Top 5 High-End BVI Charter Catamarans with SCUBA Onboard

5. Justified Horizons

Best Value Charter Catamaran – Save $20,000 with a Lagoon 65 that meets the standards of a 77.

Touring J.H. with Captain Michael Plotner

We had the chance to do a walkthrough of Justified Horizons with Captain Michael Plotner at the recent USVI Yacht Show in November 2024. First impressions? This yacht is above standard in her price range. We have seen a lot of Lagoon 65s, and we were quite surprised at how big she feels. There is a reason we included it in the list alongside catamarans of 77+ feet.

PADI Diver Instructor and Option for Certification

It’s clear Justified Horizons is all about making the most of the water. Captain Michael has been in the industry since 2015 and is a PADI Dive Instructor, and diving is a big focus here. The charter includes 3 dives per week. For those new to diving, the boat offers Discover Scuba Diving sessions for $200 or full Open Water Certification dives for $400. If you have already started your course, you can complete your referral certification for $400.

Become a Master at E-Foiling

Justified Horizons is well equipped for water sports, with a large tender, all the water toys you could ask for, and even proper e-foil lessons. Both Michael and crew member Shelly are e-foil instructors, and Michael promises you’ll be gliding across the water by the end of a week-long charter.

She is Not Just a Pretty Yacht

The Lagoon 65 itself is a great example of why Lagoons are a favorite among charterers—spacious living areas, lots of natural light, and a design that’s both classy and comfortable. Michael pointed out that this model sails better than most charter catamarans. He likes to involve curious guests in the sailing, trimming the sails, and plotting routes, which adds a nice touch for those who want more than just lounging.

We can see Justified Horizons being a great match for clients who want a luxurious and active yacht charter vacation in the BVI. From diving to e-foiling to indulging in Chef Sara’s gourmet food, this boat offers a very good value high-end deal.

4. Mariah Princess III

Best Overall Catamaran that ticks all the boxes – fold-down balcony in the master cabin and Jacuzzi on deck.

It is not surprising that Mariah Princess III won Best Yacht in Show at the BVI Yacht Show in 2023. And this year, Chef Nicole Bowman took the title Runner Up for Best Dessert in the Culinary Competition. Mariah Princess III is a super luxurious catamaran with several unique features that make her stand out from catamarans of the same size. Her interior design, for one, is quite different from most other yachts, with a bolder use of colors that solidifies her as a unique brand rather than just another Lagoon.

Mariah Princess III 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.

Excellent Client Feedback

If you read the guest’s feedback from Mariah Princess III’s guestbook below, you will quickly notice the consistent rave about the crew and their excellent service. We especially see a lot of credit to the Chef, Nicole, with comments like: “Your food has been amazing – no need for finding restaurants off the boat – your coking was far better.”

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.

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

3. Twin Flame

Most-Rated by Guests – the consistent 5-star client reviews say it all.

There is no better way to guarantee a perfect yacht charter experience than by picking a yacht with as much positive feedback as Twin Flame’s got. She is a standout, and she is set up for a seriously good time.

But not wanting to repeat ourselves–3 of the catamarans on this list are the same build–we will stick to what is unique about Twin Flame: The real magic of this charter is in the vibe onboard, and that’s all thanks to the crew and the endless activities they offer.

Twin Flame is perfect for families or groups of friends who want to dive into all the action. She is fully equipped for diving and offers everything from wreck dives to close-up shark encounters, with Captain and Certified Dive Instructor Kieran Bown leading the way. Whether you’re an experienced diver or trying it for the first time, you’ll feel completely at ease.

For water sports enthusiasts, First Mate Michelle is your go-to. She’s a water sports instructor who can get anyone comfortable with e-foiling, wakeboarding, or other activities. And just check out the incredible videos of a guest e-foiling over the wreck of Pablo Escobar’s drug plane in the Bahamas.

The feedback from past guests makes it clear: this crew knows how to create unforgettable experiences. People rave about how welcoming and down-to-earth the crew is. One family even said: “From the moment we stepped on the boat, it was clear how tight your crew is. You made us feel like we were part of your group rather than just passengers. This boat and environment are amazing, but this crew makes it come alive.”

And let’s not forget the food. Chef Liz gets high praise for her creative menus that cater to everyone, even picky eaters. One guest mentioned a Mexican tasting menu that blew them away, and the fresh, beautifully plated dishes were apparently as tasty as they looked.

2. Aeolus 77

Most stunning Charter Catamaran + most impressive water toys selection (including a Minicat 420!)

Our Team’s Favorite Catamaran

Aeolus stole the show for us at the USVI Yacht Show—and for good reason. The French-themed party during the yacht hop sealed it! Not only did Aeolus win 1st Place for Best Yacht Hop in Show, but she also took home Runner-Up for Best Yacht in Show and Runner-Up in the Mixology Competition.

Each week, Chef Casey Strickland creates a new personalized menu for the guests

Our first visit to Aeolus was memorable for an entirely different reason. A sudden downpour had us seeking refuge, and word had it that Aeolus had the best coffee at the show. The rain gave us time to really take in her stunning interior and get to know the crew—and honestly, both were brilliant.

Aeolus is brand-new, built in 2024, and already showing great promise, thanks to her exceptional crew of four: Captain Michael Wilson, Chef Casey, First Mate Christo, and Stewardess Chene.

Best Yacht Layout & Biggest Water Toy Selection

The layout of Aeolus is fantastic. Her main saloon is open, airy, and feels like a floating palace. The décor is modern, bright, and natural, with a meticulous attention to detail. The flybridge and cockpit are spacious and perfect for socializing, and the water toy selection is impressive—including a sailing Minicat 420, a standout feature on a charter yacht.

The French-Themed Party Stole the Spotlight!

Now, let’s talk about the yacht hop—what a hit! The French theme was executed to perfection. Stepping onboard, you were offered a chic red French beret or silk neck scarf. In the cockpit, champagne and potent gimlets were flowing, and the dining table was a feast of French delights: croissants, cheese and charcuterie boards, olives, grapes, dips, and more. But the real highlight? The flybridge photo booth, complete with an Eiffel Tower backdrop, fun props, and those French hats and scarves. It was a total vibe and had everyone buzzing.

The Amazing French-themed party onboard Aeolus at the USVI Yacht Show – Yacht Hop 2024

1. Ohana

Ultimate Luxury Charter Catamaran offering SCUBA Diving (5 free dives!!)– Ohana also offers a Luxury Villa for a Stay+Sail Vacation

When it comes to catamarans in the British Virgin Islands, Ohana is hands-down one of the best options out there. She’s not just a beautiful yacht—she’s a floating adventure hub that ticks all the boxes for the most unforgettable time in the British Virgin Islands. We put clients who are used to big motor yachts on this Catamaran, and they love her.

We could write an entire article about how beautiful Ohana is, but we will try to keep it short. The main saloon is big and bright and opens onto both the bow terrace and the aft cockpit. Big windows all around offer panoramic views of the sea around. Stepping out on the bow, you find a shaded lounge area, which is a really great spot to sit when underway. The cockpit has space for alfresco dining with plenty of space for the whole group to gather. On the flybridge, you have a long bar with seating, another dining area, and an open-air hot tub. It is nothing less than impressive.

Scuba Diving with Instructors and 5 dives included!

Ohana is fully loaded when it comes to water toys. 4 Seabobs, a wide selection of water sports equipment, and a built-in scuba compressor make this yacht a dream for adventure lovers. Certified divers get up to 5 free dives during a weeklong charter. After that, additional dives can be added based on itinerary and captain/instructor’s discretion. The cost of scuba diving is $100/dive/diver. There’s also the option for a Discovery Scuba Dive for those who are new to it.

Combined Stay+Sail with Ohana’s Luxury Villa

For guests flying into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, Ohana offers an incredible solution for those arriving after the last ferry to the BVI. Instead of staying at a hotel, why not kick off your adventure at Villa Ohana? This luxurious 5-bedroom villa is just 20 minutes from the airport and set on over 1.5 acres of pristine shoreline in Magens Bay—one of the world’s top-rated beaches.

At the villa, you can swim with sea turtles, kayak, or simply unwind before heading to the yacht. You can even book a private chef, massages, or yoga sessions to start your vacation in style.

Please contact us to learn more about special deals on combined stay+sail vacations with Catamaran Ohana. This is an excellent way to enjoy the comfort of a luxury villa and the adventure of sailing the Virgin Islands. With everything arranged for you, from activities to transportation, all you need to do is show up and enjoy!

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