Most crewed yachts are in the Caribbean from about December to April, the main season, and brokers name December to March as its core. Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with a statistical peak around 10 September; charters still run then, but storms can disrupt any island itinerary.
At a glance
| Main season | About December to April; Yacht Charter Fleet names December to March |
| Busiest weeks | Christmas and New Year, with minimum stays |
| Hurricane season | 1 June to 30 November, peak around 10 September (NOAA) |
| Choice of yachts | Widest in winter; many larger yachts spend summer in the Mediterranean |
| The one thing to check | The contract's named-storm, relocation and cancellation terms |
The Caribbean year
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late Nov to mid-Dec | Season opening. Yachts arrive from the Mediterranean |
| Christmas and New Year | Peak demand and the highest rates; seven-night minimums are standard in the BVI |
| January to March | The core of the main season, with the full fleet |
| April to May | Still in season; many larger yachts leave for the Mediterranean |
| June to November | Atlantic hurricane season; fewer yachts and more risk of disruption |
Yacht Charter Fleet puts the main Caribbean season at December to March, peaking over Christmas and New Year. Many crewed yachts move between regions with the seasons, which is why the choice of large yachts in the Caribbean is widest in winter.
Hurricane season
NOAA's National Hurricane Center defines the Atlantic hurricane season as 1 June to 30 November, with its statistical peak on 10 September and most activity between mid-August and mid-October.
Charters operate during hurricane season, but storms can disrupt any island itinerary. No island is immune: in July 2024 Hurricane Beryl made landfall on Carriacou, part of Grenada, as a Category 4 storm (CCRIF).
Yacht Warriors notes that fewer crewed yachts stay in the islands in summer, so the choice is smaller.
Christmas and New Year
The holiday weeks are the most sought-after of the year. Yacht Warriors' guide to the British Virgin Islands holidays says:
- Seven-night minimums are standard for both weeks.
- Christmas charters usually end by 26 December, and New Year charters typically cannot start before 28 December (sometimes 27 December).
- Holiday rates are generally 15% to 20% higher than ordinary winter weeks, and New Year usually costs more than Christmas.
If you want the holidays, start asking early in the year before.
Which part of the season suits you
| If you want | Consider |
|---|---|
| The full choice of yachts | Mid-January to March |
| Lower rates than the holiday weeks | Early December, January after New Year, or late April; prices and availability vary by yacht |
| School holidays | Christmas and Easter, booked early, with minimum stays |
| The lowest rates, accepting risk | June, July or November, with terms and insurance you have read |
How a week usually runs
In the British Virgin Islands, a crewed catamaran week from Tortola often moves between Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Cooper Island and Virgin Gorda, with short hops between anchorages. Longer, more exposed legs, such as the run to Anegada, depend on the route and the sea state, and the captain decides each day. The same rhythm of short hops works further south in the Grenadines.
What the price includes
Many Caribbean crewed catamarans are sold as all-inclusive packages with listed exclusions, while larger motor yachts usually charge a weekly rate plus an APA for running costs. The gratuity is extra and at your discretion. Local cruising permits and taxes differ between island nations; ask what is in the price for your route. See what a Caribbean charter costs.
What to ask your broker
- Is this rate all-inclusive or plus expenses, and which taxes and cruising permits are extra?
- Is there a minimum stay or fixed start day for my dates?
- What do the contract's named-storm, relocation and cancellation clauses actually say?
- Will the yacht still be in the Caribbean in April and May?
- Does my route cross between countries, such as the BVI and the US Virgin Islands, and what does clearing in involve?
When this is not the right choice
- Your only dates are July to October and a disrupted week is not acceptable. The Mediterranean is in season then.
- You want a large motor yacht in high summer. Many have left for the Mediterranean.
- The holiday weeks are your only option and the budget is tight. The premium and seven-night minimum may push you to a smaller yacht or to January.
Questions people ask
When is the main Caribbean yacht charter season?
About December to April, with Yacht Charter Fleet naming December to March as its core. Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks.
Is it safe to charter in the Caribbean in hurricane season?
Charters operate in hurricane season, but storms can disrupt any island itinerary, including in the south. The captain must assess the current forecast, and you should read the contract's storm and cancellation terms and your insurance exclusions before booking.
How much more does Christmas week cost?
Yacht Warriors puts BVI holiday rates at generally 15% to 20% above ordinary winter weeks, with New Year usually higher than Christmas. Seven-night minimums are standard.
When do crewed yachts arrive in and leave the Caribbean?
Many arrive from the Mediterranean in November and December and leave again in April or May. Ask whether the yacht you want is in the Caribbean on your dates.
Sources
- NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical cyclone climatology, read 29 Oct 2026
- CCRIF SPC, Event briefing: Tropical Cyclone Beryl (landfall on Carriacou, Grenada, 1 July 2024), read 29 Oct 2026
- Yacht Charter Fleet, Yacht charter seasons, read 29 Oct 2026
- Yacht Warriors, Chartering the BVI for Christmas and New Year's, read 29 Oct 2026
- Yacht Warriors, 3 strategies for yacht charters during hurricane season (13 July 2023), read 29 Oct 2026
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