Yacht Charter FAQ
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Yacht Charter FAQ -Your Yachting Questions Answered
Yes, we can answer that.
H2O Luxury Yachts has been around a long, long time. This means we’ve fielded just about every question imaginable about yachting anywhere in the world you’d like to go.
1. Booking a Yacht Charter
All initial prices are shown as “from” and the price that you pay depends on the type of charter you take, fully crewed and inclusive or partial board, as well as the number of guests in your party.
All prices are based on seven nights. 6 nights can be pro-rated, and 5 nights and under has a surcharge on it. Additionally, Xmas and New Years’ weeks ALWAYS are the most expensive weeks of the year and have usually a hefty surcharge.
Some yachts, also have a low season rate that runs from May 15th to December 15th and a high season otherwise. It is all a bit of a minefield. Respite at Sea (which is one of my favorite yachts) does not have low and high season rates.
2 pax: $23,500
3 Pax: $24,250
4 pax: $25,000
5 pax: $25,750
6 pax: $26,500You can take off $150 per person on the rates if you are doing half board, where you have 4 lunches and 3 dinners ashore. Their Xmas and New Years’ week rate is $34,500 This yacht also has a Captain Only Rate of $16,000.
This rate means that you get the Boat, the Captain, and the mate along with all the furnishings and toys on board, but you then cook, clean, provision, and pay all expenses on top such as food, beverage, fuel. This of course, for 6 guests can work out quite a bit less expensive than the $26,500 price for 6 guests.
You must consider a 20% industry standard for the crew adjusted up or down on top of the yacht charter price.
Glad you asked since we are working on a series of blog entries to answer all your questions.
- is located here (opens in a new browser window) and you can read about your relationship with a Yacht Charter Broker and more.
- on Booking a Yacht Charter is located here (opens in new browser window).
- on Yacht Charter Types is located here (opens in new browser window)
- with more Charter Types is located here (opens in a new browser window)
- Trivia, Water Sports, Honeymoon Charters, etc can be found here (opens in a new browser window)
Cash or Credit?
Cash is king around most yachting hotspots. Your AmEx will certainly go a long way in many mainland restaurants and shops, but it’s always safe to have money on hand.
We recommend always using cash for tips and taxi rides.
Properly preparing for your yachting getaway saves you some serious cash and unnecessary stress.
If you have questions about currency or credit cards, reach out to the H2O team for fast answers.
Can you pay for your yachting vacation with credit cards?
Generally, you can pay for your yacht charter with Credit Cards. We accept payments by credit card (any kind) up to 60 days in advance. Closer in than that, you will have to use an alternate method.
This is not a hard and fast rule, as occasionally we have specials going on which preclude using credit cards.
The new Coronavirus (Covid-19) is something that everyone is aware of by now.
Every yacht charter broker has had questions from clients on whether they should cancel their existing reservation or if they should even book a yachting vacation. We are here to give you the information you need to make an informed decision in a daily changing atmosphere.
Today, we just finished a blog post on Coronavirus and your yacht charter, read it here. (April 16th, 2020)
We are happy to give our individual clients daily updated information on what would be the best area, or type of vacation or insurance to purchase for your yacht charter.
Normal Cancellation Insurance no longer will cover the Coronavirus. For any new bookings, “Cancel For Any Reason” Insurance is required. We are happy to quote your group cancellation insurance. With the daily changing conditions H2O Luxury Yachts is currently recommending this insurance for all new bookings.
Many owners and yacht managers are allowing us to place a clause in new contracts protecting you against Coronavirus affecting your vacation.
It all depends on your getaway of choice! Most yachting hotspots are in warm climates, which makes packing lightly pretty simple. If you’ve chosen a charter that embarks during cooler months of a specific locale, our list includes recommendations for you, too.
Certain items like sunglasses and your passport are a must, regardless of the weather. We know how daunting it can be to pack for seven or more days aboard a luxury yacht. While our crew fully stocks the boat with essentials and luxe amenities, there are certain items you should plan to bring. Follow this no-fuss packing list to ensure a smooth yachting adventure, wherever your destination may be.
Your Packing Guide for Yachting in Warm Climates
It’s all about the aquaculture in picture-perfect yachting destinations like the Mediterranean, South Pacific, and the Caribbean. Plan your wardrobe around spending half your time in a swimsuit. Does it get any better than that?
- Two swimsuits — we encourage around the clock snorkeling and sunbathing!
- 6 pieces of light clothing to throw over your swimsuit (t-shirts, beach coverups, sundresses, etc.)
- One or two outfits for an evening on the town — you know what kind of traveler you are. If high-end restaurants are on your itinerary, pack accordingly.
- Two or three pairs of shorts for exploring the sights and streets of your destination
- One or two pairs of sandals or flip-flops and a pair of water shoes — although, barefoot is certainly the dress code aboard your yacht! Whatever footwear you choose, please ensure it won’t leave black sole marks on the boat.
- A light rain jacket will keep you dry in squalls and cozy during any chilly evenings.
Your Packing Guide for Yachting in Every Climate
- Two pairs of polarized sunglasses attached to sunglass straps
- Your favorite playlists — or rock out to ours!
- Books or podcasts for a relaxing day at sea
- Mask and snorkel, if you have your own. Otherwise, our crew has you covered.
- Beach towel for days on the mainland. The yacht is fully stocked with plush bath towels.
- Insulated bottle or cup to keep your drinks cool all day long
- Hat and sunscreen lotion — the sunshine is always strong, no matter the temperature
- Cell phone with roaming data + chargers — expect complimentary WiFi at many restaurants onshore. Most crewed yachts have basic internet available onboard.
- Passport, money, credit card — you might not locate an ATM for many nautical miles! Come prepared with plenty of cash and be sure to let your bank know you may use credit cards offshore.
- Prescriptions and motion sickness medication, if necessary
Check our Blog Post on this very topic with a list of 25 items on what to pack for a Caribbean crewed sailing trip
The Easiest Ways to Reach Tortola from STT
Take a one-hour ferry ride from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Tortola. We love this option for leisure travelers who want to get a taste of the VIs before setting sail! Keep in mind that ferries don’t run at night — take a look at this ferry schedule before arranging your travel. The roundtrip ferry cost is around $100 per person.
Hire a private water taxi if your group of travelers is eight or more. This is the most convenient option because the taxi might take you directly to your yacht. The ease, leeway and timing make it a steal at $300 per person.
Charter a flight from St. Thomas to Tortola for an easy travel option at any hour of the day or night. It might be the most expensive option, but reaching your luxury yacht in style makes it worth the cost.
The commission is paid by out of the yacht charter fee to the yacht charter broker. Sometimes the yacht will give a discount on a week they want to sell or for repeat guests. Same with a broker.
They may offer a bit off their commission back to repeat clients or add in extras that the yacht does not cover. The commission rate is fairly standard throughout the industry. The yacht pays 15% to the broker on average, sometimes a bit more or less, depending on the week. It could be a bit more if you have a Travel Agent you work with as well as the Yacht Charter Broker.
You can compare the different plans and pick one that suits your needs.
Medical Evacuation Insurance pays for emergency care and transportation. It can be purchased separately or as a part of your travel insurance policy.
Travel Health Insurance covers emergency and routine services while overseas. Find out if your health insurance provider offers emergency coverage abroad.
Travel Insurance varies significantly between providers. Read the fine print for coverage details (Medical transport back to the US, emergency care, duration of travel, etc.)
DAN is insurance specifically for SCUBA divers. It protects against unexpected expenses while traveling.
Make sure you inform the captain and crew of any pre-existing medical conditions. When you give your charter yacht a head’s up, they can prepare for any possible emergencies.
It will help you if you think of charter yacht brokers as travel agents who specialize in yacht vacations. Most charter brokers do not “own” any yachts, but specialize in viewing hundreds of boats every year in different locations, so you don’t have to. Yacht Charter Brokers are independent (such as H2O Luxury Yachts), where we have no loyalty to any make, model, or fleet, or they can work with particular yachts only.
Breeze Through the First Day Aboard Your Private Yacht
Go the extra mile to make sure you don’t instigate seasickness within the first 24 hours. Avoid books, screens and relaxing indoors. The best remedy when you feel queasy is fresh air and a view of the horizon line. Not hard to accomplish when you’re in paradise!
One of the countless reasons yacht charters are so popular is because they often venture to calm, beautiful locations. Wherever you choose to travel, our captain and crew will always find a relaxing anchorage to spend the night. Don’t mistake too many cocktails for a bout of seasickness! Either way, your crew will have a cure for both.
Others may get extra commission from various yachts so that they will push those.
Some represent a specific fleet and therefore push those regardless of whether they are your perfect match or not.
Yachts that come into the market recently are unknown quantities and will offer specials or price themselves lower than comparable boats to get bookings. With bookings hopefully, come great reference letters that they can use to entice other brokers to book them
Some are genuinely professional and genuinely try to find out what you are looking for and then match you up with your perfect yacht.
Whatever gratuity you give will be paid to the captain and distributed amongst the crew.
If the Captain Owns the Boat, Does He Really Need a Tip?
Short answer, absolutely! It’s easy to assume your captain and crew have plenty of money because they own a yacht. Normally, the yacht is actually owned by the bank. The captain looks at the boat as a large investment and will go above and beyond to make sure you have an amazing charter. Just like any yacht charter, gratuity is the best way to tell your crew thanks for a job well done.
The H2O Luxury Yachts Insurance Guide
Medical Evacuation Insurance pays for emergency care and transportation. This can be purchased separately or as a part of your travel insurance policy.
Travel Health Insurance covers emergency and routine services while overseas. Find out if your health insurance provider offers emergency coverage abroad.
Travel Insurance varies greatly between providers. Read the fine print for coverage details (Medical transport back to the US, emergency care, duration of travel, etc.)
DAN is insurance specifically for SCUBA divers. It protects against unexpected expenses while traveling.
We always recommend exploring your insurance coverage choices. In some cases, mega yachts provide their own insurance. Chat with the H2O Luxury Yachts team about insurance options provided by the yacht.
Please call us at 1 954 271 3005
What is a Fully Crewed and all Inclusive Yacht Charter?
- You pay the entire charter fee upfront.
- You cover your incidentals such as anything you chose to eat or drink inland.
- Perhaps SCUBA diving could be an extra charge.
- Any upgrades on the wine and liquor.
- Any dockage that YOU request during the week.
- Family Friendly
- Full Board
- Half Boat
- Captain Only
- Bareboat
- Cabin Only Booking
- Multi-Generation
- Honeymoon
- Anniversaries
- Sailing Regattas
- Corporate Retreats
- Partying
- Luxury Yachts
- Fishing Charters
- SCUBA Charters
- Foodie Yachts
- History Tours
- Exploring Expeditions
The list can go on forever. If you dream it, we will plan it and a yacht can do it!
We have a page full of these details
2. Charter Types
Complete the online course (preferably before you board the yacht)
Complete the pool portion
Receive a referral letter
Complete five open water SCUBA dives with the instructor
Good news! All this is easily completed in a week on your charter.
While most of our charters do offer SCUBA, there’s a slim possibility it isn’t available for charters in your desired destination. If that’s the case, you still have options! Many locations have SCUBA instructors that can teach you aboard their boat then bring you back to the yacht afterward, called Rendez Vous Diving. Rendezvous Diving is incredibly common in the Caribbean and other diving hotspots. The other guests aboard the ship can relax at the anchorage while you explore underwater. Win, win.
What is a Fully Crewed and all Inclusive Yacht Charter?
- You pay the entire charter fee upfront.
- You cover your incidentals such as anything you chose to eat or drink inland.
- Perhaps SCUBA diving could be an extra charge.
- Any upgrades on the wine and liquor.
- Any dockage that YOU request during the week.
We have boats that love taking honeymoon couples. They plan all sorts of romantic activities, including candlelit dinners, nighttime walks on the beach, champagne and chocolates, and lobster dinners. We have yachts that specialize in Honeymoon Yacht Charters AND offer an incredible price value.
What does “plus expenses” mean?
Rates for larger motor yachts don’t always include running expenses like food, dockage, and fuel. Instead of an upfront “all-inclusive” fee, the final step to your plus-all luxury charter is paying all remaining expenses.
The Caribbean is an outlier in the world, being one of the few places that offer fully crewed and inclusive yacht charters. Most other places in the world ask for expenses on top of the charter fee.
Typically your charter fee in the plus expenses method includes the yacht, the crew, the crew meals, and the furnishings and toys onboard the yacht.
Enjoy Your Charter and be Aware of Expenses
You probably aren’t counting your pennies if you’re considering a luxury charter — but no one likes to be surprised with a hefty bill.
Expect to pay 25-to-35-percent of the charter fee with your final payment to cover all additional costs. Industry talk for this payment is an APA — Advanced Provisioning Allowance. The captain keeps a running tab of expenses during your getaway and keeps you up to date with the total cost.
Plus-All Expenses can be a Huge Plus for Yachters
Plus-all luxury charters can actually be a more economical choice for yachters. It’s often difficult to anticipate how much food, drinks and other expenses will be used on a mega yacht. If you’re hesitant to book a charter that lacks a fixed budget, chat with the H2O Luxury Yachts team for some help.
- Family Friendly
- Full Board
- Half Boat
- Captain Only
- Bareboat
- Cabin Only Booking
- Multi-Generation
- Honeymoon
- Anniversaries
- Sailing Regattas
- Corporate Retreats
- Partying
- Luxury Yachts
- Fishing Charters
- SCUBA Charters
- Foodie Yachts
- History Tours
- Exploring Expeditions
The list can go on forever. If you dream it, we will plan it and a yacht can do it!
We have a page full of these details
3. Charter Activities
4. Cuisine & Beverage
Of course! The menus you see on our website and brochures are there to give you an idea of what our chef can prepare. Use the sample menus as inspiration for the custom menu we’ll build using your preference sheet. No matter the yachting getaway you select, your private chef will design a custom menu around your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Inclusive and fully-crewed yachts have a set budget for means. For example, your charter may have a budget to serve lobster once. Anything beyond the budget will result in a surcharge. The chefs work around your tastes and preferences, so what’s served is completely up to you!
If Your Yacht is Larger…
The sky is the limit If you charter one of the larger yachts. The cost of provisions is packed into the provision allowance, so the budget for food and drinks is up to you. Every chef aboard our private yacht charters is hand-selected because of their talent. We’re confident you’ll be impressed by the dining aboard your boat.
The crew aboard your private yacht will have nearly everything you could want and need. If you have a specialty item in mind, you’re more than welcome to bring it along! All of our yachts are proud to offer fresh, premium food and drinks aboard every charter. We promise you’ll be thrilled with the five-star dining service and bottomless cocktails. It just doesn’t get better than sunbathing on a chaise lounge with a cocktail in hand. From your favorite type of tequila to the snacks you crave, we stock the yacht with anything and everything you’ll want. Your wish is our command!
The Pre-Charter Preference Sheet Ensures Your Needs are Met
One of the most exciting and important steps of the pre-charter process is to list your food and beverage requests on the preference sheet. We’ll go above and beyond to meet your dining desires! Make note of any specific dietary restrictions or allergies anyone in your party may have.
Our team communicates all of your food and beverage requests to the chef about 6 weeks prior to your yacht charter. Get ready for a yachting getaway dripping in luxury!
Interested in viewing a food preference sheet? Take a look at one of ours here for our Higher End Motor Yachts.
The Charter Chef can work around dietary restrictions on MOST yachts.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or anything in between, the crew will cater to your dietary specifications. We can also create special menus for any kids coming aboard. We work closely with you before your yachting vacation to build a menu that works for your family and friends.
Please communicate with your group to make food choices that work for everyone. While small changes can generally apply to the menu, the chef is unable to make different meals for each person.
The amount of food and beverage options are often based on the size of the yacht and the charter.
If you have booked a superyacht, you are going to get just about anything you asked for in the menus.
We’ll do everything in our power so the crew can provide a menu everyone will love!
Of course! The menus you see on our website and brochures are there to give you an idea of what our chefs can prepare. Use the sample menus as inspiration for the custom menu we’ll build using your preference sheet.
No matter the yachting getaway you select, your private chef will design a custom menu around your taste preferences and dietary needs. Inclusive and fully-crewed yachts have a set budget for means. For example, your charter may have a budget to serve lobster once. Anything beyond the budget will result in a surcharge.
The chefs work around your tastes and preferences, so what’s served is completely up to you!
5. Scuba Diving
Many yacht charters are equipped and ready to go for divers! Although, there’s always a chance onboard diving isn’t available at your destination. No need to worry — you have choices!
Rendez Vous Diving is a Popular Choice for Yachters
Plenty of yachting destinations have SCUBA instructors in the area that provide instruction on their boat then bring you back to your charter. Rendez Vous Diving is a popular diving option in the Caribbean and other diving hotspots. Partnering with a local dive guide is excellent for a couple of reasons:
- Local guides know all the hotspots for eerie shipwrecks, bustling reefs, and active sea life
- Take comfort knowing you and your dive group are following all of the local rules and regulations
Sound intriguing? We agree. Chat with us today about SCUBA options during your yachting getaway.
You can have us organize rental gear for you, tell us what you need and it will all be delivered the morning of your charter. You are then free to go dive at will. Air fills are available all over the place. If you are on a larger catamaran, then you could also rent a compressor.
We suggest somewhere between 3 and 5 to accompany a relaxed sailing or motoring vacation around the islands. This leaves plenty of opportunities to do other fun things.
If you are a keen diver you can do up to 3 dives a day.
- Float on shallow calm sand reefs that are perfect for doing your open water skills.
- Explore wreck dives like the famous wreck of the Rhône (opens in new tab) off Salt Island.
- See if you can find hundreds of shipwrecks that have been lost over the centuries to Horseshoe reef by Anegada.
- In the Caribbean, every island is an opportunity to get in the water with a snorkel and a camera!
- You can see cannons, look for glass bottles that are centuries old, see how many reef fish you can identify or help your captain hunt for lionfish.
- Explore our SCUBA diving pages for many more ideas
Hundreds, if not thousands.! Jim Scheiner’s Diving in the British Virgin Islands (opens in new tab) is practically the Bible of the dive sites here. An older book, but you will still find it on Amazon and just about every yacht that plies the waters.
Complete the online course (preferably before you board the yacht)
Complete the pool portion
Receive a referral letter
Complete five open water SCUBA dives with the instructor
Good news! All this is easily completed in a week on your charter.
While most of our charters do offer SCUBA, there’s a slim possibility it isn’t available for charters in your desired destination. If that’s the case, you still have options! Many locations have SCUBA instructors that can teach you aboard their boat then bring you back to the yacht afterward, called Rendez Vous Diving. Rendezvous Diving is incredibly common in the Caribbean and other diving hotspots. The other guests aboard the ship can relax at the anchorage while you explore underwater. Win, win.
6. Fishing
If you are out in an anchorage and want to fish, a bit of raw chicken or steak on a hook on the bottom will usually get you some small baitfish that you can use as cut baits.
If you like to fish with the proper gear, have your favorite equipment or want to troll lures, the best thing is to bring them from home. Airlines have no problem with fishing poles, but if you plan on chartering a yacht for the week that specializes in fishing, then their gear should be up to snuff.
All ocean fish that move around a lot and do not eat from the same source all the time are considered safe.
Do not ever eat any jack or barracuda no matter where they come from. They have the most significant risk of all the fish species. Do not be eating your fish that you found on the bottom caught anywhere to the west of Virgin Gorda within the Sir Francis Drake channel.
7. Bareboating
What should I pack for a bareboat charter?
Packing List for Bareboat Charters
- Two swimsuits, 6 t-shirts, and underwear. If you are female, you probably want a sundress or two that can double for going out for dinner. Males may wish to have a short-sleeved nice shirt again for going out to fancier places for dinner.
- Two pair of shorts plus the ones you are wearing when you get to the islands 🙂
- One pair of clean gloves (if you are on a bareboat participating in the sailing)
- One pair of sandals or flip-flops, perhaps only the ones you wear on the plane. Need to be able to get wet. You will mostly be barefoot on the boat. Make sure your footgear won’t leave black sole marks on a ship. If you have shoes that are not good for getting wet, then bring a pair of water shoes as well. It will come in handy, getting to beaches.
- Sun Gear which consists of 2 pair of sunglasses. (1 spare) Must be polarized. Have a lanyard with them, so they don’t disappear even better!
- A light rain jacket. If we get in some squalls, you can cool off quickly if you get wet + wind. Your rain jacket also doubles as a light coat if you get chilly in the evenings.
- Beach/Sailing Music (my phone) + a UBS cable
- Flashlight
- Reading material (Kindles, books)
- Mask & Snorkel (If you wear prescription lenses or have your own comfortable, well-fitting mask and snorkel, bring it. Although most of the bareboat companies will put on snorkel gear for you or tell you were to rent it, I don’t find them the “best quality.”
- Towel – Bring one of those “light skinny towels” Even though your yacht will have towels, they don’t dry as quickly.
- Earplugs. If you have problems sleeping, a disposable pair of these for boat noises may come in handy.
- Refillable water bottle. Insulated preferred!
- Hat – to keep the sun off your head all the time.
- Chargers/batteries for electronics
- Non-Deet bug spray (DEET stains the fabrics and cushions on the boat. Many people like skin so soft too)
- Cel Phone/ International Roaming Package/ Local SIM card as you prefer. Quite a few of the restaurants and beach bars will have complimentary WIFI, and many of the bareboat companies now have modems you can rent for the week. Not cheap, I have found them fairly fast in the last couple of years.
- Motion sickness? Get a prescription for Transderm Scop or bring Bovine, ginger, or the wrist bands. Generally, this settles down if you are prone after the first 24 hours.
- Money and credit card: All but the tiny beach bars take credit cards. Not much American Express, though. Although there are ATMs on significant islands, there is not a lot, so they are often out of cash on a Sunday. You will need some money for gratuities for people.
- Passport. Even if you are American going to the US Virgin Islands, you will require one to go into the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.
- The cockpit will have a good shade cover. But everywhere else you’re getting direct sun plus the reflection. It’s like being in a sun broiler.
- -Non-spray on sunscreen. Spray-on sunscreen on the boat makes it slippery for everyone as most ends up in the air or on the decks. Look for a sunscreen that will not harm the reefs.
With all power yachts and most sail yachts, you start with a full diesel tank and have to refill it before you return the boat.
Moorings sail yachts are an exception within the Caribbean; they usually include fuel for a fee. For both Sunsail and TMM non-generator yachts, they have a pre-pay option, so you don’t need to refill the tank if you don’t want to.
You can have us organize rental gear for you, tell us what you need and it will all be delivered the morning of your charter. You are then free to go dive at will. Air fills are available all over the place. If you are on a larger catamaran, then you could also rent a compressor.
Many charters are all about getting together with old friends. Often this is all the guys, but it is also sometimes just the girls. There is no reason at all why it can’t be all the girls either. If you intend to have a rented captain on board please make sure to mention if you specifically want a female. There are many of them available but if you don’t ask, you may end up with a guy!
There is nothing more annoying than being thousands of miles from home, and having your credit card company freeze your account, thinking there is fraud going on. Generally speaking, if you use your card away from home to purchase something unless it’s for a considerable amount, it will not raise a flag. However, put your card into an ATM away from home to get even $10 out. Bingo it’s flagged. The best bet is to call the number on the back of your card before you leave home, tell them where, and how long you will be gone. Then everything should be ok.
Yes, it could be the week you decided to go on vacation if you are super unlucky. Buy trip insurance! Insurance generally costs about 7% of your total vacation cost. However, at this time of year, the price of airfares is as low as can be, and the amount of renting a boat can be as little as 50% of that in peak season. The math looks great.
In the last couple of years, the internet options have improved while you are out on the sea.
Not only has it improved, but the cost has come way down too. There are not too many areas of the world where you will not have an internet connection.
Purchase a local SIM card for your phone, and you are good to go.
Bareboat sizes range from low 30 feet monohulls up to catamarans ( power and sail) and monohulls in the high 50-foot range.
The size you are allowed to bareboat becomes larger every year though!
- Safety Equipment
- Dinghy Usage
- Operation of Anchor and Windlass
- Back up Anchor
- How to use and care for the heads (washrooms) on the boat
- Refrigeration and oven usage
- VHF Radio usage
- How to call back to the base
- Emergencies
- How to run the engine and check oil levels
- Navigation Equipment including GPS and Charter Plotter
- Daily Weather updates
- If you are sailing, instructions on all sailing controls and lines
You can rent a boat up to about 10 feet longer than you are experienced in. It does not matter if you’re experience is in a monohull and want to charter a multihull or vice versa. Having a bareboat certification or recognized captain license may get you a larger boat.
Each fleet has different requirements which we will be happy to advise you on.
There is an official bareboat certification available. It is available through the ASA. It requires you to do some pre-study at home of items ASA101 ASA103 and ASA104. The course materials cost about $100 per person.
You will need to show that you have experience in a similar sized yacht. Typically the bareboat fleet will let you take out a vessel up to about 10 feet longer than your experience.
If your experience is in a monohull, they will allow you to take out a multihull and vice versa.
You can bolster your ability to charter by taking on a paid captain for the first day or two or by joining up with one of the bareboat flotillas.
8. Yacht Charter Tips
Do you want specific tips on visiting Greece by yacht?
We have an entire page to share the basics with you linked here!
It all depends on your getaway of choice! Most yachting hotspots are in warm climates, which makes packing lightly pretty simple. If you’ve chosen a charter that embarks during cooler months of a specific locale, our list includes recommendations for you, too.
Certain items like sunglasses and your passport are a must, regardless of the weather. We know how daunting it can be to pack for seven or more days aboard a luxury yacht. While our crew fully stocks the boat with essentials and luxe amenities, there are certain items you should plan to bring. Follow this no-fuss packing list to ensure a smooth yachting adventure, wherever your destination may be.
Your Packing Guide for Yachting in Warm Climates
It’s all about the aquaculture in picture-perfect yachting destinations like the Mediterranean, South Pacific, and the Caribbean. Plan your wardrobe around spending half your time in a swimsuit. Does it get any better than that?
- Two swimsuits — we encourage around the clock snorkeling and sunbathing!
- 6 pieces of light clothing to throw over your swimsuit (t-shirts, beach coverups, sundresses, etc.)
- One or two outfits for an evening on the town — you know what kind of traveler you are. If high-end restaurants are on your itinerary, pack accordingly.
- Two or three pairs of shorts for exploring the sights and streets of your destination
- One or two pairs of sandals or flip-flops and a pair of water shoes — although, barefoot is certainly the dress code aboard your yacht! Whatever footwear you choose, please ensure it won’t leave black sole marks on the boat.
- A light rain jacket will keep you dry in squalls and cozy during any chilly evenings.
Your Packing Guide for Yachting in Every Climate
- Two pairs of polarized sunglasses attached to sunglass straps
- Your favorite playlists — or rock out to ours!
- Books or podcasts for a relaxing day at sea
- Mask and snorkel, if you have your own. Otherwise, our crew has you covered.
- Beach towel for days on the mainland. The yacht is fully stocked with plush bath towels.
- Insulated bottle or cup to keep your drinks cool all day long
- Hat and sunscreen lotion — the sunshine is always strong, no matter the temperature
- Cell phone with roaming data + chargers — expect complimentary WiFi at many restaurants onshore. Most crewed yachts have basic internet available onboard.
- Passport, money, credit card — you might not locate an ATM for many nautical miles! Come prepared with plenty of cash and be sure to let your bank know you may use credit cards offshore.
- Prescriptions and motion sickness medication, if necessary
Check our Blog Post on this very topic with a list of 25 items on what to pack for a Caribbean crewed sailing trip
I Have a Question
Do you have a question not answered here? We’d love to hear it. We will add it to our Yacht Charter FAQ for the next person!