Caribbean Yacht Charter 2026: Prices, Itineraries and Formalities (BVI, St Barths, Antigua, Grenadines, Bahamas)

TL;DR — A Caribbean yacht charter costs between €35,000 and €900,000 per week excluding APA, depending on yacht size (25 m to 70 m+). On a 40 m in high season (December-April), expect a listed rate of €180,000 to €350,000, or €240,000 to €470,000 all-in (APA 25-35%). The ideal season runs from December to April, between steady trade winds and low hurricane risk. The British Virgin Islands (BVI), St Barths, Antigua, the Grenadines and the Bahamas remain the five most requested cruising grounds.

Pricing by segment

Yacht size	Price / week (excl. APA)	Guests	Typical crew
25 m	€35,000 – €70,000	6-8	3-4
40 m	€120,000 – €250,000	8-12	6-8
50 m+	€200,000 – €450,000	10-14	9-13
70 m+	€550,000 – €900,000	12-20+	18-26+

The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) covers fuel, marina fees, provisions and beverages — typically 25 to 35% of the charter rate in the Caribbean, slightly higher than the Mediterranean due to the import cost of many goods.

When to charter in the Caribbean?

• December – January — season opens, strong demand around the holidays (Christmas, New Year), premium rates in St Barths and the BVI.
• February – March — peak of the season, steady trade winds (15-20 knots), flat seas, the best window for sailing and diving. Book 4 to 6 months ahead.
• April — tail end of the dry season, fewer crowds, still excellent conditions before the rainy and hurricane season begins (June-November).
• May – November — Atlantic hurricane season: most charter yachts relocate to the Mediterranean or head to the US Northeast (Newport, Nantucket).

4 key itineraries

1. British Virgin Islands - BVI (7 days)

Tortola → Norman Island → Virgin Gorda → Anegada → Jost Van Dyke

1. Day 1-2 — Tortola / Norman Island: boarding in Road Town, The Bight anchorage, Norman Island caves (Treasure Island).
2. Day 3-4 — Virgin Gorda: The Baths granite formations, Gorda Sound.
3. Day 5 — Anegada: deserted beaches, grilled lobster, coral reef.
4. Day 6-7 — Jost Van Dyke: White Bay, Soggy Dollar Bar, return to Tortola.

2. St Barths & St Martin (7 days)

Gustavia → Colombier → Anse de Grande Saline → Anse Marcel → Îlet Pinel

1. Day 1-2 — Gustavia: luxury shopping, glamorous harbour, Michelin-quality dining.
2. Day 3 — Colombier: sheltered bay, snorkeling.
3. Day 4-5 — Anse de Grande Saline: wild beach, absolute calm.
4. Day 6-7 — St Martin (Anse Marcel, Îlet Pinel): lively French-side atmosphere, return to Gustavia.

3. Antigua & Barbuda (7 days)

English Harbour → Falmouth Harbour → Green Island → Barbuda

1. Day 1-2 — English Harbour: Nelson's Dockyard, Georgian maritime heritage.
2. Day 3 — Falmouth Harbour: lively anchorages, waterfront restaurants.
3. Day 4-5 — Green Island: snorkeling, pristine reefs.
4. Day 6-7 — Barbuda: seventeen-mile pink sand beach, return to English Harbour.

4. Grenadines (7 days)

Bequia → Mustique → Tobago Cays → Union Island → Petit St Vincent

1. Day 1-2 — Bequia: fishing village, local market, authentic island vibe.
2. Day 3 — Mustique: private island, celebrity villas, Basil's Bar.
3. Day 4-5 — Tobago Cays: marine reserve, turtles and rays, one of the finest anchorages in the Caribbean.
4. Day 6-7 — Union Island / Petit St Vincent: secluded beaches, return to Bequia.

APA, formalities and taxes: what to budget

• APA — 25-35% of the charter rate, slightly higher than the Mediterranean due to provisioning import costs on some islands.
• Customs and immigration formalities — every archipelago (BVI, French islands, Antigua, Grenadines, Bahamas) requires clearance on arrival; passports must remain valid for at least 6 months. Crew usually handle the paperwork, though some islands require guests to be physically present.
• Cruising permit fees — mandatory in the BVI and Bahamas, generally included in the APA or billed separately depending on the length of stay.
• Crew gratuity — customary 10-20% of the charter rate, slightly higher than the Mediterranean given the highly personalised service.
• VAT / local taxes — no European-style VAT in most Caribbean jurisdictions, but local stay or import taxes may apply depending on the yacht's flag and embarkation point.

How to book with Naxelio

Naxelio handles yacht selection, contract negotiation and logistics with crew, marinas and local authorities — a firm quote within 15 minutes of your brief. Explore our yachts →

FAQ

How much does a Caribbean yacht charter cost?

Between €35,000 and €900,000 per week excluding APA, depending on yacht size (25 m to 70 m+). On a 40 m in high season, expect roughly €240,000 to €470,000 all-in (APA, formalities, gratuities).

What is the best time for a Caribbean yacht charter?

December to April, outside hurricane season. February-March offers the best sailing conditions (steady trade winds, flat seas).

What is the APA in the Caribbean and how does it differ from the Mediterranean?

The APA covers fuel, marina, provisions and beverages. It represents 25-35% of the charter rate, slightly higher than the Mediterranean due to import costs on some remote islands.

Do I need a passport or visa for a BVI or Bahamas charter?

A passport valid for at least 6 months is required for all destinations. Some nationalities need a visa or ESTA/eTA depending on the final or transit stop (often the United States).

What budget is needed for a week in the Grenadines?

A 25-40 m yacht generally costs €35,000 to €250,000 per week excluding APA for a Grenadines itinerary.

Is a crew gratuity mandatory in the Caribbean?

No, but the customary range is 10-20% of the charter rate, slightly above the Mediterranean average.

Can several archipelagos be combined in one week?

It's possible but rarely recommended: the BVI, St Barths, Antigua and the Grenadines are several hours to several days apart by sea. A 7-day itinerary typically focuses on a single archipelago.

Where should I embark for a Bahamas charter?

Most charters embark in Nassau or the Exumas; routing through Fort Lauderdale (Florida) is a common alternative for yachts in transit.