Demand for Multiboat Charters Surges as Boaters Seek Safer Group Vacations

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to influence travel choices, charter companies report a notable increase in multiboat charters. Families, corporate groups and event planners are turning to clusters of boats—often five or more—to enjoy time together while maintaining a private, open-air setting that reduces shore-based exposure.

The Moorings has seen a 25 percent rise in inquiries for charters with at least five boats compared with the same period in 2019, according to Ian Pedersen, senior marketing manager. “This interest has come from many different sources—from families, corporations and event planners looking to put together sailing trips where everyone can be together, but in a private, somewhat secluded setting,” Pedersen says.

MarineMax Vacations reports similar demand. Raul Bermudez, vice president at the company, says groups are booking as many as eight to 10 boats in destinations such as the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with some groups making reservations into 2023 to avoid uncertainties around land-based events, cruises or overseas travel.

Both The Moorings and MarineMax Vacations provide flexible multiboat options, including bareboats, fully crewed yachts and mixed arrangements that match the skill level and preferences of the chartering party. These operators emphasize customization: itineraries can be tailored for celebrations like anniversaries and milestone birthdays, corporate retreats and team-building exercises, or simply extended family vacations that allow groups to stay socially distanced while sharing experiences.

Pedersen notes that The Moorings’ dedicated Groups Department assists organizers in designing routes and coordinating special requests across destinations such as the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Choices range from monohulls to catamarans and from sailing yachts to powerboats, depending on the local fleet and the nature of the voyage.

Bermudez says MarineMax Vacations has built specific itineraries in the BVI to accommodate diverse groups—from executives rewarding top performers to families planning 50th birthday celebrations. The BVI fleet includes power catamarans with three to five staterooms each, based out of Tortola. “One of our groups chartered an all-inclusive boat with full crew, plus three others that are bareboats,” Bermudez says. “So yes, you can mix and match. Another group is actually all captained.”

Conditions in the BVI have encouraged bookings: for fully vaccinated U.S. travelers, quarantine requirements on arrival were eliminated at the time of writing, and many restaurants are willing to host flotilla-size groups when boats tie up at the dock and make reservations. Charter operators can provide additional services for larger groups, including a lead boat with a technician and concierge to run a flotilla-style experience, or captains and support for less experienced skippers.

Practical planning is essential for multiboat charters. Bermudez recommends booking at least six months in advance and notes that cancellation fees can apply if the number of boats is reduced after the initial reservation. Because demand peaks around holidays such as Easter, Christmas and New Year’s, groups planning to travel during popular windows should secure core boats early—sometimes a year ahead—to guarantee the desired fleet and configuration.

Groups benefit from thoughtful coordination: mixing captained and bareboat options can create the right balance of independence and support, and reserving shore-side dining or activities in advance helps to keep an itinerary running smoothly. Many charter clients find that multiboat trips spread costs, enable varied accommodations for different budgets, and provide shared social experiences while preserving personal space.

Word of mouth is also fueling demand. As groups complete successful multiboat charters, they often inspire friends and colleagues to plan similar trips, which helps explain why interest remains strong as long as pandemic-related constraints continue to limit traditional land-based gatherings.

“When I go with my family, it’s usually at least two boats,” Bermudez adds. “It’s great. You get here and you’re out in the open air. You’re swimming, you’re snorkeling, you’re having fun. It’s terrific.”

This article was originally published in the December 2021 issue.