Frequently Asked
Questions

Typically not included are flights to and from the BVI, provisioning (food and drink) on bareboat charters, fuel above a standard daily allowance on some crewed yachts, marina fees and mooring balls, BVI departure taxes ($20 per person), crew gratuities (customarily 15–20% of the charter fee), and shore-side activities or excursions.

Absolutely. Every charter we arrange is tailored to your group’s preferences — from which islands to visit and activities to enjoy, to the pace of each day and the style of dining. We work with you in advance to create a detailed itinerary, but your captain will always adapt on the water based on weather and your wishes.

We recommend booking 6–12 months in advance, especially for peak season (December through April). The best yachts and crews are reserved early, and popular periods around Christmas and New Year can be booked over a year ahead. That said, last-minute availability sometimes exists — contact us and we’ll see what’s possible.

The BVI offers superb sailing year-round. The most popular season is December through April, when the trade winds are steady and conditions are reliably excellent. May through November is the off-season — still beautiful, often quieter and more affordable, though there is a higher chance of rain and occasional tropical weather.

Most BVI charters begin and end in Tortola — either at the main charter bases in Road Town or at West End (Soper’s Hole). Some yachts can start or end in other BVI locations such as Virgin Gorda, depending on availability and operator agreement. We handle all the logistics so you simply arrive.

We offer a curated selection of sailing catamarans, monohull sailing yachts, and motor yachts. Catamarans are the most popular choice in the BVI — they offer excellent stability, generous deck space, and shallow draught ideal for the protected anchorages here. Motor yachts suit guests who prefer greater range and speed.

A crewed charter includes a full professional crew — typically a captain and a chef/first mate — who take care of everything. A skippered charter provides a professional captain while guests manage other on-board tasks. A bareboat charter is for qualified sailors who take full responsibility for the yacht themselves. D’Berg specialises in fully crewed luxury charters.

No sailing experience whatsoever is required for a crewed charter. Your captain handles all navigation and seamanship while your chef looks after all provisioning and meals. You simply relax, explore, swim, and enjoy the BVI.

Our fleet ranges from intimate catamarans sleeping 4 guests to larger yachts accommodating 10 or more. Most of our popular charter yachts comfortably accommodate 6–8 guests across 3–4 en-suite cabins. Day-charter options for larger groups are also available.

Charter fees are typically quoted per week (or per day for shorter charters) and cover the yacht and crew. On top of the base fee, you will budget for an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) — usually 30–35% of the charter fee — which covers food, drinks, fuel, marina fees, and other running costs. Any unspent APA is returned to you at the end.

The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a fund held by the captain and used for all on-board running costs: provisioning, fuel, mooring balls, marina fees, and similar expenses. Before departure we’ll discuss your preferences and dietary requirements so the captain can provision accordingly. At the end of the charter, a full accounting is provided and any balance is returned.

Crew gratuities are customary and very much appreciated. The industry standard is 15–20% of the charter fee, given in cash at the end of the charter. This is shared among the crew and reflects the personal service they have provided throughout your trip.

Most charters require a 50% deposit on booking with the balance due 30–60 days before departure. Cancellation policies vary by yacht operator — we will provide full terms as part of your charter agreement and recommend travel insurance that covers cancellation for all guests.

The yacht carries its own hull and liability insurance. We strongly recommend that all guests take out comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and personal belongings. We can advise on suitable policies if needed.

On crewed charters your chef will prepare all meals — typically a light breakfast, a relaxed lunch, and a three-course dinner on board, plus snacks and drinks throughout the day. Before your trip you’ll complete a preference form so your chef can tailor every meal, accommodate dietary requirements, and stock your favourite drinks. Shore-side dinners are a wonderful option too.

Most of our crewed yachts carry a selection of water toys — paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling gear, and fishing equipment are standard. Many also carry a tender (dinghy) with outboard for island exploration. Some larger yachts include e-foils, wakeboard equipment, or inflatable water parks. Specific toys are listed in each yacht’s profile.

Think light — soft-sided bags are strongly preferred as they stow easily on board. Essentials include sunscreen, swimwear, light linen clothing, deck shoes or flip-flops, and a light layer for evenings. Leave hard-shell suitcases and heels at home. We provide a full packing guide on booking.

Many of our yachts have Wi-Fi via a satellite or SIM-based router, though speeds vary and coverage can be limited in remote anchorages. We encourage guests to embrace the digital detox, but connectivity is available when you need it.

Absolutely — a yacht charter is a wonderful family holiday. Most of our yachts are fully child-friendly. Let us know the ages of any children in your party and we will select a yacht with appropriate safety features, suitable water toys, and a crew experienced with younger guests.

US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport only — no visa is required. UK and most EU citizens can also enter visa-free. Citizens of some other countries may require a visa in advance. If in doubt, contact the BVI Immigration Department or check with your nearest British Embassy.

All visitors pay a $10 per person Environmental and Tourism Levy on arrival. A departure tax of $20 per person applies when leaving. These fees are typically paid in cash at the airport or marina customs office.

Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome Airport (EIS) is served by regional Caribbean carriers connecting through hubs in Antigua, San Juan, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas. American Airlines also operates a direct flight from Miami. Alternatively, fly into St. Thomas (STT) and take a ferry — a beautiful 45-minute to 1-hour crossing.

The US Dollar is the official currency of the BVI. Credit cards are widely accepted at marinas and restaurants, but cash is useful for smaller purchases, local markets, and crew gratuities.

The BVI is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Crime rates are low, the sailing grounds are well protected and clearly charted, and the local community is welcoming to visitors. Standard common-sense precautions apply, as with any travel destination.