Booking Terms
Everything you need to know before reserving your Aquanimity BVI charter.
Contact us with your dates, group size, and any questions. We'll confirm availability and send you a charter quote.
Sign the Charter Agreement and pay your 50% deposit within 7 days to hold your dates.
Pay the remaining 50% balance 60 days before your charter begins. Then all you have to do is show up.
Payment Schedule
All charter fees are paid directly to SV Aquanimity LLC via ACH transfer or wire. We do not process payments through the website.
| Payment | Amount | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 50% of Total Charter Fee | Within 7 days of signing the Charter Agreement |
| Final Payment | Remaining 50% | 60 days before charter commencement |
Payment Methods
- ACH Transfer — Preferred. No fees.
- Wire Transfer — Accepted. Standard wire fees apply.
- Credit Card — Accepted with a 4% processing fee added to the total.
ACH is strongly preferred. It's free, fast, and straightforward. Wire transfer and credit card options are available but carry additional fees that are the guest's responsibility.
Late Payment
If any payment is not received by its due date, you will be notified in writing. If the outstanding balance is not settled within 7 calendar days of that notice, we reserve the right to cancel the agreement and retain all deposits paid to date.
What's Included in Your Charter Fee
Your total charter fee is all-inclusive and covers:
- The yacht — Aquanimity, a 2021 Dufour 48 catamaran
- Your captain and crew (2 crew members)
- All meals — three times daily, cooked fresh onboard
- Standard ship's Alcohol bar — mixers, non-alcoholic drinks
- All fuel for the charter
- BVI cruising taxes, permits, and mooring fees
- Paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, and water toys
- light fishing tackle and gear
- Beach towels, bath towels, and toiletries
- Starlink internet for emails and social media
Not Included
- Crew gratuity — customary at 15–20% of the charter fee, entirely at your discretion
- Premium beverages and fine wines beyond the standard bar
- Specialty Alcohols (BYOB — we provide all mixers)
- Off-yacht dining and excursions
- Scuba diving (rendezvous diving with a licensed dive center only)
- Fishing licenses and fishing expeditions
- Airport transfers
- Credit card processing fees (4%) if paying by card
- Any expenses incurred ashore or at the guest's request
Any onboard expenses not included in the charter fee (such as premium beverages or special requests) must be settled in cash or by prior arrangement before disembarking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by Guest
All charter fee payments are considered earned and non-refundable at the time of payment. If you need to cancel your charter, the following applies:
- Any amounts paid as of the date of cancellation are retained by SV Aquanimity LLC
- Any amounts due but not yet paid remain payable
- We will make reasonable efforts to re-book the cancelled dates
- If we successfully re-book your dates, you will receive a refund equal to the net proceeds of the new booking, less 20% of the total charter fee (for administrative costs) and any provisioning expenses already incurred
- If we are unable to re-book despite reasonable efforts, no refund will be issued
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance with a "Cancel for Any Reason" upgrade. Charter fees are non-refundable and travel insurance is the best protection against unexpected cancellations. The cost of insurance is the guest's sole responsibility.
Cancellation by Us
If we cancel your charter for any reason other than Force Majeure, you will receive a full refund of all payments made.
Force Majeure
Force Majeure includes events beyond our reasonable control — hurricanes, tropical storms, government travel restrictions, war, civil unrest, or other natural disasters. In a Force Majeure situation, you may choose one of the following:
- Rebook — Receive a full credit toward a rebooked charter within 12 months of the original dates
- Refund — Receive a refund of all payments made, less a 20% cancellation charge
Note: mechanical breakdown and crew changes do not constitute Force Majeure and will be resolved per standard cancellation terms.
Onboard Rules & Guest Responsibilities
Passports
All guests must carry a valid passport for the duration of the charter. If the yacht visits any foreign jurisdiction (including crossing between BVI and USVI waters), customs clearance is required and all guests must have valid travel documents. This is the guest's sole responsibility.
No Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the yacht at any time.
Zero Drug Tolerance
The yacht has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal drugs and controlled substances without a valid prescription. This includes medical marijuana and CBD products. Any violation will result in immediate termination of the charter without refund, and the cost of returning all guests to shore is the guest's responsibility.
Children
Children are welcome aboard Aquanimity. The safety, conduct, and supervision of children is the full responsibility of the charterer at all times.
Pets
Pets are not permitted onboard without prior written approval from the captain.
Internet
Starlink internet is available onboard for emails, social media, and staying in touch with family. Streaming video, music, or movies is not permitted due to data limitations. Please ensure all guests including children are aware of this policy before boarding.
Water Sports & Activities
All guests participate in water sports and activities at their own risk. This includes snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming from the yacht, use of the dinghy, and any other water-based activities. Scuba diving is available by arrangement with a licensed, insured, and certified third-party dive center only — diving is not part of the charter contract and SV Aquanimity LLC accepts no liability for third-party dive excursions.
Captain's Authority
The captain holds full command of the vessel at all times and has absolute authority over all decisions related to safety, navigation, anchoring, use of water toys, and all onboard activities. This includes the authority to modify, limit, or terminate the charter if he determines it necessary for the safety and well-being of all aboard.
The captain's decisions regarding routing and itinerary are final. While every effort is made to accommodate guest preferences, weather conditions, sea state, and safety considerations take precedence over any planned itinerary.
Your itinerary is flexible by design. The captain works with you each morning to plan the day. If conditions change or a better opportunity arises, the route adapts. This is one of the great advantages of a private charter.
Complaints & Dispute Resolution
If any issue arises during your charter, please raise it with the captain immediately. If the matter is not resolved within 12 hours, contact us directly. Written notice of any complaint must be provided within 48 hours of the triggering event.
Any disputes not resolved through direct communication will be subject to mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration under the rules of the Miami Maritime Arbitration Council. The place of arbitration is Florida and this agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida.
The Charter Agreement
Before your charter begins, all guests are required to sign our CYBA-based Inclusive Charter Agreement. This agreement governs all aspects of your charter including payment, cancellation, liability, onboard conduct, and dispute resolution.
By booking with SV Aquanimity LLC, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these booking terms and agree to execute the full Charter Agreement prior to embarkation. The Charter Agreement will be sent to you at the time of booking for review and signature.
If you have any questions about the Charter Agreement before signing, please contact us — we're happy to walk you through it.
Insurance
Aquanimity is fully insured against all customary risks including protection and indemnity coverage for the duration of your charter. Guests may purchase additional charter liability insurance at their own expense if desired.
Trip cancellation insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. A "Cancel for Any Reason" policy upgrade provides the most comprehensive protection. The cost of any travel or trip insurance is the guest's sole responsibility.
Ready to Book?
Reach out to check availability, ask questions about the booking process, or request a charter quote. We respond personally to every inquiry.
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