel, cruising taxes, and permits. During low season these kinds of charters start at $16,700* for a group of 6 people on a catamaran for a week in the British Virgin Islands.

What’s not included? Crew gratuity, dining or drinks enjoyed ashore, and other personal expenses.

For Bareboat & Skippered Charters cover the yacht itself but you handle the running costs. Additional costs include:

Your Sailing Essentials:

Fuel – will depend on usage and ranges around $150-$500 per week. These estimates vary significantly based on how much you motor, your vessel type, your generator usage (especially for air conditioning), and the fuel prices at time of charter. For easier budgeting, we offer a pre-paid fuel plan at $22 to $50 per night depending on the size of the yacht.

Docking and mooring fees – Mooring ball fees are approx. $30-40 per night, docking fees run around $2.50–$4.00 per foot per night.

Cruising permits & park fees – These local fees support the beautiful BVI. Permits are usually $4/person/day and National Park mooring fees range $25–$55 per week, depending on number of passengers. There is also a VISAR (Virgin Island Search And Rescue) contribution which is $2/person per charter.

Insurance & damage waiver – This reduces your financial liability while you’re in charge of the yacht. The yacht damage waiver fee will vary depending on the type of yacht – a small monohull costs around $600 a week, while it will run around $910 for a 44ft catamaran. Without a yacht damager waiver you will usually be required to pay a higher security deposit for your yacht.

Skipper gratuity (if hired) – 10 to 25% of the charter rate is a customary gratuity.

Food, Drink & Fun

Provisioning – You can stock the yacht yourself or pre-order from us. A good estimate is $50-75 per person per day, plus extra expenses to dining out at a restaurant (approx. $30-50/person for an entrée).

Optional add-ons: Stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi (approx. $40/day), add to your sailing adventure with excursions, water toys (approximately $30/day for a kayak or paddle-board) or stay protected with travel insurance, plus any flights and transfers you’ll need.

6. Timing of Booking & Group Size

A little planning goes a long way in crafting the perfect BVI vacation. Here are two final tips to ensure you get the best experience and value.

Find the Right Time to Book
Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a spontaneous adventurer, there’s a smart way to book. Booking early is the best way to secure your ideal yacht and take advantage of the best rates. However, for those with flexible dates, our last-minute deals can offer fantastic savings. Keep an eye on the special offers on our website, as booking during a sales event can add even more value to your charter.

Bring Your Group Together
One of the best parts of a sailing vacation is the shared experience. It’s also one of the best ways to make it more economical. Getting friends or family together to share a larger catamaran or monohull often works out to be a better value per person than booking several smaller yachts. More friends, more fun, and smarter budgeting – it’s the perfect recipe for an unforgettable trip.

In short, the cost of a BVI charter vacation depends on how luxurious you want the experience to be, the time of year, length of stay, and how much you want to outsource – in terms of crew, provisioning, and planning. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bareboat monohull or a spacious catamaran with every comfort included, Sunsail has options to fit your style of adventure.

Ready to build your BVI yachting adventure? Our vacation planners have a wealth of insider tips to share. Start planning with us today.

EXPLORE BVI CHARTERS

What Guests Are Saying

garypX579WD BVI

“Our family had a fantastic time in the BVI onboard our Sunsail 424 for a 5 day charter. It had been 30 years since I sailed here (in my single days) and I was excited to share the BVI adventures with my family. From arrival to departure, Sunsail’s customer service was exceptional! Of course, I knew 5 days wouldn’t be enough but my plan work, my family is hooked on sailing vacations and already talking about another Sunsail adventure next year!”

GrandTour773288 BVI

“All aspects of trip from booking, to asking questions, to checking in and checking out went very smoothly. We’ll be back before long.”

adamm805 BVI

“Fantastic in every regard. The captain they provided was just the best! A great sailor, so knowledgeable, and so much fun and friendly. (Thank you Ana!). The boat was perfect – new and everything functioned well. And the BVI’s are just the most magical place to sail. The staff at Sunsail was so helpful and friendly. Highly recommend Sunsail and the entire experience.”

V6106BLlisam BVI

“My best friend and recently finished a fabulous week-long trip sailing around the BVI on a beautiful boat booked through Sunsail. Our captain, Rachel Smith, was superb. She handled the boat flawlessly, inspiring complete trust. Her knowledge of the islands led us to the best moorings, restaurants and beaches. She was unfailingly good-natured, and allowed us the time we wanted on the helm–helping us become better sailors and keeping our safety and the boat’s top of mind. Rachel’s motto is “making dreams come true.” She certainly made our vacation in the BVI a dream come true, so we highly recommend Sunsail and Captain Rachel.”

986NigelB BVI

“We enjoyed a fantastic 8 night bareboat sail around the BVI on a Sunsail 46 from the Sunsail/Moorings marina at Tortola. Having been used to the attention to detail of Sunsail Europe, this was sadly lacking at Tortola. There was no welcoming contact from the base in the weeks leading up to our charter. Our air con wasn’t working, there was no gas in the canister, our Wi-Fi didn’t work and multiple door handles fell off. We wasted our first morning stuck in the base while a whole host of friendly staff worked to fit the problems.
The BVI is very busy in February and on three mornings we had the 7am stress of trying to secure a Boaty Ball mooring at popular locations. These were all booked in 10 seconds! We had prebooked three marinas and all our restaurants which proved a good call.
Our boat itself was excellent with all the major features like sails, engine, generator, tender working well throughout the week. We had some great sailing in the moderate-fresh Easterly Tradewinds and also enjoyed the warm temperatures and water for swimming and snorkelling. We booked a paddleboard but didn’t get to use this due to the significant swells, even at “sheltered” anchorages.
All the Sunsail staff were friendly and helpful and with more care with the preparation and presentation of the boat, this would be a five star review.”

joedY4521LI BVI

“Sunsail is a large operation and has some amenities that we have not seen elsewhere. Nice showers on shore with towels. Three places to eat close by and grocery shopping including a French deli within easy walking range. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Our catamaran was pretty new, very clean, well equipped. Everything worked well. My only complaint was the minimal storage in the cabins.
We modified our itinerary a bit as we went and had a good time. Winds were good and we did most of our traveling under sail. We have some experience sailing but enjoyed experimenting with the sails.
Our only problem with crowds was at the Baths. I would avoid that in the morning when tour groups may be more likely. Didn’t see really colorful coral, etc but I did swim in the midst of 40 or 50 little yellow fish–a thrill for me. S upper at Marina Cay was nice. The Pirate’s Bight was very noisy but I enjoyed the musician and dancing.
BVI is a beautiful, beautiful place.
PS: If you fly to St. Thomas and take the ferry make reservations for the return trip. We did not and the 2 convenient ferries were sold out, though we did get another after a mad dash up the coast.”

M6303VValexc BVI

“Our charter with Sunsail in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) was an unforgettable adventure. Sunsail’s team provided exceptional service from start to finish, ensuring our catamaran was in top condition for comfort and performance. Sailing through the BVI’s stunning landscapes was breathtaking, and Sunsail’s expertise on the best spots to explore enhanced our experience.We faced a couple of technical issues along the way, but Sunsail’s prompt and efficient response ensured they were quickly resolved, allowing us to enjoy our sailing paradise without interruption. This level of attentive service made us feel highly valued and reassured us of Sunsail’s commitment to an unparalleled sailing experience.The flexibility to tailor our itinerary, combined with the beauty of the BVI and Sunsail’s outstanding service, made our trip magical. We left with memories of adventure, relaxation, and the joy of sailing, looking forward to our next journey with Sunsail.”