What this yacht offers
Ready for your trip of a lifetime? 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.
WIFI Included
ACCOMMODATION
ENTERTAINMENT
Delight served on deck
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9 reviews
Exceeded Expectations
Our charter exceeded our expectations in every area - I had a list of places and I wanted to see and things I wanted to do and Captain James made sure every box was checked! He was professional, hospitable, and fun to be around! In addition, Chef Julia created the most amazing meals every single day! The food was outstanding - so much so we cancelled some reservations and opted to eat on the boat instead because her meals were DIVINE! Our boat was beautiful and spacious. We could not have asked for anything more! Great job James and Julia. Thank you, Raul
Bucket List Items
This was a bucket list for us. We expected it to be fun but it totally was absolutely a wonderful and extremely awesome trip. Our captain James and Chef Julia made it just perfect. They were always attentive and constantly making sure we had everything we needed. The food was delicious and over the top beautiful. James was the best captain ever. If you decide to take a trip of a lifetime please ask for James and Julia and by all means do it with Marine Max. No hidden charges and we were told upfront how everything would be. I can’t brag enough on this beautiful vessel and wonderful team. James and Julia … you are the best out there! Lots of laughs and fun.
Trip of a lifetime!
We completed a trip of a lifetime on March 3, 2024. We rented an Aquila 545 from Marine Max complete with Captain James & Chef Julia and toured the BVI’s. I can’t express how special this bucket list trip was. The food was amazing and Chef Julia just raised the bar everyday of our trip. We wanted for nothing and both crew members made this trip special for all 6 of us. The boat was the perfect size for 6 people and Captain James was amazing as well. I highly recommend booking a charter with the two of them. You won’t be disappointed and to us this was a 10 star review!! 😎
Loved every minute!
The 7 days on Painted Pelican were perfect, loved every minute of it. Captain James and Chef Christina were amazing. I truly did not know what to expect and was so happy with everything. Looking forward to going again in the future… Thanks for your help!
EPIC!
The trip was EPIC! James and Julia were fantastic, and I couldn't provide enough praise for them if I tried. Expectations were exceeded, and we will definitely be doing another trip in the future.
Captain Joe & Chef Julia - Noell Charter
The MarineMax charter was outstanding!!! Captain Joe and chef Julia were absolutely wonderful. They attended to our every need, had activities planned for us each day. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!!! We hiked, we snorkeled and went from island to island! The meals were excellent. We have never eaten so good! Loved every minute of this trip and would highly recommend to anyone!
Joe & Julia- Rosenthal Charter
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
Capt Joe & Chef Julia made a good trip great!
The entire experience. From our initial contact with Maggie Privat through our experience with Joe and Juliet on the boat, I don’t have a single negative comment. Maggie handled all details and endless questions with patience and professionalism. Joe handled the boat and all his duties flawlessly, was always concerned for our safety but not overly restrictive. Juliet prepared truly gourmet dishes at every meal. Together they formed a great team and, I especially want to mention, they helped the one member of our group who had some physical limitations with kindness and attentiveness. Our most pressing concern, especially since it was our first trip of this type, was how we would interact with the crew. A mismatch could make what would otherwise be a good vacation a bad experience. We couldn’t have been more fortunate with Joe and Juliet. They actually made a good trip great. My highest recommendation!
Joe & Julia Amazing- Doug Still
"Hey, Tammy? It's Doug still from Waco, Texas, hey? I got your email. And I wanted to reach out to you personally and just tell you how great of a time that we had with Joe and Julia. You guys every single time, just just go and outdo yourself and continue to set the bar higher and higher and higher. James was a great captain. but Joe is. He's just the next level, I mean he is. He's so nice, so attentive helps Julia so much and and just awesome. Gosh, Almighty! We had a great time, and cannot wait to do it again. I'm glad you said that because I did refer you a couple of my really dear friends, Tina and Ronnie Freeman. I gave them your contact information and told them how how much better MarineMax is than Moorings, and so Ronnie and Tina Freeman will be reaching out to you to set their destination, and we know who to call the next time we're ready. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our vacation so absolutely awesome, and just know that Julia and Joe are just awesome. So anyway, thanks for your email. And I hope you have a great day. And if you need to call me back, you sure may. Until then my very best to you and your family. Take care, bye. "
Exceeded Expectations
Our charter exceeded our expectations in every area - I had a list of places and I wanted to see and things I wanted to do and Captain James made sure every box was checked! He was professional, hospitable, and fun to be around! In addition, Chef Julia created the most amazing meals every single day! The food was outstanding - so much so we cancelled some reservations and opted to eat on the boat instead because her meals were DIVINE! Our boat was beautiful and spacious. We could not have asked for anything more! Great job James and Julia. Thank you, Raul
Bucket List Items
This was a bucket list for us. We expected it to be fun but it totally was absolutely a wonderful and extremely awesome trip. Our captain James and Chef Julia made it just perfect. They were always attentive and constantly making sure we had everything we needed. The food was delicious and over the top beautiful. James was the best captain ever. If you decide to take a trip of a lifetime please ask for James and Julia and by all means do it with Marine Max. No hidden charges and we were told upfront how everything would be. I can’t brag enough on this beautiful vessel and wonderful team. James and Julia … you are the best out there! Lots of laughs and fun.
Trip of a lifetime!
We completed a trip of a lifetime on March 3, 2024. We rented an Aquila 545 from Marine Max complete with Captain James & Chef Julia and toured the BVI’s. I can’t express how special this bucket list trip was. The food was amazing and Chef Julia just raised the bar everyday of our trip. We wanted for nothing and both crew members made this trip special for all 6 of us. The boat was the perfect size for 6 people and Captain James was amazing as well. I highly recommend booking a charter with the two of them. You won’t be disappointed and to us this was a 10 star review!! 😎
Loved every minute!
The 7 days on Painted Pelican were perfect, loved every minute of it. Captain James and Chef Christina were amazing. I truly did not know what to expect and was so happy with everything. Looking forward to going again in the future… Thanks for your help!
EPIC!
The trip was EPIC! James and Julia were fantastic, and I couldn't provide enough praise for them if I tried. Expectations were exceeded, and we will definitely be doing another trip in the future.
Captain Joe & Chef Julia - Noell Charter
The MarineMax charter was outstanding!!! Captain Joe and chef Julia were absolutely wonderful. They attended to our every need, had activities planned for us each day. It was truly a trip of a lifetime!!! We hiked, we snorkeled and went from island to island! The meals were excellent. We have never eaten so good! Loved every minute of this trip and would highly recommend to anyone!
Meet your crew
Meet your 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
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.
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