Our experience aboard the Iara with Captain Paul and Mate/Chef Lexy was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we stepped on board, it was clear we were in the hands of true professionals who care deeply about both their craft and their guests.

Captain Paul curated an outstanding itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, exploration, and relaxation across the BVIs and USVIs. Each stop felt intentional and thoughtfully chosen, giving us a true sense of the islands while still allowing for spontaneity and discovery. Just as importantly, they struck a rare balance between engaging with our family and giving us the space to simply be together. Traveling as a family of five (with three daughters ages 9–14) that balance made all the difference.

Lexy was extraordinary in every sense. Her meals were consistently outstanding: creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. She somehow managed to accommodate a wide range of tastes, from kids to a pescatarian, without ever compromising on quality. Every meal felt abundant, with portions that were more than generous, and dinners were elevated by her fantastic craft cocktails. It’s not easy to deliver that level of culinary experience on a boat, but she made it look effortless.

They also went above and beyond in helping us celebrate two special milestones—hosting birthday celebrations on board for our 9- and 12-year-olds. They made each one feel thoughtful and memorable, adding a personal touch that meant a great deal to our family.

Beyond the itinerary and the food, what truly stood out was the warmth and attentiveness of both Paul and Lexy. Their service was seamless, friendly, and intuitive; they seemed to anticipate what we needed before we even asked. They created an environment that felt both elevated and completely comfortable.

This trip was, without question, a trip of a lifetime for our family - exciting, relaxing, and above all, safe. We will carry these memories with us for years to come, and we cannot recommend Captain Paul and Lexy aboard the Iara highly enough.
~Brad Trevillian

When looking to book a trip to celebrate some major milestones, 20th anniversary, 30th anniversary, and a 50th birthday, we decided to book. We came across the boat Iara with Captain Paul and Chef Lexy. We are happy to report all the reviews are spot on. They made us feel immediately at home and excited to start this amazing trip. 

Paul did an amazing job at getting us boat ready. He is very knowledgeable and answered all our questions with patience, as if he doesn’t get asked them every charter! Don’t get me started on the bar skills he has… cocktail hour is one of the best times of day aboard Iara!

Lexy is a magician in the kitchen. She poured love into every bite! Every meal was delicious, fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Our group plans to try and recreate some of our favorites. 

The Iara was the perfect size for our party of six. We loved all the gathering spaces and the views they provided. My favorite was star gazing on the top while sipping a drink and listening to music. 

Between the wonderful staff and dream team of Paul and Lexy, we had a trip filled with memories to last a lifetime. We cannot wait to find our next adventure with them. Thank you Paul and Lexy! 
~Katelyn Buckley

Lexy and Paul took great care of us for a week, taking us to some of the beautiful sites of BVI. Amazing hospitality, excellent local knowledge, and great food. Exactly what we needed.
~Alice & Stuart

This was a bucket list trip to celebrate my 60th birthday with my adult kids. We chose Iara for its space for the family to spread out and its amenities.

While the boat was perfect, what really made our trip was Captain Paul and Chef Lexy. We felt safe, cared for and pampered. They quickly got the rhythm of our family and the things we enjoyed doing.

Captain Paul made sure we got to amazing snorkel spots, patiently taught the kids to e-foil and his golden hour cocktails were 10/10.

Chef Lexy”s menus were creative with multiple layers of flavors and were extraordinarily yummy. She leaned in and embraced our GF eater and killed it, including making an epic flourless chocolate cake. Lexy cooks with love and every plate is beautifully intentional.

We are grateful for Paul, Lexy and Iara. This adventure was spectacular! Thank you all so much!
~Karen

Our six nights aboard IARA with Captain Paul and Chef Lexy were the highlight of our two week Caribbean vacation. Traveling with three teenagers, we were hoping for a trip that balanced relaxation, adventure, and quality family time. It exceeded all of our expectations.

From the moment we stepped aboard, Paul and Lexy made us feel completely welcome. IARA is a beautiful, comfortable boat, and there really is no better way to experience the islands.

Chef Lexy’s meals were outstanding. Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner was fresh, creative, and beautifully prepared. We found ourselves looking forward to every meal, and she always seemed to know exactly what we wanted after a day on the water. Our daughter is a notoriously picky eater, so we laughed when one of her favorite meals was a bowl of Kraft Mac and Cheese. Lexy had it ready for her without hesitation, and that small gesture made our daughter feel just as special as the rest of us.

Captain Paul was the perfect guide. His knowledge of the islands and local waters made every day feel effortless, whether we were snorkeling, exploring a quiet beach, or finding the perfect place to anchor for the evening. Together, Paul and Lexy created an experience that felt personal, relaxed, and genuinely special.

One of the biggest surprises was that everyone in our family agreed this was the best part of the trip. With three teenagers, that is saying something. There was always something to do, whether it was swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, exploring, or simply relaxing and enjoying time on the water.

We are incredibly grateful for the memories we made during those six nights. We cannot recommend IARA, Captain Paul, and Chef Lexy highly enough. If you are considering a Caribbean charter, do not hesitate. You will come home with unforgettable memories.

Thanks

Katie, Jon, Tyler, Dylan, Kayla & Whitney