⛵ 2025 Charter Season Preview

Hi Reader,

I’m thrilled to share some updates for the 2025 charter season, which is already shaping up to be one for the books! As is tradition, I’ve put together a new Yacht Warriors’ rendition of ‘The Night Before Christmas’, to kick things off in style and capture the magic of this time of year.

'Twas the start of charter season, in the sparkling BVI,
Where sailors prepared for adventures beneath the endless sky.
American Airlines flights brought visitors with ease,
While water taxis whisked others across turquoise seas.

The mooring fields filled, BoatyBalls reserved with care,
By crews rising early to claim their fair share.
Yet whispers of anchorages, serene and remote,
Lured explorers to waters where solitude would float.

At the Soggy Dollar Bar, the painkillers did flow,
While the Exumas called out to those in the know.
With Starlink aboard and underwater lights aglow,
Charterers marveled at their yachts' high-tech show.

From Norman to Virgin Gorda, where legends take shape,
To the Baths with new rules, creating a streamlined escape.
The Spanish Virgins whispered, “Come chart a new course,”
With secluded beaches and charm as their force.

In Facebook groups and dockside, the sailors did meet,
Sharing tips, tales, and anchors dropped at pristine retreats.
With every reefed sail in the brisk Christmas breeze,
The crews navigated the Caribbean seas.

For in this playground, where the dolphins still leap,
Each voyage promised memories forever to keep.
And as the sun dipped low, painting skies with gold and red,
The charterers toasted to adventures ahead.

For the 2025 season, with its thrills and delight,
Bids fair winds to all, and to all a good night.

Before we dive into the 2025 preview, I’ve got some exciting news about updates to the Yacht Warriors web app. These are game-changers for planning your perfect charter.

Preview of the crewed yacht search on Yacht Warriors

What’s new on the Yacht Warriors?

Private crewed yachts: we've added the all-inclusive yacht charter fleet to our site! Now, you can search by yacht type, group size, destination, and even fun features like scuba onboard or e-foils. And coming soon—date-specific availability to make planning even smoother.

Preview of the bareboat yacht search on Yacht Warriors

Bareboat yachts: our global bareboat fleet is live, featuring yachts from our trusted partners. Search for yachts with features like Starlink or underwater lights, and as of this week, you can screen for yachts only available during your travel dates. No more guesswork!

Favorite yachts

Logged in? You can now save yachts you love with a simple click. Your favorites are all organized in one spot on your guest dashboard for easy access and planning.

Just this past November I saw 2x American birds on the ground in BVI

Previewing the 2025 Charter Season

Getting to the BVI just got easier

Big news for charterers: American Airlines has expanded their direct flight options from Miami to the BVI, with up to five flights per day during peak travel times! While I’ve always been loyal to the St. Thomas route with a private water taxi (the best way to start a charter), these new flights might convert me—especially if prices drop.

White Bay on a typical day from our trip this past May

The BVI is booming!

It’s no secret—the BVI feels busier than ever. While I don’t have the exact data to prove it, the sheer number of yachts and visitors out there speaks for itself.

When I visited in May earlier this year, a time that’s usually quieter in the shoulder season, it was bustling like the high season.

But don’t fret! There are still plenty of ways to avoid the crowds. Whether it’s finding quieter anchorages or enjoying the lively vibe at White Bay and Soggy Dollar Bar, the BVI always delivers.

If you’re craving more solitude, though, consider branching out to new horizons. The Exumas offer unspoiled anchorages, even during peak times (read about BVI vs Exuma), or if you’re sticking to the Virgin Islands, the stunning Spanish Virgin Islands offer a refreshing change of pace.

Safety rirst

With recent incidents like the tragic accident near Saba Rock and groundings we saw last year, it’s never been more important to prioritize safety. Whether you’re joining a crewed charter or bareboating, take a moment to read the safety brief I give to my own crew. It’s quick, practical, and will help you feel confident at sea. These practical tips on dinghy safety are also well worth the read.

Cruising Communities & Social Sharing

Sailing in 2025 is about more than just the destination—it’s about the connections you make along the way. While this theme is often tied to the cruising community, there’s plenty of overlap with charterers like us, so I thought it’d be fun to share!

BVI Charter Chat (Facebook Group): With almost 60k members, this group is a hotbed of advice—but be warned, its growth comes with downsides. Endless repeat questions, some negativity, and tough-to-find info have dulled the experience for some. Still, it’s worth a browse for the occasional gem of local knowledge.
Young Cruisers Association: A growing community for the under-40 crowd embracing the sailing lifestyle, but anyone can join! Meet new friends, share tips, or join flotillas—it’s all about camaraderie on the water. We are a proud member!
SeaPeople App: The well-known La Vagabonde duo has launched this app to connect cruisers, share anchorage tips, and make planning easier. It’s becoming a go-to for sailors worldwide!

Other Trends to Watch

Crewed, Captain-Only Charters: this is an emerging trend as an alternative to a bareboat with an added skipper. Find out why it could make sense for you in this post.
Refresh on the rules: haven't visited the Baths recently? Make sure you’re up to speed on the latest rules for exploring this iconic spot.
BVI’s best beaches: planning your beach days? Don’t miss my personal Top 10 Beaches in the BVI list—it’s perfect for finding the right vibe, whether you’re looking for secluded serenity or lively beach bars.

That's it for today! Keep an eye out for the next edition where we'll go into a deep dive on some new additions to the charter fleet. Wishing you smooth sailing, unforgettable adventures, and plenty of magic on the water in 2025.