Caribbean
Crewed yacht charters in the Caribbean
TL;DR: Crewed yacht charters in the Caribbean are mostly all-inclusive catamaran weeks with a captain and chef, from December to April or May. The four main cruising grounds differ less in price than in character: short hops in the BVI, shallow cays in the Bahamas, French and Dutch island towns around St Martin, and small islands and a marine park in the Grenadines. Tax is what moves the total: from none to 16% of the fee.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rates are indicative, vary by yacht, season and itinerary, and are confirmed only in a charter contract.
Vessel Vista is an independent charter guide. We send enquiries to established charter brokerages, and we may earn a referral fee if you book. It doesn't change your price. How this works.
Four cruising grounds, one $30,000 week
To compare like with like: a $30,000 all-inclusive charter fee for six guests, plus each place's tax and permits and a 10% gratuity.
| Cruising ground | Week, all-in | Season |
|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | $33,200 | Dec–Apr |
| The Bahamas (Exumas) | $37,200 | Dec–May |
| St Martin, St Barths, Anguilla | $33,000–$36,900 | Dec–Apr |
| The Grenadines | $33,000–$37,800 | Dec–May |
Before flights and extras. Where a range is shown, the tax depends on where the charter starts. The gratuity is 10–15% of the charter fee: like a restaurant tip, 10% is standard and 15% is for exceptional service. What "all-inclusive" covers is set out in all-inclusive yacht charters.
How the four differ
The British Virgin Islands. Islands rarely more than two hours apart, calm anchorages and no VAT on the fee, only a per-guest cruising permit. An easy first Caribbean charter, usually on a crewed catamaran (choosing one).
The Bahamas. The shortest flight from the US East Coast. Most charters start in Nassau and head for the Exumas' clear, shallow cays. Foreign-flagged yachts add 14% tax on the fee. Crewed motor yachts are also offered, usually plus expenses.
St Martin, St Barths and Anguilla. St Martin is split between France and the Netherlands, St Barths is French and Anguilla British, so there is more town life ashore. The tax depends on the starting port: none in St Barths, 4% on French Saint-Martin, 5% on Dutch Sint Maarten, 13% in Anguilla.
The Grenadines. The chain between St Vincent and Grenada: Bequia, Mustique and the Tobago Cays marine park, which charges a small daily fee per person. Saint Vincent's 16% VAT applies only when the charter is sold by a supplier registered there; many start from Grenada or St Lucia.
US Virgin Islands. St Thomas, next door to the BVI, is a base for many crewed yachts. A USVI-based yacht cruising BVI waters pays the foreign-based BVI permit: $16 per guest per day instead of $4.
Which suits your group
| If your group wants | Start with |
|---|---|
| Short passages, young children or a first charter | The BVI |
| The shortest trip from the US East Coast, or a large group on a motor yacht | The Bahamas |
| Evenings ashore in island towns | St Martin and St Barths |
| Small islands, a marine park and a longer sail | The Grenadines |
Planning for three generations? See family yacht charters, including why most yachts stop at 12 guests.
Not sure which fits?
Fifteen questions, three directions
The Destination Finder suggests three cruising grounds that suit how you like to travel, with the reasons for each. About four minutes, and no account needed.
Already have two places in mind? The Compass puts three scenarios side by side, all-in, and lets you change the place, the yacht or the month.
Common questions
When is the best time for a crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean?
December to April across the region, stretching to May in the Bahamas and the Grenadines. June to November is hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October; many crewed yachts pause or move then.
Catamaran or motor yacht in the Caribbean?
Most crewed charters here are on catamarans: steady at anchor, shallow enough for reef-edge bays, and usually all-inclusive. A motor yacht suits larger groups, more indoor space and longer runs, and is usually priced plus expenses.
How many guests can come?
Most charter yachts take up to 12 guests overnight, whatever their length. Crewed catamarans of 45 to 60 feet usually take four to eight.
Ask about a Caribbean crewed week
Tell us your dates, how many guests and your budget, and where you're leaning. We'll suggest an established charter brokerage that checks which crewed yachts are free and sends proposals with the full estimated cost.