A yacht charter with a captain in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) offers the ideal mix of freedom, comfort, and local know-how. Your captain handles the route, safety, and daily planning. As a result, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, hidden snorkel spots, and the best local places without any stress.
If this is your first charter, BVISAIL can also help you understand how chartering works, what is included, how pricing works, and how to prepare for your week aboard.
Discover why yacht charters offer more freedom, privacy, and value than resorts and cruises.
Discover the Benefits →Share your travel dates, group details, and preferences to get matched with the perfect yacht.
Plan Your Yacht Escape →“Many first-time charterers assume they need a fully crewed yacht. In practice, a captain-only charter is often the better fit for couples or families who enjoy dining ashore and want more flexibility.”
Broker Insight
At BVISAIL, we help you find the perfect yacht and captain for your BVI sailing vacation. Whether you’re planning a family trip or romantic escape, a captain-only charter is a great choice. You can relax while the captain handles all the sailing.
Lagoon 45 Catamaran (3 cabins, 6 guests)
Rapscallion is a 2018 45′ Lagoon catamaran with three queen ensuite cabins, perfect for up to six guests. Additionally, it offers indoor and outdoor spaces, alfresco dining, and plenty of spots to relax. Water toys include paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and fishing rods.
Captain-Only Rate: Approximately $11,000/week, plus expenses
BVI Yacht Charter with Captain Review
Captain Jamie and the Rapscallion turned our BVI charter into a masterclass in how to live well and sail better. From the moment we stepped aboard, Jamie’s planning was tighter than a ship’s rigging-every stop, from the Rhone’s haunting wreck to Anegada’s lobster-laden shores, felt like he’d whispered to the islands ahead of time
2015 Leopard 44 Catamaran (3 VIP cabins, 6 guests)
Blackfisk is a 2015 Leopard 44 catamaran, fully updated in 2022 for comfort and style. It features three queen cabins with private bathrooms, a cozy saloon, and air conditioning. The spacious aft cockpit is perfect for relaxing with a drink while sailing the BVI and USVI. Whether you want adventure or downtime, Blackfisk offers the perfect setting for a fun Caribbean getaway.
Captain-Only Rate: Approximately $11,500/week, plus expenses
BVI Yacht Charter with Captain Review
Dustin’s professionalism stood out from the start—his deep knowledge of sailing and navigation gave us total confidence throughout the journey. Whether we were cruising open waters or anchoring in a quiet cove, everything felt smooth and expertly handled.
Leopard 50 Catamaran (3 cabins, 6 guests)
One II Love is a 2019 50′ Leopard catamaran made for comfort and style, ideal for up to six guests. Moreover, it features a master suite, two queen en-suite cabins, and air conditioning throughout. Enjoy great views from the flybridge, relax on the front trampoline, or unwind in the shaded cockpit areas.
Captain-Only Rate: Approximately $15,000/week, plus expenses
BVI Yacht Charter with Captain Review
Captain Thomas was the best thing about the yacht. He made our experience memorable and fun. The yacht was very nice, and we felt like we had an upscale experience. Captain Thomas was friendly, helpful, and professional.
He was kind to our daughters, and we always felt like we were in good hands. Captain Thomas asked us for our preferences beforehand and gave us what we asked for!
Experience top BVI sailboat charters with a captain.
Captain-only charters in the British Virgin Islands include a skipper to sail the yacht, but no full crew. You handle meals and onboard service unless you choose to add a chef. It’s a flexible, budget-friendly option between a bareboat and a fully crewed, all-inclusive charter.
Before your trip, your captain will work with our team to review your preferences and build a preliminary itinerary. During your charter, the captain will give daily briefings and share tips on the best destinations. They’ll also adjust the itinerary based on weather and your preferences.
Captains also act as your concierge, recommending restaurants and booking onshore excursions. If you’re curious, they can even teach you basic sailing skills.
Not sure where to start? BVISAIL’s expert Yacht Charter Brokers are here to help you find the perfect yacht and captain for your group. Here are a few things to consider:
Tip: Reading crew bios and watching short intro videos can help you feel confident about your choice.
So, here’s a sample from the captain-only catamaran charter Rapscallion:
Captain Jamie Still has sailed over 15,000 nautical miles and brings years of experience to every charter. He left a successful tech career to follow his passion for the sea and has since sailed in the Caribbean, U.S. East Coast, Bahamas, Greece, and Norway.
Captain of the Catamaran Rapscallion, Jamie Still
Jamie is also a licensed pilot and certified scuba diver. Guests love his calm leadership, strong focus on safety, and expert boat handling. He’s dedicated to creating a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience for everyone on board.
A captain-only charter typically starts around $10,000–$15,000 per week, depending on the yacht size and season. You’ll get a professional skipper and handle meals and service yourself, or add a chef for an extra fee. Fully crewed charters typically cost $15,000–$30,000+ per week and include crew, meals, drinks, and full service.
No experience is needed. The captain handles all sailing and navigation, so you can relax and enjoy the trip.
Most captain-only charters are available on sailing catamarans ranging from 45 to 50 feet, with space for 2–6 guests.
Many captain-only charters include basic gear like snorkel sets, paddleboards, or kayaks.
Yes! Many guests prefer to bring their groceries or use a provisioning service. The captain can also recommend local markets or stores in the BVI.
Planning your yacht vacation is easier with a charter matchmaker. At BVISAIL, we help you find the perfect yacht, crew, and itinerary to match your dream getaway.
Because trusted expertise turns a good yacht trip into an unforgettable one.
Discover the best of the British Virgin Islands with a custom sailing itinerary designed just for you. Whether you’re after quiet beaches in Virgin Gorda or lively beach bars in Jost Van Dyke, we’ll help plan the perfect route. Here are a few sample itineraries to inspire your adventure:
Contact us at 1-321-777-1707 or complete this form to discuss your vacation plans.
