Why do the Exumas use a different pricing model than the BVI?

The Exumas typically use a plus-expenses model where you pay a base rate plus taxes and an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for fuel, food, and activities. This allows more customization than the BVI's all-inclusive approach but requires more budget flexibility. The personalized experience often justifies the complexity.

Can I really swim with pigs in the Exumas?

Yes, Big Major Cay in the Exumas is famous for its swimming pigs. This unique experience, along with diving blue holes and exploring pristine cays, represents the natural wonders that make the Exumas special. These experiences are unavailable in the BVI.

Which destination is better for a one-week charter?

The BVI is more efficient for a one-week charter since its compact geography allows thorough exploration. The Exumas' 120-mile chain offers more territory than one week can cover, making it better for return visits or longer charters. First-time charterers typically get more from a BVI week.

Comparison

Exumas vs BVI for Sailing Charters

The Exumas and British Virgin Islands represent opposite ends of the Caribbean charter spectrum. The BVI's 60 islands pack into a compact area with purpose-built charter infrastructure, while the Exumas stretch 120 miles south of Nassau offering remote anchorages where you can drop anchor with no other yachts in sight.

Both destinations deliver world-class sailing but for very different reasons. The BVI excels at ease and convenience with beach bars at every stop, while the Exumas rewards those seeking disconnection and natural beauty over commercial amenities.

	Exumas	British Virgin Islands
Solitude and crowds	Drop anchor with no other yachts in sight. With only a few beach bars across the entire island chain, the focus shifts to natural experiences. Remote coves offer private paradise experiences.	Almost always sharing anchorages, and popular spots can be hard to fit into during peak season. Beach bars and restaurants create social atmosphere but solitude is rare.
Sailing difficulty	More remote with longer crossings creating a different, more adventurous experience. Caters to a more seasoned audience requiring confident navigation skills in varying conditions.	The easiest sailing in the Caribbean with no passage exceeding 15 nautical miles. Line-of-sight navigation and most anchorages reached in 2-3 hours. Perfect for first-time charterers.
Pricing model	Uses the plus-expenses model with base rate plus 4% tax, 10% VAT, and APA covering fuel, food, and activities. More complex but allows customization and often a more personalized experience.	Budget-friendly all-inclusive catamaran charters starting around $15,000 per week. Clear pricing makes budgeting straightforward. Great setup for families or first-timers.
Unique experiences	Swimming with pigs, diving blue holes, paddleboarding glassy channels, exploring private coves. Natural wonders take center stage over commercial entertainment.	Beach bars like Soggy Dollar and Foxy's, established snorkeling spots, organized moorings, and reliable dining options. Social sailing scene with well-known attractions.
Fleet and availability	Limited but quality selection from companies like Dream Yacht Charter and The Moorings. Book well in advance for peak season as options are fewer than the BVI.	548+ vessels making it the Caribbean's largest charter fleet. Multiple operators, vessel types, and price points available. Easier to find last-minute availability.
Geographic scale	120-mile chain keeping repeat charterers coming back year after year. Enough territory to explore for weeks without repeating anchorages. The Bahamas is 12 times larger than the BVI.	60+ islands packed into a compact area where thorough exploration is possible in a single week. Efficient for those with limited vacation time who want to see it all.

Our recommendation

Choose the Exumas if you are seeking genuine solitude, natural wonder, and an escape from commercialized tourism. Experienced sailors who have done the BVI multiple times often find the Exumas a refreshing change with swimming pigs, blue holes, and empty anchorages. Select the BVI for your first charter, when traveling with inexperienced crew, or if beach bars and social atmosphere matter as much as the sailing. The BVI's infrastructure and ease make it the logical starting point for charter sailing newcomers.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the Exumas use a different pricing model than the BVI?: The Exumas typically use a plus-expenses model where you pay a base rate plus taxes and an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for fuel, food, and activities. This allows more customization than the BVI's all-inclusive approach but requires more budget flexibility. The personalized experience often justifies the complexity.
Can I really swim with pigs in the Exumas?: Yes, Big Major Cay in the Exumas is famous for its swimming pigs. This unique experience, along with diving blue holes and exploring pristine cays, represents the natural wonders that make the Exumas special. These experiences are unavailable in the BVI.
Which destination is better for a one-week charter?: The BVI is more efficient for a one-week charter since its compact geography allows thorough exploration. The Exumas' 120-mile chain offers more territory than one week can cover, making it better for return visits or longer charters. First-time charterers typically get more from a BVI week.

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