Itemized weekly budget (6 people, bareboat catamaran)
The BVI sits at the premium end of Caribbean bareboat pricing, driven by demand — it's the world's busiest charter ground. The sample reflects a high-season week.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran charter (44–46ft) | $10,000 | High season; monohulls from ~$3,500–7,000/wk |
| Provisioning & dining | $1,890 | ~$45 pp/day; many eat ashore at beach bars |
| Mooring balls | $245 | ~$35/night via the Boaty Ball app |
| Cruising tax | $168 | $4 per person per night |
| National park permits | $60 | For moorings at The Baths etc. |
| Fuel | $250 | Low — short line-of-sight hops |
| End cleaning & extras | $350 | Cleaning fee + starter kit |
| Total | ≈ $12,960 | ≈ $2,160 per person |
Taxes & fees
The BVI adds several small charges that stack up: a cruising tax of about $4 per person per night, national park permits for protected moorings, a yacht damage waiver (often $50–84/night unless you decline it for a bigger deposit), and mooring-ball fees via the Boaty Ball app. None is large alone, but together they add a few hundred dollars to the week — worth budgeting up front.
Where to save
The biggest lever is season: low-season (May–November) rates can be half of peak, though that's hurricane season with real risk. A monohull instead of a catamaran saves thousands for smaller crews. And because the BVI has good beach-bar dining, you can lighten provisioning. Model your own trip with our cost calculator.