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Painted Pelican is waiting for you on clear blue seas in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. The exquisite 54-foot Aquila Power Catamaran offers 4 spacious cabins each with private head and AC control for your guests to enjoy. 5th Cabin for crew. As you navigate the turquoise blue waters, ask the captain to bring you to one of our secluded snorkeling spots. You will feel like you are swimming in a tropical aquarium as you experience rare and colorful sea life all around you. After your swim, head up to the huge flybridge to dry off and get an overhead view of the coral reefs that surround the island. If relaxing is more your style, lay back on the built-in deck lounging pads or one of our floating mats. The warm island waters will not disappoint, and neither will our delicious Caribbean cocktails! Watch the sunset as you enjoy an extraordinary meal prepared by your chef, who will happily accommodate any guests’ dietary requirements. Check out our sample menu for examples of some of the delicious meals Painted Pelican has to offer. When the sun has set and you are ready to rest, you will feel at home in our spacious and comfortable cabins. Each cabin is equipped with storage space for your belongings and a queen bed. (King in master) The galley and salon have a contemporary configuration and an open-concept space perfect for enjoying time with friends and family. A flat screen TV is placed on the back wall for viewing pleasure in and out of the salon at the barstool seating. Wi-Fi is also included should you choose to stay connected on your dream vacation. Other amenities include: lounging pads for sunbathing, electric grill located on the flybridge, electric winch-style dinghy lift platform, blue tooth capabilities, and sound system.
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Painted Pelican

2024 • 8 GUESTS • 4 cabins

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Specifications

Length: 54 ft.

Builder: Aquila

Year: 2024

Terms: Inclusive

Beam: 25 ft.

Draft: 5 ft.

From $34,713 to $38,283 per week

See Price Details for premium holiday rates
RATES & availability

Questions?

Email us info@vitalcharters.com
Call us (407) 922-9696

Description

Painted Pelican is waiting for you on clear blue seas in the beautiful British Virgin Islands. The exquisite 54-foot Aquila Power Catamaran offers 4 spacious cabins each with private head and AC control for your guests to enjoy. 5th Cabin for crew. As you navigate the turquoise blue waters, ask the captain to bring you to one of our secluded snorkeling spots. You will feel like you are swimming in a tropical aquarium as you experience rare and colorful sea life all around you. After your swim, head up to the huge flybridge to dry off and get an overhead view of the coral reefs that surround the island. If relaxing is more your style, lay back on the built-in deck lounging pads or one of our floating mats. The warm island waters will not disappoint, and neither will our delicious Caribbean cocktails! Watch the sunset as you enjoy an extraordinary meal prepared by your chef, who will happily accommodate any guests’ dietary requirements. Check out our sample menu for examples of some of the delicious meals Painted Pelican has to offer. When the sun has set and you are ready to rest, you will feel at home in our spacious and comfortable cabins. Each cabin is equipped with storage space for your belongings and a queen bed. (King in master) The galley and salon have a contemporary configuration and an open-concept space perfect for enjoying time with friends and family. A flat screen TV is placed on the back wall for viewing pleasure in and out of the salon at the barstool seating. Wi-Fi is also included should you choose to stay connected on your dream vacation. Other amenities include: lounging pads for sunbathing, electric grill located on the flybridge, electric winch-style dinghy lift platform, blue tooth capabilities, and sound system.

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Features & Amenities

  • Max Guests: 8
  • Total Cabins: 4

Comfort

  • Water Maker: Yes
  • Jacuzzi: No

Entertainment

  • Kids Okay: Yes
  • Internet Access: Onboard WIFI
  • iPod / Device Hookups: Yes
  • Salon Stereo: Yes
  • Salon TV / DVD: Yes
  • Board Games: No
  • Special Diets: Yes
  • Kosher: Inq
  • # Dine In: Yes
  • BBQ: Yes
  • Crew Smokes: No

Water Sports

  • Dinghy: Yes
  • Wake Board: No
  • Tube: No
  • Knee Board: No
  • Snorkel Gear: No
  • Underwater Camera: No
  • Kayak: No
  • Stand Up Paddle Boards: Yes
  • Floating Mats: No
  • Jetskis: No
  • Other Toys:

    Painted Pelican
    Amenities/Additional Activities Include: WIFI through Starlink, lounging pads for sunbathing, electric grill located on the flybridge, electric winch-style dinghy lift platform, blue tooth capabilities, and sound system. Noodles, Dinghy 60 HP, 2 Stand Up Paddle Boards, Selection of floats, Snorkeling gear, 2 Sitting Pedal Kayak Boards, and Sunchill.

    We can also coordinate (third party)
    • Rendezvous diving at weather permitting locations
    • Fishing
    • Snorkeling tour of Horseshoe reef in Anegada
    • Kiting surfing lessons
    • Efoil lessons
    • Hobie cat rentals
    • Virgin Gorda Peak Tour
    • Hikes on different islands
    • Beach pub crawl in Anegada

  • Water Skis: Kids (0)

Diving

  • Tanks: No
  • BCs: No
  • Regulators: No
  • Scuba: Onboard
  • Air Compressor: Yes
  • Dive Lights: No

  • Location Details: Nanny Cay Resort & Marina Tortola, British Virgin Islands
  • Summer Base Port: Nanny Cay - Tortola, British Virgin Islands
  • Summer Operating Area: Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)
  • Winter Operating Area: Caribbean Virgin Islands (BVI)
  • Preferred Pickups: Tortola, British Virgin Island
  • Flag: BVI Flag

rates & availability

SEASON PASSENGERS
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Winter 2025 to 2026 $35,427 $35,903 $36,379 $36,855 $37,331 $37,807 $38,283
Summer 2025 $34,713 $35,189 $35,665 $36,141 $36,617 $37,093 $37,569
Price Details
All rates are based on 7 nights. Call for shorter periods. 2025 New Years Week: $44,233 All-inclusive 8 PAX Includes: Private 54′ power catamaran. One Master Cabin with King Bed, Three Double occupancy staterooms with private bathroom and shower. All meals and snacks. All beverages, beer and wine. Fuel, A/C, TV and stereo. Snorkeling gear, stand up paddle board, dinghy. Mooring ball fees, cruising taxes and yacht insurance. CYBA contract
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Booked

On Hold (not yet booked, can be challenged)

Unavailable (marked as unavailable by the owner/crew and cannot be challenged)

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Joseph Paolone-Captain
Ariq Flax-Clarke-Chef/Mate/Stew
Ariq Flax-Clarke-VIPCA Award Winner

the crew

Introducing the power team aboard the Painted Pelican!
Captain Joe brings years of experience navigating catamarans through some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Chef Ariq curates vibrant menus that blend Caribbean flavors with global influences, always using local, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just adventurous with your palate, Ariq can accommodate any dietary need. Together, they’ll deliver the vacation of a lifetime for your family and friends.

Joseph Paolone: Captain

Joseph hails from the sailing community of the Niagara-on-the Lake in Ontario, Canada. He began boating as a baby on the shores of Lake Ontario, sparking a lifelong love for adventure and discovery on the open water. While studying history at Brock University, Joseph spent many summers working as a sailing coach at neighboring yacht clubs. It was during these years that he realized his passion for boating and his dream of a life at sea could be fulfilled by moving to the Caribbean.

For nearly a decade, Joseph has worked as a charter captain around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Pacific Ocean. He has completed multiple deliveries and was part of a Pacific crossing on a 32-foot sailboat in the spring and summer of 2024.

Joseph is excited to take you to the most incredible spots in the Caribbean on your charter. He is more than happy to teach guests anything they want to know about boating while sharing his passion for the sea. Joseph also enjoys staying active and can show you his favorite trails and snorkeling spots if that interests you. To top off an exciting day of activities, he would be delighted to make you your favorite cocktail as you relax and enjoy an amazing sunset. Whatever type of charter you fancy, Joseph will make it happen.

Ariq Flax-Clarke: Chef/Stew/Mate – VIPCA Award Winner

Chef Ariq Flax-Clarke grew up on the sunlit shores of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, where the aromas from his grandmother’s kitchen mingled with the salt air of the sea. Inspired by her gift for storytelling through food, Ariq learned early that cuisine is more than sustenance — it’s a connection, a celebration, and a way to bring people together. Childhood days spent fishing in turquoise waters laid the foundation for a culinary identity deeply rooted in fresh, local ingredients.

Ariq began working in kitchens as a teenager, building a strong foundation that now spans over 12 years of culinary experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Food Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University in Miami, Florida, blending creative skill with business acumen. His career has taken him through fine dining internships, private events, and prestigious culinary competitions, including multiple medals with Team BVI at the Taste of the Caribbean Competition and has recently scored a second-place finish at the 2024 VIPCA USVI Charter Yacht Show Culinary Competition.

He has also proudly represented the BVI on prominent stages such as the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, Citi Taste of Tennis in California and Miami, the Annapolis Boat Show, the BVI Food Fest, and a Caribbean-themed event at the James Beard House in New York.

Ariq’s passion for understanding food’s origins inspired him to revisit his love for fishing, explore beekeeping and honey production, and even experiment with mead-making during the pandemic. Seeking greater creative freedom, he transitioned from traditional kitchens to the luxury yacht charter industry. For the past three seasons, he has served as chef aboard Barefoot Bliss, a 54-foot Bali Catamaran, curating vibrant menus that blend Caribbean flavors with global influences.

When not in the galley, Ariq enjoys fishing, often incorporating his fresh catch into memorable onboard meals, snorkeling, discovering hidden coves, and sharing laughs with guests. His easygoing nature, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for hospitality ensure every charter is a personalized, unforgettable experience.

Sample Menu

Breakfast
Served with fresh fruit platter, freshly brewed coffee, a selection of fine teas, and fruit juices
Farm Fresh Eggs – scrambled, hard-boiled, fried, or frittata, using local herbs and spices (available daily)
Crisp Bacon or Savory Sausages- pork, turkey, or beef. Smoked salmon option (available daily)
Caribbean Breakfast Potatoes- Golden, herb-infused potatoes with a hint of local seasoning
Fluffy Pancakes- Light and airy, served with warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar
Classic French Toast- Thick-cut bread dipped in cinnamon custard, grilled to perfection
Yogurt Parfaits Creamy yogurt layered with house-made granola and seasonal fruit compote
Golden Waffles (when available)- Crisp on the outside, tender inside, served with fresh berries
Fresh Bagels & Cream Cheese- Warm, chewy bagels with classic or flavored cream cheeses
Avocado Toast- Smashed avocado on artisan bread, topped with microgreens and a squeeze of lemon
Traditional Eggs Benedict- Poached eggs over toasted English muffins with hollandaise sauce
Freshly Baked Pastries or Toast- Croissants, danishes, and artisan breads served warm
 Lunch
Flatbread Pizzas- Baked crisp with flavor combinations such as caramelized onion jam & crumbled cheese, pepperoni with mozzarella, or prosciutto with arugula
Grilled Peach or Red Plum Burrata Medley- Sweet stone fruits with creamy burrata, drizzled with honey and balsamic glaze, served with warm focaccia
Street Tacos- chicken or shrimp, paired with fresh guacamole, grilled corn salad, and mango salsa
Island Lobster Roll- Tender lobster in a coconut-lime aioli, topped with mango relish in a buttery brioche roll, served with plantain crisps
Kebab Trio- Tender skewers of beef, chicken, or pork served with charred naan, broccoli Greek salad, and tzatziki
Classic Chicken Cobb Salad- Crisp greens with grilled chicken, avocado, egg, bacon, blue cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette
Wagyu Beef Burgers- Juicy patties topped with brown sugar–caramelized onions, served with crispy potato wedges
Charred Shrimp- Served over a citrus medley salad with fresh herbs and olive oil drizzle
Crispy Fish Bao Buns- Wahoo or mahi mahi in soft steamed buns with slaw and sweet soy glaze
Classic Chicken Caesar Salad- Romaine lettuce with parmesan, croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing
Dinner
Coconut Lemon BVI Snapper- Pan-seared and finished with a coconut-lemon glaze, served with roasted potatoes and asparagus. Alternate: tender chicken thighs
Herb-Infused New York Strip/Ribeye Steak or Seared Scallops- Served with creamy mashed potatoes and charred broccoli, finished with herb butter
Grilled Mahi Mahi Sauce Vierge- Fresh mahi with a light Provençal tomato-herb sauce, crispy potatoes or cassava, and seared zucchini
Seared Salmon- Flaky salmon with creamy vegetable risotto and a drizzle of lemon oil
Roasted Spatchcock Chicken- Juicy, oven-roasted chicken with mixed vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, and a creamy ajvar sauce
Sweet Soy Glazed Pork Tenderloin or Chops- Served with roasted parsnip purée and grilled yellow and purple cauliflower
Coconut-Braised Short Ribs- Slow-cooked and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with creamy polenta and charred cauliflower
Creole Shrimp Spiced shrimp with coconut rice and crisp garden salad
Homemade Shepherd’s Pie- Savory beef and vegetables baked under creamy mashed potatoes
Orzo & Sun-Dried Tomato Salad- Served with a crispy-skin airline chicken breast and lemon herb vinaigrette
Creamy Tomato Shrimp Pasta- Tossed with fresh herbs and parmesan
Potato Gnocchi- With butternut squash coconut purée, fried chorizo, and crispy sage
Desserts
Classic Pecan Pie- Sweet, nutty filling in a buttery crust
Pound Cake French Toast- Served with pecan banana foster and vanilla ice cream
Muscovado Poached Pears- Soft, spiced pears with a hint of caramelized sugar
Chocolate Cremosa- Silky chocolate mousse with a touch of sea salt
Classic Crème Brûlée- Vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar crust
Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis- Creamy and delicate with a tart berry finish
Fresh Guava Cake-Topped with a light cream cheese whip
Honey Toast- Crisp golden bread with vanilla mascarpone whip and drizzled honey
Sticky Toffee Pudding- Warm sponge cake with toffee sauce and cream
Honey Roasted Plum- Served warm with whipped cream or ice cream
Tiramisu with a Twist- Kahlúa-soaked pistachio cake layered with mascarpone cream and finished with a dusting of cocoa
**Selections change daily to highlight the freshest seasonal ingredients
Client Feedback
Painted Pelican

1) The boat was amazing – all the creature comforts you would want , five star hotel
2) The Captain and first mate Joe and Julia were just wonderful
3) The food was better on the boat than at the top restaurants ( which were great as well and suggested by the crew)
4) The spots we anchored were great and the crew took us by dingy to all places we wanted to go

Awesome

Joe & Julia- Rosenthal Charter
Painted Pelican

We had an absolutely incredible experience with our private captain, Joe, and chef, Ariq. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Joe was professional, knowledgeable, and made the entire trip smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Ariq was truly outstanding—every meal was beautifully prepared, delicious, and thoughtfully presented. Both went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. Their attention to detail, warm personalities, and exceptional service truly made this trip special. I cannot recommend them highly enough—over-the-top great in every way!
Also, we so appreciate you going back to Willy T’s to represent Underwater Construction Corp. with the sticker! Hope to see it with you guys in the future!

Over-the-top great in every way!
Painted Pelican

We would recommend MarineMax Vacations, Captain Joe, Chef Ariq to anyone looking for an amazing, memorable and affordable vacation of a lifetime. The attention to detail on food and places from our profile sheet was spot on and the food didn’t disappoint, it rivaled any top end restaurant you could dream of. We will be back soon, you should book now too! Your memories are awaiting!

Amazing, memorable and affordable vacation of a lifetime
Painted Pelican

We just finished 8 amazing days on a crewed Aquila 545 charter with MarineMax, and I can honestly say it completely changed how we’ll travel on the water going forward.
We’ve done a very similar trip before without a crew, and after this experience, there’s no chance we’d ever do that again. Having a crew turns the entire trip into an actual vacation instead of a job.
Captain Joe was fantastic from day one. He was professional, easygoing, and incredibly knowledgeable. He knew where to go, when to go, and always seemed one step ahead—whether it was weather, anchor spots, timing, or just making sure everything ran smoothly. We felt totally relaxed knowing he had everything handled, while still keeping the trip flexible and tailored to what we wanted.
Ariq, our chef, absolutely blew us away. The food was consistently excellent—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Every meal felt special, and the variety throughout the week was impressive. It truly felt like having a private chef onboard rather than “boat food.” He was also great to be around and always happy to accommodate requests.
I also want to call out Danielle, who was instrumental in helping us book the trip. She answered all of our questions upfront, set clear expectations, and made the entire booking process easy and stress-free. Going into a trip like this with everything explained ahead of time made a huge difference.
The Aquila 545 itself was clean, comfortable, and well laid out for a longer charter. Plenty of space to relax, great cabins, and everything worked exactly as it should. Combined with a great crew, it was the perfect setup.
MarineMax did a great job overall, but what really made this trip unforgettable was the people—Joe, Ariq, and Danielle. They elevated the entire experience and made the week effortless and memorable.
If you’re on the fence about going crewed, do it. It’s absolutely worth it, and we’re already talking about when we can book our next one.

What really made this trip unforgettable was the people
Painted Pelican

We just completed a cruise with Marine Max – two families of 3 (two couples and teenagers) – on a 545 Aquila. Overall the experience was first rate – starting with our Captain (Joe) and chef ( Ariq). Joe was completely prepared for every stop after the intake call and provided exceptional service all 8 days. Found great places for us to snorkel, made great recommendations on places to stop (bars, shops and restaurants) and was nice and friendly while providing top notch service. He also kept a good eye on us for the snorkeling excursions – always knew he was looking out for the safety of group members. It was clear that Joe was completely focused on us having a great vacation.
We had travel complications heading out and he was even checking on us after we left the boat. It was similar with Ariq – our girls can be particular and every meal was spot on (have never heard so many superlatives from the teenagers – they are wrecked now coming home from all of the spoiling 😀). The food was really delicious – I have a heavy couple weeks of working out to try to shed the weight! It was similar with Ariq and Joe – not just exceptional quality and service but delivered in a friendly and welcoming way.
The boat was nice and easily accommodated the two families and we were very comfortable – it was clear the boat was well taken care of.
Our experience with Marine Max and this crew was truly excellent – we would never hesitate to sail with them again. It was a top notch vacation and the service made it truly special.

The experience was first rate

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Whether you’re exploring options or ready to plan your escape, we’re here to make the process effortless.

Adults
Age 13 or above
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Children
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