FAQ | Chartering with TMM

You can reach the TMM base at Road Reef Marina, Tortola, by flying into either Beef Island Airport (EIS) or St. Thomas (STT). From Beef Island, it’s a 30-minute taxi ride to the marina. If you arrive in St. Thomas, you’ll need to take a ferry to Tortola. TMM provides travel guidance before your charter and can assist with transfer arrangements.

Cruising taxes, National Parks permits and other government fees are charged separately from the charter fee. These charges vary depending on your itinerary and the number of guests. TMM provides a breakdown of mandatory fees before your sailing vacation so you know exactly what to budget for.

TMM’s standard charter schedule runs from 12:00pm to 12:00pm. Guests should return to the marina one to two hours before check-out to allow time for refuelling, inspections, and final paperwork. If you have booked a sleepaboard, you are welcome to board from 5pm. If you are arriving before, please check-in with the marina office to see if your yacht is ready before boarding.

Before your charter begins, you'll be asked to submit your crew manifest and travel arrangements so TMM can prepare for your arrival. This information allows the team to organise taxi transfers, coordinate your arrival at the base and ensure everything is ready before your charter starts.

There's also space to include any additional comments or questions, allowing you to share important information with the TMM team ahead of your trip.

If your crew or travel plans change after you've submitted the form, simply contact your reservation specialist, and they'll update your details for you. Planning helps ensure your arrival and the start of your BVI yacht charter are as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Yes. TMM offers a Prior Night Sleepaboard for guests who wish to arrive before their charter begins.

Sleepaboards are charged at one-half the daily charter rate, plus one night's Cruising Tax per person. Guests may board their yacht from 5:00 pm or later on the evening before their charter.

The marina also offers:

• Shower facilities
• A convenience store next door
• Casual dining options just steps away

TMM specializes in bareboat BVI charters aboard sailing catamarans. If you would prefer additional support, professional skippers and check-out skippers are also available for qualifying charterers.

Booking as early as possible gives you the best choice of yachts and travel dates, particularly during the busiest sailing seasons. Once you’ve selected your yacht, TMM can hold it for up to seven days while you finalise your booking.

Along with your charter fee, remember to budget for cruising taxes, National Parks permits, fuel, mooring fees, provisioning, transportation, and any optional extras, such as a skipper or water sports equipment.

Your charter includes your yacht, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, a detailed yacht systems briefing, a chart briefing, and a check-out sail with a TMM team member before departure. Government fees, fuel, provisioning and other operating costs are charged separately.

Yes, TMM offers a range of optional extras that can be added to your yacht charter. Available options include skipper services, prior night sleepaboards, paddleboards, kayaks, acoustic guitars, fishing equipment, diving services and other water toys.

Optional extras include:

• Check-out Skipper, $225 per day
• Full-time Skipper, $250 per day
• Instructional Skipper, $300 per day
• ASA Skipper, $325 per day
• Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP), $175 per week
• Double Sea Kayak, $140 per week
• Acoustic Guitar, $100 per week
• Prior Night Sleepaboard, half the daily charter rate, plus one night's Cruising Tax per person

Some optional extras can be ordered through your broker or TMM reservation specialist.

The charterer may cancel a HOLD without penalty. If you cancel a confirmed charter, the following cancellation charges apply:

• 90 days or more before your charter start date: $300 cancellation fee
• 45–90 days before your charter start date: 50% of the charter fee
• Less than 45 days before your charter start date: 100% of the charter fee

To charter a yacht with TMM, you'll need to demonstrate that you have the sailing experience and skills required to safely operate your chosen yacht. Rather than relying solely on formal qualifications, TMM assesses each skipper based on their sailing resume, previous experience and overall confidence on the water.

Before approving a bareboat charter, you'll be asked to submit an up-to-date sailing resume detailing your previous sailing experience, qualifications, boat ownership (if applicable) and the types of yachts you've skippered. You can submit your resume at any time for pre-approval, giving you confidence that everything is in place before booking your charter.

If, after reviewing your resume, TMM feels there are any gaps in the experience needed to safely operate the yacht, a Check-Out Skipper may be required for at least the first afternoon of your charter. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the yacht and local sailing conditions while ensuring the safety of your crew and the vessel.

All first-time TMM guests also receive a short check-out and familiarization sail to help you become comfortable with your yacht and local sailing conditions before setting off.

To submit your sailing resume, visit our Sailing Resume page.

Yes, you can order groceries before your yacht charter and have them delivered directly to your yacht. Several supermarkets throughout Tortola offer online ordering and delivery.

When placing your order, use the following delivery details:

• Delivery address: TMM Yacht Charters, Road Reef Marina, Road Town
• Telephone: +1 (284) 394-2751
• Boat name: Your charter yacht's name

You can also shop in person at the nearby RiteWay supermarket or other grocery stores in Road Town.

There are several grocery stores in and around Road Town where you can purchase provisions before your charter. TMM is located next to a RiteWay supermarket, while larger grocery stores are only a short taxi ride away.

Options include:

• RiteWay, next to the marina (smaller convenience store)
• RiteWay, Pasea (larger supermarket)
• Bobby's
• OneMart

RiteWay in Pasea is open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 10:00pm.

Yes, TMM recommends ordering beverages directly from its recommended suppliers in Road Town. Depending on the value of your order, delivery is usually available, although delivery policies vary between suppliers.

Please note:

• TICO and Caribbean Cellars do not deliver on Sundays.
• If your charter starts on a Sunday, request Saturday delivery.
• TMM staff will accept and store Sunday beverage deliveries until your arrival.
• For charters starting on any other day, you should be present to receive and sign for your order.

If you're looking for speciality food and wine, TMM recommends several local suppliers. These include:

• The French Deli
• Steakation Butchers
• Relish Gourmet Food & Wine
• Grape Expectations BVI

For Grape Expectations, you can also contact Nigel Keegan on +1 (284) 346-9463.

Yes, professional provisioning services are available for guests who would prefer a more personalised provisioning experience. TMM recommends the following local providers:

• First Choice Provisioning
• Machellos

TMM primarily assesses your sailing experience through your sailing resume rather than requiring a specific certification. Previous charter experience, boat ownership and recognised qualifications are all taken into consideration. If needed, a check-out skipper may be required.

Most overnight stops in the British Virgin Islands use mooring balls rather than anchoring. Many popular locations operate the BoatyBall reservation system, an online booking platform that allows sailors to reserve designated mooring balls in advance. Where BoatyBall isn't available, mooring balls are generally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If no moorings are available, anchoring may be permitted in designated areas where conditions allow. TMM guides mooring procedures and the best options for your itinerary before you set sail.

The British Virgin Islands are a fantastic year-round sailing destination, with each season offering something different. November to April brings reliable trade winds and lively sailing conditions, while May and June offer quieter anchorages and a more relaxed pace. During the summer, you’ll enjoy warmer waters and fewer crowds, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. TMM can help you choose the best time for your British Virgin Islands sailing vacation based on the experience you’re looking for.

For a more month-by-month breakdown of weather, sailing conditions and seasonal highlights, read our guide to the best time to charter a yacht in the BVI.

No customs clearance is required when sailing between islands within the British Virgin Islands, including Anegada. If you plan to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, however, you must clear customs and immigration when exiting and re-entering the BVI. TMM will explain the process during your charter briefing and can advise on the required documentation, ports of entry and current procedures before you depart.

TMM's standard charters are based on seven nights, giving you plenty of time to explore the islands at a relaxed pace. The minimum charter length is five days, while a 10-day charter is ideal if you'd like to explore more of the British Virgin Islands or enjoy a slower-paced itinerary.

Keep an eye on TMM's Special Offers, including seasonal 10 days for the price of 7 promotions, which can be a great way to extend your time on the water.

View the latest Special Offers to see current promotions and discounts available for your charter.

Yes. The British Virgin Islands are one of the world’s most popular sailing destinations thanks to their protected waters and short cruising distances. Before departure, TMM provides a comprehensive yacht briefing, chart briefing, and check-out sail to help you start your vacation with confidence.

Yes. While TMM offers a range of recommended sailing itineraries, every charter can be tailored to suit your interests, sailing experience and preferred pace. Whether you're looking for secluded anchorages, lively beach bars, world-class snorkeling or a relaxed cruising holiday, the team can help you plan a route that makes the most of your time in the British Virgin Islands.

For itinerary inspiration, discover our recommended 7-day BVI sailing itineraries and start planning your perfect route.

BVI sailing itineraries are flexible, allowing you to adapt your plans if weather or sea conditions change during your charter. While many guests have a preferred route, safety should always come first, and it's common to adjust your itinerary based on the latest conditions. The BVI offers numerous sheltered anchorages and relatively short sailing distances between islands, making it easier to alter your plans when needed. If you have any concerns during your charter, the TMM team is available to provide local advice and help you choose suitable alternative destinations.

Yes, TMM recommends Blue Water Divers for diving during your yacht charter. Blue Water Divers will deliver tanks, racks and other scuba equipment directly to your boat and collect them again at the end of your charter at no additional charge.

TMM clients can also choose from:

• Tank fills for $5 per tank
• Rendezvous dives organised at your specified date, time and location

No. If you have the required sailing experience, you can enjoy a bareboat charter without hiring a skipper. TMM reviews every sailing resume before approving a bareboat charter to ensure you have the skills needed to operate your chosen yacht safely. If additional experience is recommended, TMM may require you to hire a Check-Out Skipper for the first afternoon of your charter. Guests who prefer not to skipper the yacht themselves can also hire a Full-Time Skipper to remain onboard throughout the charter.

A Check-Out Skipper is a professional captain who joins you on the first afternoon of your charter to help you become familiar with your yacht and demonstrate your sailing competence. After your yacht and chart briefings, you'll sail together while completing a skills checklist. You remain at the helm throughout, with the skipper providing guidance and local knowledge. Once the checklist has been completed, you'll continue your charter independently if the required standard has been met.

The main difference is the amount of support and instruction you receive during your charter. A Check-Out Skipper sails with you on the first afternoon to assess your competence before you continue independently. A Full-Time Skipper remains onboard throughout your charter, operating the yacht and sharing local knowledge. An Instructional Skipper provides the same service as a Full-Time Skipper while also teaching you and your crew practical sailing skills. As an accredited ASA training facility, TMM also offers ASA instructional Skippers for guests wishing to complete ASA certification courses during their charter.

Find out more about TMM’s ASA sailing courses and certification options.

Yes. Charter guests typically include their skipper when providing food and drinks onboard during the charter. TMM recommends discussing meal arrangements with your skipper at the beginning of your trip so everyone has a clear understanding of expectations. If you choose to dine ashore, inviting your skipper to join you is appreciated but not expected. At the end of your charter, gratuities are entirely at your discretion and are a thoughtful way to recognise excellent service.

If you experience a technical issue during your charter, TMM has experienced technicians and a chase boat available to assist when needed. Our support team aims to resolve problems quickly so you can continue enjoying your BVI sailing vacation.

Please note that Anegada and Jost Van Dyke are outside of TMM's regular service areas. If assistance is required while you're in either location, you may be asked to relocate to your nearest service location.

Pack light and opt for soft-sided luggage that’s easy to store onboard. We recommend bringing lightweight clothing, swimwear, a light jacket for the evenings, non-marking deck shoes or sandals, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, personal toiletries and any medications you may need. A waterproof phone case, a reusable water bottle, and a dry bag are also useful for enjoying your BVI sailing vacation and time ashore.

Lightweight Tech T's and SPF-protected clothing are also recommended for staying comfortable on the water. You can find these and other useful sailing essentials in the TMM Shop before your charter.

Every TMM yacht comes equipped with a comprehensive range of navigation, safety and onboard comfort features, so you'll have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands. Standard equipment includes:

• Navigation equipment, including GPS, chartplotter and cruising guides.
• Watermakers for producing fresh water onboard.
• Safety essentials, including life preservers, a first aid kit and binoculars.
• Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and a cell phone for staying connected.
• A fully equipped galley with cooking equipment, a coffee maker and blender.
• Snorkelling equipment, including masks, fins and snorkels.
• BBQ grill, cockpit cushions and a cockpit cooler for relaxing outdoors.
• Linens, towels and basic cleaning supplies.

Yes. Every yacht in the TMM fleet is equipped with a watermaker.

A watermaker converts seawater into fresh water, allowing you to stay independent of shore-based water supplies for longer. For charter guests, this means more flexibility to enjoy remote anchorages without needing to return to a marina simply to refill fresh water tanks.

Yes. You can fish during your BVI yacht charter, although anyone aged 18 or over must hold a valid British Virgin Islands fishing licence before casting a line. Having the correct licence ensures you're fishing legally and helps protect the BVI's marine environment.

The British Virgin Islands offer excellent opportunities for recreational fishing, with species such as tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo found in surrounding waters. Before fishing, it's important to check local regulations and avoid protected marine areas where fishing may be restricted.

Some reef fish may carry ciguatera, a type of food poisoning caused by naturally occurring toxins that build up in tropical reef fish. If you're unsure whether your catch may be affected by ciguatera, do not eat it.

TMM recommends BVISUPCO for fishing licences, equipment hire and water sports rentals. For a fee of $65, they can arrange your fishing licence, as well as provide rods, reels and other equipment, so everything is ready before your charter begins. If you're planning to fish during your sailing vacation, the TMM team will be happy to point you in the right direction before you set sail.

Yes. TMM can help arrange optional extras such as kayaks and paddleboards after your charter has been confirmed. The team can also provide information about local diving and fishing opportunities.