Hi Reader,

Charter season is fully underway down in the Virgin Islands. We're reaching that stretch of the year where the BVI just feels alive - plenty of sunshine, steady trade winds, and just enough energy in the anchorages to remind you it's peak season.

On our end, that also means something else: we’ve been shipping out welcome packages to Yacht Warriors guests as they get ready to step onboard.

Every time one of these goes out, it’s a reminder that the calendar starts filling up faster than people think — which brings me to something I've been thinking about this past week...

If you’ve ever considered chartering a fully crewed yacht for Christmas or New Year’s, right now — in February — is when it’s worth starting the conversation.

Let me paint a picture for you.

It’s Christmas morning, but instead of frigid temps and wrapping paper scattered across the living room, you wake up to sunlight pouring through the hatches. The water outside your cabin is that impossible shade of turquoise. Your chef is already making coffee. Breakfast is being set on the aft deck. And the only thing on the agenda is deciding whether you want to take a dip… or just sit still for a while and take it all in.

That’s what the holidays look like on a fully crewed yacht in the British Virgin Islands.

And if you’ve ever thought about doing something truly different for Christmas or New Year’s — something that feels equal parts luxurious and meaningful — this is one of those trips that stays with you forever.

The BVI Crewed Holiday Experience Is Something Else

A fully crewed charter during the holidays isn’t just “a vacation on a boat.”

These crews go all out.

Yachts are decorated tastefully for the season. Your chef is planning holiday-themed meals that somehow feel both festive and Caribbean at the same time. Think fresh seafood, beautiful cocktails, and a Christmas dinner that rivals anything you’d find at home — except you’re eating it at anchor off Virgin Gorda.

The best part is how effortless it all feels.

No cooking. No cleaning. No planning. No logistics.

Your job is to show up with the people you love, and let the crew create a unique experience around you.

That’s why these weeks are so special.

New Year’s Eve in the North Sound Is Pure Energy

If Christmas week is warm and peaceful, New Year’s week is electric.

The North Sound fills in with a fleet of yachts of all sizes. The anchorages are packed. The beach bars are alive. There’s music, celebration, and by midnight, fireworks reflecting across the water with hundreds of boats watching together.

It’s one of those scenes that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there — the kind of New Year’s celebration that feels like it belongs in a movie.

You can go ashore and be part of the action, or stay onboard with your own private party on deck, champagne in hand, counting down under the stars.

Either way, it’s unforgettable.

A Few Things You Need to Know Before You Book

Holiday charters in the BVI are incredible — but they’re different than a random week in the spring.

Here’s what matters:

Prices are higher than normal

Christmas and New Year’s are the peak of peak season. Rates are generally 15–20% higher than typical winter weeks. New Years charters are typically priced higher than the Christmas week.

It’s crowded

The BVI is always beautiful, but during the holidays it’s busy. Anchorages fill up, beach bars are lively, and the overall energy is high.

If your dream charter is quiet with a bit more solitude… this may not be your week.

These are flat-rate weeks

Most yachts price these charters as a flat weekly rate, so it’s smart to book a yacht whose guest capacity actually matches your group.

An 8 guest yacht for 6 people might sound appealing, but you’re paying for space you may not need.

Seven-night minimums are standard

Both Christmas and New Year’s charters are typically seven nights minimum, and the calendar is structured tightly:

• Christmas charters usually must end no later than December 26th
• New Year’s charters typically can’t begin earlier than December 28th, sometimes the 27th

That gap is critical so crews can reset the yacht, reprovision, and prepare for their next group of guests.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Start Thinking About It

These weeks don’t sell out overnight. But the best yachts, including many of our favorites, don’t wait until the last minute either.

Even though we just finished the holiday season, now is when serious groups start having the conversation.

If celebrating the holidays in paradise is even a possibility for you this year, consider starting to explore options while you still have real choice.

Because once summer hits, the shortlist gets smaller fast.

And once fall arrives, you’re often choosing from what’s left — not what’s best.

Holiday Yachts Still Available

At the moment, there are still some great crewed yachts with availability for Christmas and New Year’s.

Here are a few worth looking at…

• ​Knot 5280 - a well-maintained 2016 Lagoon 450. This is a great option that is much softer on the budget.
  • Christmas: available for 6 guests at $22,000
  • New Years: available for 6 guests at $24,000
• ​Apricity - one of our favorites and an award winner from the fall Yacht Shows. Read more about that in this post.
  • Christmas: available for 8 guests at $29,700
  • New Years: booked
• ​Stella Mare - brand new Lagoon 55, and this one is extra special since the owner is a Yacht Warriors reader (👋 Bob!). Bob also offers a military discount, one of the only yachts I'm aware of that does this.
  • Christmas: available for 8 guests at $45,000
  • New Years: booked
• ​Dream On - brand new Bali 5.8, the first one of this new model available for charter in the Caribbean. The crew just completed the photo shoot, so new yacht images are coming soon (I have a few I can share if you are interested - just reach out).
  • Christmas: available for 8 guests at $50,000
  • New Years: currently has a hold in place
• ​Liquid Sky - standout option for three couples or a family of 5-6. It features an incredible master cabin, flybridge, and hot tub.
  • Christmas: available for 6 guests at $67000
  • New Years: available for 6 guests at $69,000

There are plenty more Yacht Warriors–approved options out there, and if any of these caught your eye, just reach out so we can get to know you and your group.

The key is simply starting the conversation early enough that we can match you with the best yacht and crew for the kind of holiday week you’re looking for.

Christmas and New Year’s in the BVI is one of those rare experiences that really does live up to the hype.

If this is the year for you, let’s get it on the calendar.

Have a great week! - Matt Weidert