We are often asked about what types of water toys and water sports are generally available in the BVI for both bareboats and crewed yachts. Of course in the latter case, most BVI crewed charter yachts will have their own toys aboard, but for bare-boaters, it’s quite different.
Let me preface with a word about wave-runners and jet-skis. They are not allowed and cannot be rented in the BVI, in fact the penalties for using jet skis in the BVI are confiscation of the jet skis/wave runners and a $5,000 fine. St. John in the USVI only allows their use under strictly controlled conditions and along special trails with a guide.
St. Thomas, has specific areas, mainly along the NE coast where they are allowed. Having said this important piece about motorized toys, BVI charter yacht tenders either soft bottomed or hard-bottomed ARE allowed without restriction.
The most popular watertoys for bareboaters are Snorkeling Equipment: All caribbean charter companies offer snorkeling equipment, you can usually choose a variety of shapes and sizes of masks, snorkels and fins from a bin dockside. Not the best quality but, hey, they’re free. Many of my more picky clients bring their own masks and snorkels and use fins from the communal bin.
Kayaks, both one and two seaters: If you’re chartering from the Moorings, they are offered for rental at extra cost, if not they are available for rent from local watersports operators.
Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUP’s): Also available from the Moorings, and local watersports operators
Windsurfing: Available from the Moorings and from local watersports operators
Fishing Gear: available from the Moorings and from local watersports operators
Kite Boarding: Available at some resorts, most enthusiasts bring their own equipment.
Surf Boards: Available fro rent from watersports companies
Wake and Knee boards: available for rent from watersports companies
Water skis: Available from local watersports operators
SCUBA diving: there are several reputable dive shops in the BVI, ask us for recommendations.
RIB tenders are of course standard fare from most companies, the size of outboard engine is usually around 9 HP which is not enough to pull a guest on water-skis. Many crewed charter yachts however, do offer water-skis AND a tender with a substantial outboard engine that can pull a normal person “out of the hole”.
There is a local BVI company that specializes in the rental of water-sports equipment and another that specializes in the rental of larger RIBS with larger outboard engines and “wife” dinghies with steering wheels and center consoles.
