Private Jet Charter to Necker Island, Richard Branson's Private Island in the BVI

A Necker booking often means a wedding, a milestone birthday, or a company retreat on one island. Guests arrive from different cities, often on the same afternoon. Airline schedules into Beef Island cannot move a group that size together. Charter can, because each aircraft is timed to the same boat departures.

• Arrival waves: several turboprops or light jets land within an hour, so the speedboats run full and on time.
• Bags and event kit: tennis gear, decor, and celebration supplies travel in the hold, within each aircraft's weight limits.
• Privacy from the ramp: guests clear customs as a private party and go straight to the dock.

Does Necker Island have an airport?

No. Necker Island has a helipad but no runway. Private flights land at Beef Island (EIS) on Tortola, two minutes by car from the dock. A speedboat then reaches Necker in about 30 minutes, and the return transfer is included in island rates.

Beef Island is the BVI's main port of entry, so Necker guests clear customs and immigration there. Your operator files the passenger manifest before departure, which keeps the ramp stop short. A car then makes the two-minute run to the dock. The operator selects the handler, and Hogani Jets confirms it in your trip details.

You can fly directly to Beef Island from Florida and much of the East Coast. Long-range trips from Europe or the West Coast stop at San Juan first.

• Miami (Opa-locka): about 980 nautical miles to Beef Island, 2.5 to 2.75 hours by light jet.
• New York (Teterboro) to San Juan: about 1,410 nautical miles, 3.25 to 3.75 hours by super midsize or heavy jet.
• New York to Beef Island direct: about 1,430 nautical miles, possible in a light or midsize jet with a reduced load.
• San Juan to Beef Island: about 83 nautical miles, a 30 to 40 minute turboprop hop.
• London to San Juan: about 3,640 nautical miles, 8.75 to 9.5 hours by heavy or ultra-long-range jet.

Necker trips usually combine two categories: a larger jet to a hub and turboprops for the final hop. Each category below is billed by the flight hour. Passenger figures are maximum capacity.

Can a Challenger 350 land at Beef Island?

Landing is possible, but taking off again is the problem. At maximum weight, a Challenger 350 needs about 4,835 feet of runway to take off. Beef Island's runway is 4,642 feet, and Caribbean heat adds more distance. Operators must cut fuel or passengers, so most use St. Thomas (7,000 feet) or San Juan (10,400 feet) instead. 

• Passports: Every passenger needs a valid passport. Non-US citizens should check BVI entry rules for their nationality.
• Visas: US and Canadian visitors do not need a visa for a tourist stay.
• Manifests: Your operator sends passenger details ahead of arrival, so customs at Beef Island moves quickly.
• Via St. Thomas or San Juan: guests clear BVI customs when they enter the BVI, not at the US hub.

Sir Richard Branson hosts the Necker Cup, a pro-am tennis event, from November 29 to December 4, 2026. It brings players and guests in over the same few days. Aircraft and Beef Island ramp space book early that week. The same planning applies to weddings and corporate buyouts.

How do you fly a large group to Necker Island?

Split the group across several turboprops or light jets into Beef Island. At maximum seating, 70 guests need about seven turboprops. Very large groups can fly one VIP airliner to San Juan, then shuttle across by turboprop. Hogani Jets staggers the arrivals to match the speedboats.

Can you bring a pet to Necker Island by private jet?

Dogs and cats can enter the BVI by private jet, but Necker Island must approve your pet first, so confirm it when booking your stay. The BVI then requires an import permit, a microchip, two rabies vaccines, a rabies blood test, and a USDA-endorsed health certificate. Unvaccinated pets need seven months or more.

• Group size: a full-island group needs several aircraft, each billed on its own hours.
• Hub or direct: a big jet to San Juan plus turboprop shuttles can cost less than many small jets from the mainland.
• Event weeks: the Necker Cup and the holiday season raise demand for aircraft and ramp space.
• Helicopter legs: island-to-island helicopter flights are quoted separately from the jet.
• Return timing: if aircraft wait in the BVI for the return, crew hotel costs apply.

For a group, Hogani Jets builds one plan that shows every aircraft and transfer together. Prices are in US dollars, which is also the BVI's currency.

Note:
Prices are standard one-way estimates based on the hourly rate of the suggested aircraft category. Flights under 1 hour are shown at a 1-hour minimum. Italian charter tax (€100 per passenger on these routes), landing, handling, and parking fees are not included here and are added to your final all-in quote.

Jets that drop groups in San Juan or St. Thomas often fly home empty to Florida or New York. Turboprops also reposition between Puerto Rico and Beef Island after shuttles. These one-way legs can cost far less than a full charter, but they rarely suit a fixed event date.

To check Necker-area empty legs, email charter@hoganijets.com or call +1-855-660-0573 with your dates.

Most stays are exclusive use. Adults-only Celebration Weeks also let individual guests book single rooms on set dates.

Necker runs as one private estate, so most activities happen on the island itself. Many are included in the rate, which makes arrival and departure days easy to plan.

• Tennis, padel and pickleball: two floodlit courts host the Necker Cup, with padel and pickleball alongside.
• Pools and wellness: four infinity pools with swim-up bars, an indoor gym and the Samudra Spa.
• On the water: kitesurfing and sailing are included; scuba diving, jet skis and deep-sea fishing cost extra.
• Wildlife: flamingos and ring-tailed lemurs roam the island.
• Nearby: Moskito Island is about a mile away, and Virgin Gorda's beaches are a short boat ride.

Some Necker plans change what the aircraft must carry, or when it can leave.

• Necker Cup kit: racket bags and match clothing add bulk. Share bag counts early so the operator can size the aircraft.
• Kitesurf gear: boards and kite bags are long. Turboprops like the PC-12 have a large rear cargo door that helps.
• A final dive: finish diving at least 12 hours before takeoff, or 24 hours after any decompression dive.
• Weddings and parties: flowers, cakes and decor can fly ahead on a separate turboprop the day before.

Necker keeps Atlantic Standard Time all year, with no daylight saving. That matches New York in summer and runs one hour ahead in winter. Pay in US dollars, and use US plugs on 110-volt power.

Island rates include the return speedboat from Beef Island or Virgin Gorda, plus many activities. Helicopter transfers are booked separately and fly in daylight only. Children are welcome all year, except during adults-only Celebration Weeks.

Hogani Jets is an air charter broker, and our job is to move your group as one. With more than 2,000 private flights arranged across 90+ countries, founder Matt Hogan knows group logistics. On Necker trips, that means coordinating several aircraft, one customs stop, and the island's boats.

Every operator's Part 135 certificate, insurance coverage, and safety record is independently reviewed before booking, with ARGUS, Wyvern, or IS-BAO ratings considered where they exist as one part of that review.

• One arrival plan: every aircraft, landing slot, and boat appears on a single schedule.
• Hub options compared: we price direct jets against a San Juan shuttle so you can choose.
• A single point of contact: one advisor handles every guest's flight, start to finish.

To book a private jet charter to Necker Island, contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573.

How much does a private jet to Necker Island cost per hour?

A turboprop costs $1,300 to $2,500, and a light jet costs $2,300 to $3,800 per hour. Groups often add a larger jet to San Juan, at $4,500 per hour and up.

What is the closest airport to Necker Island?

Beef Island (EIS) on Tortola. A speedboat from the nearby dock reaches Necker in about 30 minutes.

How do I get to Necker Island from the airport?

A car takes two minutes from Beef Island airport to the dock. The speedboat crossing then takes about 30 minutes and is included in island rates.

Can I take a helicopter to Necker Island?

Yes. Helicopters fly to Necker's helipad from Beef Island, St. Thomas or San Juan in daylight only. These flights are extra and weather dependent.

How many aircraft does a full Necker Island group need?

Up to 70 guests can stay. At maximum seating, that is about seven turboprops or eight light jets, or one VIP airliner to San Juan.

Can large private jets fly to Necker Island?

Not directly. Super midsize and bigger jets use San Juan or St. Thomas. A turboprop or helicopter then completes the trip.

When is the Necker Cup?

The 2026 tournament is held November 29 to December 4. Book aircraft early, because ramp space at Beef Island fills that week.

Can I book a single room on Necker Island?

Yes, during adults-only Celebration Weeks. The rest of the year, the island is usually booked whole.

Do I need a passport to fly private to Necker Island?

Yes. Every passenger needs a valid passport, and US and Canadian visitors do not need a visa. Non-US citizens should check BVI entry rules.

Where do private jet passengers clear customs for Necker Island?

At Beef Island (EIS) on Tortola, the BVI's main port of entry. Your operator sends the passenger manifest ahead, so clearance is quick. Guests who fly in via St. Thomas or San Juan also clear here.

What happens to oversized luggage on the transfer to Necker Island?

The speedboat from Beef Island carries normal luggage. For golf clubs, kite gear or event supplies, tell the island team in advance so extra boat space is arranged. Helicopters have tighter weight limits.

Can guests arrive at Necker Island by private yacht?

Yes. Private yachts can anchor off Necker, and guests transfer ashore. Arriving by sea from St. Thomas still means clearing BVI customs at a port of entry first.

Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?

No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker. Licensed operators fly every trip and hold full operational control.