April 2026
Captain Gavin & Chef Dani
Our group of 2 couples spent four incredible days and nights aboard a 48-ft Bali catamaran (4 Queen beds - we only used 3), and the experience was elevated beyond anything we expected by our phenomenal crew. Captain Gavin navigated us expertly across the BVIs — hitting great spots starting on Norman Island to Virgin Gorda to Jost Van Dyke and sites along the way — always keeping us safe, on schedule, and somehow also entertaining. He balanced adventure and leisure perfectly, knew exactly when to push forward and when to linger. Whenever meal times came around we were greeted with beautiful tablescapes and our drink of choice fast to follow taking a seat. Chef Dani is simply in a league of her own. Every meal — from duck confit eggs Benedict at breakfast, to short ribs over truffle risotto at dinner, to chocolate lava cake and lemon meringue tarts for dessert — was plated beautifully and tasted even better. She also baked a red velvet birthday cake for two of us celebrating milestone birthdays. Together, Gavin and Dani created an atmosphere that felt like a five-star resort on the open water.
Phenomenal!
We had a great time on Oceana. We had amazing weather, and the boat was phenomenal.
We took six of our closest friends and the layout of the boat and rooms were amazing. We especially liked that the dining area could be closed and covered, but also opened up. It made the boat feel much larger than it was. We also really appreciated the front area that didn’t have a net but rather more lounge area to hang out on.
Our crew Gavin and Dani were absolutely phenomenal. I’m sure most cruises down there are amazing but these guys definitely went the extra mile. We were celebrating my 40th birthday and they made all of us feel like close friends.
Our group has spent plenty of time on boats in the past, but having a crewed charter is definitely the way to go. They did a great job staying ahead of a 40 catamaran flotilla to help us avoid the crowds. No worrying about finding mooring balls. The service and food were absolutely top-notch, even for us as foodies.
We are definitely going to keep this on a short list of vacations for future years.
February 2025
Julia + Cam
Thank you does not begin to express our appreciation for how you’ve put this trip of a lifetime over the top for us. Your special touches have accented the natural beauty & onboard experienced to make this trip extraordinary for us, truly. Thank you so much! You’ll both always be a big part of our memories this week. - Terese & David
Cam + Julia
Thank you for making my first, not Deb’s, sailing trip in the BVI so memorable and enjoyable. The time spent and accommodations made, considering my balance issue, was so much appreciated. That was my biggest apprehension when coming on this trip. Cam, you are a pro, plain and simple. You made everyone feel extremely safe at all times and you captained us to some of the most beautiful destinations we have ever been to. Julia, we have never had such quality meals. The presentations and ALL the meals were utterly fantastic. Thank you Cam + Julia for making this the trip of a lifetime. - Chris & Deb
Dear Julia and Cam,
Thank you for your exceptional hospitality during our stay on the Oceana. You made sure that our cruise in and around BVI captured the best of sights, snorkelling and natural beauty of the islands. All your meals and presentation went above and beyond! You created meals that covered all of our requests using your creative talent and love for cooking. It’s apparent that you both love what you do for a living. Thank you for sharing with us and making this a vacation of a lifetime! Thanks for letting me drive. Hope to give you a wave when we pass Port to Port someday! - Dave & Linda
Thanks so much for this unbelievable experience! You two were the best of hosts. The best food of my life for sure! Cam - your expertise as a captain, knowledge of the are and expertise and flair with table setting :) made this trip perfect. Good luck to you both wherever you end. Thanks again - Laurel.
Thanks for everything! This was quite the experience. Thanks for helping me on & off the boat. This was so much fun! The food was so good! Thanks for your hospitality! - Barb
February 2025
Cam & Julia,
Thank you for an amazing week. We truly enjoyed our time on the Oceana. Chef Julia is amazing and very talented as the food was incredible. Captain Cam made our trip memorable! - Jen & Roger
Captain Cam & Chef Julia -
We can’t say enough about the incredible trip & experience the two of you provided for us. The meals, company, knowledge of the islands were truly remarkable and something we will long remember! Thank you for so many wonderful memories & tips on Prosecco storage ;)
xoxo Jen & Rick
Cam and Julia, we’ve had an unforgettable time aboard Oceana. You are both as professional as you are warm and welcoming. Seth and I are huge fans of the “Creigh Kids”. Please look us up if you are ever in New England. We wish you the best! - Seth & Julie
January 2025
Captain Cam & Chef Julia,
What an amazing trip. Thank you for your hospitality! The food was absolutely some of the best I’ve ever had. Sailing was fun and I loved the debrief every morning. Ranks as best trip ever! Thank you - Samantha & Paul
Cam & Julia, what a spectacular few days. You were the most gracious hosts/crew. A beautiful trip with 5 star food and amazing scenery. Thank you so much for everything and when plan our return trip we will def look you up. Thank you for making Haleys birthday so special.
Clay & Haley
January 2025
Cam & Julia,
Thank you for such a lovely trip! I had so much fun and made so many unforgettable memories. You guys are so fun and awesome and I am so grateful to call you guys friends. Everybody should have a Cam & Julia in their lives. See you soon, save some rum for me. - Samantha
Julia & Cam,
Thank you so very much for an incredible week! We had so many laughs and made memories we will talk about for our lifetime. As Sami said, everyone should be lucky enough to have a Cam & Julia in their lives. I hope we stay in touch and we get to see you both again! Julia you are so talented, thank you for the amazing meals.Cam thank you for showing us the best of the BVI and for not making any questionable decisions ;)
Thank you for making Morgan’s birthday so amazing. You guys are like family now since you watched Morgan transition to an adult haha. Please know you are always welcome to come visit us. Its not the BVI, but you always have a place to visit if you need some good sibling banter and don’t want to fly all the way home. Thank you! Thank you! I could go on but I will just say again you guys rock! See you soon!
Love and gratitude,
Renee
December 2024
Holy cow amazing vacation, beautiful sites to see (stars at Anegada, sunset + sunrise, snorkelling the Indians + baths + eustasia). Food is sooo freaking good can’t explain. Driving is immaculate. Thank you Cam and Julia!! Cam and Julia are homies FR! The kindest, welcoming and very caring crew. This trip is defo a must do and you gotta do it on Oceana (BVI olympic champions 2024). Cam’s Ted Talks are always very informative and well prepared. I got to say for a very tardy family Cam + Julia always got us everywhere on time. Another thing is you may think because your on a boat that food may be rationed but actually Julia is pretty darn good at Tetris because there is apparently no end to the food supply. Shoutout to Captain Will on Windward too cause he’s a G! Overall infinity/10 vacation rating, very fun, lots of adventures and exploring. Thanks Cam and Julia !!
Fabulous holiday, we enjoyed and appreciated all, thank you.
Jamie, Spencer, Ben, Andrew & Laura
December 2024
Captain Cam + Chef Julia, Best chef. Best capitan. Best vacation. We are forever grateful for the incredible experiences including water sports on Christmas, snorkeling, hiking and fishing (for fish and hats!) Thank you for introducing us to Peter Combe, pavlova, and vegemite! We also loved learning about the Sydney to Hobart yacht race! You’ve made this Christmas week magical with all of your special touches!
November 2024
Cam & Julia, the member of the “Canyon Crew” was an instant yes! To this trip which for me was another tick on the bucket list. Thank you for your care, time and attention. This was a magical week with friends regrouping for an adventure. Your flexibility in plans and itinerary, meals… what a treat. You accommodated every request seamlessly and made this vacation incredible and memorable. Thank you for everything. Cheers to an amazing season - Lisa
Canyon Crew Trip! One of the most memorable and relaxing trips of our life! Food was amazing! Julia is an amazing person and chef. GC coffee for the win! Cam was an amazing captain and made all of our plans work wonderfully! Thanks again for a memorable trip! Can’t wait to return! - Thanks, Tiffany!
Cam & Julia - All we can say is wow! This trip has been beyond our wildest dreams. You both are just so cute, you work so well together and it really shows how much you love your jobs! Your hospitality was more than we can ask for. The laughs, the memories will most definitely last forever. All the best - Mark and Deidra
November 2024
Our time on Oceana has been nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the incredible care and dedication of Capt Cam and First Mate Julia. They went above and beyond in every way, from expertly guiding us through beautiful waters to serving unforgettable meals. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality made each day a joy, and it’s clear they love what they do. We leave with wonderful memories and deep appreciation for all they did to make our trip special.
- Fukarie Tribe Sailing the BVI November 2024
August 2024
James & Julia:
There is nothing quite like setting high expectations and STILL having them exceeded EXPONENTIALLY! The vessel was top-notch, the weather was (mostly) lovely, the sights and destinations were awe-inspiring, and most of all the captain/crew team were amazing! Everything was timely, safe, comfortable and fun, and the food was not only delicious but also presented like any high-end TV show would want!
We are almost hesitant to tell our friends, because we don’t want to be judged out of future reservations! - Carolyn, Eric, Max, Sam & Faith
James and Julia were both so friendly and funny. I felt so comfortable being with them for a week. Glad to have met them! - Faith
Super impressed with the special design of the Oceana - layout was perfect for my family of 5. James & Julia were quite the duo, complimented each other quite well! James is everything you want in a Captain.. you can see the joy in his eyes when his guests are enjoying his itinerary- which was perfectly designed to experience the best of the BVI. Julia made us comfortable and kept delighting us with her meals. So sweet and friendly. - Carolyn
July 2024
James and Julia -
You both made what we knew would be a trip of a lifetime even more spectacular!!! What incredible memories we made. James, you are an amazing captain and Julia you are an exquisite chef! The food was (3 meals a day plus snack!) was unbelievable! I particularly loved the way you both interacted with my grandsons and all of us! We had so much fun!! You both set the bar really high. We started this wonderful trip as a family of 7 and are leaving as a family of 9! All my love to you both!!! This trip was as a 15 on the scale of 1-10!! - Michael, Suzy & Sam
Thank y’all so much for being not just a great captain and chef but great friends. - Love, Charlie
James & Julia
You both made this trip amazing! I trust we would not have had the same or even as close of a spectacular experience without you guys! Best wishes and thank you!!! - Cheers, Patrick
James & Julia
Thank you for making this trip so amazing. Enjoyed getting to know you both. Best wishes and hope to get to sail with you both again soon! - Love Gretchen
Thank you both for making this trip so great. I had so much fun helping out and doing new things. I hope to sail again with you both soon! - Patrick
July 2024
Words cannot describe how amazing our week was. Julia and PJ were just the best!! Every day was perfect and all of our meals/snacks were amazing. You guys were so awesome. Not the first time we’ve done a cat charter but definitely the best! Boat was great! PJ was patient and dealt with our requests easily. He was cordial, intuitive and informative. Julia was the best chef ever! Every meal she made was fantastic, creative and better than any meal we could have had on any of the islands!
PJ, thank you so much for your knowledge and expertise of sailing and the area. Julia, your food was amazing! I hope you get your brick and mortar one day. What an amazing trip.
June 2024
From our Group:
This was a bucket list trip and delivered in every way. James and Julia made the trip perfect in every way the route was planned exceptionally so we could experience the best of the BVI Julia‘s wonderful menus and hospitality made us all satisfied and welcome. They also were incredibly well as a team. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime.
-Susan
Dear Julia and James there are so many things to thank you for but most importantly you made us feel safe and that allowed us to completely relax coming off a four year medical Odyssey we were excited to join our friends on the trip but had some concerns about accommodating our medical considerations from the initial phone conversation our fears were put to rest James your calm leadership and extensive knowledge of the waters definitely enhanced our trip. You had a knack for finding the most beautiful spots Julia your food was amazing. Every meal was just perfect taste wise and visually truly I didn’t even care if we ate in restaurants because I knew your food was better in conclusion. Thank you so much for such a relaxing beautiful week will be back.
I’ve been Jerry‘s caregiver for three years with him finally healthy. This trip was an opportunity to celebrate life with good friends. What I didn’t anticipate was the opportunity to relinquish the caregiving role and let two lovely teammates. Take care of me. You gave me the gift of total relaxation and for that I am very grateful.
-Lynne
James and Julia, thank you for allowing us to have the most relaxing vacation ever you truly spoiled as Captain James took us to The bluest water spots and best spots for snorkelling chef Julia whipped up the most amazing food like it was nothing she made gluten-free look easy best chocolate cake ever James and Julia made the best team for a perfect vacation
-Heidi
We had so many questions so much patience by you both as a fledging sailor I enjoyed having those questions answered and to be able to experience being involved with the Sailing. The attention to detail was evident and choosing moorings in noticing what we were enjoying and adding to that moment by participating, making amazing cocktails and food is truly a once in a Lifetime vacation but now we need to come back
-Sherman
Captain James and Chef Julia you deliver an amazing vacation and memories will last a lifetime you navigate around some storms you found spectacular Blue water all while being safe and delivering service beyond expectations cheers!
-Drew
June 2024
Everyone of us in our group are seasoned travelers and have had the good fortune to experience some pretty spectacular vacations around the world. So I’ll just cut to the chase and say that this was one of the greatest vacations any of us have ever experienced. Everything exceeded our expectations starting with our fantastic Captain James Cotter and Chef extraordinaire Marie Levraud. Two absolutely delightful people. James handled OCEANA, our Bali 48 catamaran, with ease, confidence and professionalism. It was clear almost immediately that he was an expert yachtsman and that we were in very capable hands. James worked with us prior to our charter to put together the best possible float plan. He blended many beautiful and tranquil locations with a few livelier spots like the Soggy Dollar Bar, Saba Rock and the Bitter End and the Wonky Dog on Anegada for the best lobster dinner I've ever had. I also enjoyed some of the best snorkeling of my life when we stopped at George Dog for the afternoon. Four of us had been to the BVI twice before, bare-boating both of those trips. However, after experiencing a BVI charter with a captain and a chef we would be hard pressed to do it any other way. It allowed us to fully relax and enjoy a stress free week on the water. There were countless highlights on our trip but the first one that came to mind for me was the cuisine. Chef Marie far exceeded our expectations. Every meal, whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, was five star, carefully and thoughtfully planned out. Marie always took the time to explain every meal, the region that inspired each dish and the various ingredients she used. In my lifetime I have never had so many excellent meals back to back for nine days straight. James and Marie also discerned quickly our personal tastes for both food and drinks. Marie always had creative alternatives available just in case there was a food item one of us didn’t care for and James knew exactly the right moment to hand you the perfect cappuccino, cocktail or glass of vino. James and Marie always kept OCEANA clean and organized including our bedrooms and bathrooms. Yeah, they spoiled us big time.
December 2023
The Oceana was the perfect fit for our family, not only the right size, but the best capitan and chef. Umbi is an amazingly kind and warm person. He took us to amazing locations and hikes and did everything to make sure we were well taken care of. Lindsey was awesome. She worked tirelessly cooking so many delicious dishes and accommodated everyone's dietary restrictions, from vegans, to gluten free. No small feat. Everything was perfect. The only way to really experience the BVI.
December 2023
Umbi and Kylie - We knew coming into this trip that it would be amazing. What we did not know was that you two would have a huge impact on making it a once in a lifetime memory. From beginning to end you both were beyond Five Stars. Your wonderful personalities and exceptional care did not go unnoticed and definitely not unappreciated. Kylie - the presentation and unbelievable variety of tastes is like something I have never had. I will be contacting you for a couple of recipes :) Umberto your smile is contagious and you took such care in the attention to detail to make sure this trip was like something out of a dream. Thank you both for the kindness, it made the week even better than we could have hoped for. We came in as good friends, and we leave as scallywags! Until we meet again!
April 2023
Umbi + Judith,
Thank you for an amazing week. You were kind and so accommodating to our entire family. We had so much fun. The food was tasty and beautifully presented. Thank you for taking such great care of us. We gathered from all over the US for this week – Florida, Texas, and Houston. Your service allowed us to have an unforgettable week as a family.
Sincerely,
The Revard and Morris family
March 2023
Umbi + Judith,
Words can’t express what this trip meant to us! It far exceeded our expectations. Not just the incredible scenery but the meals, the thoughtfulness of each, place chosen and attention given to us to ensure this was a trip to remember. We look forward to seeing Umbi and Judith again for future trips!
Best,
The Price, Hall & Barnes
AR
February 2023
Pure perfection! Everything was amazing! You even ordered up our request for nice weather and (almost) always smooth seas. This was the most unforgettable trip - the food you made was truly 5 star, but the presentation was equally stunning. Great captain! We felt truly cared for with your kind and knowledgeable personality. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you'd like to visit the Midwest and stay at our home. Sorry my cooking will not come close to yours. We would love to sail with you again soon.
Karen & Bruce
February 2023
We just experienced an unforgettable week aboard beautiful Oceana. You both made the trip top notch with the best chef on the ocean and the incredible captain! Thank you for making our first trip to the BVI so memorable!! We hope to sail with you again.
Bill & Dara
February 2023
The final day has arrived, sadly! Thank you both for this wonderful experience. It is memorable for the things I learned about sailing, for the beautiful places we visited, but mostly for the warmth and welcoming felt from you both. My only regret is the 5-6 pounds I likely gained from not being able to turn down a morsel of the incredible cuisine offered. Thank you and smooth sailing through life.
Greg & Sandy
February 2023
We had a great experience with Umberto and Judith. As I stated in a previous email, they exceeded our vacation expectations and they covered any and all of the details to provide our group with an exceptional vacation. The boat was amazing, Umberto is a great captain and Judith provided us with consistent 5 Star meals each day with amazing presentations that were absolutely delicious. Judith is very skillful to accomplish this in a small kitchen on a boat. I think that I speak for everyone to say that they provided us with the ultimate vacation experience.
February 2023
The final day has arrived sadly! Thank you both for this wonderful experience. It is memorable for the things I(Greg) learned about sailing, for the beautiful places we visited, but mostly for the warmth & welcoming felt from you both. My only regret is the 5-6 pounds I gained not being able to turn down a morsel of the the incredible cuisine offered. Thank you and smooth sailing through life!
-Greg & Sandy
The Perfect Trip
A week on board Oceana was a trip. We will never forget. Everything was perfect from state start to finish. I’m Bree and Judith were amazing host/they are kind, gracious, and fantastic cooks. We would take this trip again tomorrow. Thank you!
- The SXXXXER family
JANUARY 2023
Judith & Umbi were the best! We had such a great time in the BVIs. We couldn't have imagined a better trip! We had amazing food and saw fabulous destinations all week. We would love to sail with you both again.
-Philip + Camille
January 2023
Umberto & Judith,
Ya'll were so amazing. We can't thank you enough for your generosity, thoughtfulness and the greatest meals we've ever had. We had the best seven days in the BVIs. Thank you. We will see you again!
-Kanssa & Nas
January 2023
Thank you so much for having us on board! Umbri and Judith were amazing! From turtles to nurse, sharks, piña colada’s to painkillers we have had eight days of heaven!
Thank you so much for the most incredible week! From the first class service to the most delicious meals. I couldn’t think of a better way to escape!
A magical week of perfect disconnections and impeccable meals. A special time we will never forget. Thank you both so much!
-George
January 2023
This was Reese’s first trip out of the states!
We have had a blast. Looking at fish, snorkeling, eating, good food and seeing the beautiful sites. We have memories to last a lifetime.
-Reese & Ainsley
What a Wonderful Trip!
Thank you so much for your hospitality. Everything was perfect!If you are ever sailing up near Bedford, NC, we have a dock for you!
-Noah+Melissa Abrams
Jan 2023
Judith & Umbi are amazing, very sweet, respectful and thoughtful people. Their food, service, and hospitality are amazing. I would give 5 out of 5 starts. The Pain Killer drinks were especially amazing!
- The Baldwins, 2023
Christmas 2022
We had a wonderful week. We’ve been looking forward to this trip for 10 years to celebrate my 50th in the BVI’s. On my 40th birthday my wife asked what are you going to do for your 50th I said I want to celebrate in the BVI’s. You all made my trip a dream trip, it was the best birthday ever!
You all are the best crew of all! Keep up with me on Instagram and I’ll follow you back!
-Michael & Brad Nevil
December 2022
Best cruise and crew of my seven BVI chargers! Thank you!!
Simply awesome! We had a wonderful time. Thanks to our fantastic crew!
Merritt & Newborn, NC
Amazing Trip
Thank you for an AMAZING trip! Your hospitality was absolutely incredible. Our family had a great time and we will definitely be back! Thank you for everything!
-The Apkin Family, Judith & Bryan
November 2022
Thank you for an amazing trip! Your hospitality was absolutely surreal. Our family had a great time and we will definitely be back! Thank you for everything.
Thank you for making our first trip to the BVI so memorable!!
We just experienced an unforgettable week aboard beautiful Oceana. You both made the trip top notch with the best chef on the ocean and the incredible captain! Thank you for making our first trip to the BVI so memorable!! We hope to sail with you again.
Bill & Dara
2022/Judith
Judith’s food was amazing, and she was also super friendly and professional at the same time. I really liked her and was super content with the food the whole week. Exceeded my expectations for sure
2022/Judith
What isn’t there to say about Judith!! She’s simply amazing! Personality out of this world and caring the entire time! She created dishes and created the perfect atmosphere for us all! I’m certainly gonna miss her smile, beauty, humor, kindness, and most of ALL… FOOD! She’s apart of the family now!
2022/Judith
Her food was incredible. She was the sweetest! A crew member turned life long friend! So thankful for such an amazing host!
2022/Judith
Judith is an absolute ray of sunshine. Every meal she made was amazing, had many options and full of color. She made sure everyone was taken care of and happy and showed us some amazing spots everywhere we went.
2022/Umberto
Umbi was great. He always communicated important information and provided helpful guidance throughout the week. His calm and kind demeanor as well as approachability was very appreciated and contributed to a wonderful experience overall.
2022/Umberto
Umberto went above and beyond for our crew. He made our week so memorable with being so accommodating, amazing recommendations and was always proactive in planning and making reservations. He is THE MAN and also a pleasure to be around. Umberto was punctual and always remained in a professional manner and still provided a fun safe environment.
2022/Umberto
Umbi did an outstanding job! So incredibly happy and fortunate to have had him as our skipper. Overall great energy, amazing recommendations and just flat out great at his job!
2022/Umberto
Umbi was a really great skipper, had super chilled vibes and very friendly and always updated us when needed. Felt really safe too with him as our skipper 10/10!!!
2022/Umberto
Umbi was an enjoyable and knowledgeable skipper with great personality that provided exceptional service. He did more than enough & even went out of his way for us to have an unforgettable experience. I would definitely want him to be my skipper again
