BVI Catamaran Charter With Captain: Your Adventure Awaits

If you're dreaming of exploring the British Virgin Islands but want the confidence of having an experienced skipper onboard, a BVI catamaran charter with captain is your ideal choice. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-timer, this style of charter combines the thrill of adventure with the support of a knowledgeable captain, ensuring your journey is as smooth and unforgettable as the turquoise waters you'll sail through.

Unlike traditional crewed charters that include both a skipper and hostess, a Captain-Only charter offers just the skipper. You handle the provisioning and cooking (or as much of it as you want), so the adventure stays firmly in your hands. But there are a few perks that set this option apart from a standard bareboat with an added skipper.

Familiarity, Comfort, and Ease

With Captain-Only charters, you know who your skipper will be ahead of time. This is a game-changer because it allows you to build a relationship with your captain before even stepping onboard. Trust me, knowing your skipper is a kindred spirit makes the whole experience smoother—they’re not just steering the boat, they’re a key part of your adventure.

These skippers go beyond simply navigating. They assist with daily tasks like meal cleanup and general tidying—meaning you get more time for sundowners on the flybridge. Plus, they're happy to pitch in with cocktail-making or even arranging the perfect day trip or beach barbecue. Think of them not as a captain in a stiff uniform, but as an experienced friend ensuring your journey is seamless and full of fun.

Enhanced Amenities and Adventure Toys

Another major plus when considering your BVI catamaran charter with captain: Captain-Only charters tend to offer a step up in comfort compared to your usual bareboat. Imagine upgraded linens, stylish interiors, and little touches of luxury that elevate your stay onboard. On top of that, many of these yachts come stocked with additional water toys—paddleboards, kayaks, Lilly pads, and even onboard WiFi for when you need to stay connected. It’s all those little upgrades that make the experience feel both rugged and refined.

Take Blackfisk, for example—I met Dustin, the skipper, at the 2024 crewed yacht show and had a chance to tour his beautifully refitted Leopard 44. Despite being an older model, the boat has been meticulously updated to feel brand new. Dustin's a seasoned skipper, full of personality, and his pricing starts at $11,500 for a week. When you break it down, that's a pretty sweet deal for a week of carefree sailing in comfort. It's comparable to pricing for a bareboat charter with an added skipper.

Your Personal Concierge at Sea

• Provisioning assistance to make sure you're fully stocked without the headache
• Concierge booking for moorings, restaurant reservations, onshore excursions, and even day trips
• After-meal cleanup and mid-week linen refreshes
• Coordinated fun on the water—snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, and more
• Local insights into the cruising grounds—the best restaurants, off-the-beaten-path beaches, and themed playlists to set the mood

Why a Captain-Only Charter Could Be the Best Fit

Captain-Only charters are an excellent fit for those of us who love being involved in the sailing experience but could use a bit of help with the navigation or local expertise. You still get to manage provisioning and the thrill of handling some of the sailing tasks, but with the comfort of knowing you’ve got a trusted captain guiding the way.

And the value? Compared to fully crewed charters, this setup is more affordable while still giving you enhanced comfort and amenities. Plus, you get all the bells and whistles like extra water toys, onboard WiFi, and thoughtful touches like daily tidying and meal assistance.

Captain-only Crewed Charter vs. Bareboat with Added Skipper

• Captain Selection: A captain-only charter offers a pre-arranged skipper you can connect with beforehand, while a bareboat skipper is often assigned only several days before your charter
• Role: Captain-only charters provide a skipper who navigates, assists with tasks, and enhances your experience. Bareboat skippers typically are expected to focus mostly on navigation.
• Comfort: Captain-only charters include upgraded amenities and water toys; bareboats typically offer standard features unless extras are added.
• Privacy: With only the captain onboard, captain-only charters provide more privacy, while a bareboat skipper may feel like an external service provider.
• Value: Captain-only charters are more complete and integrated, while bareboat options may require additional costs for similar comfort and services.

Captain-Only Crewed Charter Fleet

• Blackfisk, a 44 foot sailing cat for up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at $11,500/week
• Perpetual Blue a 59 foot sailing catamaran for up to 10 guests. Pricing starts at $22,700/ week
• Opus a 50 foot sailing catamaran for up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at $7,500/ week 
• Scuba Doo a 50 foot sailing catamaran for up to 8 guests. Pricing starts at $18,000/ week 
• Wanderlust a 50 foot sailing catamaran for up 8 guests. Pricing starts at $18,000/ week 
• Blue Octane a 52 foot sailing catamaran for up to 8 guests. Pricing starts at $25,000/ week 
• Purelyblu a 50 foot sailing catamaran for up to 8 guests. Pricing starts at $18,000/ week
• On a Whim III a 46 foot sailing catamaran for up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at $20,000/ week 
• Solar Winds a 49 foot sailing catamaran for up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at $20,000/ week 
• Rapscallion a 45 foot sailing catamaran for up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at $12,000/ week
• One II Love a 50 foot sailing catamaran for up to 6 guests. Pricing starts at $15,000/ week 
• Karma a 50 foot sailing catamaran for up to 8 guests. Pricing starts at $18,000/ week 

What is the Best BVI Catamaran Charter with Captain Option for you?