Everything You Want to Know About Chartering the Perfect Boat

Don't let your unfamiliarity with chartering a yacht deter you from enjoying the vacation of your dreams. Read through these frequently-asked questions and then contact us with any others. We love introducing newcomers to the joy of boating.

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Charter Yacht Ownership

Cruising on your own power catamaran is the ultimate way to experience an island vacation and make memories that will last a lifetime. If you're ready for your very own boat our Charter Yacht Ownership Program offers you two ways to get paid to vacation. We can also assist in all aspects of a private yacht purchase.

MarineMax Vacations 545: First Yacht Charter Owners!

MarineMax Vacations hosted an event to welcome the newest and largest addition to their fleet of award-winning power Catamarans – the MarineMax 545. The evening was rounded out with a christening of the first model in the Charter Ownership Program!

Your Trip of a Lifetime with MarineMax Vacations

Enjoy a recap of a charter guests experience in the British Virgin Islands with MarineMax Vacations. View scenes of the picturesque adventure of select island stops, resorts, underwater life and their charter yacht, the MarineMax 484.

Owner's Perspective

Check out an owner's perspective on how their Aquila 54 has changed their life for the better!

What is Yacht Ownership with MarineMax Vacations?

Cruise the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean as a boat owner without the expense and hassle. 
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MarineMax Vacations Guide to the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. What better way to see the islands than aboard your own private power catamaran yacht! MarineMax Vacations is your ticket to the British Virgin Islands. In this series of videos, we take you on a tour of the islands to show you all the places you NEED to visit while on your vacation with MarineMax Vacations yacht charters.

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: Traveling to Tortola

After being welcomed by our MarineMax professionals and completing your custom briefings to get acquainted with the area and your yacht, head out to Salt Island and snorkel or dive the famous Wreck of the Rhone. Then head over to Cooper Island, where you can enjoy dinner ashore or a BBQ under the stars aboard your yacht.

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: Nanny Cay

Picturesque Nanny Cay, home to MarineMax Vacations, is the ideal destination to begin your island vacation even prior to boarding your luxury charter yacht. Deciding whether to relax at the pool or private beach or take on a challenge of beachside bar games under a warm breeze is an ideal way to get in the Caribbean spirit and begin experiencing all the British Virgin Islands has to offer.

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: The Baths

It features white sandy beaches framed by gigantic granite boulders formed as a result of volcanoes. Bring along your water shoes, a snorkel and a waterproof camera and explore the series of caves and grottos created by these unusual boulders.

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: North Sound

This area offers many amazing anchorages in the territory. Its easy to see why many boaters choose to spend a couple of days here. There's lots to do for the whole family, or just a couple looking to get away from it all!

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: Scrub Island

Scrub Island Resort encompasses Marina Village and is home to all-ocean view guest rooms and suites - villas that are tucked into more private areas of the island, a 24-hour fitness center, boutique, gourmet market and dive shop. There is a marina for yachts as well as swimming pools and restaurants. Most of the island is uninhabited, allowing for quiet, relaxation and exploration.

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: Monkey Point and Guana Island

There is no overnight anchorage. Snorkeling is excellent along either side of the rock walls with lots of fish and other sea life.

Guide to the British Virgin Islands: Jost Van Dyke

Jost Van Dyke (sometimes colloquially referred to as JVD or Jost) is the smallest of the four main islands of the British Virgin Islands, measuring roughly 8 square kilometres (3 square miles).

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MarineMax Vacations Fleet

Cruise at your own pace and on your own itinerary when you charter one of our luxurious power catamarans, ranging from 42 to 54 feet and offering 3, 4, or 5 cabins. Our award-winning fleet, with their quiet cabins, large entertaining spaces, and upgraded amenities, provide you with the freedom and speed to easily navigate between islands and favorite stops. And, not only are our power catamarans easy to operate, but they also offer performance and comfort including watermakers, electric grills, genset, and air conditioning.

See Yourself on the MarineMax 484

View the numerous features of this remarkable boat from the hydraulic swim platform to the 360-degree views from the galley and salon.

MarineMax Vacations 545 Power Catamaran | Full Walkthrough

This model embodies the reliable features and construction methods you can find across the Aquila brand. This more elegant cruising model offers on-board amenities enhanced with full size refrigeration, induction cooktop, C-Zone AC/DC control screens, individual AC controls in each cabin, 6” queen and king size mattresses and more.

MarineMax 545 | The Newest Advancement in Power Catamarans

This model embodies the reliable features and construction methods you can find across the Aquila brand. This more elegant cruising model offers on-board amenities enhanced with full size refrigeration, induction cooktop, C-Zone AC/DC control screens, individual AC controls in each cabin, 6” queen and king size mattresses and more.

Aquila Factory Tour

See the meticulous care and craftsmanship behind the construction and delivery of every Aquila Power Catamaran.
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MarineMax Vacations Essential Training

Go into your dream charter vacation prepared. We have everything you need to know about operating the power catamaran’s in the MarineMax Vacations fleet right at your fingertips. Check out tons of videos, tips, trends, and gear to help make your vacation ride smooth.

How to Use the Dinghy

Every MarineMax Vacations vessel includes a dinghy for your to moor and visit locations all over the British Virgin Islands. Be prepared for your MarineMax Vacation as Kevin shows you how to everything you will need to know on how to use the dingy properly and safely.

Calling The MarineMax Vacations Base For Assistance

Your MarineMax Vacation begins and ends with the base. If there is ever anything you need, you can always contact the base on Channel 16 via your onboard radio. If for any reason you do not have signal with your radio or if there is an emergency, be sure to call the base from a mobile phone.

How to Operated the Stereo System

What better way to get the party started aboard your power catamaran in the British Virgin Islands, then with a brilliant sound system! Your MarineMax Vacations boat comes standard with a great sound system that works both in the cabin and on the flybridge, so you will have great tunes wherever you are. In this video, Harry walks through the system, and how to operate.

How To Operate The Flybridge Appliances Aboard Your MarineMax Vacations Power Catamaran

We think it's fair to say that the flybridge of the MarineMax Vacations Power Catamarans are all about entertainment! On the flybridge you will find ample seating for all of your friends and family, a full bar and grill, a great surround sound system with bluetooth support and more!

How to Properly Tie Dock Lines

How to Tie a Figure Eight Knot

How to Use the Indoor Lights

Lighting couldn't be easier aboard your MarineMax Vacations Power Catamaran. With the flip of a few switches in the salon, you can light up your boat and get the party started!

Included Supplies Aboard Your MarineMax Vacations Power Catamaran

Spill your cool refreshing beverage aboard your MarineMax Power Catamaran? Never fear! All boats come fully equipped with a bunch of supplies ever guest will need to keep clean and comfortable including beach and shower towels, soap, multipurpose cleaner and a whole lot more!

Operating the Anchor and Windlass

Though not needed as much as the mooring system in the British Virgin Islands, it is always important to know how to use your anchor aboard the boat. In this video, Harry walks through how this process works including the windlass system.

Picking Up a Moorning Ball

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Meet the MarineMax Vacations Team

This team's Number 1 goal is to ensure that your charter vacation is spectacular. Once you meet us, you'll quickly realize that with our passion for boating, industry expertise, and dedication to customers, we love building relationship with our customers that often lasts for years.

Mallorie Lewis

Let Mallorie know how many people, sailing cataramaran or monohull, destination(s) and the types of activities you enjoy. She'll find a recommended sailing company that meets your wishes with the right boat and the right price. With a worldwide fleet consisting of sailing boats from Leopard, Lagoon, Bavaria, Dufour, Fountaine Pajot, the options are endless.

Michelle Bonasoro

As Office Manager, Michelle ensures all charter operation logistics and planning are service oriented and efficient for both our internal teams as well as guest service delivery.

Phil Underwood

Raul Bermudez

Raul joined the company at the inception of MarineMax Vacations and leads the Charter and Yacht sales effort for MarineMax with more than 15 years of experience in the yacht charter industry.

Tammy Worthing

Tammy has been in the charter industry for over 10 years. Prior to joining MarineMax, she planned corporate charters in Seattle. From there, she and her husband cruised on their own sailboat, eventually landing in Clearwater where she joined the Vacations team in 2012.

Danielle Gage

With Danielle's exceptional customer service, she will be with you from start to finish. Her background is team management, sales, and department Operations.

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Ask Us Your Questions

 
 
 
 
 

Jumping into the Water Part of Charter Yacht Vacations in the BVI

5 Reasons to Choose MarineMax Vacations

  • Expert planning team to help every step of the way so you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime
  • Our own customer amenity-packed power catamaran fleet in the British Virgin Islands and Bahamas
  • Access to power catamarans in amazing destinations
  • Explore an extensive resource library of videos and articles to prepare for your trip
  • Our commitment is to exceed your expectations and provide an extraordinary experience
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The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, you can. The "per person" cost of a yachting vacation is usually at or below the cost of a resort vacation or ocean cruise, without the crowds!

That really is up to you! For the ultimate experience aboard our power catamarans, the MarineMax 423 comfortably accommodates two couples and the has plenty of space in the cockpit, flybridge and foredeck.

For a spacious 3 cabin layout, you can't beat the MarineMax 443, with a forward master cabin spanning her beam and a full king size walk around berth and en suite head. Port and starboard cabins have ample space and private en-suite heads. The MarineMax 484 provides outstanding and spacious living comforts for 4 couples, or even 10 guests. The salon is large and converts to double berths if needed. Four equal size double cabins all include private en suite heads, walk around berth access and plenty of storage. Both aft cabins can be converted to twin berths if desired. The MarineMax 545 is our largest vessel in the fleet and has 5 cabins and can accommodate 10 – 11 people comfortably with king and queen mattresses, individual AC controls in each cabin and onboard amenities such as full size refrigeration, induction cooktop and more!

There are a couple of ways you can plan to dine. Provisioning is available and can be catered to your specific tastes. There are different plans to select from and we are happy to help you with that as part of your vacation planning before your departure. The great thing about provisioning is that when you arrive on the island, your boat is stocked and ready for you to climb aboard without any hassle of shopping for your grocery items.

For dining out, you will find that most overnight mooring destinations have restaurants and bars where you can enjoy dinner out with the local fares.

Overnight moorings. Overnight moorings average $30-$45 per night (cash only) and are available on a first come, first serve basis. Once you hook-up to an available mooring, someone will approach your yacht in a dinghy to collect payment and give you a receipt, or sometimes you will be instructed to pay a specific restaurant ashore. There are reservation services in some anchorages.

Dining ashore. While provisioning on your boat is most popular, guests do typically dine ashore for about half of their dinner meals and occasionally breakfast or lunch. Most restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard. American Express is less widely accepted, so you may want to verify before you get to the table. Keep in mind that the average cost for a moderate dinner is about $40 per person.

Ice & Water. A bag of Ice ranges in cost from $5.00 - $10.00. While every boat in our fleet includes watermakers where you will not need to purchase fresh water, if you should find yourself in need, it is available at most fuel docks.

Fuel. The cost of fuel is not included in the base charter fee and ranges from about $4.00 - $6.00 per gallon.

Departure Tax. The British Virgin Islands collects a departure tax at the airport just before you enter the gate area or most airlines include it in the ticket. If you leave the island by ferry, note that the departure tax is paid as you board.

Our charter experts will help you plan the most convenient and stress-free way of reaching your destination.

For more travel information by air and sea to the BVI, please click this link or download this useful guide.

For more travel information by air and sea to the Bahamas, please click this link.

More Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no license requirement in BVI or Bahamas and depending on your boating experience, you may already be qualified to skipper one of our yachts. Let's take a look at your boating résumé to review your experience and verify that you are approved to captain your charter. See the boating resume here.

You can chose to pick up a mooring ball at a destination of your choice, anchor in a harbor or even visit ports to find docks and yacht clubs.

The BVI and Bahamas are tropical paradise complete with an ideal tropical climate complete with tradewinds and plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures average 79 – 85 degrees, and nighttime temperatures are typically 75 – 80 degrees. There can be some quick local rain showers, but they usually last no more than 30 minutes. Overall, think of it as, well, outstanding. See here for more details about the BVI.

They are ideal! Winds average 10 – 20 knots providing exciting sailing conditions and cool night ventilation.

You can decide to have a captain and a cook on board for your vacation. We are happy to arrange this for you, just keep in mind that they will require a cabin. We can hire a captain, hire a crew, or plan an all-inclusive vacation for you. You can contact us for specific daily rates for your dream vacation.

Yes, you will need a passport to travel to the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, and many more destinations.

Yes, you will need to clear customs when entering the BVI or Bahamas and then again on your journey back to your country of origin. This typically takes approximately 45 minutes.

The British Virgin Islands uses US Currency, and the Bahamas uses the Bahamian Dollar..

The phrase "less is more" applies here. We recommend that you bring smaller, soft sided luggage as it will need to be stored in your cabin. It's good to take the advice of some previous guests who quickly learned that a charter vacation in paradise is best with light packing. And less baggage on the airlines is good, too.

Bathing suits, shorts and your favorite casual beach attire is best. Rubber soled shoes such as boat shoes, sandals and tennis shoes are also recommended, especially for our sailors. Some guests have been happy to have aquatic shoes when beachcombing the islands. Most importantly, don't forget to pack the sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and even a windbreaker comes in handy in the breezy evenings.

No, you do not have to start on a certain day of the week. It's your vacation; let's plan it around your schedule. The BVI requires a 5 night minimum stay and Bahamas has a 4 night minimum stay.

All transfer charges are additional fees that are not included with your charter. Once we have your travel information, we are able to help you make these arrangements at a lower partner negotiated rate.

Great question and there are a couple of options for you to choose from.

For the BVI, one option is to purchase a sleep aboard for you. The best advantage of this option is that you will be able to leave the dock and get out on the water earlier the next day since charters with a sleep aboard usually leave the marina around 11:00.

Another advantage to a sleep aboard is that you can load all of your gear, including any provisioning you want to include that evening and have an opportunity to become familiar with your boat prior to orientation.

Sleep aboards can be booked for a portion of your daily charter rate. Please ask us if this option is available for your boat when booking.

The second option for an early arrival would be to make arrangements at a local hotel, we will also work to arrange for you. Some of our guests prefer this arrangement if they are less familiar with chartering and boating in general.

No, sorry. Regardless of your experience, for safety reasons, at least two people are required on board for the BVI and Bahamas charters.

It's just one of the ways we welcome you and help you become familiar with your boat and the islands. We will show you around your boat, brief you on how things work, as well as make water navigation suggestions based on your individual vacation itinerary and desires. Safety first, so those procedures will also be part of the chart briefing. Our goal is to make you absolutely comfortable and confident with the boat and the islands before departing from the Marina. Please talk with your personal Charter Consultant for your chart briefing time, which is based on your arrival plans.

This will vary depending upon your arrival time. After you arrive at the marina, you can plan a minimum of two hours for orientation and chart briefing. Boarding time is at 12:00 pm or 4:00 pm.

We sure hope not. While the islands that make up the British Virgin Islands and Bahamas provide calm waters with ideal yachting conditions, if you are susceptible to motion sickness, then we do recommend you pack over the counter medication – some guests like a pill form, others prefer the wristband treatments. Sometimes, after the first day, guests who are susceptible have begun to feel some motion sickness. But with the OTC, they have been able to enjoy their entire paradise vacation.

Due to our fire safety restrictions, there is no smoking allowed inside or below deck on any of our charter boats.

Yes, the dinghy with outboard is included on all of our boats.

Boats in the British Virgin Island fleet are equipped with a set of snorkeling gear including mask, snorkel & fins for each vacationer free of charge. In the Bahamas, snorkel gear, fishing gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent during your charter. Please be sure to reserve these items prior to your arrival so they can be aboard your boat and ready to go when you are.

BVI – Certified divers can rent scuba gear and tanks to take on board their yacht, noting that our boats are not equipped with compressors or dive tank racks, but racks can be rented. Another option in the BVI is rendezvous diving whereas the dive company will pick you up from your yacht with your necessary gear. You would dive from their yacht, which is typically closer to the dive sites because some mooring balls are designated for dive boats only. We can help you arrange this excursion before you arrive in Tortola. Bahamas – SCUBA GEAR: We do not offer dive trips and onboard tanks are not allowed as they can cause damage. We offer lots of snorkeling opportunities at various places during your stay, however if you wish to dive, we have two great local dive shops that will conveniently come out to your boat providing all your gear, will take you on a dive and return you back to your boat.

While your carrier may have cell service while on the waters, we strongly urge you to contact them for any additional international or roaming fees you may incur. These charges can add up quickly, even just by turning your phone on and data is automatically received. In other words, be sure your international calling plan is in place beforehand if you plan on using your phone.

For BVI Charters – FREE wifi is included in the Connectivity Bundle 

For Bahamas - Cell phone service is fairly good, but internet can be sporadic. There are many free well-working wifi hot spots (one at the base resort) in the various settlements that may suit your needs – between settlements whether free or a paid service, internet is somewhat spotty. Therefore, we recommend taking advantage of the free service throughout the Cays. Please be sure you have an international service plan with your carrier during your time with us. If you have the need for immediate internet access during your charter you may rent a modem to use for internet access during your charter. We recommend Aliv as they are currently the most reliable internet service for the Abacos.

Yes, you can. Just be sure you bring any auxiliary cables you may need with you. Our yachts do include the ability to listen through our onboard sound systems.

In the British Virgin Islands, a fishing license is required for anyone 18 years or older. You can apply for a license at the Government Office on Tortola, Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, or we can help you obtain that licensing before you depart. As for Abaco Beach, fishing is allowed and a license is not required. Please note that spear fishing using scuba gear and possession of spear guns are illegal in the Bahamas. Fishing is not permitted in Pelican Cays Land or Sea Park Owl Cay Preserve.

Well, yes, you can, but why? Hair dryers and yachts really don't go well together. If you do need to use one on board, bring a very low wattage travel hair dryer.

No, we are sorry, but pets are not allowed on any charters.

We are proud to be pushing the limit on upgrades and equipment in all of our power catamarans. Equipment includes GPS satellite navigation systems, autopilots, CD/radio sound system with cockpit speakers, generators, watermakers, wifi, air conditioning, electric barbeque grills, flat screen TV's, and Ray Marine touchscreen electronics. Galley equipment also includes blenders, coffee pots and microwaves.

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BVI Destinations

Experience a personally planned charter vacation with boating options that range from an intimate trip for two to an adventure with family and friends.
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Power Yacht Charters

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MarineMax Vacations Team

Team

This team's Number 1 goal is to ensure that your charter vacation is spectacular.

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Testimonials

We're not the only ones who are passionate about boating. Enjoy these highlights from our customers' MarineMax Vacations.

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Why MarineMax

With 20 years in the business, no one knows boaters better than MarineMax.

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