The British Virgin Islands currently does not impose VAT or a general sales tax on the yacht charter fee. It’s important to understand the BVI Yacht Charter Taxes and Fees that may apply beyond the basic charter rate. Additional costs may include cruising and marine park permits, visitor fees, moorings, customs, immigration, and basic boat operating expenses.
Furthermore, the yacht’s operating base and pricing structure determine your total price. Sailing between the USVI and BVI will also change the cost. Review your written quote and agreement to see what the price includes and what costs extra.
| Cost Category | Current Estimate | How It Works |
| VAT or Sales Tax | 0% | The BVI does not charge a general tax on the charter fee. |
| Cruising Permit (Local Boat) | $4 per person / day | Applies to yachts legally based in the BVI. |
| Cruising Permit (Foreign Boat) | $16 per person / day | Higher rate for yachts based outside the BVI. |
| Tourism & Eco Levy | $10 per visitor | An entry fee for visitors; check if you paid it at arrival. |
| Marine Park Permit | Varies | Depends on boat size and whether the yacht already has one. |
| Overnight Mooring | $30–$55+ per night | Cost depends on location, season, and how you book. And the size of yacht. |
| Customs & Immigration | Varies | Applies when crossing borders; extra fees apply for late hours. |
| Operating Account (APA) | 25%–40% of charter cost | An advance fund to pay for fuel, food, and running costs. |
| Crew Tip | 15%–20% (suggested) | Optional, based on service quality and Caribbean standards. |
Please note that the above information is subject to change without notice and to verification.
Let us know your dates, guest count, and preferred yacht type. We will explain the base rate, inclusions, cruising permits, mooring costs, and other expected expenses.
Request Current BVI Yacht OptionsPeople often call it a “cruising tax,” but it is actually a cruising permit fee. The schedule effective June 1, 2025, sets rates based on vessel classification.
| Yacht classification | Daily Rate | Total for 6 Guests (7 Days) |
| Local BVI Boat | $4 per person / day | $168 |
| Foreign-Based Boat | $16 per person / day | $672 |
Where the yacht lives changes your permit costs and where it can legally sail.
A cruising permit alone does not grant a boat permission to pick up guests in the USVI or cross borders. Request written proof of the boat’s licenses, pickup permits, and border fees from your broker before booking a USVI-to-BVI itinerary.
Commercial charter boats may also require an operator license to run legally in local waters. The schedule effective June 1, 2025 includes several foreign-based term-charter options, rather than one universal fee.
| Foreign Boat Type | Annual Fee | Per-Trip Fee |
| Restricted Charter (up to 115 ft) | $7,500 / year | $1,200 per cruise |
| Unrestricted Charter (up to 115 ft) | $24,000 / year | — |
| Flex Unrestricted (up to 115 ft) | $7,500 (covers first 7 charters) | $2,100 per extra charter |
| Day Trip / Dive Boat (no beds) | $8,500 / year | — |
The BVI charges a $10 fee per visitor when you enter the islands. You pay this at airport or ferry arrivals, so it is an entry fee rather than a boat tax. Check if you already paid it when arriving before adding it to your charter budget.
The National Parks Trust manages protected waters. Fees vary by boat size and permit type, though some charter yachts already carry this license. Always check if permit fees apply per boat or per person, and whether park entry costs extra.
Overnight mooring balls usually cost $30–$55+ per night, depending on the bay, season, and how you book.
Sailing between the USVI and BVI requires passing through customs and immigration. Total clearance costs depend on boat size, guest count, entry port, and whether you arrive outside regular business hours. Ask your broker for an itemized estimate for your specific route rather than using a flat average.
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. It is a pre-paid fund that the captain uses to pay for your group’s variable expenses during the trip.
Moreover, it is not a tax, an owner fee, or a profit markup. Instead, the captain tracks every dollar spent, shows you the receipts, and returns any leftover money at the end of the charter.
What APA Covers:
Note: Clients usually pay crew tips separately; as a result, contracts rarely include them in the APA fund.
| Yacht Type | Expected APA Range |
| Sailing Catamaran | 25%–30% of base rate |
| Power Catamaran | 30%–35% of base rate |
| Motor Yacht | 35%–40% of base rate |
| Pricing Model | What Is Included | Costs to Double-Check |
| All-Inclusive | Yacht, crew, meals, basic drinks, and standard running costs. | Permits, top-shelf alcohol, marina dockage, transfers, and crew tip. |
| Plus-Expenses (APA) | Yacht and crew only. | Exact APA %, fuel, food, drinks, moorings, taxes, and crew tip. |
Neither model is always cheaper. The type of charter determines which expenses the operator bundles and which remain variable. For an accurate picture, compare total estimated costs—including all extras—rather than base rates alone.
These examples show how yacht charter costs change beyond the advertised weekly rate. Adding permits, APA, and gratuities creates a complete charter budget.
| Line Item | Estimated Cost |
| Base Charter Rate | $24,000 |
| Cruising Permit (Local Boat) | $168 (check if included) |
| Visitor & Park Fees | Varies by entry method |
| Crew Tip (15%–20%) | $3,600 – $4,800 |
| Estimated Total | $27,600 – $28,968 (plus park/entry fees) |
This is an illustration, not a yacht quote. It assumes six guests, seven days, a home-based vessel, and an inclusive rate. As a result, the final total depends on the contract and confirmed inclusions.
| Line Item | Estimated Cost |
| Base Charter Fee | $30,000 |
| APA Expense Fund (25%–30%) | $7,500 – $9,000 |
| Cruising Permit (Local Boat) | $168 (check if included) |
| Crew Tip (15%–20% of base fee) | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| Estimated Total | $42,168 – $45,168 (plus park/entry fees) |
The captain returns any unspent APA money at the end of your trip. Tips are also optional and calculated on the base fee, not the APA.
A lower base rate does not always mean a lower final cost. We can compare yacht charter costs using the quoted inclusions, exclusions, APA, permits, and estimated gratuity.
Plan My BVI Charter BudgetOperating costs also change with yacht type. Review the BVI sailing vs power catamaran cost before comparing final totals.
Still deciding on a destination? Compare BVI and Grenadines charters to see how sailing routes, wind conditions, and overall budgets differ.
No, the BVI does not charge VAT or sales tax on the charter fee. However, you may still pay government permits, visitor fees, clearance, and running costs.
It costs $4 per person per day for local BVI boats, or $16 per person per day for foreign-based boats.
It depends on the boat. Review your written quote and contract to see if the price covers the fee or bills it extra.
All-inclusive charters usually cover basic mooring costs. Special buoy bookings, marina slips, or extra port fees cost extra.
No. The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is money set aside to pay for your food, drinks, and fuel. In fact, the captain returns any unspent money at the end of the trip.
Usually no. You pay the tip separately based on service, unless your contract says otherwise.
It can. For instance, sailing between the USVI and BVI adds customs, entry permits, and agent fees. Have your broker confirm these cross-border costs before you book.
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