BVI or Bahamas? Charter Owners Decide

British Virgin Islands or Bahamas: which is better for a catamaran charter? Catamaran Gurus sat down with Blake from Location Sailing, and go head to head across more than 30 categories. The short version: the Bahamas wins for families, honeymoons, wildlife, snorkeling, seclusion, and a longer season, while the BVI wins for first-time charterers, couples, nightlife, and dining. The Bahamas is generally cheaper (the British Virgin Islands add a charter tax), but the BVI is the easier trip for beginners. QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS VIDEO Is the BVI or the Bahamas better for a first charter? The BVI, without much debate. The islands sit close together with line-of-sight navigation and easy mooring, so first-timers spend less time sailing and more time enjoying the trip. Is the BVI or the Bahamas better for couples? The BVI, for the social scene, dining, and relaxed sailing, especially on a first Caribbean charter. Which is better for families? The Bahamas, 100 percent per the crews, for the wildlife, space, and calmer waters in the Abacos. Which is better for a honeymoon? The Bahamas, and Eleuthera in particular, are far more romantic. Which is better for experienced sailors? The Bahamas, for more robust, varied sailing. Which has better snorkeling and diving? Snorkeling goes to the Bahamas, especially the Exumas reefs. Diving leans BVI. Which is cheaper? The Bahamas is generally more affordable, because the BVI adds a charter tax. Which is easier to sail? The Bahamas, especially the Abacos. The Exumas are a bit more demanding. Which has the longer charter season? The Bahamas, running longer through summer, with a quick escape to the US if a hurricane threatens. Which is easier to reach from the US? The Bahamas overall, and its closeness to the US makes it the crews' pick for a quick turnaround or retirement. Which has the best food? The Bahamas wins for local food and seafood (conch every way, catch-your-own lobster). The BVI wins for fine dining and street food. Which feels more like a secret? Both lean Bahamas, which still has vast, secluded areas most charterers never reach. CHAPTERS 0:00 Best for groups, honeymoons & experienced sailors 0:26 Party scene & booking season 0:58 Underrated spots & easiest sailing 1:20 Snorkeling, calm water & adventure 1:50 Diving & drinking 2:10 Dramatic scenery 2:42 Best for families vs couples 3:03 Best for first-time charterers 3:35 Anchorages, operating & navigation 4:06 Easiest to reach & hurricane-season safety 4:47 The best-kept secret & what books out fastest 5:17 Best for retirement & solo sailing 5:35 Best local food & seafood 6:07 Cocktails, fine dining & street food 6:34 Local beer, trophy trips & repeat trips Planning a charter in the BVI or the Bahamas? https://catamaranguru.com/charter/?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=charter ABOUT CATAMARAN GURU For over 30 years, Catamaran Guru has helped guests charter and own catamarans in the BVI, the Bahamas, and beyond. #YachtCharter #BVICharter #BahamasCharter Catamaran Gurus is your safe harbor for yacht sales, yacht ownership, liveaboard lifestyle and sailing education, and charter management. Visit our website for insider details on how to own and operate a yacht for less than you think! Get expert yacht buyer assistance to ensure your buy the right boat for you and your dream.