Who would
like a yacht charter vacation
We’ve had honeymooners, wedding groups, corporate incentive
groups, families, divers, family reunions – and all walks of
life, young and old. Family vacations are transformed into a
magical experience for all ages when on a boat charter. Sailing,
snorkeling, kayaking, beachcombing, anything goes!
You might want to plan your visit during a special island event
such as Full Moon Parties, Festivals, Regattas, 8 Tuff Miles St.
John Road Race, Friends of the VINP Beach to Beach Swim, or a
special Holiday like Easter, Spring Break, Christmas and New
Years (both very busy times, please book early).
What additional expenses might I incur on a yacht charter
vacation ?
Many motor yachts might not include certain additional expenses
such as fuel etc. but most do in the Virgin Islands. Down
island, or in other areas like the Med, Greece etc. most request
an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) of around 30% or so.
What is not used is returned to the charter client at the close
of the trip.
Here in the Virgin Islands, your crewed yacht charter will
include all food and beverages with almost no exceptions. Even
so, most charter clients prefer to have a meal or two on land
and most yachts accommodate this wish. After all, it is nice to
sample island foods as the islanders prepare them. See our Half
Board Dining options offered by many boats now. Or just ask....I
can usually negotiate it for you.
Why a crewed charter ?
Crewed charter visitors often have the skills and ability to
“bareboat”. That is, charter a boat and be fully responsible for
it and all that goes with this kind of vacation due to
possessing a boating history. This responsibility would include
but not be limited to things such as provisioning, doing the
cooking (or paying to dine out), anchoring or mooring properly
every night by sundown, paying the check in fees for the BVI
(many Crewed Charter yachts absorb this expense as part of the
charter), be responsible for navigating unfamiliar waters and
being prepared to accept the possibility of having to “fix
something”. Often, too, there are certain areas you might not be
permitted to visit.
A charter yacht with professional crew tends to all of the above
and can take you anywhere the captain thinks is appropriate for
the vessel and for the time of year. And don’t forget, there is
a whole lot of information not found in the cruising guides
which you might miss by not having a “local guide”. All crews
love these waters and will share their many secrets with you!
If you do some homework as I have, when you total up all the
bareboating costs and time lost out of your precious week of
charter, you’ll find the pricing is about equal with no muss,
no fuss!
Is it safe in
the Virgin Islands ?
The US Virgin Islands enjoys the protection of the
Department of Homeland Security just like the mainland. And the
BVI, overseen by the British Government, is one of the most
secure destinations in the World. As to Pirates, though this
area’s history is rich with their stories for the 30 years or so
they flourished here, now you might only find them behind a
sales counter (smile).
Virgin
Islands Airlines and Airports
Many major airlines such as American Airlines, American Eagle,
Continental, Delta, Spirit Air and US Air have flights to St.
Thomas (STT) and many fly direct from large US metro areas.
If you prefer to fly directly to Tortola, you will connect in
Puerto Rico (SJU) for the short 20 minute flight to Tortola’s
Beef Island Airport (EIS) which is not open to long-range jets.
Puerto Rico (SJU) has numerous carriers providing service.
How do we get to our
charter ?
It is best that we discuss this during the planning stages
for your charter. However, below, you will find thumbnail
sketches of some options:
·
The Virgin Islands is one of the most easily accessed
destinations in the World. Completing the
Charter Inquire Form
ensures that we have this information.
·
US citizens, arriving to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI are
simply arriving to another spot of US soil. The airport is
located towards the west end of the 13 mile long island.
·
From the airport, you can easily taxi to the marina where your
charter yacht waits to welcome you aboard. There is no Customs
or Immigration on your way in, thereby eliminating the waste of
valuable vacation time. Once you leave US waters soon into your
charter week, your captain will take care of all the British
Virgin Islands check in details without you having to be
present. Normally, if you do not choose to “decompress” at a
hotel on your way in, you can meet your yacht on the same day
you arrive. All recommendations can best be discussed with Slip
Aweigh Yacht Charters to assure a smooth transition to your
tropical dream vacation.
·
For non-US visitors, please refer to the current regulations at
the US Entry Requirements site. This should be done frequently
before your charter as changes can occur at any time.
British Virgin Islands
If you choose a charter originating in the British Virgin
Islands, you might want to fly into Tortola (the airport is
actually located on Beef Island). BVI Customs and Immigration is
located at the airport. Then take a taxi to the yacht at one of
several possible starting points on Tortola.
NOTE: You also have the option of using a ferry from Downtown
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to arrive in Tortola, your schedule
permitting. Slip Aweigh Yacht Charters can help you to
coordinate this.
How reliable are the ferries between the US and British Virgin
Islands ?
Very reliable, unless something breaks on that day, you are
normally assured that the ferry schedules are very good
generally. HOWEVER, it is essential that you or I check the
operations on your given day of arrival. Seasonal changes are
routine, and it’s best to stay informed.
Do
we need passports to enter the Virgin Islands?
If your charter extends into the BVI, and almost all do, all
persons on board must have valid passports from their country of
origin. We recommend you stay informed of updated passport
information for latest rules and regulations. Go to
www.travel.state.gov
for the most current information.
http://travel.state.gov.
http://travel.state.gov/
Note: When checking into the BVI, the Captain of your
charter yacht performs the check in for your whole party at
the entry point of your choosing. However, when reentering
the USVI, all passengers must accompany the Captain to the
reentry site.
Reentry to the US Virgin Islands is easy. You and your crew
choose where you want to check in -maybe Cruz Bay, St. John
for some excellent shopping after your charter, flight time
permitting, or you can check in in Downtown Charlotte Amalie
on your way to the airport.
It, too, is advised if arriving from a foreign country
(other than the U.S.) that you check into the most current
requirements for tourist Visas. Two good web sites are the
BVI Tourism Site
and the US State Department Site.
Does my charter have to be only 7 nights and 8 days?
No—Slip Aweigh can arrange a longer term for you. The costs
would be prorated against the daily cost of the yacht in most
cases. Just ask! Also, Slip Aweigh can negotiate with most
yachts for a shorter term for you.....but you could incur a
10-15% surcharge. It does cost a lot to get the yacht ready for
you regardless of how long you’ll be aboard.
What do we do all day we have an active family ?
Hike as high or as low as you wish on an island where you
might see no other people. Look out over the whole of both great
seas. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive. Kayak, windsurf, water ski.
Crawl up, over and under house sized boulders at The Baths on
Virgin Gorda; swim into the caves on Robert Lewis Stevens’
Treasure Island—(ok, really the BVI’s Norman Island).
See all the tropical fish up close, in your face. Sail out to
Anegada, the Drowned Island, comb the miles of virtually empty
white sand beaches, look for the flamingos...then gorge on the
freshest lobster known under a brilliant canopy of stars. Or,
sit on a beach and read a book all day. The choice is yours.
Join the party at some of the most famous places to celebrate
the Full Moon Bomba Shack or at Aragorn’s place in Trellis Bay,
Tortola. Kids and adults love the long, calm beach at Cane
Garden Bay on Tortola, and Ivan’s on White Bay is a favorite
spot of other Virgin Islanders, (Kenny Chesney wrote a song
about it!) Also, Foxy’s on Great Harbour is always a lot of fun
for all ages, especially when he’s playing his guitar .
Plan your trip to coincide with one of the numerous Carnivals or
Festivals. There, you can march in the Parade, join the Tramp,
or dance the night away to a Calypso band.
Do you
offer Special or Themed Charters?
Yes, there are cruises to meet almost every need. Some of
these include:
Scuba Diving Charters
Many programs are available for diving from beginner up
to Advanced Diver. The variety of diving and the beauty is
unmatched in the Caribbean and includes reef, night, cave
and wreck dives.
Learn To Sail
Most sailing charter captains and crews are happy to
share their knowledge of sailing, and there will be
opportunities to steer the boat and adjust the sails if you
want. There are, however, captains that are qualified
sailing instructors offering both ASA and US Sailing
Courses. If you are interested in learning more about how to
sail, Slip Aweigh, will coordinate the boat and course that
best suits your needs. After all, we taught ASA sailing
courses on our own Charteryacht, S/V Southwind.
Honeymoon and Wedding Charters
There are many weddings aboard yachts, even some on the
white sand beach where the Bride and Groom were delivered by
the yacht tender (dinghy)! More commonly though is the
honeymoon cruise. Our private yacht charters provide one of
the most romantic honeymoons to begin your new life
together without any worries after all you've gone through
with the preparation. What luxury! And what about those
private beach picnics for just the two of you, lovingly
packed by your charter chef?
Clothing Optional Charters and Nude Charters
More than 50% of the charter yachts offer nude charters
or clothing optional charters. Just
inquire, the rates would
not change if you decided on this option... After all, it’s
a “natural”. Some yacht crews do not mind their guests
'expressing themselves', and the seclusion possibility on
your own yacht ensures you privacy. Although clothing
optional is not acceptable on the public beaches or on land,
when you’re on the water, it’s just “you and the breeze” out
on the water!
Gay and Lesbian Charters
Several yachts offer this option at standard Charter rates
of course. Please include this in your special notes on our
Questionnaire or give us a call for more information.
Captain Only Crew
A few charter yachts are available with the captain only.
The yacht is available with the captain at a lower rate than
fully crewed and the charter guest pays all the expenses.
Expenses would include provisions (including enough for the
Captain), fuel, water, taxes, etc. Also, you prepare the meals
and look after your cabins. This might be a good choice for
those that want to eat ashore frequently and don't need the
personal service that a fully crewed charter includes.
We have a
friend on a special diet
Most of our yachts will do everything to accommodate your
special dietary requirements. Many can do vegetarian menus that
will delight everyone, not just the vegetarians. Kosher is
available on some boats, though often in 'modified' form due to
the constraints of a yacht's galley. The most important thing is
to CALL US as soon as you know you have special needs so we can
plan accordingly and complete the inquiry Form. With enough
advance communication, most diets are possible, even here in the
islands!
What if we prefer to enjoy dining on land at night ?
Dining “off the boat” is just about always at the guests’
expense, and when you make this choice, your Captain and crew
can recommend many dining options on each of the inhabited
islands. Don’t forget, they are your guides to your Best
Vacation Ever. If this concept appeals to you,
ask about our Half
Board Dining Charters.
What to bring (i.e. clothing type, gear, shoes, cameras)
Peeling Tourist (aka Turpentine) Tree
First, only bring soft sided luggage since space is limited
and storage is easier. Hard luggage can damage woodwork and
paint.
For those wearing clothing (joke!), bring casual wear, mostly
shorts, Tshirts, and swimsuits. A few of the more formal
restaurants, mostly limited to the high-end restaurants of the
BVI, require long pants and collared shirts and occasionally a
jacket, but "smart casual" is the norm.
A large brimmed hat is very useful to keep off the sun. The
tropical sun can be very damaging to your skin, so bring a
protective lotion that does not stain towels, sheets, cockpit
cushions and decks. Greasy preparations and oils in general are
forbidden on board. Most charter yachts will provide sunscreen
on board. And don’t forget the big shirt coverup. Just great for
reducing the red look of the Peeling Tourist or Tourist Nose
Tree!
Shoes of choice are the type of sandals with heel straps.
These will take you from the dinghy, to the rocks, to the sandy
beach, to the shops and anywhere else. Flipflops or tie shoes
can be bothersome for daily routine. However, if you plan on
doing any serious hiking, you might opt for more substantial
footwear but we love the strapped sandals for just about
anything.
Your own mask and snorkel if you’re inclined, but all yachts
carry an assortment of sizes. If you are expecting to scuba
dive, check with your broker to make sure of the available
equipment on board the yacht. Pre arrangements can be made for
what is called “Rendezvous Diving”. The chosen dive operator
will meet you in a particular cove and whisk you away to a great
diving experience!
Cameras: Most everyone will have their digital camera
with them. But it is a good idea to bring some waterproof
disposable cameras for those unforgettable underwater shots of
that Turtle! Buy them at home—they are expensive here.
What is the
cost of a crewed charter ?
The cost of crewed charters vary depending on the size of
vessel, motor yacht or sail, number of people on board, etc. The
duration of the charter is usually a week, but can be any
length. Generally, all food, beverages and water activities are
included. When compared to other vacations, the bottom line
represents a real value. Diving is usually extra. Please
inquire.
The price per person starts around $1250 per person but that is
based on the number of people on board. The more people, up to
the yacht’s capacity, the less each pays.
Motor yachts usually cost more than sail boats. Groups on larger
yachts can often be less expensive per person than a couple on a
small yacht but the majority of the yachts are available for
parties from only two. Large groups may prefer to charter more
than one yacht and travel as a "flotilla". This is very common,
especially for corporate groups or family reunions.
The summer season will be less expensive than winter in the
Caribbean.
Summer season is May 1st to December 14th. Winter season is
December 15th to April 30th.
Xmas and New Years usually have an additional fee.
Dockage and shore excursions are extra.
Gratuities (generally between 10 and 20% of the cost of the
charter) are the norm when the service merits it. Remember that
your crew work hard to ensure your U.S. Virgin Islands vacation
is a great one. They are your chef, bartender, tour guide,
teacher, sharer of natural and cultural history...etc. Once I
even performed the services of a barber!
What are the
Payment Procedures ?
Questions about payment are best handled by Slip Aweigh
Yacht Charters over the phone or by
email.
However, generally, for charters starting less than six (6)
months out, a deposit representing 50% of the charter fee is
required to confirm your charter and secure the dates for your
chosen yacht.
For more than six (6) months out, a smaller deposit, 25%
will confirm the charter with the next 25% due around six (6)
months prior to the charter date. Final payments in either case
must be made by 60 days in advance of the charter start.
For last minute bookings (or those within 30 days of the
charter date) full payment may be required. Ask Slip Aweigh.
Various forms of payment can be acceptable including wire
transfers, cashier and personal checks (with no processing
fees), and Visa or Mastercard (with processing fees where
taken).
Do we need Trip Insurance ?
Though no one can make this decision for you,Trip Insurance is
always a good thing to consider and strongly recommended by Slip
Aweigh Professional Yacht Charters.
Insure My Trip
has an array of options to choose from. Most offer instant
quotes online for yacht charter vacations. Understand that your
charter and you will be protected by a standard charter
agreement fully executed by you and the yacht’s
owner/representative. Once the charter is confirmed by payment
and this signed agreement, the terms of the agreement take full
force. In the event of a calamity, or something stopping you
from coming, your coverage of trip insurance will be a welcome
relief. It is not extremely expensive.
Cell phones in
the Virgin Islands
For the busy executive who can’t quite leave business
behind, you can get CCT Boat Phone in the BVI just by dialing
your call. Wait for Boat Phone operator to come on the line to
receive your payment information. BE FOREWARNED: The charges are
about $4.00/minute, for both outbound and inbound calls. Your
cell phone might work in certain places here. We recommend
checking with your service provider prior.
In this day and age of wireless computer access, you will find
that it is very common in all the islands now. What is NOT
common is consistency of service. And some simple things are
simply NOT simple. A friend wanted to download one song from
iTunes the other day on her wireless connection in the BVI to
discover a 68 minute wait for it to finish...!! It is the nature
of the islands, mon.
