Booking a BVI catamaran charter is easy. Choosing the right catamaran for your group is where most people get stuck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through size, cabins, crew, and budget so you can quickly shortlist BVI catamarans that actually fit how you travel – not just how they look in photos.
When we help clients choose a boat, we always start with 3 simple questions:
- How many guests are you?
- What cabin layout do you need?
- What is your budget?
Once you’ve answered those, you’ve already eliminated most of the “wrong” yachts and are left with a more realistic shortlist.
Step 1: How Many Guests Are You?
Crewed catamarans in the BVI most often have 3–5 guest cabins, which comfortably suits 6–10 guests, with a few larger options that can legally take up to 12.
| Guests | Typical Cabins | What That Usually Means |
|---|---|---|
| 6 guests | 3–4 cabins | Easiest to place at any budget; lots of catamaran options to choose from. |
| 8 guests | 4–5 cabins | Most common BVI catamaran group size with strong availability across price ranges. |
| 10 guests | 5 cabins | Larger cats; fewer options overall, especially in the lower budget bands. |
| 12 guests | 5–6 cabins | Upper end of guest numbers on many crewed cats; bigger, in-demand yachts and higher budgets. |
| 12+ guests | 2 boats (tandem) | You are looking at a Tandem charter. two catamarans sailing together, sharing anchorages and activities. Ideal for big families or groups. |
Step 2: What Cabin Layout Do You Need?
Once we know how many people you are, the next filter is how you want to sleep.
Different catamarans are designed for different types of groups:
- Family-friendly layouts: A master cabin for the parents with double or twin cabins for the kids (or even bunks)
- Friend-group-friendly layouts: Others have 5 equal double cabins, perfect for groups of couples or friends who want everything as fair as possible.
- We can also get into more detail, with convertible cabins, cabins without stairs for elders, and cabins with an extra bunk for kids sleeping with parents. Your broker will know how to get it right.
Common Cabin Types (Plain-English Version)
On BVI catamarans, you’ll often see terms like:
- Master cabin: The biggest cabin on the boat, usually with more space and storage.
- VIP cabin: Slightly larger or nicer than the standard guest cabins.
- Double cabin: One large bed (often queen-size) – good for couples.
- Twin cabin: Two separate single beds – great for kids, siblings, or friends.
- Bunk cabin/Pullman: Stacked bunks or a pullman berth; perfect for kids and teens who don’t mind a smaller cabin.
Most guests also strongly prefer ensuite bathrooms (a private bathroom for each cabin), which is standard on many modern BVI catamarans.
Step 3: What’s Your Budget?
Once your group dynamic is settled, the next step is to filter by your budget – this is by far the easiest way to sort crewed catamarans in the BVI and see what you get for your money. However, if you are 10-12 guests, do not expect to find a cat for 15k per week; they simply do not exist.
Charter rates are per yacht, per week (7 nights). Most crewed BVI catamarans fall into three broad bands:
Under $30,000 – Entry level
Smaller or slightly older crewed catamarans, often with simpler interiors but still well cared for. Perfect if you want to be in the BVI and don’t need the very latest design. Great for 6–8 guests. You’ll also find some 10–12 guest cats in this band, but they’re typically older boats with more custom, very “chartery” layouts.
$30,000–$60,000 – Premium
Modern, comfortable cats with good AC, nice cabins and plenty of outdoor space. This is the sweet spot for most families and friends groups (6–10 guests). Some of the more popular 12–guest cats also sit here – often slightly older, but extremely practical for bigger groups.
$60,000+ – High-end
Larger or more luxurious catamarans with extra volume, more toys and often an additional crew member. Ideal for special trips or guests who value service and comfort over price. These work beautifully for 8–10 guests; some can take 12, but “12 guests” doesn’t automatically mean “superyacht” – many true 12-pax boats are actually in the more functional, older-but-spacious category above.
Step 4: This Is Where It Becomes an Art
Once you’ve filtered by guest number, cabin layout, and budget, you’ve done all the logical work.
From here, choosing the right BVI catamaran becomes an art – and that’s where having a good broker is crucial. Specs and photos only tell part of the story; to know what truly works in reality, you have to see the yachts and crews in person. That’s what we do.
Your broker will help you:
-
Find the best yacht within your filters
We look beyond length and cabin count: overall condition, how the space actually feels, shade vs sun, how quiet the cabins are at night, and which layouts really work for your type of group. -
Match you with the right crew
Crew is one of the most important – and hardest – parts to get right. It’s why we go to the shows and spend time onboard: meeting crews face to face, tasting their food, and understanding their style. Some are amazing with kids, some are big on gourmet menus, some are super active and adventurous. Your broker knows who fits whom. -
Secure the catamaran and make it all happen
Once we’ve found “the one”, we put it on hold for your dates, guide you through the contract and payments, and coordinate everything with the crew – from menus and preferences to celebrations and transfers.
Ready to Plan Your Dream BVI Yacht Charter?
Our job is to help you avoid the usual guesswork. We know the yachts, the anchorages, the beach clubs worth your time, and the ones that just look good on Instagram.
If you want a BVI yacht charter done right, without the usual sales pitch, we’re here to make it happen.
