Inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover Boosts Off-Season Tourism
The British Virgin Islands welcomed the inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover, bringing more than 45 Puerto Rican boaters to the Territory during the quiet September season. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley praised organizers for successfully answering his challenge to create an off-season event, noting that the initiative builds on the record success of this year's Christmas in July celebration.
The Virgin Islands has officially welcomed the inaugural Boston Whaler Takeover, a new boating initiative designed to stimulate visitor arrivals and economic activity during September, traditionally one of the slowest periods on the Territory's tourism calendar. Held from September 4 to September 7, the four-day event brought members of the Puerto Rico Whaler Owners Club to the Territory for boating, island-hopping, and leisure activities across several destinations.
A fleet of 15 boats carrying more than 45 participants navigated local waters, making scheduled stops at Cane Garden Bay on Tortola, Scrub Island, and White Bay on Jost Van Dyke. Participating boaters also took advantage of special marina and accommodation rates offered across several host properties.
The event builds on expanded regional promotional efforts by the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission, which launched its 2026 Puerto Rico outreach earlier this year. It also capitalizes on the momentum of the annual Christmas in July festivities, which Premier and Minister of Tourism Dr.
Wheatley noted saw record-breaking attendance this year. Premier Wheatley officially welcomed the participants, highlighting the initiative as an important milestone in expanding the Territory's relationship with the Puerto Rican market beyond midsummer. He explained that the concept materialized rapidly after he challenged organizers Tommy Dardet and Natalia Castro a few months ago to develop an event for the off-season.
Premier Wheatley noted that during discussions, the group focused on doing more with the Puerto Rico-BVI connection when tourism slows down locally and visitors can enjoy uncrowded resorts. He commended the team for pulling off the event on such short notice, stating that he did not expect it to happen so quickly and expressed a strong desire to make the takeover an annual fixture.
Tomas Dardet, the BVI Tourist Board's representative for the Puerto Rican market, confirmed that organizers successfully delivered on the Premier's challenge. Natalia Castro, Chief Marketing Officer for Wally Castro Marine, expressed delight in partnering with the Territory, adding that the group loves coming to the BVI and looks forward to strengthening the special bond between the two islands.
While many tourism establishments traditionally scale back operations or close for annual maintenance in September, the takeover delivered direct patronage to hotels, marinas, restaurants, taxi operators, charter companies, and local vendors, reinforcing ongoing efforts to build a resilient, year-round tourism economy.
Primary source: BVI Government