&Beyond Yacht Charters. All-Inclusive Crewed Yachts Charters
Q&A
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Here are frequently asked questions & answers related to our crewed yacht charter experience.
Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most.
If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
You can also find useful information over on our Blog.
What is the best time of year to charter a yacht in the Virgin Islands?
Our yacht charters are based out of the British Virgin Islands and operate from November through July. The winter months (December through April), when people are seeking to escape the cold, are the highest in demand, which is reflected in charter prices. These are also the windier months, so they’re great for those who love to sail.
We consider our “shoulder months” to be May, June, July, and November. These months are an excellent time to come if you enjoy a more low key vibe. They are also the months with less wind and an unbelievably calm sea. There are less people around, in general, so it’s easier to find beaches, snorkel spots, and hiking trails that you can enjoy all by yourself.
(During the height of hurricane season in the months of August through October, we do sometimes offer charters in other destinations, though we do not operate out of the Virgin Islands during this time.)
Are there age requirements for children to come on the yachts? Is a yacht charter safe for kids, elderly guests, or those with disabilities?
Yacht charters are an incomparable vacation for families with kids of all ages. No child is too young to be onboard—we have had babies as young as 3 months on charter with us! Your crew will happily plan kid-friendly activities for your trip—everything from treasure hunts, to sandcastle contests, to water sports. The crew onboard will handle all of the cleaning + organizing + meal planning, so parents can dedicate quality time to their family.
Safety on the yacht is our top priority. Your yacht is equipped with all of the latest safety gear and is maintained in between each charter to the highest standards. Your crew are also highly trained and certified to meet yachting safety protocol. If you have people in your group with mobility issues or other disabilities, we recommend you contact our yacht consultants directly for assistance in planning your trip.
What if there’s bad weather during the trip? Will I get seasick?
Your Captain will be monitoring the weather conditions consistently throughout your yacht charter and making changes to the itinerary accordingly. There are always options to still have fun if you run into a rainy day, both on the yacht and ashore at whatever island you’re moored off of.
For those who are prone to sea sickness, it generally doesn’t end up being an issue on yacht charter. All of our yachts are catamarans, which means they have two hulls that make them incredibly stable on the water. There is very little rocking on a catamaran, which is usually what makes people experience motion sickness. Your captain will also keep this in mind, if you let him/her know, choosing anchorages that will provide the calmest waters. You will also always have access to shore time via dinghy. As a last resort, having motion sickness medication on hand is always a great idea.
How much does a yacht charter cost?
All of our experiences are luxury crewed yacht charters and are priced as all-inclusive. This means that all of your meals, drinks (including alcohol), onboard water sports equipment, fuel, and all other costs to operate the boat are incorporated into the weekly price of the yacht.
In addition to your yacht charter cost, you will also want to set aside 15-20% to tip your crew at the end of the week. Gratuities are customary in this industry, and are at the client’s discretion based on the service received over the course of the charter. Unless you decide to partake in any food or cocktails off of the boat, there will not be any surprise costs to plan for.
Our weekly yacht charters are priced based on the boat and the number of guests onboard. Depending on the yacht you select, the cost of a yacht charter with us can range from $16,000 to $52,000 per week.
Please visit our Yachts page to check availability and view pricing by boat.
What if we want to eat out at some of the local bars & restaurants instead of having all of our meals onboard the yacht?
This is a great idea and one we encourage as you plan your week’s itinerary with your crew! Reserving a few meals at some of our recommended local outposts is a fun way to experience the BVI’s culture and cuisine.
Are all yacht charters a week long? What if we would like to shorten or extend our trip?
Our standard yacht charter is for 8 days, 7 nights, which is what most of our guests find preferable. It’s an ideal amount of time to fully relax and be able to see a lot of what the British Virgin Islands have to offer.
We occasionally receive requests from guests looking for a slightly shorter or longer option, such as a 4-day or 10-day yacht charter. This can be accommodated on a case by case basis, depending on availability. If you are seeking an alternate length of yacht charter, we recommend you contact our yacht consultants directly for assistance.
How far in advance should I book a yacht charter?
While our blanket recommendation is to book as far in advance as you’re able to ensure you get exactly what you want, when you want, there are a few other factors to consider such as the time of year you would like to charter, the amount of people you’re traveling with, and how flexible you are on dates & the yacht.
The high season in the BVI is December through May, with Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter weeks being in highest demand. If you’re hoping to come during peak season, particularly if you have a specific week in mind, we recommend reserving a year in advance. Many of our repeat yacht charter guests reserve their next charter while ON charter, so the prime weeks at popular times of the year fill up a year or more in advance.
Can we meet our vessel in St. Thomas, USVI or do we need to get to the BVI?
&Beyond Yacht Charters is now based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and all of our pick up and drop offs are done here. However, you can inquire with one of our yacht consultants here to inquire if a USVI pick up is possible on a given vessel.
What is included/excluded in our yacht charter rate?
Here’s what’s included:
- 3 professionally prepared meals a day
- Snacks
- Drinks: alcoholic and nonalcoholic by request with standard ships bar
- Vessel features/amenities
- Water sports (options vary by vessel)
- Any fuel, or other vessel expenses
Here’s what’s not included:
- Crew gratuity (15-20% of the charter price divided among the crew)
- Transportation to and from the yacht
- Activities or meals off the vessel
- High-end/top shelf liquor requests
What is an example of an itinerary for the USVI/BVI?
Please visit our Destinations pages to see a full week-long sample itinerary. One thing to keep in mind though is that every yacht charter is different. Your crew will customize an itinerary based on your group’s unique needs and preferences, also taking into account the weather and any local events. You’re also welcome to make changes to your itinerary at any time on the trip.
How do we place a deposit/pay for our charter?
All bookings require a deposit and a signed contract to confirm a charter. The deposit must be paid via wire transfer or with our new, easy to use online ACH portal (online wire platform). We do not accept credit, debit, check, or charge card.
Can we have just a skipper, or are all of your vessels fully crewed?
All of our vessels offer a fully crewed, all inclusive experience. Our vessels feature full time live-aboard crew who manage each charter and care for the vessel on a full time basis. As such, we do not offer partial crew charter options.
Do you offer trip insurance?
No, we do not offer trip insurance. However, we do work with a well established 3rd party insurance brokerage who can take care of all of your yacht-specific trip insurance needs. Please inquire with one of our yacht consultants for further information.
What types of yachts are available (sailing vs. motor vs. catamaran)?
Our fleet consists mainly of sailing catamarans (and one trimaran). Not only are these the most spacious yachts for chartering with groups, they are also the most stable on the water. Catamarans provide a smooth ride and all of our yachts have motor engines to use when sailing is not an option due to weather or timing. We find it’s much more versatile—and more fun!—than simply having motor yachts.
Do I need a boating license or sailing experience?
Nope! That’s one of the main benefits of our fully crewed yacht charters: you have a professional crew onboard that is highly trained and certified to manage everything as it relates to the yacht and your safety.
How do I choose the right yacht for my group?
We highly recommend that after browsing through Our Yachts, you contact one of our yacht consultants directly for a concierge-level booking experience. Our team knows both the yachts in our fleet and their individual crews well. After getting the details on the size and preferences of your group, they can provide recommendations on the yacht(s) that will be the perfect match for your needs.
What are the etiquette and tipping expectations for crew members?
It is customary in our industry to tip our crews at the end of your charter to show appreciation for the exceptional service you received. 15-20% is customary.
What medical or safety precautions are in place?
Our charter crews have 24/7 support from our main office and are trained in all manner of emergency protocols. That being said, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, we highly recommend that you give us the details in advance of your charter so that we may best accommodate you and ensure a safe, smooth vacation on the water.
How much privacy will I have onboard?
You can have as much privacy as you desire. While most of our guests enjoy spending time with the crew onboard, if you’d like a bit more space, all you have to do is ask. Our crew will respect your preferences, and there’s plenty of room onboard for everyone to get their needs met.
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