Bareboat vs. Crewed Charter in the BVI — Which Is Right for You?
One of the first decisions to make when booking a BVI yacht charter is whether to go bareboat (sailing the yacht yourself) or crewed (with a professional captain and crew aboard). Both are popular ways to explore the British Virgin Islands — here’s how to decide which fits your trip.
What Is a Bareboat Charter?
A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht without crew and sail it yourself, using your own sailing experience and certifications. It’s a popular option in the BVI thanks to short distances between anchorages, reliable trade winds, and generally forgiving conditions for intermediate sailors.
Best for:
- Experienced sailors with a valid sailing certification (or a licensed skipper in your group)
- Guests who want full control over the itinerary, pace, and daily schedule
- Budget-conscious travelers, since bareboat rates are typically lower than crewed charters
Trade-offs:
- You’re responsible for navigation, anchoring, provisioning, and any issues that come up on board
- Less time to relax — someone in your group needs to actively skipper the boat
- Insurance and security deposits are usually higher for self-sail charters
What Is a Crewed Charter?
A crewed charter comes with a professional captain (and often a chef or steward, depending on the package) who handles navigation, anchoring, and logistics — leaving guests free to simply enjoy the trip.
Best for:
- First-time charter guests or those without sailing experience
- Families and groups who want a stress-free, all-inclusive experience
- Special occasions where service and comfort matter — from tailor-made itineraries to on-board dining
Trade-offs:
- Higher cost than bareboat, though it includes crew expertise, meals (on some packages), and local knowledge of the best anchorages
- Slightly less flexibility on last-minute itinerary changes, though a good captain will always accommodate reasonable requests
A Third Option: Skippered Charter
If you like the idea of bareboat freedom but don’t have the experience (or certification) to sail yourself, a skippered charter is a middle ground: you get a professional captain aboard, but no additional crew — a good balance of guidance and independence.
Which Should You Choose?
| Bareboat | Skippered | Fully Crewed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience needed | Yes (certified) | None | None |
| Cost | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
| Relaxation level | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Best for | Experienced sailors | First-timers wanting some independence | Families, special occasions, full-service trips |
Explore Your Options
Riviera Boat offers a range of crewed catamarans in the BVI, from spacious family-friendly Bali catamarans to the premium Sunreef 70, each available with professional crew to match your experience level and travel style.
Not sure which option fits your group? Explore our BVI yacht charter fleet and get in touch — we’ll help you choose the right setup for your trip.