Charter Essentials
Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail
Clear answers about planning, pricing, food, drinks, yacht life, safety, activities, and travel logistics. Everything you need to feel confident before stepping aboard Aquanimity in the British Virgin Islands.
6
Max Guests
3
Private Ensuite Cabins
9+
BVI Islands to Explore
Cost, Booking & Payments
Your charter includes the yacht, Captain Gino, Chef Nikita, all meals cooked onboard three times daily, snacks, standard beverages and mixers, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear, subwing, sea scooters, tubes, beach towels, bath towels, toiletries, fuel, mooring fees, and the Fusion 3-zone JBL stereo system. Alcohol, specialty add-on experiences, and meals eaten ashore are additional. See the full inclusions list →
Aquanimity charters start from $22,000 for 7 nights all-inclusive for up to 6 guests. That works out to roughly $3,140 per night — split six ways it's comparable to a high-end resort room, but you get a private yacht, a captain, a chef, and the entire BVI to yourselves. Full charter cost breakdown →
Premium alcohol requests, special provisioning, rendezvous scuba diving, shoreside dining, certain excursions, travel to and from the yacht, and unusual guest-requested expenses may be additional. Crew gratuity (customarily 15–20% of the charter fee) is also at guest discretion and not included in the base rate.
A 50% deposit is due within 7 days of signing the charter agreement. The remaining 50% balance is due 60 days before your charter begins. ACH bank transfer is preferred and has no fees. Wire transfer is also accepted. Credit card payments are available with a 4% processing surcharge.
Charter payments are generally non-refundable once booked, which is why travel insurance is strongly recommended. Please review the charter agreement carefully and purchase appropriate coverage for your trip.
Absolutely — we strongly recommend it. Charter payments are non-refundable under the charter agreement, and travel insurance protects you from unexpected cancellations, flight delays, medical emergencies, and weather-related issues. Purchase it as soon as you book.
Crew gratuity is customarily 15–20% of the charter fee, given at the end of the trip. It is entirely at your discretion and is a direct reflection of your experience. Most guests pay by cash, Venmo, or Cash App. Gino and Nikita work exceptionally hard to make your charter memorable — it is always appreciated.
Yes. We recommend bringing approximately $400–$600 per couple in cash. Many island businesses, taxis, beach bars, and small vendors do not reliably accept credit cards. ATMs are available in Road Town, Tortola but less so on outer islands.
Infants and children are very welcome aboard, but all guests — regardless of age — count toward the yacht's maximum capacity of 6 guests and the charter pricing structure.
Planning Your BVI Charter
Yes. A valid passport is required for travel to the British Virgin Islands. Make sure all guests' passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Most guests fly into Tortola's Beef Island Airport (EIS) for the simplest arrival — it's a short taxi ride to Trellis Bay where charters begin. St. Thomas (STT) in the USVI is another option with more flight connections, but requires a ferry crossing to Tortola which adds complexity and time.
Peak weeks — Christmas, New Year's, and spring break — typically book 6–12 months in advance. For most other dates, 3–6 months is standard. We occasionally have last-minute availability. Check current availability →
The BVI charter season runs November through July. Peak season (December–April) offers the most reliable trade winds and clearest water. Summer charters (May–July) typically have fewer crowds, calmer seas, and often better rates. We do not charter August–October during Atlantic hurricane season. Full seasonal guide →
Absolutely — that's one of the biggest advantages of a private charter. Itineraries are shaped around your group's interests, pace, weather conditions, and anchorage availability. Captain Gino will discuss your preferences before departure and adjust each day as you go. View sample itineraries →
Yes. Aquanimity can lead a flotilla of 2–3+ yachts for larger groups of up to 18 guests. This works well for family reunions, corporate retreats, and large friend groups. We source and vet the additional vessels and serve as the single point of contact. Learn about flotilla charters →
Generally not — the charter is private for your group only. Exceptions may be made at the captain's discretion in coordinated flotilla situations. This protects everyone's safety, privacy, and insurance coverage.
Life Aboard Aquanimity
Aquanimity accommodates up to 6 guests across 3 private ensuite cabins. Each cabin has its own private bathroom. For groups of 7 or more, a flotilla arrangement with sister ships is available.
Yes. Guest cabins and interior spaces are air-conditioned. Generator use for overnight air conditioning is coordinated with the crew based on anchorage conditions and the group's preferences.
Yes. Aquanimity has Starlink internet onboard, available for email and social media. Streaming services are not supported to preserve bandwidth and battery. Connectivity may vary by location and weather conditions.
Yes. Please notify the crew in advance so power requirements can be planned accordingly.
No. Aquanimity does not have in-cabin safes. The BVI is generally a very safe destination, but exercise normal travel precautions with valuables and passports.
Guest laundry is not available onboard. Laundromats may be accessible ashore at certain stops if needed. We recommend packing light, quick-dry clothing — and soft-sided duffel bags only, as hard luggage doesn't store well on a boat.
Yes, if you'd like to — conditions permitting. Keep in mind that nighttime showers are common in the Caribbean, so deck sleeping is best on clear, calm evenings.
Food, Drinks & Provisioning
Chef Nikita prepares three full meals daily — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — plus snacks and desserts. All non-alcoholic beverages and drink mixers are included. Guests consistently rate the food as the highlight of their charter. View the onboard menu →
Before your charter, you'll complete a preference sheet covering meals, dietary needs, allergies, favorite foods, dislikes, and drink preferences. Chef Nikita uses this to plan every meal around your group specifically.
Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, shellfish allergies, nut allergies, and other dietary needs are all handled. Just provide full details on your preference sheet before arrival.
Yes. Premium wine, champagne, bourbon, tequila, vodka, craft beer, or specialty cocktail ingredients can be sourced at additional cost. Standard mixers and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the charter rate.
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring special bottles or preferred beverages if they wish.
Aquanimity has multiple coffee options onboard including espresso, drip coffee, and French press. Morning coffee is one of those simple pleasures that hits differently when you're anchored in a turquoise bay.
Wherever you want — the cockpit, the flybridge, the salon, or even on a beach. There are no restaurant reservations and no set seating arrangements. The galley works around your group, not the other way around.
Water, Power & Yacht Systems
Yes. Aquanimity has a Seawater Pro 40 watermaker capable of producing approximately 40 gallons per hour of runtime. The onboard water is excellent and helps reduce plastic waste throughout the trip.
No — and that's a good thing. Most nights are spent anchored or on mooring balls in beautiful, protected bays. That's the real BVI charter experience. Marina dockage is costly, noisy, and doesn't come close to waking up anchored alone in a glass-calm cove.
Marine plumbing systems are sensitive. Only toilet paper approved by the crew should be flushed — nothing else. The crew will go over this on arrival day. It sounds fussy but it matters: a blocked head at anchor is nobody's idea of a good time.
Yes, but please use reef-safe sunscreen and be mindful of cushions, decks, and other guests when applying sprays. Regular sunscreen can permanently stain boat fabrics.
Activities & Adventure
Aquanimity carries paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear (all sizes), a subwing, sea scooters, tubes, and light tackle fishing gear. All included in your charter rate. Full water sports guide →
Yes, but only through rendezvous diving with a licensed scuba operator — guests may not bring personal scuba equipment aboard. The crew can help coordinate dives at popular BVI spots. All extra costs are the guest's responsibility.
Yes — depending on conditions, Captain Gino can teach guests basic sailing, steering, or navigation. Many guests love getting involved. The captain always retains full responsibility for vessel operation and safety.
Yes — light tackle fishing and trolling are available and great fun, especially for kids. Aquanimity is not a dedicated fishing vessel, but the crew is happy to set lines when conditions allow. All fishing is catch-and-release and subject to local regulations.
Yes, where legally permitted. Guests must comply with all local drone laws, aviation regulations, national park restrictions, and privacy rules. Some BVI areas have restrictions — the crew can advise.
These are not included onboard but can be arranged as rendezvous experiences through third-party operators at certain BVI locations. The crew can help coordinate. All extra costs are the guest's responsibility.
Safety, Comfort & Guest Policies
Catamarans are significantly more stable than monohull sailboats, and the BVI's protected waters mean most passages are calm and short. Guests who are motion-sensitive should bring their preferred remedy — Dramamine, Bonine, or Scopolamine patches. Most people are completely fine within a day.
No. Pets are not permitted aboard Aquanimity.
Smoking and vaping are permitted only on the sugar scoops at the rear of the yacht, subject to crew guidance and safety conditions. No smoking inside any part of the boat.
No. Marijuana (including CBD), illegal drugs, and controlled substances are strictly prohibited aboard Aquanimity. This is non-negotiable and grounds for immediate termination of the charter without refund.
Guests with significant mobility challenges may find a yacht charter difficult. There are stairs, tender transfers, dock boarding, and movement on a multi-level vessel. Please discuss any concerns with us before booking so we can give you an honest assessment.
Captain Gino has full and final authority over all vessel operations, routing, and safety decisions. His word is final on the water — this is both a legal requirement and a safety necessity. Guests are expected to follow all crew instructions promptly.
The British Virgin Islands
The BVI is widely considered the sailing capital of the Caribbean — and for good reason. Calm turquoise water, consistent trade winds, short distances between islands (15–45 minutes typically), well-maintained mooring balls, spectacular snorkeling, world-famous beach bars, and no crowds once you're anchored. It's purpose-built for exactly this kind of charter.
Popular stops include Norman Island, Virgin Gorda & The Baths, Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island, Peter Island, Anegada, Saba Rock, Sandy Spit, and Oil Nut Bay. The captain shapes the route each day around your group. Explore all 9 destinations →
The BVI's waters are rich with marine life. Guests frequently encounter sea turtles, rays, dolphins, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs while snorkeling and sailing. On land, frigate birds, pelicans, and iguanas are common sights.
The US dollar is the official currency throughout the British Virgin Islands. Many places accept cards but not all — bring cash for beach bars, taxis, and smaller vendors.
Safety always comes first. Captain Gino monitors weather continuously and may adjust routes, anchorages, or timing based on wind, sea state, and guest comfort. The BVI is generally very protected and weather-related changes are rare — but when they happen, the captain's judgment is final.
Still Have Questions?
We're Happy to Help You Plan
Every Aquanimity charter is different. If something above didn't answer your question — or you'd like to talk through dates, itinerary ideas, or group size — reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
