ALIZÉ

Late July, 2026, a family cruising aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Dear Carlos and Maribel,
Our family cannot thank you enough for providing us with a trip of a lifetime. The itinerary fit our family perfectly. You shared the beauty of Norman Island, The Baths, and Peter Island, but more importantly, created an environment for a family to smile and laugh together.
Maribel's cooking was delicious and encouraged a family to sit around a table together without distractions and the rush, sometimes present at home. I hope you know that your care has had a significant positive impact on our family.
We appreciate you both very much!
Thank you!
Petersen Family

Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in mid June, 2026 said:

The experience:
Our trip on Alize with Carlos and Maribel was our first experience island hopping on a crewed charter boat and  we fell in love with it.  Sailing to the destination island in the morning after breakfast, mooring in a protected cove or bay, exploring the island’s beach and attractions during the day, returning to our boat in the late afternoon to lounge or enjoy the water, having dinner on our boat, and then lounging until bedtime with fantastic sunsets, and beautiful island scenery.  Then doing it again the next day with a different island, different beach, different attractions.  Even though the boat is typically one of many (15-20?  I never counted, honestly) moored in a given location, it’s still a very private-feeling environment and vibe.  While of course there’s no controlling the behavior of others, in general, there seemed to be a common respect and consideration that resulted in mostly very peaceful evenings and nights.  It’s an experience we didn’t know existed, but we’re so glad to have found out and we’re definitely looking forward to doing it again.
 
The boat:
The Alize itself was roomy, super clean, and really comfortable.  Sitting in the front lounge area while sailing was so relaxing and just a great way to take in the scenery.  The aft lounge area and deck was great for meals and hanging out in the evenings with our friends after a day of activity. When it was time to turn in, the cabins were cooled to perfect sleeping temperature and the beds were totally comfy and roomy.  
 
The hosts/crew:
The islands, the water, and their attractions are there regardless of who is taking care of you.  But the crew is the key to getting the most out of the experience.  Carlos and Maribel are not only experts at captaining and managing yachts, but they have the experience in the BVIs to be able to craft the best itinerary for what you want to do.  They have the connections and knowledge that facilitate getting the best provisions, being in the desired locations at the best possible times (for example, visiting popular attractions when there's no cruise ship in port), and other intangibles you may never even be aware of that make the experience better.  Knowing what we were interested in doing, Carlos put together an itinerary that maximized our ability to do those things and give us the most privacy possible.  So many times on our trip, crowds showed up only after we'd had a few hours completely to ourselves.  We had several virtual private island experiences simply because of smart planning.  And on the boat the vibe was comfortable, everything was clean and functional, and it was so easy to relax and just enjoy the scenery and peacefulness of being moored in a beautiful cove or bay for the night.  Maribel is a professionally trained chef and all the food was fantastic.  Not having to shop, cook, and clean while on vacation is a treat.  Having such high quality meals served to you is another level of luxury.  Knowing you're in good hands in all aspects of the trip really allows you to enjoy the experience to the fullest, stress-free, and completely satisfied with your decision to charter a yacht in the BVIs.
 
We would sail with Carlos and Maribel on Alize again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone.

A family aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in late June, 2026, said:

Carlos and Maribel,
We have been dreaming of a catamaran vacation for years. Thank you for bringing that dream to life. Each stop held something unique and special for us to discover. Avery, our eight year old, loved every minute of snorkeling and being in the water. Fiona, our thirteen year old, is harder to please, but she found home relaxing, reading, and some spa pampering at Scrub Island. My wife, fell in love with Savannah Bay. We could have spent a week there alone. As for me, I loved the quiet mornings with coffee and my Bible, as well as stargazing on the trampolines at night with the cool air surrounding me. Watching my daughters experience so many firsts truly made this a trip of a lifetime.
Thank you.
Anthony
Texas

Late June, 2026, guests aboard ALIZE wrote:

Dear Carlos and Maribel,
We want to say thank you for such a nice trip this week. Your boat is so comfortable and beautiful.
Maribel, your food was truly magnificent. Every meal was incredible and you gave us new food to try when we get home.
Carlos, thank you for visiting the islands we most wanted to visit. It was our first trip to the BVI and I am sure we will visit the area again to see more of its beauty and charm.
We made so many family memories this week. Thank you again and wish you both all the best.
Sincerely,
Mark, Sherry, Colton and Taylor.
North Carolina

Early June charter guests aboard Alize

"Carlos and Maribel,
I am so glad that Anne introduced us to you. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. From anchoring at Long Bay, V.G. and discovering lobsters, turtles, and beautiful marine life, to showing us the breathtaking beauty of Mahoe Bay and Savannah Bay. Diamond reef was also incredible. We had not seen a reef so alive like that in along time. We saw large schools of Tangs, Parrot fish and amazing purple fans.
Maribel, your cooking was exceptional! Every meal was absolutely delicious. It was a gastronomical delight. I'm excited to try the new recipes you shared with us. I will definitely be waiting on your cookbook.
Thank you for welcoming us so warmly. The memories we made will stay with us forever.

Mid-May, 2026, guests aboard ALIZÉ said:

Maribel and Carlos,
Thank you so much for an incredible trip to the BVI. Your knowledge, professionalism and kindness know no bounds. We especially enjoyed your hospitality and welcome to your beautiful boat and home. We came for the views, the ocean and wildlife and leave with the warm hearts that new friends create.
Thanks for the incredible food, the stimulating conversations and most of all for the memories .
We can only hope that our paths will cross again.

Joy Francis and Mike

Mid-April charterers aboard ALIZÉ said:

We are so grateful for this amazing vacation on your lovely boat /home. Your attention to detail in every aspect of this charter has not gone unnoticed. Carlos, I apologize for bringing the wrong type of luggage and perhaps that got us off on the wrong foot, but we quickly recovered! And you went out of your way to make sure we hit all the spots in our wishlist. We were lucky the weather picked up and were able to enjoy the beautiful BVI's in all their splendor. Maribel, your cooking was spectacular through and through. We are not easy diners, but you exceeded all our expectations. My favorites were the shrimp salad and the surf and turf.
Thank you both for an incredible vacation!!
Ceci and Chris
Miami

Mid-March, 2026, guests in the BVI aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,
We knew, as soon as we stepped on the boat, that we were in for an amazing treat!!
Coming from Toronto, Canada, we knew we wanted to escape the cold and the snow, and since we have wanted to do a trip like this for 30 years, we thought our friends' 30th. wedding anniversary was the perfect occasion.
Thank you for the BEST WEEK we could have hoped for: Sun, Sand, Swimming, Reading, Lounging, Drinking, and Laughing with our best friends filled our souls and provided us with memories to last a lifetime!
Thank you so much!
Nadi and Geoff and Kevin and Rachel

March guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,
Our trip with you couldn't have been any better! You knew just where to go and what to cook! We will carry these special memories with us for life. You are both the perfect example of hospitality.
Many Thanks!!
David, Susannah, Corinne, Lilly, Camille, David Jr.

February 2026 guests abaord catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Capt. Carlos and Chef Maribel,
Thank you for a wonderful sailing adventure. We've had a great time. You've kept us safe and well fed all week. ALIZE is a fine well kept Lady!
Safe seas!
The only thing that surpassed the breathtaking views and incredible meals was witnessing the beautiful partnership you share. Forty years of work, seamlessly sise by side is inspiring and added so much to the already adventure!
ALIZE and you both will forever be a part of our best memories.
All our love.
Amanda and Jason

Late January 2026 guests for catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Carlos and Maribel,
Such a wonderful time! Thank you for the snorkeling, the paddling, the hoking and the relaxation. We are sad to be leaving but our heart and bellies are full! And we (specially me) are grateful that we didn't have to walk the plank! ja,ja,ja.
We wish you all the best and hope ALIZE will be available for our 50th. anniversaries.
Michael and Nancy 

Dear Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for welcoming us into your home and treating us to a wonderful week on the ALIZE. We loved everything about our stay , from the islands we visited, to your companionship, to the outstanding meals, from Chef Maribel. We can't imagine that this experience could have been any better, and it's all because of your personal touch. We are grateful to have met you and hope our paths cross again.
We wish you fair winds and following seas!
All the best,
Liz and Phil

Catamaran ALIZÉ's New Years week guests wrote:

Carlos & Maribel,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a BEAUTIFUL, relaxing week aboard the Alizé!
Carlos, you are very good at suggesting things to do and sights to see: every suggestion was perfect!
Maribel, your food was delightful, and inspires us to become better cooks. The surf and turf on New Years Eve was phenomenal!
It was an honor to start 2026 with you. We hope you have a healthy, beautiful 2026 and will be praying for you, your family, and your country.
Dave, Diane
Ron, Hope
 

Mid December guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,
Our friends said: let's go sail around in the BVI with no other expectations other than sun, sand, and good friends. We said Yes!
Your attention to details, pride and passion in what you do exceeded all expectations. Maribel's cuisine was so much more than any of us could have imagined. Carlos' knowledge of the islands and surrounding areas was informative and always helpful.
In short; thank you for making it such an enjoyable experience. One we hope to do again. It was an epic experience, and no one had to walk the plank!! je,je,je.
Thank you
Michelle and David
Lakewood Ranch

Carlos and Maribel,
WOW!! Just WOW!!
We could have never imagined we would have such an amazing time. The food was so delicious, the snorkeling was amazing, the trip around Virgin Gorda was delightful. The sailing was so much fun, and the dinghy rides were always an event. je,je,je.
Thank you from the bottom of our heart for all you did to make this such a special vacation for us and our friends. And thanks for not throwing anyone overboard for the use of foul language used while playing cards. Ja,Ja,Ja.
To your success!!
With our love.
Rich and Steph
Bradenton

Early December, 2025, charterers aboard catamaran ALIZÉ said:

Carlos and Maribel,
Thank you for having us aboard the ALIZE. We appreciated the thoughtful tour of the BVI. Each place we visited was an absolute treat. We had so much fun snorkeling and visiting the islands! Seeing several turtles up close was a highlight. Encountering multiple manta rays was at first terrifying for Brandt, but was beautiful. Allergy friendly cooking is not an easy feat, but was greatly appreciated and Grace always felt safe.
Thank you so much for all your care and attention! We had an amazing honeymoon!
Grace and Brandt

Thanksgiving Week 2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Thank you for having us in your home and sharing your knowledge about all that these islands have to offer. The boat is beautiful, the weather was perfect, and the FOOD! Every dish was exquisite! Maribel, the time you put into our meals and taking great care to work around our dietary restrictions, is so appreciated. You,ve given me some great thoughts to take home, yet I know they won't be as amazing as what you prepared. The steak and lobster meal you prepared on our last night was over the moon for the guys. And my eggplant was equally delightful.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
The Dilworth Family

Bucket List charterers aboard ALIZÉ in November, 2025, said:

Carlos and Maribel,
There really are no words for how amazing this week has been. A few years ago, Paul and I agreed that we should start trying to do some of our "bucket list" adventures. A trip on a catamaran has always been at the very top, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience. You welcomed us into your home and have been so wonderful! You never steered us wrong in your advice, and we loved hearing all about your local knowledge. We'll never forget the peaceful and still water at Bitter End, and finally swimming with a turtle! We loved every bite of Maribel's food , and can tell how much passion she has for what she does. We'll be dreaming about that final meal for a long time! We had a truly special 10th. anniversary, and are already figuring out how we can come back with the kids. Please let us know if you RV through Colorado!
Until next time...
Paul and Diana

Early July, 2025, guests aboard ALIZÉ wrote:

This week with Carlos and Maribel onboard the ALIZE was truly unforgettable. This was our second visit to the BVI and we enjoyed very much every minute of it. It was also a great experience for our son Martin. The beaches, the snorkeling, the sailing and of course, Maribel's cooking and Carlos' painkillers! We will definitely come again to share more great times with Carlos and Maribel.”
Bea, Fran and Martin.

June 2025 guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ reported:

Dear Carlos and Maribel,
We can't thank you enough for a magnificent week aboard the beautiful ALIZE. Carlos, we so appreciated your expertise and sense of humor- not to mention your in-depth knowledge about the BVI and seamanship. Maribel, you are not only a master chef, but clearly the common ingredients in every delicious dish are thoughtfulness and generosity.
We hope that you enjoy your well deserved time off and look forward to another adventure on ALIZE.
Take good care!
Warnly,
Lisa and Eliza,
New York
 

Mid-June, 2025 charterers on catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Thank you so much for an amazing week of kindness, great food, beautiful places and the best snorkeling the BVI has to offer. We would definitely recommend this trip to others and would do it again ourselves.
If we can ever be of service to you, please let us know how.
With grateful hearts and respect.
Michael and Heather 
Florida 
Maribel and Carlos,
Thank you for an amazing week we will never forget. Your experience and professionalism was a great comfort, and your hospitality made us feel like we were home. Can't say enough about the delicious food...yum!
So many great memories formed, you are fantastic hosts. We wish you well in all your future journeys and look forward to seeing you again in the future.
With gratitude and appreciation.
Nabil and Christine
Florida 
 

Late May, 2025, guests aboard ALIZÉ said:

Dear Maribel and Carlos,
Muchísimas gracias por una semana de los sueños. (Thank you very much for a one week dream sailing vacation).
You introduced us to the beautiful BVI and we shall 150% return. If this is not paradise on earth then I don't know what is. Just beauty and calmness everywhere. Keith and I had the best time with empty heads, which means we really switched off and breathed in every moment. Our friend Reed's 40th birthday was the best reason to bring us here.
Maribel, Du bist die beste kochin. (You're an amazing chef! Carlos is a very lucky man!
With gratitude and respect,
Yassi and Keith

With Chef Maribel you will always eat well. With Captain Carlos, you are always in safe and knowledgeable hands!
Keith

Maribel and Carlos,
Thank you for an unforgettable trip!
The food was amazing and the views spectacular! A trip we will always remember.
Lacey and Reed

Late April, 2025, guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ wrote:

Cuando María y Fernando nos invitaron, después de su experiencia del año pasado, tenía una idea de lo que me esperaba, pero todo ha superado AMPLIAMENTE mis expectativas. La simpatía, calidez y profesionalismo de Maribel y Carlos ha hecho realmente inolvidable esta semana. El esmero con que Maribel prepara cada plato, hace de cada comida una sorpresa y un deleite. Y todo con un plus: poder revivir los años pasados desde mi nacimiento en el velero de mi padre, Carlos Iriarte.
Gracias!, Muchas Gracias!!
Bibi, Alcides, Maria Delia y Fernando.
Argentina
When María and Fernando invited us, after their experience last year, I had an idea of what to expect, but everything has FAR exceeded my expectations. The friendliness, warmth, and professionalism of Maribel and Carlos made this week truly unforgettable. The care with which Maribel prepares each dish makes each meal a surprise and a delight. And all with an added bonus: being able to relive the years since my birth on my father Carlos Iriarte's sailboat.
Thank you! Thank you so much!!
Bibi, Alcides, Maria Delia, and Fernando.
Argentina

A family chartering aboard catamaran ALIZÉ in mid-April, 2025, said:

What an incredible family vacation in the BVIs!
We tackled a lot this week. We know that we aren't your typical sailing family and we want you both to know how incredibly appreciative we are with your flexibility in creating our itinerary, that was suitable for our family needs. After this trip we are leaving with a deep understanding of this area of the world. We could not have gotten here without your expertise and knowledge. Thank you for keeping our family safe and for letting us extend our time in Scrub Island. We truly had the best time exploring the various islands, snorkeling, and just creating such special family memories that truly are unforgettable.
Maribel, you are an exceptional cook. We are so lucky to have such a talented Chef onboard. 5Stars! If you are ever in central Mexico we are happy to host you in San Miguel de Allende.
See you all again soon!
Besos
Ezra, Sheryl, and Ezzie

Late March charterers aboard AWATEA said:

We had a wonderful time! 
The weather was perfect and it was a lovely, much-needed respite!
The crew was absolutely delightful. Captain Fraser was an excellent captain who showed us many beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. He found a perfect windy spot for Kenny to kite-board, twice. 
Olivia was an excellent cook with a lovely demeanor and Jess was very accommodating and so sweet. They were sweet enough to make a reservation for Kenny and I to dine at one of the restaurants while the kids stayed on the boat and had a blast playing board-games with the crew. The boat was very clean and comfortable. 
We have only glowing things to say about our experience on Awatea. 
Thank you again for a wonderful vacation. 
All the best,
Delphine & Kenny.

Guests aboard catamaran ALIZÉ for the last week of March, 2025, said:

Carlos and Maribel,
Wow, what an awesome life enhancing experience. We are so blessed to have had y'all as our Captain and Chef team through this BVI sailing adventure. Seven days of world class snorkeling and island hopping. Our dear friend Nancy Paschal said y'all were the best ever, yet that is so understated. Everyday built on the previous day! The focus on safety was so appreciated. We loved hiking on Norman Island, Cooper island was fantastic. Hearing the stories of the islands brought everything to life. Marina Cay so nostalgic. We hit the time just right with just a few others on the beach. Two days at Bitter End was perfect, The Baths-wonderful loved Miss Patsy. Maribel's love and kindness was evident in every meal. So dedicated to delivering world class meals everyday. So blessed with this trip provided by two very special professionals.
Thank You!
Vicky and Scott, Marianne and Robert, and Leana and John

Anniversary guests aboard ALIZÉ in late March, 2025, said:

Carlos and Maribel:
Thank you for helping to make our 25th wedding anniversary so special and memorable. It was such a magical trip for us and we loved exploring the BVI. This is one of those trips that we will reflect on for the rest of our lives. The beautiful color of the ocean, snorkeling with schools of fish, the scary barracuda, and the amazing hike on Norman Island. There is so so much more. We cannot express our gratitude enough for all you shared with us. Your stories are so captivating that I leave with wanting to learn more. Write that book! You are both amazing story tellers and your adventures are so amazing. Maribel, write that cookbook! That seafood broth you served us was worthy of awards. Oh, there is so much to say- the turtles, the food, the knowledge...
Thank you so much!
Kim and Jim
Colorado