All Inclusive or Bareboat Charter?

In the past we had many guests join us on an All-Inclusive charter who had previously chartered Bareboat. After a week of pure indulgence and relaxation they tell us they will never go back. One guest quoted

A Bareboat charter is an adventure, an All-Inclusive charter is a vacation!’

Many of you out there are avid sailors and it is your dream to come and sail the calm waters of the British Virgin Islands, however with it can come many challenges if you are not a seasoned captain.

Below are many factors to consider when deciding which kind of charter to choose next time you book.

When you charter on a private yacht in the Caribbean your captain will have a wealth of local knowledge. Your captain and crew can take you to the best snorkel sights, recommend the finest restaurants, organize planned excursions and anchor in some of the most spectacular bays. Your crew will discuss your itinerary with you a few weeks prior to boarding and can plan a set route or you can decide to take it day by day once you arrive.

Do you know where to anchor if all the mooring balls are taken? Are you comfortable and confident knowing your anchor isn’t going to drag throughout the night? Forget the sleepless nights and rest assured you are in great hands with your captain on board.

We have seen many a bareboat captain who is not well versed in the BVI cruising grounds and have ended up on the reef or run into bad weather whilst trying to anchor in a busy bay and bumped the next boat.  Rather than run the risk of any accidents with the chance of a hefty bill at the end of your charter, leave it to your qualified captain to run the ship!

A few weeks prior to your charter your chef will contact you to discuss your menu and drink preferences for the week. You can chat through any dietary requirements or allergies you may have, request top shelf liquor or wines you may like or any mention a special occasion you would like to celebrate. The chefs know all the best locations to find your provisions, from local fishermen, artisan butcheries, health food stores to sourcing fresh organic produce.

Boats are very unpredictable and unfortunately maintenance is required on a regular basis. Rather than spending your days waiting on service calls or doing the maintenance yourself, it is always much more convenient for you to have a captain who knows the boat well and can fix any issues which may arise on the boat in a timely manner, giving you more time to enjoy exploring the islands.

It can be extremely nerve racking if you have a medical emergency onboard and you are floating in the middle of the ocean not knowing which direction to head in. With your crew trained in first aid and sea survival skills and having the local knowledge of which hospital to head to, you can feel at ease knowing you are in great hands should an incident arise whilst onboard.

Who wants to cook and clean on vacation? After all, this is why you needed a break in the first place, right? Forget slaving away in the hot galley and leave the dirty dishes and last night’s party for the crew to clean up. They will have your yacht looking fresh and clean every day without you having to lift a finger.

Most private yachts are fully equipped with paddleboards, kayaks, tubes, wakeboards, snorkel equipment etc. If you choose to go for the bareboat option, you will need to hire this separately and have all your watersport equipment delivered to the boat prior to your arrival.

Bareboating is a wonderful way to charter if you know the cruising grounds well, you are competent in your sailing abilities and you are happy to run your own boat for the week. However, if you want pure relaxation, a tour guide, a personal chef cooking up a storm in the galley and 5-star service book yourself an All-Inclusive charter. You won’t be sorry!

Contact nicola@dbergtravel.com or visit www.dbergtravel.com for a quote on your next All-Inclusive charter in the glorious British Virgin Islands.