Heads Up, Charter Guests: Big Changes Are Coming to Virgin Islands Yacht Charters
If you’re dreaming about a yacht charter through the Virgin Islands, you’re not alone. But before you start planning that perfect week hopping from one postcard-perfect bay to another, there’s something you need to know.
The rules for cruising between the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) are changing. And if you’re not aware of these new regulations, you could book a trip that doesn’t go quite as planned.
That’s why BoatyBall created the BoatyCrew — to keep you in the loop on the latest island updates that might impact your charter. From mooring access to border policies, we’ve got your back. Here’s the scoop:
⚖️ What’s Changing? New BVI Rules You Should Know About
As of June 1, 2025, the BVI government is putting tighter rules in place for charter boats that aren’t based in BVI waters. That mostly means yachts based in the USVI (like St. Thomas or St. John) that plan to cross into the BVI for your trip.
Here’s what’s new:
Fewer BVI Pickups and Entries for USVI Boats USVI-based charter yachts can now only enter BVI waters 7 times per year — and that includes both pickups and cruising trips. Some larger yachts may be allowed unlimited entries, but they’re still capped at 7 passenger pickups per year. After that, they either stay out — or pay steep fees to keep operating. Limited Stay Time in BVI Boats from outside the BVI can’t stay longer than 60 days at a time in BVI waters unless they get special permission. In many cases, boats are restricted to just 4 days before having to leave or re-enter. Higher Operating Costs Mean Changing Plans Some operators are choosing not to offer BVI trips at all. Others are relocating their yachts to the BVI to stay compliant — but that means pickups in St. Thomas may no longer be an option.
What This Means for You
If you’re booking a yacht charter, especially one that involves both USVI and BVI stops, these new rules could impact:
- Where your trip starts or ends
- Which islands you can visit
- How many days you can cruise in BVI waters
- Whether your booked yacht relocates after you’ve reserved it
✈️ Flying Into St. Thomas? You might have been planning to hop on your yacht right from St. Thomas and sail into the BVI. That plan is now trickier.
To keep things simple and stress-free, many charter guests are choosing to:
- Take a ferry or water taxi to the BVI
- Hop aboard a BVI-based yacht that can cruise freely without the 7-trip limit
Staying in the USVI? There are still amazing charters available that stay entirely in the USVI — especially around St. Thomas and St. John. But keep in mind:
Some USVI-based yachts are being moved to the BVI. Even if you plan to stay in the USVI, your charter may change if the yacht relocates its home base. Bottom line? Ask questions and stay informed — because what you book today might shift in a few months.
Why Join BoatyCrew?
At BoatyBall, we’re not just about guaranteed moorings — we’re about making your charter experience seamless and unforgettable.
By joining BoatyCrew, you’ll get:
- 🚨 Real-time updates on regulation changes
- 📍 Local insights and itinerary planning tips
- 📅 Tools to help you book smarter and avoid surprises
- 🌴 Bonus island updates to help you make the most of your charter
These new rules are just the beginning of how chartering in the Virgin Islands is evolving. Don’t let red tape ruin your blue-water dreams.
Sail Smarter, Relax More
This might sound like a lot, but we promise — with the right prep and the right partners, you can still have that smooth-sailing, rum-punch-sipping, barefoot-on-the-bow experience you’ve been craving.
Just be sure your charter provider understands the new rules. Even better? Start your trip in the BVI, sail on a BVI-based yacht, and use BoatyBall to grab the best moorings in paradise.
