Caribbean yacht charters cost $20,000–$400,000 (€18,500–€370,000) per week. Season runs November–April. Best islands: BVI, St Barts, Antigua, St Martin. Budget 30% of base rate for APA.
Caribbean Yacht Charter Guide 2025
Prices shown in USD and EUR. EUR figures are approximate at $1 ≈ €0.93.
The Caribbean is the world's second most popular superyacht charter destination, drawing clients from November through April with its flat turquoise waters, consistent trade winds, and string of exclusive island destinations. This guide covers rates, regions, season timing, and everything a broker or first-time charterer needs to know.
Nov–Apr
Season
$20k–$400k/wk
Base rate
30–35%
APA
7 nights
Min. charter
Caribbean charter regions
British Virgin Islands
Tortola · Virgin Gorda · Jost Van Dyke · Anegada
The most popular Caribbean charter destination. Protected Sir Francis Drake Channel, 60+ anchorages, and The Baths at Virgin Gorda. Ideal for first-time charterers and families.
Wind: NE Trade winds 15–25kts, Nov–May
St Barts & St Martin
St Barthélemy · Sint Maarten · Anguilla · Saba
French glamour meets Dutch pragmatism. St Barts is the most exclusive island in the Caribbean — limited anchorages, high prices, world-class beach clubs. Gustavia harbour at Christmas is iconic.
Wind: ENE Trade winds 12–20kts
Antigua & Leeward Islands
Antigua · Barbuda · Montserrat · St Kitts · Nevis
English Harbour is the Caribbean's finest yacht base. Falmouth Harbour has excellent provisioning and yard services. Antigua Sailing Week (late April) is a highlight of the charter calendar.
Wind: E–ENE Trade winds 15–25kts
Grenadines & Southern Caribbean
St Vincent · Bequia · Mustique · Tobago Cays · Grenada
The most unspoilt sailing in the Caribbean. Tobago Cays Marine Park has pristine reefs. Mustique is ultra-exclusive. Grenada is outside the hurricane belt — a year-round charter option.
Wind: ENE Trade winds 15–20kts
Caribbean charter rates by vessel size
USD is contract currency for most Caribbean charters. EUR shown at $1 ≈ €0.93 for reference.
| Vessel size | Type | Rate/week (USD / EUR) | Total inc. 30% APA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–40m | Sailing | $20k–$50k / €19k–€47k | $26k–$65k / €24k–€60k |
| 30–40m | Motor | $28k–$65k / €26k–€60k | $36k–$85k / €33k–€79k |
| 40–50m | Motor | $65k–$130k / €60k–€121k | $85k–$169k / €79k–€157k |
| 50–60m | Motor | $110k–$220k / €102k–€205k | $143k–$286k / €133k–€266k |
| 60–70m | Motor | $200k–$320k / €186k–€298k | $260k–$416k / €242k–€387k |
| 70m+ | Motor | $280k–$400k+ / €260k–€372k+ | $364k–$520k+ / €338k–€484k+ |
Caribbean peak booking periods
Christmas / New Year
Dec 18 – Jan 4
Premium pricing. 7-night mandatory. Book 12–18 months ahead.
Presidents' Week
Mid-February
US school holiday. BVI and USVI in high demand.
Easter
March / April
European and US demand peaks. Strong demand for families in BVI and Grenadines.
Caribbean charter — FAQ
What is the best time to charter a yacht in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean charter season runs November through April (winter). This is the dry season — reliable trade winds, low humidity, and minimal hurricane risk. July–October is hurricane season; most vessels relocate to the Mediterranean. Some islands (Grenada, Trinidad) lie outside the hurricane belt and charter year-round.
How much does a yacht charter in the Caribbean cost?
Caribbean yacht charter rates range from $20,000 (~€18,500) per week for a 30m sailing yacht to $400,000 (~€370,000) per week for a 70m+ motor yacht. A mid-range 45–55m motor yacht typically runs $90,000–$180,000 (~€83,000–€167,000) per week plus APA of 30–35%.
Which Caribbean islands are best for a superyacht charter?
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the most popular: calm waters, easy navigation, world-class anchorages. St Barts offers glamour and exclusivity. Antigua has a famous sailing week and excellent infrastructure. St Martin bridges French and Dutch cultures with great provisions. Grenada and the Grenadines offer unspoilt southern Caribbean sailing.
Do I need to pay tax on a Caribbean yacht charter?
Tax treatment varies by island. The USVI charges a 6% charter tax. BVI is generally tax-free for charters. St Barts applies a modest port tax. Most other islands have minimal charter taxation. Your broker handles compliance — always clarify at contract stage.
Is the Caribbean better than the Mediterranean for chartering?
Both are world-class but suit different clients. The Caribbean offers warm flat-water sailing, iconic beach clubs, and a relaxed pace — better for first-timers and families. The Mediterranean offers more cultural depth, better food scenes, and stronger nightlife. Caribbean season (Nov–Apr) and Mediterranean season (May–Oct) are complementary — many yachts do both.
What is the minimum charter duration in the Caribbean?
7 nights is standard during peak season (Christmas, New Year, Easter). Shoulder-season charters of 3–5 nights are possible on some vessels, often with a short-charter premium. Christmas and New Year weeks are typically mandatory 7-night minimums booked 12–18 months in advance.