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A BVI crewed catamaran usually costs $25,000 to $45,000 per week for a 45- to 55-foot yacht. Larger 55- to 65-foot luxury catamarans often start around $45,000 per week and can cost more than $70,000. Premium yachts can cost much more.

Many BVI crewed catamarans are all-inclusive. The weekly rate may include the yacht, crew, meals, drinks, fuel, and water toys. However, every yacht is different. Crew gratuity, premium drinks, shore activities, transfers, and some fees may cost extra.

Some larger luxury catamarans use plus-expenses pricing instead. In this case, you pay the yacht’s base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) to cover charter expenses.

Therefore, do not compare yachts by the advertised weekly rate alone. Check the total trip cost, guest count, inclusions, extra costs, holiday rates, and crew gratuity before setting your budget.

BVI Crewed Catamaran Cost by Yacht Size

Yacht size affects the price, but it is not the only factor. The yacht’s age, cabin layout, crew, features, number of guests, season, and charter terms can all change the weekly rate.

CatamaranTypical GuestsPlanning RangeBest Fit
45–55 ft6–8$25,000–$45,000+Couples and families
55–65 ft8–10$45,000–$70,000+Larger groups and added space
65 ft+8–12$70,000–$100,000+Premium and luxury charters

These prices are general planning ranges, not final quotes. Yacht rates can change based on your travel dates, number of guests, and charter terms. Christmas and New Year weeks often have higher fixed rates and minimum-stay rules.

What Does a BVI Crewed Catamaran Cost Include?

Before comparing rates, compare how each yacht prices its charters.

Pricing ModelHow It WorksWhat to Know
Inclusive Caribbean TermsThe weekly rate includes many of the costs during your charter.Makes the total trip cost easier to estimate.
Plus ExpensesThe base rate covers the yacht and crew. Other charter costs are extra.You will usually pay an APA for these expenses.
Inclusive + Small APAThe rate includes most standard costs, with a small allowance for some extras.Check what the allowance covers.

Inclusive Caribbean Terms

This type of pricing is common for BVI crewed catamarans.

The weekly rate may include:

  • Private catamaran
  • Captain, chef, and crew
  • Guest cabins
  • Meals on board
  • Standard drinks and bar
  • Fuel for normal cruising
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Paddleboards and other listed water toys
  • Dinghy and outboard motor
  • Linens and towels
  • Some mooring fees
  • Some BVI cruising permits and taxes

Plus-Expenses Charters

Some larger luxury catamarans use plus-expenses pricing.

You pay the yacht’s base rate plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Use the APA to pay for costs listed in the charter agreement.

These costs may include:

  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Fuel
  • Dockage
  • Local fees
  • Other agreed charter expenses

At the end of the charter, the captain provides an account of the APA spending. The captain refunds any unused funds.

Important: Do not add a standard APA percentage to every yacht. The amount can vary, so always check the yacht’s current quote and charter terms.

BVI Crewed Catamaran Cost by Guest Count

The number of guests can change both the yacht you need and the price you pay. For example, many all-inclusive BVI catamarans charge different rates based on guest count. So, adding more guests does not always mean you are simply splitting the same weekly price between more people.

For example, a four-cabin catamaran may have one rate for two guests and higher rates for six or eight guests. In addition, larger groups may need a five- or six-cabin catamaran, which typically costs more.

For a better idea of the cost per person, use:

Weekly yacht rate ÷ number of guests + extra costs + crew gratuity

This gives a more accurate estimate than using the yacht’s lowest rate and maximum guest capacity.

Realistic BVI Crewed Catamaran Budget Examples

These examples can help you plan your budget, but they are not quotes for specific yachts.

6 Guests

Six guests can usually stay comfortably on a crewed catamaran with three or four guest cabins.

Typical Weekly Charter Rate $27,000 to $35,000
Estimated Crew Gratuity (15% to 20%) $4,050 to $7,000

Also budget for flights, transfers, meals ashore, premium drinks, and other extras not included by the yacht.

8 Guests

Eight guests often choose a four-cabin catamaran with four guest suites.

Typical Weekly Charter Rate $30,000 to $45,000+
Estimated Crew Gratuity (15% to 20%) $4,500 to $9,000+

This setup is popular with two families or four couples traveling together.

10 Guests

Ten guests usually need a catamaran with five guest cabins.

Typical Weekly Charter Rate $35,000 to $60,000+

Larger or newer yachts can cost much more. Confirm that all five cabins are available for guests, since some yachts use one cabin for the crew.

BVI Crewed Catamaran Cost Per Person

The cost per person depends on both the yacht and the number of guests.

For example:

  • A $32,000 charter shared by eight guests works out to $4,000 per person, before gratuity and other extra costs.
  • A $40,000 charter shared by eight guests works out to $5,000 per person, before gratuity and other extra costs.

Also, don’t choose a yacht based on price alone. After all, cabin layout, deck space, water toys, and onboard amenities can greatly affect your experience.

What Costs Extra on a BVI Crewed Catamaran?

Even with an inclusive charter, you may still pay for some extra costs.

Depending on the yacht, extra costs may include:

  • Crew gratuity
  • Flights
  • Airport and ferry transfers
  • Premium wines and spirits
  • Special food or provisioning requests
  • Dockage
  • Meals ashore
  • Shore excursions
  • Rendezvous diving
  • Fishing licenses
  • Spa treatments
  • Travel insurance
  • Repositioning fees
  • Certain local taxes or cruising fees

Your broker should explain any extra costs before you sign the charter agreement.

Crew Gratuity

The advertised charter rate usually does not include crew gratuity.

In the Caribbean, many guests tip around 15% to 20% of the charter rate, but the amount is always your choice.

For example:

Charter Rate15%20%
$25,000$3,750$5,000
$30,000$4,500$6,000
$35,000$5,250$7,000
$40,000$6,000$8,000
$50,000$7,500$10,000

Before your charter, ask the crew or broker about the preferred payment method for gratuities. See our gratuity guide for more detail.

How Season Affects BVI Crewed Catamaran Costs

BVI crewed catamaran rates vary by yacht and season. Some yachts keep similar rates year-round, while others charge more during peak winter dates. In addition, Christmas and New Year usually have their own higher holiday rates.

However, availability can be just as important as price. Popular yachts and crews book early for winter, so check availability as soon as possible.

If your dates are flexible, ask about:

  • Open weeks between existing charters
  • Current yacht specials
  • Shoulder-season availability
  • Short charter opportunities
  • Repositioning opportunities

Always check the yacht’s current rate sheet rather than relying on general seasonal pricing guidelines.

How to Compare BVI Crewed Catamaran Quotes

A lower weekly rate does not always mean a lower total charter cost. Before comparing two yachts, check:

1. Is the charter inclusive or plus expenses?

Find out exactly what the weekly rate includes.

2. What does the rate include?

Compare meals, drinks, fuel, moorings, permits, water toys, and other trip costs.

3. What costs extra?

Check for crew gratuities, dockage, premium alcohol, shore excursions, transfers, and other extra charges.

4. How many guest cabins are available?

Don’t just look at the total cabin count. Some yachts use one or more cabins for the crew.

5. Does the rate change based on guest count?

Likewise, many BVI crewed catamarans charge different rates for different numbers of guests.

6. Are you traveling during a holiday period?

Christmas and New Year charters often have higher rates and a seven-night minimum stay.

7. Is the yacht right for your group?

Compare cabin sizes, bed layouts, bathrooms, crew setup, deck space, water toys, dining areas, and onboard features.

Overall, the best way to compare yachts is to look at the total estimated trip cost, not just the advertised weekly rate.

BVI crewed catamaran cost breakdown showing charter fee, APA, and gratuity for 8 guests

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a BVI crewed catamaran cost per week?

Many 45 to 55-foot BVI crewed catamarans cost $25,000 to $45,000 per week. Larger luxury catamarans often start at $45,000 and can exceed $70,000. Premium yachts may cost $100,000 or more, depending on the yacht, guest count, travel dates, and pricing terms. Explore our power catamaran charter cost guide.

Are BVI crewed catamarans all-inclusive?

Many crewed yachts include the yacht, crew, meals, drinks, fuel, and water toys in the price. However, every yacht is different. Gratuities, premium requests, transfers, dockage, and shore activities may cost extra.

What is APA on a BVI catamaran charter?

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. Charterers use it to pay for agreed trip expenses during the charter. Not all BVI crewed catamarans require an APA, so always check the yacht’s pricing terms.

Is crew gratuity included?

Usually not. A crew tip of about 15% to 20% of the charter rate is common in the Caribbean, but it is optional.

Does a BVI catamaran cost more for additional guests?

Yes. Many crewed catamarans charge by guest count, and larger groups may need a larger yacht.

Do BVI crewed catamarans cost more at Christmas and New Year?

Often, yes. Many yachts have separate holiday rates for Christmas and New Year and require a minimum seven-night charter. Ask for the current holiday rate when comparing yachts.

How can I compare BVI catamaran prices accurately?

Compare the weekly rate, guest limit, inclusions, extras, and fees. Focus on the total trip cost, not just the base rate.

Ready to Build Your BVI Charter Budget?

Share your travel dates, guest count, preferred cabin layout, and approximate total budget. We compare suitable BVI crewed catamarans, explain what each rate includes, and outline any extra costs before you book.


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