Changes in BVI Charter Regulations
29 May 2025
- New Charter Regulations in BVI
- Can I sail from USVI to BVI on a charter boat?
- Can I rent a boat in BVI and check in at the USVI?
- Can I sail a charter boat from BVI to USVI?
- Summary: What are your options?
New Charter Regulations in BVI
For years, charter boats have freely cruised between the US and British Virgin Islands with minimal formalities beyond standard customs procedures. However, this is about to change. The Government of the British Virgin Islands has introduced significant amendments to its charter laws - specifically the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act, 1992 (CRVL) and the Cruise and Home Port Permit Act, 2001—which will take effect on June 1, 2025. These changes will substantially alter chartering operations in the Virgin Islands.
Can I sail from USVI to BVI on a charter boat?
Unfortunately, for most charter vessels, this will no longer be feasible. The new legislation drastically increases annual fees annual fees for non-BVI-based charter vessels—from approximately $400 to $24,000 for unlimited entry into BVI waters for yachts up to 115 feet. This move is intended to protect the local maritime industry but imposes heavy restrictions on vessels based in the USVI. As a result, many USVI operators may stop offering BVI routes, significantly limiting cross-border sailing.
Can I rent a boat in BVI and check in at the USVI?
In most cases, no. Even though boats chartered in the BVI can sail to the USVI, both check-in and charter start must occur in the BVI.
The new regulation requires that at least 70% of charters on home-based vessels must originate in the BVI. Only up to four charters per season may start outside of the territory—provided that each of those itineraries includes a stop in the Virgin Islands.
Note: A "home-based vessel" is defined as a vessel that is registered in the BVI, has a base of operations there, and is managed by a BVI-registered company for a minimum of five months in a 12-month period.
$1,070
per day
$493
per day
$454
per day
$527
per day
$531
per day
$921
per day
$283
per day
$461
per day
$298
per day
$448
per day
Can I sail a charter boat from BVI to USVI?
Yes—but only for up to 5 consecutive days. After five days outside BVI waters, the boat must return to the BVI before leaving again.
Additionally, during the high charter season (December through April), home-based vessels must be physically present in BVI waters for at least 15 days per month. This requirement prevents vessels from registering in the BVI while primarily operating elsewhere (e.g., USVI) to avoid higher licensing fees.
Always consult your 12 Knots manager to confirm the vessel’s operational limits before planning a cross-border itinerary.
Summary: What are your options?
Due to these regulatory changes, 12 Knots recommends the following:
- Stick to USVI if you’re looking for quieter, less crowded sailing grounds such as St. John, St. Croix, or the Spanish Virgins (Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques). This option is ideal if you're flying from the U.S. and want to avoid BVI customs and immigration procedures.
- Charter from the BVI if you're interested in a broader fleet selection and exploring top BVI destinations like Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
- Start your charter in the BVI and return the vessel to our St. Thomas base for your flight out. A relocation fee applies but is often cheaper than the cost of a ferry or private water taxi.
