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FAQs: Budgeting for a Virgin Islands Sailing Vacation

The Virgin Islands are a popular vacation destination for travelers from all walks of life. There are luxury accommodations and more affordable options. Planning a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be affordable if you plan ahead. 

Here are some ways you can budget for a Virgin Islands sailing vacation: 

Choose the Time of Year You Want to Visit

The first thing you’ll want to consider when budgeting for a Virgin Islands sailing trip is when you want to sail. Sailing in December will cost much more than in July. 

Popular times to visit the Virgin Islands include:

  • Peak Season: December to April is the peak sailing season in the Virgin Islands. Boats get reserved well in advance, and the prices of accommodations and plane tickets are generally higher.
  • Shoulder Season: May and November are shoulder season months where you may find lower rates but still experience optimal sailing conditions.
  • Low Season: July through October is the slowest season for sailing the Virgin Islands, as it’s also hurricane season. While these aren’t usually the best months to sail, prices tend to be lower for these dates, and expert sailors can take advantage of that.

Choose Your CrewGraphic with sailing FAQs and budgeting for Virgin Islands vacation in yellow on turquoise background.

When budgeting for a Virgin Islands sailing vacation, decide if you plan to sail solo or with a group. Splitting the cost with other sailors will cost less than reserving an entire boat for yourself. 

Go Sail VI offers the following options: 

  • Private Yacht Sailing Courses: The cost of taking sailing classes on a private yacht ranges from around $5,000 to over $25,000 for a week. Boats are available for 1 to 8 guests.
  • Group and Solo Courses: You can take sailing courses as a group as a solo sailor (or with your partner, family, or friends) for between $4,300 and $6,300. 
  • Cruising Couples: Couples can sail with other couples or solo on this romantic adventure that starts at just $4300.

Choose a Boat 

The biggest cost you’ll need to budget for on a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands is the boat. Our sailing courses are available on small and large yachts, with the larger boats costing more. 

If you take courses on a private yacht or book a bareboat charter, these are examples of boat costs for a week of sailing: 

  • Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42-foot: This popular 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom boat costs an average of $5,300 – $9,800 depending on group size and dates.
  • Bali 4.8:  A 6-bedroom boat like the Bali 4.8 is a pricier option that starts at around $10,000 for 2 sailors in a cabin.

Plan Your Meal Costs

When budgeting for a trip, meal costs are usually one of the biggest expenses. When you book a Virgin Islands sailing course, most meals are included! This can go a long way when budgeting for your sailing trip.

Activities and Sightseeing

Plan to spend some additional money on guided tours, souvenirs, and meals away from the boat. Most travelers in the Virgin Islands plan to spend between $100 – $250 per day, depending on their budget.

Save On Your Virgin Islands Sailing Trip

If you start budgeting for your Virgin Islands sailing vacation early, you may have the best chance of getting a good deal. 

Go Sail VI offers discounts and specials on our courses throughout the sailing seasons, so be sure to visit our website early and often!

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