Skippered yacht charter Parham Town

Why should I start my BVI yacht charter from Parham Town?

Parham Town, located on Tortola's east end, is a practical and convenient launch point for a BVI sailing vacation. Its key advantages include very short transfer times from the Beef Island airport (EIS), quick access to the Sir Francis Drake Channel for smooth sailing, and an efficient check-in process. This allows many crews to be on the water and at a nearby anchorage by sunset on their first day.

How do I get to Parham Town for my charter?

Most visitors fly into the Terrance B. Lettsome Airport on Beef Island (EIS) and take a short 10–20 minute taxi ride to Parham Town. If you are arriving by ferry, you will likely land in Road Town and will need to take a taxi across Tortola to the east end.

What types of boats are available for charter in Parham Town?

The fleets in Parham Town cater to most preferences. The most popular options are:

• Catamarans: Valued for their stability, spacious living areas, and shallow draft.

• Sailing Yachts (Monohulls): Ideal for those who enjoy a classic, responsive sailing experience.

• Power Catamarans & Motorboats: Perfect for crews who want to cover more distance quickly and are not reliant on wind.

What is a typical 7-day sailing itinerary starting from Parham Town?

A classic one-week loop from Parham Town focuses on short, line-of-sight sails:

• Day 1: Norman Island (The Bight) for snorkeling at The Caves or The Indians.

• Day 2: Cooper Island for turtle-spotting.

• Day 3: The Baths on Virgin Gorda, continuing to North Sound.

• Day 4: Anegada (weather permitting) or more time in North Sound.

• Day 5: Cane Garden Bay on Tortola's north shore.

• Day 6: Jost Van Dyke (White Bay and Great Harbour).

• Day 7: Return to Parham Town, possibly with a final snorkel stop along the way.

Do I need a sailing license for a bareboat charter from Parham Town?

While a formal license is not always mandatory, charter operators will require you to provide a sailing résumé or history to demonstrate recent and relevant experience. For a bareboat charter, where you are the skipper, you must be competent in handling a similar-sized vessel. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, you can always add a professional skipper to your booking.

What is the best time of year to sail the British Virgin Islands?

The BVI sailing season can be broken into three periods:

• Peak Season (December–April): Offers fresh trade winds and less rain, but mooring fields are busier.

• Shoulder Season (May–June & November): Typically warmer and calmer, often with better pricing and availability.

• Wet/Hurricane Season (July–October): The hottest months with a higher chance of squalls. Flexible planning is essential.

What makes a catamaran a popular choice for a BVI charter?

Catamarans dominate the BVI charter market because their design is perfectly suited to the environment. Their stability and spacious decks provide comfort for families and groups, while their shallow draft allows them to get closer to the sandy beaches and coves that make the BVI famous. Many also come equipped with air conditioning and generators for added comfort.

What facilities can I expect at the Parham Town port and marina area?

Parham Town offers a functional and convenient base with a compact network of docks and small marinas. You can expect to find berths for charter handovers, fuel and water top-ups, dinghy docks for shore access, and taxi services to Road Town or the Beef Island airport. It's a quieter alternative to the larger marinas in central Tortola.