West Indies Charter Yacht Services Limited
Q: What is The Cost of A Crewed Charter
A: The cost of crewed charters vary depending on the size of vessel, power or
sail, number of people on board, etc. The duration of the charter is usually a
week, but can be any length. Generally, all food, beverages and water
activities are included. Diving is usually extra.
The price per person starts around $1200. Motor yachts cost more than sail.
Groups on larger yachts can often be less expensive per person than a couple
on a small yacht. Yachts are available for parties of 2 or more. Large groups
may prefer to charter more than 1 yacht and travel as a flotilla. This is very
common, especially for corporate groups.
The summer season may be less expensive than winter in the Caribbean.
Summer season is May 1st to December 14th. Winter season is December 15th
to April 30th.
Xmas and New Years usually have an additional fee.
Dockage and shore excursions are extra.
Gratuities are the norm when the service merits it. Remember that your crew
work hard to ensure your vacation is a great one. They are your chef,
bartender, tour guide, waiter, ....
Q: What kind of activities are there to do?
A: All yachts have waters ports and will vary depending on equipment. These
might include snorkeling, Scuba Diving, kneeboarding, water-skiing,
windsurfing, kayaks, fishing and, of course, sailing.
Most water sports are included but some are extra, and can be arranged by
your crew. These would be diving and parasailing.
On shore activities can be recommended by your crew and will vary depending
on the island.
Q: What type of food and drinks are served?
A: The menus are designed around your food preferences. The chefs are
excellent and can usually prepare any dish requested.
Drinks such as wine, beer and alcohol are included as part of the "ships bar".
The amount and variety will vary depending on the cost of the charter with
larger, more expensive yachts providing finer wines and premium liquors.
Q: What's our itinerary going to be like?
A: The itinerary is based on your preferences of activities. The crew know the
territory very well and will tailor the cruise to fit your requests. The Virgin
Islands and the Caribbean offer a tremendous variety of bays, anchorages and
towns to visit.
It isn't possible to see everything in one visit, however, and you may need to
adjust your itinerary to accommodate your schedule and activities you have
chosen or return again in the future for another charter
Q. What Should You Bring?
First, only bring soft sided luggage since space is limited and storage is easier.
Also hard luggage can damage woodwork and paint.
For clothing bring casual wear, mostly shorts and t-shirts, and
swimsuits. A few of the more formal restaurants require long
pants and collared shirts and occasionally a jacket, but "smart
casual" is the norm.
You can bring your own mask and snorkel if your inclined, but all yachts
carry an assortment of sizes. If you are expecting to scuba dive, check with
your broker to make sure of the available equipment on board the yacht.
Most yachts carry sunscreen of the type they prefer used, so generally it is on
board. If you bring your own, please don't use oily lotions as it stains the
yachts' upholstery.
Q. What's the Weather like?
The extremely consistent weather conditions in the Virgin Islands are one of
the reasons this area is considered to be one of the best cruising grounds in
the world!
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Annual |
Average
Temp. |
77 |
77 |
78 |
78 |
80 |
82 |
83 |
83 |
83 |
82 |
81 |
79 |
80 |
Avg. Max
Temp. |
82 |
83 |
84 |
85 |
86 |
87 |
88 |
88 |
88 |
87 |
86 |
84 |
86 |
Avg. Min
Temp. |
71 |
71 |
72 |
74 |
75 |
77 |
77 |
77 |
76 |
76 |
74 |
73 |
74 |
The trade winds are nearly constant ranging from 10-25 knots, allowing for
wonderful sailing. It also keeps it nice and pleasant for sunbathers! The water
temperature ranges from 76 to 85.
Q. Where Can We Cruise?
The 3 most popular cruising areas in the Caribbean are:
The Virgin Islands: US & BVI
Leeward Islands: St Martin & St Barts to Antigua
Windward Islands: St Lucia to Grenadines
Generally your cruising would be contained within one of the island groups
mentioned above.
To cruise other areas in the Caribbean is possible, but it will require more
planning and usually cost, due to airfare, provisioning, etc. Check with your
sales agent for more information.
Q. Island Do's and Don'ts
Remember, you are visiting in a different land, with its own culture. If you
find the local islanders gruff, try saying 'Good Morning' 'Good Afternoon'
and 'Good Evening'. A smile and polite greeting may seem old-fashioned to
you, but here, they are still very much a part of everyday life here in the
islands. Try it, you will very likely get a broad smile in return, and may make
a new friend. Who knows, you might even start a trend when you get home!
In towns, the local islanders generally prefer you to be covered up. T-shirt
and shorts are fine, shoes are often optional, but bikini tops are not
appropriate in their eyes for city wear. Now, on the beach, that's another
story!
Passports are necessary to travel between the US and British Virgin Islands -
they are two separate countries. In absolute worst case situations, a photo ID
and Birth Certificate might get you through immigration both in the BVI and
US immigration, but a current passport will ensure smooth sailing.
Q. Do you offer Special Cruises?
Yes, there are cruises to meet almost every need. Some of these include:
Scuba Diving
Many programs are available for diving from beginner up to
Advanced Diver. The variety of diving and the beauty is unmatched
in the Caribbean and includes reef, night, cave and wreck dives.
Learn To Sail
Most yachts are happy to share their knowledge of sailing with you
and there will be opportunities to steer the boat and adjust the sails
if your want. There are, however, captains that are qualified sailing
instructors for those charter guests that are interested in learning
more.
Captain Only
A few yachts are available with the captain only. The yacht is
available with the captain at a lower rate than fully crewed and the
charter guest pays all the expenses. These would be provisions
(including enough for the Captain), fuel, water, taxes, etc. Also, you
prepare the meals and look after your cabins. This might be a good
choice for those that want to eat ashore frequently and don't need
the personal service that a fully crewed charter includes.
Honeymoon and Wedding trips
We have done weddings aboard our yachts on occasion, most of
which were pre-planned! More commonly though is the
honeymoon cruise. Our private yachts provide one of the most
romantic ways to begin your new life together - without any worries
after all you've gone through with the preparation.
Special Diets
Most of our yachts will do everything to accommodate your
personal dietary requirements. Many can do vegetarian menus that
will delight everyone, not just the vegetarians! Kosher is available
on some boats, though often in 'modified' form due to the
constraints of a yacht's galley. The most important thing is to get
in touch with the yacht as soon as possible and communicate your
special needs early. With enough warning, most things are possible
even here in the islands!
Physically Challenged
While all of our yachts are willing to make accommodations for
specific needs, some yachts have unique abilities in this area. Please
look in the catalog for yachts showing this symbol:
Clothing Optional
Many yacht crews do not mind their guests 'expressing themselves',
and the seclusion possible on your own yacht ensures you privacy.
With advance notice of your needs, your Charter Vacation
Specialist can help arrange a charter where everything fits
together perfectly. We can be sure that you have the crew,
accommodations, cuisine, destinations and activities you
want for your vacation.
West Indies Charter Yacht Services, Ltd. | Our Services | FAQ | Sample Itinerary
For more information and reservations please contact:
West Indies Charter Yacht Services, Ltd.
1242 Corona Street
Denver, Colorado 80218
Toll Free USA: 877-772-7245
Phone: 303-860-0005
Fax: 303-244-0005
Please Tell Them Dive Guide Sent You!!!
Email For Availability And Reservations
