Scrub Island to Welcome a new BVI Charter Company

A new boutique charter company is making landfall in the British Virgin Islands. Dream Caribbean Blue will begin running crewed-only yacht charters from Scrub Island beginning in early 2023.

The company appears to already be managing several yachts in the BVIs and also plans to begin operations in the Bahamas and Grenadines.

They aim to offer a luxury experience complete with a captain and chef with each booking. Bareboat charters, where you skipper the boat yourself, are not an option.

Scrub Island is an excellent location - I last visited Scrub in 2018 for a charter with Dream Yacht Charters (who is planning to leave Scrub Island soon). It's a great setting and you have access to all the amenities including secluded beaches, pool, and restaurants. Scrub is also conveniently located near the airport - it's a short ferry ride.

The base location is important to their luxury value proposition: the setting offers guests a chance to book rooms at a high-end resort before, or after a charter. Or, it can be a convenient way to split up a part sea, part land visit to the British Virgin Islands.

Dream Caribbean Blue also offers yacht sales and management, but few details are available publicly.

They've chosen large, Bali catamarans for their fleet, with deliveries expected to begin later this year. Many of their yachts will be brand new. 11 yachts will initially be available for charter in 2023.

I like the Bali catamarans, having now skippered two of them for charter. You can read about my recent review of the Bali 5.4 here from a 2021 Exumas trip.

The Balis have great top-deck fly bridges and hang out areas. Forward, the trampolines have been replaced with a table and seating. Lastly, the signature garage door creates a convertible indoor and outdoor lounge space.

These larger cats are considered more party barges than sailing vessels; however, it seems that might appeal more to this higher price point crowd.

Expect to pay up for these fully-crewed, large catamarans. A Bali 5.4 will run you $34,000 for an 8-person crew. The Bali 4.8? You can charter one for $26,000.

Don't forget the 15-20% tip that's expected on top of these rates. If you plan to charter during peak holiday season, add on another 20% premium.

This announcement is par for the course with other changes underway in the BVIs.

More yachts, more crowds.

Bigger boats, more catamarans.

With demand surging for charter vacations, the British Virgin Islands should continue to benefit economically as they recover from Hurricane Irma and Covid restrictions.