How Much Does a Boat Charter Cost in the USVI?

How Much Does a Boat Charter Cost in the USVI?

‍

It's the first question almost everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends. A boat charter in the US Virgin Islands can run anywhere from a few hundred dollars a head on a shared trip to a few thousand for a private boat with a captain for the day.

‍

That range sounds vague, so let's make it useful. Here's what actually drives the number, what a private charter typically costs, and what's included — so you can budget with no surprises.

‍

The "Need to Know" Basics:

‍

For a private charter (the whole boat is yours), typical full-day rates in the USVI look roughly like this:

‍

🚤 Private powerboat (great for up to ~6–8): about $1,500–$3,000 for the day.

⛵ Private catamaran (room for up to ~12): often $1,100–$2,500+, depending on the boat.

🥂 Luxury or fully crewed yacht day: $3,000 and up.

‍

Half-day charters run meaningfully less. On top of the base rate, budget for fuel, any BVI fees, and a captain's gratuity (more on those below). Prefer a per-person price? A shared charter is the lower-cost route — see our guide on private vs. shared.

‍

A quick honesty note: every boat and season prices differently. We'll always give you an exact quote for your dates and group — these are ballparks to plan around.

‍

What drives the price

A few things move the number up or down:

‍

Boat type and size. A sleek powerboat, a 45-foot catamaran, and a crewed yacht are different experiences at different prices. Bigger and more luxurious costs more — but also splits across more people.

‍

Half day vs. full day. USVI charters typically run about seven hours (roughly 9 to 4); BVI days run a bit longer (around eight hours) because of the crossing. A half day is the budget-friendlier option if you don't need the whole day.

‍

Group size. Most private boats take up to 12 guests. The bigger your group, the lower the per-person cost — which is why private charters are often a better deal than they first look for groups of six-plus.

‍

Where you go. A BVI day trip adds per-person customs and immigration fees (and sometimes national-park fees at spots like The Baths), plus a longer run that uses more fuel.

‍

The Extras to Budget For 💸

The base rate usually isn't the whole story. Plan for:

• Fuel — billed separately and calculated at the end of the day, typically $100–$400 depending on the boat and how far you roam.
• Captain's gratuity — customary at around 15–20% of the charter rate. (On a captained bareboat, the captain's daily rate and a 20% tip are separate.)
• BVI fees — per-person customs/immigration if you cross into the British Virgin Islands.
• Food and drinks — included on fully crewed charters; on most others, you bring your own (which also keeps costs down).

‍

What's actually included

It depends on the type of charter:

‍

A fully crewed charter is close to all-inclusive — captain, chef, meals, drinks, fuel, moorings, and the fun stuff like snorkel gear and water toys. The main add-on is gratuity.

‍

A captained charter gives you a professional at the helm while you handle your own food and drinks. It's the most popular choice for visitors and usually the best balance of cost and ease.

‍

Either way, expect to put down a 50% deposit up to full payment to lock your date. Travel insurance is smart if you're booking in storm season.

‍

Is it worth it?

For a couple on a budget, a shared charter is a great day out at a lower price. For a group — a family, a birthday, a bachelorette — a private charter split across everyone often costs less per person than people expect, and you get the whole boat, your own pace, and zero coordinating around strangers. For most groups, that's money well spent.

‍

Get a real number, not a guess

The ranges here are to help you plan. For your actual price, tell Caribbean Boat Concierge your dates, group size, and the kind of day you want, and we'll match you with the right boat and send back a clear quote — what's included, what's extra, no surprises. That's the whole point of booking with a concierge instead of guessing.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charter a boat in St. Thomas? For a private charter, plan on roughly $1,500–$3,000 for a full-day powerboat and $1,100–$2,500+ for a catamaran, plus fuel and gratuity. Half-days cost less, and shared charters are priced per person. Exact pricing depends on the boat, season, and group size.

‍

What's included in a boat charter? Fully crewed charters include the captain, crew, meals, drinks, fuel, and gear — gratuity is the main extra. Captained charters include the captain while you bring your own food and drinks. Fuel is almost always billed separately unless you're on a crewed trip.

‍

Are there extra fees beyond the charter price? Usually yes: fuel ($100–$400 depending on the boat and route), a customary 15–20% captain's gratuity, and per-person BVI customs fees if you cross into the British Virgin Islands.

‍

Is a private charter cheaper per person than a shared tour? Not usually for a couple, but for a group of six to twelve the per-person cost often lands close to a shared tour — and you get the entire boat to yourselves. It's why groups tend to go private.

‍

How far in advance should I book and pay? Book early — 9 months ahead for peak season (December–April), 6 months for the quieter months. Expect a 50% deposit to full payment to confirm with flexible cancellation policities.

‍