Hi Reader,

If you’re thinking about chartering in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), or both — there are some important changes you need to know before you book.

Starting June 1, 2025, new regulations are taking effect that limit how yachts can move between the BVI and USVI, how long they can stay, and how many pickups or drop-offs they can do in each territory.

These rules don’t just affect charter companies. They impact your itinerary, your flexibility, and which yachts are available — especially if you're hoping to do a pickup in one territory and cruise in the other.

Let’s break it down based on what you’re considering.

If You’re Considering a BVI Charter…

Great choice — it’s still the most requested destination for our guests.

But if you're thinking of starting in the USVI (like St. Thomas) and cruising into the BVI:

• Many foreign-based yachts (like those from the USVI) will now be limited to 7 entries or pickups per year in BVI waters
• Cruising permits are often capped at 4 days max
• To stay longer requires checking out and back in, which adds risk and red tape

If you're expecting a weeklong BVI cruise from St. Thomas, that trip may no longer be legally possible — or at best, subject to disruption.

The safer option? Book a yacht based in the BVI itself. No cross-border complications, and full freedom to explore.

If you prefer the logistics for a St. Thomas flight, just instead consider taking the public ferry or a private water taxi instead of a USVI yacht pick-up.

If You’re Considering a USVI Charter…

USVI-only trips — around St. Thomas and St. John — remain straightforward. But if you're looking at a USVI-based yacht, even for a USVI itinerary, here’s what you need to know:

• A large USVI-based management company just relocated to BVI because of these new rules
• Other operators are actively evaluating their options
• If you book a USVI-based yacht now for a future charter, and that yacht moves to the BVI… your pickup location, itinerary, and even trip timing could change
• BVI-based yachts can relocate to USVI for your trip but those options will be limited - some are only planning for one USVI pick-up per month or none at all

Bottom line: Booking a USVI-based yacht today carries relocation risk. If a yacht shifts its home port, that could disrupt your charter — even if your plan didn’t involve the BVI at all.

So if you're planning a USVI charter, make sure you’re working with a broker who's on top of the latest changes.

Why This Matters

These changes are complex, they’re being enforced, and they’re already shifting how yacht charters work across the Virgin Islands.

The truth is, who you book with matters — especially in a season like this.

At the Yacht Warriors, out team is in constant contact with operators, monitoring fleet relocations, and keeping close tabs on how these new rules are playing out — so you don’t have to.

We’ll help you avoid surprises, choose the right yacht, and get the trip you’ve actually envisioned.

This is an evolving situation, and we’ll keep you updated as more details emerge and fleets adjust. Stay tuned — and if you’re starting to plan, now’s the time to get clarity on what’s possible.

That's it for today!

Matt Weidert Founder & Chief Yacht Warrior