Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
COSTS
Several factors influence charter boat costs, including the vessel's size, age, hull type and
amenities.
Charter Fees
January to April is the busy season when prices peak. Boats with a generator and air-condi-
tioning drive up the fee. For crewed boats, add about $2500 per week to the price for cata-
marans, as they're the yacht type used most often. A live-aboard sailing school costs roughly
$2200 per person for a five-day course.
Sample bareboat costs during high season:
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Small monohull
(two to three cabins) $3000 to $5500 per week
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Large monohull
(four to five cabins) $5000 to $8800 per week
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Small catamaran
(two to three cabins) $4500 to $7000 per week
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Large catamaran
(four to five cabins) $6000 to $12,000 per week
Extra Fees
While crewed boat costs are all-inclusive (except for tipping), bareboat charters have extra
expenses to consider:
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Food & drink
Charter companies in the Virgin Islands almost always offer provisioning
packages, where they'll stock your boat. The most popular type includes all breakfasts, all
lunches and three or four dinners, for an average of $25 per person per day. Doing your own
provisioning (there are large markets in St Thomas, St John and Tortola) is always an option;
it costs time but can save money.
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Boat insurance
Ranges from $30 to $50 per day.
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Crew
Maybe you don't need a full crew but would like a skipper for your journey. You
can hire one for whatever length of time you desire for roughly $150 a day; add $25 a day
for an instructional skipper. Cooks also work for hire for $125 to $150 per day. Note that
whatever crew you take on, you'll have to provide their sleeping cabin and food, as well.
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Tipping
It's customary to tip crew 10% to 15% in cash for good service. Base the amount
on the charter fee, and give it to the captain for the entire crew's work.
