These are testimonials from guests. Many are repeat customers and will gladly be a reference, if you wish.
Silvia Parisotto Valencia, Spain November 2021
What a fantastic holiday!!!
Everything was perfect: the boat, the people, the islands and of course the host Lisa.
We had a wonderful time and, to be honest, We didn't want to go back to Spain!!
It wasn't the first time and it definitely won't be the last. Even if it is a long way to get there from Spain, it is always worth it.
We cruised on Smile Maker in November ’21. Captain Lisa Cozza has an excellent grasp of the BVIs and can tailor your trip based on your priorities--anything from mooring near rocking clubs or a secluded, laid-back bay with great snorkeling and beautiful sunsets. Also notable is her ability to change plans on the fly based on conditions. Rain showers or too crowded at your planned stop? Cozza will grab her phone to reserve a mooring ball elsewhere and make a restaurant reservation in minutes. Her restaurant, food, and activity recommendations always worked out well. And then there’s the boat itself. It was our first time on a catamaran and what an experience! Stable, roomy, and amenities abound, including air conditioning and private bathroom in every cabin. Finally, COVID protocol required testing both coming and going if you connect through St. Thomas. Captain Cozza got us all to the testing site on time for our flights back home the next day. While the testing is a pain, it should NOT dissuade anyone from booking this trip of a lifetime.
—Pete and Laura Bedell
Church Hill, MD
August 2018 Emily and 3 other 17 year old girls.
Thank you note and testimonial from 17 year old girl.
Patty Windmueller, Petaluma CA May 2018
To say that we merely enjoyed ourselves on our voyage on the beautiful Smile Maker would be an understatement!! Captain Cozza expertly sailed us through the BVI's while providing us with memories which will last a lifetime. If you are looking for a place to relax, reflect and reinvigorate, look no further than Smile Maker Charters. It has left a smile on my face which cannot be erased! 🙂
Mehr Tucker, Gaithersburg MD
May 30, 2018
This was a fantastic trip and my second time sailing the BVI. I cant say enough about how wonderful it was. Great trip for a girls get-away with a very knowledgeable, capable female captain!
Peter Biro, Wellesley MA Jan 2017
Captain Lisa was an amazing host in a beautiful destination. We have great memories of our snorkeling expeditions--don't miss the The Caves--evenings on the boat making dinner, playing games or watching the stars, nights out at relaxed beach bars, our New Years Eve on Scrub Island, and mostly getting a chance, as a family, to detox, unwind and disconnect from civilization. (In my case, literally, because I dropped my phone into the water hiking the Baths!). Even though we really hadn't sailed before, we fell in love with the sensation immediately--it can feel like flying even though you are never far from land. I am already planning a trip back to catch up on all the diving we didn't have time to do. Prepare to have your life changed!
Peter Biro and family
Me and Captain at the helm!
Anita, Kenny and Tyler Pisani, Charlotte NC
July 2015
My family and I were very fortunate to be invited to Captain Cozza's initial voyage on Smile Maker. I had never been sailing before and didn't know what to expect. Well, to say it best, "I loved every moment of every day!". It is such a beautiful place, every day was a new and exciting adventure. You truly are in PARADISE and will never want to go home. Captain Cozza is a very knowledgeable, friendly and professional host. My husband and I got off the boat and immediately made plans to return the next year.
Anita, Kenny and Tyler Pisani
June 2016
Definitely returned the next year like we planned!! This time we went with four other friends and had a fantastic time visiting all the islands in the BVI, including getting over to Anegada for fresh lobster dinner. Yummy! I would suggest this as a stop on your trip. We also got to spend some time on Scrub Island, also a must stop... Everyone had so much fun from sunrise to sundown. There are so many hidden treasures to see and Captain Cozza will make sure you see as many as possible! Returning again in July 2017.
B-Beautiful
V-Visit often
I-Intriguing
Anita and Kenny Pisani
Kris and Kevin Schmit, Greenland NH July 2016
We spent 7 days sailing with SmileMaker Charters. What a fantastic experience! We had seasoned sailors, newbies, and young children! Our captain made it an amazing and memorable trip for all. She considered everyone and was extremely accommodating to changes in the plans. The only challenge,.. was leaving! Definitely the best experience we have had with chartering.
We love "Captain Cozza"!!
Kristen and Kevin Schmit s/v Makai
Danny McMenamy, San Diego CA February 2017
Thanks so much for your assistance on our family trip to the British Virgin Islands! It was truly a vacation I will never forget! In fact, I look forward to making this trip again as soon as possible!
Denise Vlantis and Family August 2015
We were the first all girls, but any crew will result in SMILES on Smile Maker Charters. Run, don't walk, to schedule your trip with Captain Cozza! We can't wait to go back. 🙂
Joni Snydeman, Medford MA
July 2015
I was invited to sail the BVI’s back in 2015. Sailing? Me? I am by far not a sailor, nor have I ever dreamed of sailing for days on end. Maybe a small excursion on a summer afternoon, but that was it for me. So I was hesitant and thought this trip would not be ideal for me.
Kicking and screaming, I headed to BVI…(not). Who doesn’t love the warm tropical weather?
We arrived in Tortola to board our catamaran. The weather was beautiful, so I was happy. You see, I am a lay on the beach, drink in hand, hit the local beach bars type of vacationer. I’ve snorkeled, and even taken the typical tourist catamaran day trip, but have never slept on a boat or spent my time solely on the water with no land in sight. Could I do it? Top that off with the fact that I knew nothing about sailing and you have fear of the unknown. I also was instructed that I could only bring one “gym” size duffel bag. What? What about my multiple choices for footwear, or all the clothes you buy and plan to wear on a vacation? A small duffel bag; I was struggling with this one restriction, a lot, as I prepared for the trip.
When we arrived at our boat slip, I laid eyes on the most beautiful vessel I had ever seen. It was bigger than expected and I found it had everything I would need for a perfect vacation. A full kitchen, for meals and most importantly making my libations, check. Four good size showers with toilets and sinks, for the mandatory quick vacation shower, check. Four large beds in their own quarters. The stern, or back deck, outdoor area with table and seating, enough for me and my friends to relax, sit back and have a snack, a drink and catch up; all while watching the beautiful scenery of a blue ocean, check. And the bow, or front deck, that had a large seating area and trampoline for lounging and soaking up the sun. This is what I would normally think the area would be best for, so check and check. We provisioned our boat and headed out. Here is where, everything I thought this trip would be changed.
I found myself enjoying helping out with the ropes and sails (as much as I could) and spending a good amount of time on the bow of the boat, not lounging around. I also was not soaking up the sun every moment I could, but seated at the edge of the cat taking in the breathtaking view of the water, the colors, the horizon and watching other boats enjoying the same experience. Soon I felt my shoulders relax and the daily tension I carried with me disappear. I found myself taking a dingy to a lightly populated island with locals at a tikibar, where you had the islands famous “painkiller” drinks with freshly grated nutmeg. Or swimming to a completely deserted island from our sailboat and taking in all of the gorgeous natural surroundings. I felt like I was in tune with nature. I did not have a care in the world. We spent the next week sailing the various islands, eating meals and snacks we prepared ourselves. Enjoying some beverages, time with friends laughing and nights either relaxing on the deck of the boat or on one of the many islands that offer small venues and low-key nightlife. I was loving life!
The trip was more than I hoped, and memory of a lifetime. A change from my norm. So refreshing, relaxing and breathtaking. I cannot wait to go back. Oh and that small duffel bag...I wore bathing suits, and occasionally something over my suit at night or if we left the boat…that was it!!! I actually came back home with a good deal of clothing in my bag untouched. This boat, this captain, this trip was phenomenal. If you are looking for a trip and experience like no other, this is it! Book a week with Captain Cozza, she does not disappoint.
~ Joni Lee S.
Jackie Gilligan, North Potomac MD
March 2016
Last March, my daughter and I had the vacation of a lifetime with Smile Maker Charter. You will never get bored exploring the vast waters of the BVI's. Our Captain was friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. Her knowledge and experience navigating the islands allowed us to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery that changes everyday!! Thank you so much Smile Maker for giving us memories that will last forever!!!
Jackie
Amazing water of White Bay, Yost Van Dyke
Shaun McMenamy, Plymouth MA
Feb 2017
My wife and returned to the BVI's after `5 years, but this time with my daughter and son. We wondered if we could possibly duplicate the incredible memories we made that first time around.This trip exceeded all our expectations thanks to Captain Lisa Cozza and Smilemaker! Sailing, snorkeling, and a few rum bars were only some of our highlights. Our whole family loved this trip! The hardest part was leaving but make no mistake, we'll be back!
Best Regards,
Shaun McMenamy
Trio Wine Company
smcmenamy@triowinecompany.com
774-313-9599
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