Have some questions to ask?
Not sure about something. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions, as well as tips and important information we think you might want to know. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to drop us an e-mail. We will gladly answer them and will do our utmost to accommodate any form of special requests.
COST & BOOKING
How much does a crewed catamaran charter on SISU cost?
For 2026/27, full-board for up to 4 guests is $19,000 for 7 nights, $18,000 for 6 nights and $16,500 for 5 nights. Christmas week is $22,000 and New Year's week is $23,000.
What's included?
The private yacht, captain and chef, all meals, a standard ship's bar, fuel and water, customs and cruising permits, mooring-ball fees, snorkel gear and paddle boards. Crew gratuity, transfers, marina stays, travel insurance, fishing licences and park fees are extra.
How much should we tip the crew?
It's customary in this industry to tip the crew at the end of your charter. The amount you leave is totally at your discretion and should be based on the level of service provided. When in doubt, follow standard yachting service industry tipping rules: 15% for average service, 20% for good service, and 20+% for excellent service.
When tipping crew, cash, checks or wise transfer is the preferred method.
How many guests can SISU take?
Up to 4, in one queen cabin and one double cabin, each en-suite. Children 12 and over are welcome.
Are children welcome?
Children aged 12 and over are welcome. Please give ages on your preference sheet.
What's the minimum charter?
5 nights. Shorter stays are charged at the 5-night rate.
How do I book?
Through any charter broker: any broker can book SISU through CYA, and the brokers who have booked guests with us are listed at the bottom of every page. A charter waiver is signed with the charter contract, and we allow 48 hours between charters, so back-to-back dates may not be possible.
Where does the charter start?
At Village Cay Marina, Nibbs St, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Plus Code C9FJ+7W6), about 500 m from the ferry terminal. West End, Nanny Cay and Trellis Bay on Tortola are also available on request.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
What should we pack for a BVI catamaran charter?
Most guests find they end up bringing an excessive amount of luggage. Light shorts and t-shirts are perfect for the climate here. A light jacket or long-sleeved shirt is a good idea to have in the evening. Sandals and perhaps a pair of reef shoes are usually sufficient for footwear. If you are planning to eat ashore the dress code for most establishments is casual. For your convenience, we provide both bath and beach towels, as well as body soap, shampoo and conditioner.
What luggage should we bring?
Storage space on board is limited, so we ask that you bring soft-sided luggage that can be compacted for storing in your cabin or in one of the boat’s lockers. Duffel bags and backpacks are ideal. We understand wheeled luggage is convenient however it is hard on both the exterior and interior of the boat. If you choose to bring wheeled bags, please take care handling them on the vessel to minimize scuff marks and damage to the boat. We will be happy to assist. We ask that wheeled bags be positioned with the wheels up when placed on the decks and not be placed on seat cushions or beds.
How do we choose our food and drinks?
To ensure we can provision properly for your group please be as specific as possible with your preference sheet as the availability of groceries is sometimes limited once we are underway, and storage on a boat does not allow for too big of a variety. If you have already sent in your form and think of something you may have forgotten, please send us an e-mail. We stock good quality alcohol on board, but if you prefer premium wine, champagne or spirits, we will gladly stock them at an additional charge. Excessive use of alcohol will also be at an additional charge.
What sunscreen can we use on board?
VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE do not bring spray-on sunscreen, as it tends to stain the deck, cushions, towels, and linen and makes the decks very slippery. Please note that many sunscreen products containing oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate causes reef damage. You may want to bring a hat and sunglasses.
What power plugs does SISU use?
We rely on solar power and a water maker, so we use power and water thoughtfully on board. The cabins have air conditioning at night. Sisu uses the 220V European “Schuko” two prong plug/socket system, so please be sure to bring the necessary adaptors. We have ample USB-A ports located all over the boat, ie: 2 in each cabin and about 6 in the main saloon. If you however use a different means of charge, you might want to bring an adaptor.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
We have secured wireless internet (STARLINK) on board.
LIFE ON BOARD
What water toys and activities are included?
Pool noodles
Large 10' Solstice round floating island (8-seater) with cupholders
2 x Stand Up Paddle boards
2 x Water scooters ($100 per charge)
Snorkelling gear
Fishing – We have fishing gear on board for casual fishing. SISU is a cruising catamaran rather than a sport-fishing boat: we sail too slowly for game fish, sargassum weed gets in the way, and local reef fish carry ciguatera poisoning. A BVI fishing license is needed for the boat and for each person fishing, at extra cost. For serious sport fishing, we're happy to recommend a local fishing charter
Scuba Diving - For certified divers: $100 per person per dive, no night dives. We carry tanks, gear and a compressor on board, and recommend one or two recreational dives per person during your charter. If diving is the main purpose of your trip, a dedicated dive operator will suit you better.
How do we get ashore?
How do we get around from SISU to the beaches and bars? In Tippex, our 3.6 m (12 ft) dinghy with a 30 hp motor. She seats 6 and gets you to the beach bar before the ice in your drink melts. And yes, there's a story behind the name Tippex. Ask us about it when you step aboard!
What entertainment is on board?
We have a marine sound system with Bluetooth, and we encourage you to connect your phone and play your own music. There are no televisions on board, but you can bring a laptop that can be connected to your Netflix, Prime etc. accounts. We have Cards, Poker chips and Backgammon on board, please feel free to bring additional games if you wish. Weather permitting, we sometimes host a movie night on a big screen. Guitar, ukulele and bongo drum on board.
Can we wear shoes on board?
Keeping the decks on SISU clean and inviting for all our visitors is very important to us, therefore we have a “no-shoes” policy on the boat. We ask that shoes are taken on and off in the dinghy or on the dock before stepping aboard. If you need to wear shoes on the boat, we ask that you bring a clean, non-marking pair specifically for boat use only.
Can we smoke on board?
SISU is a non-smoking boat. Smoking is allowed only outside, on the aft sugar scoops. SISU is strictly drug-free.
Is there a safety briefing?
Once you arrive and are settled in, we will have a safety briefing and review of the boat before we head out. This will ensure a safe and pleasurable time for everyone.