New BVI Regulations Are Changing How You Charter: Need to Know
There’s a quiet storm brewing in the charter world — and trust me, it’s not one you want to sail into unprepared.
If you’re planning a yacht charter in 2025 or 2026, especially one that includes the British Virgin Islands (BVI), you need to know about a major regulatory overhaul taking effect on June 1, 2025.
These changes affect how and where certain yachts can operate — especially those based in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) — and they could disrupt your trip if you're not careful.
Let’s break it down, and more importantly, I’ll give you the clearest path forward so you can still have that dreamy BVI escape you’re envisioning. I also recorded a quick reel you can check out here which hits the highlights.
What is Changing for Charters in BVI?
The BVI government recently passed a sweeping set of reforms aimed at tightening up the charter industry and giving a competitive edge to BVI-based businesses. Sounds great in theory, but it comes with real-world consequences for how charters operate — especially if they’re based in the USVI.
Here’s the key part. Foreign-based charter boats (including USVI-based yachts) will now be limited to:
Only 7 charter visits (or pickups) in the BVI per year
A maximum stay of 60 consecutive days in BVI waters
Steep fee increases — as much as 6,000% for some operationsmaking visits to BVI prohibitive
And these aren't theoretical changes. Enforcement is already ramping up.
Maho Bay in the US Virgin Islands used to be a frequent stop enroute to BVI for foreign charter yachts
If You’re Planning to Start Your Charter in St. Thomas…
This is where it gets tricky.
Lots of groups like to fly into STT, board their yacht in St. Thomas, and then cruise over to the BVI. It’s been a popular option for years — and it still can work — but now there’s real risk involved.
Even if your itinerary is all about the BVI, your yacht may be legally limited in how many times it can enter, how long it can stay, or how many charters it can run across that border.
There might be workarounds (like checking in/out for 3-night trips), but they’re untested at scale and not guaranteed.
Bottom line: If your plan includes chartering a USVI-based yacht and heading to the BVI, your trip could be disrupted.
Yacht Management Companies Are Already Moving — Literally
Don’t just take my word for it — &Beyond Yacht Charters, one of the largest USVI-based management companies, just announced they’re relocating their entire fleet to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda, BVI for the 2025/2026 season. And I expect more could follow suit.
This kind of move isn’t easy — or cheap — but they’re doing it because they see the writing on the wall.
What About BVI-Based Yachts Visiting the USVI?
Great question — and one that’s becoming more important.
Under the new rules, even BVI-based yachts will face limits when it comes to cruising into the USVI:
They’ll be restricted to just 4 pickups or drop-offs in the USVI per season for BVI charters.
They also can’t spend more than 15 days per month in USVI waters.
What this means in practice: some BVI-based yachts are only planning to offer one USVI charter per month, to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
So if you were planning to charter in the USVI with a BVI-based crewed yacht, you’ll want to lock in your dates early — those limited slots are already starting to fill up for the 2025/2026 season.
My Recommendation: Charter from the BVI
If you want to explore the BVI’s iconic anchorages — like the Willy T, The Baths, Soggy Dollar, The Indians, Cow Wreck Beach, or Anegada — the smartest move is simple:
✅ Book a yacht that’s BVI-based, BVI-licensed, and BVI-flagged.
These boats won’t face any of the new restrictions, and they’ll have full access to all the best parts of the islands — with no limitations on charter frequency or pickup locations. They also avoid the red tape, extra fees, and unpredictability that now come with USVI-based boats entering BVI waters.
Aboard a water taxi enroute to BVI during a recent trip of mine
Still Want to Fly Into St. Thomas?
No problem. You can:
Take a ferry or private water taxi from St. Thomas to Tortola or Virgin Gorda
Meet your BVI-based yacht directly at the marina
Start your trip stress-free, with full access to all the BVI has to offer
We’ve helped many guests coordinate this exact flow — it’s seamless when done right.
Already Booked a USVI-Based Boat?
If you’ve booked for next season and your yacht is based in the USVI, it’s a good idea to:
Check in with your charter broker
Ask how the new BVI regulations will affect your itinerary
Consider pivoting to a BVI-based yacht, especially if your plan was a BVI-heavy trip
If you haven't heard from your broker yet — it’s time to be proactive.
Sunset at Long Bay, Virgin Gorda
Final Thoughts: the Yacht Warriors is Here to Guide You
This is exactly the kind of stuff our team stays on top of — because it matters.
Whether you’re a charter first-timer or a seasoned sailor, you shouldn’t have to keep tabs on legislative updates in two countries just to book a vacation.
That’s what we’re here for.
We’ll make sure you pick the right yacht, understand the entry rules, and have zero surprises when it comes to cruising ground access.
Let us help you sail smart — so you can just enjoy the adventure.
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