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Planning your trip.
How many people can come?
Up to 8 guests. Ciao for Now… has four private cabins, each with its own bathroom. If you add a captain, they use one cabin, leaving three for your crew.
Do we need sailing experience?
Not if you add a captain! If you’d like to sail her yourself, the skipper fills out a sailing resume for Conch Charters. See sailing bareboat and adding a captain.
When is the charter season?
October through August. Charters are by the week, and rates change with the season.
Are kids welcome?
Absolutely, with no minimum age. Families are some of our favorite crews.
Can we sail to the US Virgin Islands?
Yes! You’ll clear customs on the way over and back, so bring passports for everyone. See our US Virgin Islands guide.
Costs.
What does a week cost?
Weeks start at $7,799 for the whole boat, not per person, depending on the season. A $3,000 security deposit is refundable after your charter. Ask us about current specials!
What extra costs should we plan for?
A few shared extras get added to every charter. Here’s what they looked like for a recent group of six:
- Cruising permit: about $168
- Charter insurance: about $280
- National Parks mooring permit: about $35
- VISAR (the islands’ volunteer sea rescue): about $30
- Charter cell phone: about $20
- Dinghy fuel: about $25
- Boat fuel, topped off after your sail
Amounts depend on your group size and the season, so we’ll confirm exact numbers when you book.
What does a captain cost?
About $300 a day, plus you’ll cover their meals, drinks and gratuity. We’ll send you a list of trusted local captains to choose from.
Getting there and arrival.
Which airport should we fly into?
Either works, and our guests do both. Fly into Beef Island (EIS) on Tortola, or fly into St. Thomas (STT) and take the ferry over to Road Town. Bring your passport either way.
Where do we pick up the boat?
At Conch Charters at Fort Burt Marina in Road Town, Tortola. The office is open 8am to 5pm every day, and if you arrive after hours, they’ll leave directions to the boat.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Charters usually start and end around noon. Want a head start? Ask us about sleeping aboard the night before, so you wake up ready to sail. We’ll confirm exact times when you book.
On board.
What’s on the boat?
Air conditioning, a watermaker for fresh water, solar power, a generator, a full galley with two fridges and an ice maker, and a dinghy for getting ashore. See the full tour on our boat page.
Do we need to bring water?
Just drinking water if you prefer bottled. The watermaker turns seawater into fresh water for showers and washing up.
Can we rent paddleboards or snorkel gear?
Yes, water toys can be rented through Conch Charters. (Tip: bring your own snorkel mask if you have one. Nothing beats a mask that fits!)
How do we stock the galley?
Shop for yourself or have groceries delivered to the boat. RiteWay delivers and has a store close to the marina, Steakation has great meats, and The French Deli has fresh bread, pastries and wine.
What should we pack?
Half of what you think! Pack in soft bags instead of hard suitcases, since storage is cozy. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for breezy evenings.
Still have questions?
Lara usually replies within a few hours.