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.
Call us or email us for more information about Painted Pelican . You can reach our office at 1.941.914.1187 or Email Us. We’ll find a charter that fits your style, budget, and interests.
Crew Info:
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.
