The beautiful baths of Virgin Gorda, the long sweeping sandy beaches of Jost Van Dyke, the Indians rising up out of the water in all of their glory- can you tell we’ve got the BVI on our brain? If you’re looking forward to your next charter in the region, make it the best one yet.
Here are a few great tips on how to enjoy the best BVI yacht charter. Whether it’s your first or 15th trip to the islands you may just be able to learn a few things that will really make it special.
The Best Boat
It will be your home and transportation for at least a week, and allows you to test your sailing skills. It might even be your chance to captain a craft you could only dream of owning yourself! In other words, your choice of boat will have a big influence on whether your trip is smooth sailing or choppy seas.
When searching for a charter, take a look at the company’s entire fleet. Are all of the boats fairly modern? Do they feature the latest equipment? Reputable charter companies also offer reviews of their boats- if you can’t find a review of a certain boat on their website check others to get a feel for what it’s like to sail.
The company renting you the boat should be able to describe its characteristics in detail- if they cannot you may consider renting elsewhere.
Catamarans are a great choice for BVI yacht charters as their shallow draft allows you to approach beaches and coves with ease. They also tend to offer more privacy, with private berths and bathrooms.
The Right Price
Knowing you were able to take advantage of a great rate can actually make your trip better- with a reduced price you may even be able to reserve a bigger boat! The latest advances in the industry allow you to compare many offers and even get last minute discounts.
Check out charter brokers like LateSail.com to find the latest BVI yacht charter discounts. If you have the flexibility to go closer to the last minute you can pick up a deal on unsold inventory. Most charter companies would much rather offer a discounted charter than see their boats sitting idle in the harbor. Much like the big online travel agencies they are able to unload these charters at good prices.
When to Go
The best seasons for sailing in the BVI are closer late fall, winter and spring. These also tend to be the most popular (ie. crowded) but if you don’t mind the lively atmosphere and possibly higher prices you can enjoy the friendly winds, beautiful temperatures and plenty of things to do.
Late spring, summer and early autumn fall under the Caribbean’s official hurricane season. While you probably will not experience a hurricane the winds die down, the temperatures are hotter and more humid and there are fewer open restaurants and bars. That said, many charterers refuse to visit the BVI at any other time of year; the low season is a time when you can experience the island culture, enjoy the laid back vibe and beat the crowds.
Use this tips to make your next charter in the BVI the best one yet! If you have any additional advice, please share it with our readers in the comments below.
