crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387
IARA Guest Comments
March 2026
We just returned from the most incredible catamaran trip in the British Virgin Islands with friends, celebrating a couple of 50th birthdays, and it was truly unforgettable!
The itinerary was perfectly planned by Captain Paul and Lexy, giving us the chance to explore beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and some of the most stunning spots in the BVI. Each stop felt like a new adventure.
Lexy’s food was absolutely fabulous—every meal was fresh, creative, and delicious. It felt like dining at a floating restaurant with a new island view every day!
Paul was fantastic—knowledgeable, professional, and fun—making the trip relaxed and enjoyable. The service throughout the trip was excellent, and they went above and beyond to make our celebration special. Truly a great team.
A special thank you to Zelda, our trip advisor with Charter Smarter, who was incredibly helpful throughout the planning process and made everything so easy for us.
If you’re looking for an amazing way to celebrate a milestone birthday or just want a truly memorable vacation with friends, a BVI catamaran trip is the way to go. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
~Candi
April 2026
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
April 2026
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
May 2026
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
June 2026
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
crewed@visailing.com | (800)382-9666 | (941)966-9387
