What should I know before chartering a yacht in the Virgin Islands?

Planning to charter a catamaran and cruise around the Virgin Islands, hitting both the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands? That sounds like an amazing adventure!

Just a heads up though, you’ll need a yacht with the right permits to sail between these two island groups, and not every yacht out there has them.

We can provide you with all the details on yachts that have the right paperwork to go between the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands.

Keep in mind that the sail from St. Thomas to Tortola might take you up to 4 hours, depending on the weather.

Also, remember that you, your crew, and all your guests will need to go through immigration when you arrive, which might take a little time.

CHARTER BROKER NADJA ASMUS

CHARTER BROKER

Nadja was born & raised in Namibia, Africa, where her upbringing in a family passionate about sailing and water sports laid the foundation for her deep connection to the sea. Her remarkable journey began at the age of 14 when she embarked on a circumnavigation of the globe aboard a 46ft catamaran, inevitably leading to a career in yachting.

For nearly 12 years, Nadja worked onboard Super Yachts ranging from 45m to 75m in the capacity of Interior Manager/Purser. Notably, in 2018, she was recognized as a finalist for the Chief Stewardess of the Year award, a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication. As part of being the Interior Manager, Nadja played a pivotal role in the 4-year construction of a 75m Superyacht, serving as an Interior Operational Consultant on behalf of the yacht owner.

Now, transitioning from life at sea, Nadja brings her high level of expertise and attention to detail required by high-level clients ashore to the DMA Yachting Team as a Charter Broker and continues to facilitate unforgettable vacations on the yacht of your choice.

5 Catamarans with the right paperwork to charter in both the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands

June 17, 2024

Finding catamarans that can charter throughout the entire Virgin Islands can be tricky since their permissions aren’t always listed in the descriptions.

That’s why I’ve handpicked 5 of my favorite Virgin Islands catamarans that are currently authorized for charter across both the US and British Virgin Islands.

Their prices range from $37,000 to $81,000, so there should be something for everyone.

If you have any questions or if you’re curious about more Virgin Islands catamarans that have the necessary permits to sail both territories, feel free to contact me, I’m here to help!

5. A super spacious catamaran for a great price!

Ultra  |  63 ft Power Lagoon

Ultra is a really great catamaran with a very spacious layout, very popular with groups of friends and families.

She is run by the much-loved couple Captain Kyle Foglesong and Chef Jessica Dillow, who have shared 16 years on the water.

Something many clients mention in their reviews is their surprise at how spacious she is.

This is especially apparent on the flybridge: where sailing catamarans have a mast and winches, Ultra has a nice lounging area with a panoramic view over the bow of the yacht—the perfect place to relax while underway or at anchor.

I think Ultra’s interior is very well done. It is both elegant and very homely, with cozy blankets and pillows on all the beds and couches and beautiful tropical island-themed decorations.

7 reviews

ULTRA

From $37,000/week
4 cabins
63 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2017

View

I also want to mention that Ultra has a fully stocked Cocktail wet bar on the back deck! She comes with fishing gear, allowing for trolling and fly fishing, snorkeling gear, and underwater cameras for those who prefer to look at the fish!

Ultra’s water sports selection includes water skis, wakeboards, and kayaks.

Catamaran Ultra
Catamaran Ultra
Catamaran Ultra

4. A great catamaran for a group of friends or couples wanting to share a luxurious charter in the Virgin Islands!

Valentine  |  60 ft Sunreef

I must say I am quite impressed by this Catamaran and her price; she seems to be ticking a lot of boxes, with a layout that I rarely see work on a catamaran this size.

Starting with the main saloon, the spacious galley with a cooking island and a large seating area really sets the stage for memorable dinner parties, all while offering a great view of the meal prep.

The aft deck doesn’t disappoint either, offering a generous dining space for all eight guests. It features a hydraulic swim platform that not only enlarges the deck area when raised but also provides easy access to the water for some relaxing moments by the water’s edge when lowered.

Up front, the foredeck includes a cozy sunken lounge that’s perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the scenery while you cruise. The two large trampolines are a fantastic spot for lounging and watching the water flow beneath.

Scuba Onboard

VALENTINE

From $45,700/week
4 cabins
60 ft
Sunreef Yachts
8 guests
Built: 2021

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And, of course, the flybridge is the usual favorite hangout with its long table under a hard bimini with see-through plexiglass—perfect for enjoying the sky above.

Valentine’s water toy collection includes water skis, wakeboard, 2 paddleboards, floating mats, snorkeling gear, and underwater camera.

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DISCOVER THE LATEST IN YACHTING WITH US

We’re committed to staying on top of the latest trends in Virgin Islands yacht charters, from the launching of exciting new yachts to the best destinations and activities. Our blog serves as a resource to keep you informed and inspire new ideas for your adventures at sea.

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5 Catamarans with the paperwork to charter in both the BVI and USVI with Charter Expert Nadja Asmus
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Why use a Yacht Charter Broker? BVI Luxury Yacht Charters
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Why Charter Guests Love These 5 Luxury Catamaran Charters in the British Virgin Islands by Charter Expert Nadja Asmus 2024
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3. The perfect catamaran for a Virgin Island family charter – with bunk beds!

Xandros  |  65 ft Lagoon

This Catamaran, previously named Aeolus, has a solid track record of happy clients. In 2021, she won the title of best 65-foot catamaran at the VIPCA Yacht Show (Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association). She has also been runner-up in the Best Crew Competition and the Culinary Competition.

This is a really great family yacht with room for 6 adults and 2 children –she has bunk beds! (Something I have a lot of clients asking for.)

Xandros’ water sports collection is truly awesome and includes water skis for both kids and adults, seabobs, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, an underwater camera, and a whole lot of fun floating mats.

Xandros also comes with scuba gear and a crew dedicated to everything water-related. Captain Cameron Channing is a PADI Dive Instructor happy to guide both seasoned divers and complete beginners.

18 reviews
Scuba Onboard

XANDROS

From $59,000/week
4 cabins
65 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2021

View

Bunk beds in kids cabin onboard Catamaran XANDROS
Main Saloon onboard Catamaran Xandros
Scuba dive lesson onboard Catamaran XANDROS

2. Winner at the British Virgin Island Yacht Society for Best Yacht above 63ft in 2023

Mariah Princess III  |  77 ft Lagoon

I am not surprised that Mariah Princess III was ranked no. 1 yacht in 2023. She is a super luxurious catamaran with a smart layout and several unique features that make her stand out from catamarans of the same size.

She can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 spacious cabins: 2 king cabins and 2 larger-than-queen cabins.

– Note that one of her master cabins features a private drop-down balcony, a perfect spot to enjoy a romantic bottle of champagne or to jump off for a morning swim.

Jacuzzi on the flybridge!

One of my favorite things about Mariah Princess III is her very large flybridge, which features a Jacuzzi.

Jacuzzis are commonly placed on the foredeck, but in my opinion, the flybridge jacuzzi is superior—I mean, who doesn’t want a Jacuzzi on the top deck with a 360° view? You can’t beat that!

10 reviews
Jacuzzi
Scuba Onboard

MARIAH PRINCESS III

From $77,000/week
4 cabins
77 ft
Lagoon
8 guests
Built: 2020
15 US Gall/Hr

View

Dive instructors and Water sports

Captain Kevin Gentles has his PADI Dive Master certification, and Chef Nicole Bowman has her PADI Rescue certification; they are both able to guide experienced and beginner divers.

Note that for each certified guest, 2 dives are included in the base charter rate.

Private drop-down balcony in Master Cabin of Luxury Catamaran Mariah Princess III
Jacuzzi on the flybridge on Luxury Catamaran Mariah Princess III

On top of that, First Mate Mitchell Nesbitt loves all things watersports and will see that guests have proper education and safety on charter days when they want to break out the E-foil and Seabob!

Types of Charter Yachts

We recommend either chartering a catamaran or a motor yacht for your crewed yacht charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands. Why? The water in the BVI is very shallow, which greatly limits accessibility for deep-drafted yachts.

“We have seen a growing demand for luxury motor yachts among high-end charter guests.”

Catamarans
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Motor Yachts
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Power Catamarans
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Luxury Yachts
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Charter Yachts with a Jacuzzi
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Charter Yachts with Scuba Diving Onboard
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Sailboats
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1. This catamaran offers the ultimate luxury with both a Jacuzzi and Jet Ski!

Nauti Nickel  |  80 ft Sunreef

I absolutely love the style of Catamaran Nauti Nickel, it is both unique and super sleek. She is also a rare opportunity, accommodating a whole 10 guests, with 4 crew, and able to cruise in both the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.

Nauti Nickel is a brand-new yacht launched in 2023 and is up to date with all her amenities. There truly isn’t much she does not have.

Entering the salon area, urban chic decor with leather upholstery and a beautiful customized backlit bar welcomes guests to a fully air-conditioned interior. Here, you will also find an open galley, a dining area, and a lounge area with a couch and comfortable chairs for a morning coffee or evening chess match.

Nauti Nickel’s flybridge features two open seating areas, a TV, a bar, a grill, and a jacuzzi. Equipped with an ice maker and refrigerator stocked with your favorite drinks, chilled water, and seltzer on tap, bar service follows you to this space.

Jetski
Jacuzzi

NAUTI NICKEL

From $81,840/week
5 cabins
80 ft
Sunreef Yachts
10 guests
Built: 2023

View

The overhead bimini provides an area of escape from the sun for those who want shade or integrated lighting for evening cocktails. The expansive aft lounge cushion for sun bathing makes this a highly desirable space for relaxation, reading, or napping, all enjoyed with panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

Bathroom onboard Catamaran NAUTI NICKEL
Cabin onboard Catamaran NAUTI NICKEL
Bar on Nauti Nickel with beautiful design with 3 stools

Nauti Nickel is equipped with a large selection of water toys, including a jet ski, note this is quite rare for catamarans, sea bobs, snorkel gear, kayaks, standup paddleboards, adult and children wakeboards, water skis, noodles, floating lily pad, and a range of towable inflatables.

You really could not wish for a better water toy selection for a catamaran charter in the Virgin Islands!

EASY BOOKING – TALK TO A CHARTER EXPERT

Nadja's Contact
Nadja

NADJA ASMUS

Charter Broker

Email: [email protected]

WhatsApp: +‪1 470 835 5010‬


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Who are We?

At DMA Yachting, we are proud to have a team of individuals who have real on-water experience. Many of our brokers have worked or lived on yachts themselves.

This firsthand experience allows us to truly understand life at sea in both the shoes of crew and guests and the details that make a yacht charter exceptional.

We closely inspect yachts and meet in person with captains and crew to ensure every element of the charter meets our high standards.

Our yearly participation in yacht shows such as the EMMYS and MEDYS Yacht Shows in the Mediterranean, and the BVI Yacht Show and USVI Yacht Show in the Caribbean helps us stay on top of industry trends and client needs.

We are here to guide you through every step of your charter, from the moment you reach out to the moment your yacht charter ends.

Find us on:

DT

Dana Terrell

Jun 4, 2024

This was a trip of a lifetime! We booked with Nadja at DMA yachting and she made sure the entire process was easy and no problems. Our charter was with Zuri3 and our Captain Andre and First Mate Jana made our trip amazing! They made sure everything was taken care and treated us like royalty. This is not just a vacation this is an experience of a lifetime.

C

Customer

Jun 3, 2024

Best Trip ever!!! This was our first experience chartering a Yacht. Nadja was excellent at finding the right boat and crew for us. She was always in touch making sure all my questions were answered and even reached out during the trip to make sure all was well. Perfect family vacation. So fun. Will use them again for sure.

CC

Courtney Costales

Jun 2, 2024

Amazing Trip!!!!!!

Excellent communication throughout the process. Amazing boat and crew! Soooo much fun! We will definitely do this trip again!

What Our Clients Say

Our clients speak of unparalleled service, exquisite yachts, and a seamless booking process, highlighting the excellence of their charter experiences in the British Virgin Islands.

Our Team

Booking a crewed yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands with us is easy—just contact one of our Expert Charter Brokers and tell us what you want!

William Mc Nally
William Mc Nally

Charter Broker

Daniel Asmus
Daniel Asmus

Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY

Marcelle Hailwax
Marcelle Hailwax

Charter Broker

Alex Hailwax
Alex Hailwax

Charter Broker

Chris de Kock
Chris de Kock

Charter Broker

Andrea Pristas
Andrea Pristas

Charter Broker

Mo Pristas
Mo Pristas

CharterGuru

Martina Asmus
Martina Asmus

Owner, Charter Broker, Active CYBA Member, IYBA, ECPY

Louis Lamprell
Louis Lamprell

Charter Broker

Yanna Pristas
Yanna Pristas

Senior Charter Broker, Associate CYBA Member

Sarah Klische
Sarah Klische

Charter Broker

Where do we Charter?

East Mediterranean

Colourful Greek town by the water with mountains in the background

Bahamas & Caribbean

Emerald water idyllic beach at Nassau, The Bahamas in a sunny day.

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