What to know about Caribbean.
Reliable trade winds, glass-flat anchorages, and the cleanest white sand on earth.
The Caribbean is the Mediterranean's mirror season. November to April, while the Med winterises, the trades pick up between 15 and 20 knots and the islands open. The desk has eleven editors who have run a Caribbean season aboard; what follows is what they'll tell you.
The four cruising regions
The British Virgin Islands
The most popular charter ground anywhere. Forty islands within line of sight, glass-flat water inside the chain, and thirty-six anchorages within a thirty-mile triangle. Ideal first charter — the captain is never far from a safe overnight.
St Barthélemy
The yacht week happens here. Smaller — eight square miles — but with the densest concentration of fine restaurants and beach clubs in the Caribbean. New Year's in St Barts is the single most expensive yacht week of the year; book by April.
Antigua & the Leewards
Three hundred sixty-five beaches, a famous sailing week each April, and the deep-water English Harbour where the navy refit yard has been operating since 1745. The desk's favourite for owners who actually want to sail.
The Grenadines
South of the hurricane belt. Mustique and Bequia at the top, then Tobago Cays — a national park anchorage where you tie to a mooring ball over white sand in eight feet of crystal water. The least crowded option in the Caribbean.
What it costs, all-in
For a typical 50m motor yacht charter in the Caribbean during February: base rate $110,000/wk, plus APA $33,000, plus crew gratuity $10,000–$15,000. Total all-in: roughly $155,000–$160,000. Christmas and New Year carry premiums of 50–80% over standard rates.
Frequently asked.
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 per week for a 30m sailing yacht to $400,000 per week for a 70m+ motor yacht. A mid-range 45–55m motor yacht typically runs $90,000–$180,000 per week plus APA of 30–35%.
Which Caribbean islands are best for a superyacht charter?
The British Virgin Islands 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. The desk 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.
