WHY BOOK A CREWED YACHT CHARTER
A crewed yacht charter is a private trip aboard a yacht that is hired exclusively for you and your guests. Unlike a cruise, you won’t be sharing the experience with hundreds or thousands of other passengers. Instead, your yacht, itinerary, and onboard experience are tailored specifically to your group.
Your professional crew takes care of every aspect of your trip. Depending on the size and type of yacht, the crew may include a captain, chef, first mate, stewardess, deckhand, engineer, or a larger team with specialized roles. Their responsibilities extend far beyond hospitality. They safely navigate the yacht, monitor weather and sea conditions, prepare meals, serve food and drinks, maintain the yacht, coordinate water activities, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board throughout your trip.
One of the greatest advantages of a crewed yacht charter is the freedom and privacy it offers and your itinerary is designed around your interests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, traveling with family or friends, hosting clients, or planning a corporate retreat, your experience is shared only with the people you choose to invite.
Many guests are surprised to discover that a crewed yacht charter is often more accessible than they expect. When the cost is shared among several couples, a family, or a group of friends or colleagues, it can compare favorably with booking multiple luxury hotel rooms, dining out for every meal, and arranging separate activities, while offering a far more personalized experience.
Image Credit: Yacht SOL
WHY USE A CHARTER BROKER
Using a yacht charter broker gives you access to expert advice, a wider selection of yachts, and support throughout the booking process, all at no additional cost to you.
Unlike a company that represents only its own fleet, an independent charter broker has access to thousands of professionally crewed yachts around the world. Rather than trying to sell a particular yacht, their role is to help you find the one that best suits your destination, group, preferences, and budget. We attend numerous yacht shows all over the world and personally inspect the yachts and crews we recommend.
Your broker will guide you through each stage of the booking process, from recommending suitable yachts and explaining charter options to arranging contracts, coordinating special requests, and answering any questions before your trip. They can also provide valuable insight into destinations, itineraries, and the differences between yachts and crews that may not be apparent from online listings alone.
Should any questions or unexpected situations arise before or during your charter, your broker is there to act as your point of contact and assist in resolving them.
Best of all, using a yacht charter broker does not cost you more. Charter broker commissions are paid by the yacht’s central agency or management company, meaning you receive professional guidance and personalized service without paying an additional fee.
LET US LINK YOU TO THE BEST:
Ready to Jump in?
Looking for more information on a crewed yacht charter? We’re here to help. Whether you’re planning your 1st charter or your 10th, we’ll guide you through every step and personally match you with the yachts, crews, and destinations that best suit your group and style.
THE BOOKING PROCESS
Your charter broker will guide you through each step from your initial inquiry until after you return home. The process begins with a conversation about your trip, including your preferred destination, travel dates, group size, budget, and any specific requirements or preferences. Based on this information, your broker will research the available yachts and present a carefully selected shortlist that best matches your needs.
Once you’ve chosen, your broker will confirm availability and place the yacht on hold while the charter agreement is prepared. Your broker will review the contract with you, explain the charter terms, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the booking requirements before your reservation is confirmed.
Once the charter agreement has been signed, and the deposit has been received, your reservation is secured. Most yachts are booked several months in advance, although this can vary depending on the destination, season, and availability. At this point, all that’s left to do is look forward to your trip. Your broker will remind you when payments are due in accordance with the payment schedule outlined in your charter agreement and will remain available to answer any questions leading up to your charter.
In the month prior to your charter, you’ll work with your broker and crew to personalize your trip. This includes completing your preference sheets, discussing menus, dietary requirements, celebrations, water activities, and any special requests to ensure the yacht is fully prepared for your arrival.
Before you travel, your broker will provide all the information you need for embarkation, including arrival details, documentation, and any final preparations, so you know exactly what to expect. Once your charter begins, your crew will take care of every aspect of your time on board. Should any questions arise before or during your trip, your broker remains available to assist and act as your point of contact if needed.
After your charter, we’ll follow up to hear about your experience and welcome any feedback. Your comments help us continue recommending the right yachts and crews for future clients, and we hope to assist you in planning your next yacht charter.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PLANNING YOUR CHARTER
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CHARTER A PRIVATE YACHT? Crewed yacht charters are available across a wide range of budgets, depending on the destination, yacht type, season, and level of luxury. As a general guide, crewed catamarans typically start from around $30,000 per week, with many of the most popular yachts falling within the $50,000 to $80,000 range. We also offer a selection of premium yachts around the $100,000 mark, while luxury motor yachts can range from approximately $50,000 to $500,000 per week, depending on their size, amenities, crew, and destination. Some charters are offered on an inclusive pricing model, while others are available on a plus expenses basis.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK MY YACHT CHARTER? We recommend booking your yacht charter as early as possible, particularly if you’re traveling during peak season or have a specific yacht in mind. As a general guide, six to twelve months in advance offers the best selection, while Christmas, New Year’s, and other holiday periods are often booked twelve months or more in advance. If you’re traveling during the off season, booking three to six months ahead is usually sufficient, although last minute charters are sometimes available depending on yacht and crew availability. Your broker can advise you on availability and help you secure the best options for your preferred dates.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN INCLUSIVE YACHT CHARTER? An inclusive yacht charter typically includes exclusive use of the yacht and its onboard amenities, the services of a professional captain and crew, fuel for a standard cruising itinerary, the yacht’s tender, and the use of the water toys and equipment carried onboard. It also includes all your meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) and the yacht’s standard bar, with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages appropriate to that yacht’s standard of service. An inclusive charter is designed to cover everything most guests need to enjoy their vacation. Inclusive charters are most commonly found in the Caribbean, particularly in destinations such as the British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines. Excluded are your airfare, airport transfers, shoreside meals, excursions and tours, premium alcoholic beverages, luxury food requests, crew gratuities, and travel insurance to cover your vacation, including charter cancellation from your end. Crew gratuities are customary at 15% to 20% of the charter rate and are additional to the quoted charter rate.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A PLUS EXPENSES YACHT CHARTER? A plus expenses yacht charter separates the charter fee from the operating costs of your vacation. The charter fee covers exclusive use of the yacht and the services of the captain and crew, while the day-to-day running costs of your charter are paid separately through an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). This pricing model is most commonly found on luxury motor yachts and charters throughout the Mediterranean, the Bahamas, and many French Caribbean destinations. While it may seem different to an inclusive charter, the onboard experience is much the same. Each yacht specifies a starting APA, which is generally sufficient to cover the typical costs of a charter, depending on your itinerary and personal preferences. Your captain will keep you informed of your spending throughout the charter, allowing you to enjoy the same experience whilst maintaining complete transparency and flexibility over your budget. Crew gratuities are customary at 10% to 20% of the charter rate, depending on location and are additional to the quoted rate.
WHAT IS AN APA (ADVANCE PROVISIONING ALLOWANCE)? An Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a fund paid before your charter that allows the captain and crew to purchase everything specifically needed for your trip. This typically includes food and beverages, fuel, dockage, cruising permits, national park fees, provisions, and other day-to-day operating expenses required to facilitate your charter. Depending on the yacht, the APA is generally between 25% and 45% of the charter fee. The APA is not an additional fee charged by the yacht. It is your charter budget, managed on your behalf by the captain. Every expense is carefully recorded, and the captain maintains a transparent account of purchases made during your charter. Any unused funds are refunded at the end of your vacation, while additional funds are only requested if your actual expenses exceed the original APA.
HOW IS MY APA PAID AND MANAGED? Your APA is paid together with your final charter balance before your charter begins. Once received, it is made available to the captain to provision the yacht for your arrival and to cover the eligible operating expenses of your charter. Throughout your vacation, the captain maintains a detailed account of all APA expenditure and keeps the associated receipts, which are available for you to review at any time. The APA is managed transparently throughout your charter. A good captain will keep you informed of your spending and discuss any significant expenses with you, helping you remain within your planned budget wherever possible. At the end of your charter, a final APA account is prepared. Any unused funds are refunded to you, while additional funds are only requested if your actual expenses exceed the original APA. Should you have any questions before or during your charter, your broker will be happy to assist.
DO YACHTS CHARGE A PREMIUM FOR HOLIDAY PERIODS? Yes. In the Caribbean, Christmas and New Year’s charters command the highest rates of the year due to exceptional demand. Thanksgiving, Spring Break and other holiday weekends are also popular travel periods and may attract premium pricing. Most yachts also require a minimum charter length of seven nights during the Christmas and New Year holidays. In the Mediterranean, the peak summer months also command premium rates compared to the cooler months and shoulder seasons. Charter rates vary throughout the year based on seasonal demand, destination and yacht availability. Your broker will always confirm the applicable rates and any minimum stay requirements before you book.
CAN I CHARTER FOR LESS THAN OR MORE THAN ONE WEEK? Yes. While 7 nights is the industry standard for most crewed yacht charters, spending longer on board allows you to explore more destinations at a relaxed pace, enjoy a greater variety of experiences and make the most of your time on the water. Many guests find that 10 to 14 nights provides a more immersive and unhurried charter experience. Shorter charters are often possible during quieter periods, subject to yacht availability, although many yachts have a minimum charter length of 5 nights. During peak seasons, particularly Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean and the summer season in the Mediterranean, many yachts require a minimum stay of 7 nights. In destinations such as Greece and Croatia, fixed embarkation and disembarkation days are more common, whereas the Caribbean often offers greater flexibility on the day of the week your charter begins and ends. If your preferred travel dates don’t fit a traditional 7 night itinerary, contact us and we will link you to the right yacht for your preferred travel dates.
DO YACHTS OFFER SPECIALS OR DISCOUNTS? Yes. From time to time, yacht owners and central agents offer special promotions to encourage bookings or fill available dates. These may include early booking discounts, last-minute offers, complimentary nights, reduced relocation fees or other value-added incentives, depending on the yacht and destination. Contact us to discuss your travel plans. We receive the latest promotions and special offers directly from central agents and yacht owners, often before they are widely advertised.
WILL THE CHARTER FEE BE PRORATED FOR SHORTER OR LONGER CHARTERS? Yes. For both inclusive and plus expenses charters, charters longer than 7 nights are generally prorated on a daily basis using the weekly charter rate. For charters of less than one week, the nightly rate is usually calculated differently. Rather than simply dividing the weekly rate by seven, most yachts calculate shorter charters by dividing the weekly rate by six. This reflects the fixed costs associated with preparing the yacht, provisioning, crew scheduling and turnaround, regardless of the charter length. As pricing policies can vary slightly between yachts and destinations, we’ll always confirm the exact charter rate before you book.
IF WE EAT ASHORE, WILL OUR CHARTER RATE BE REDUCED? For inclusive charters, no. Your charter fee is an inclusive rate. Choosing to eat at a restaurant ashore will not reduce your charter fee. Some yachts do offer half board options with a reduced rate; however, the saving is often less than the cost of dining ashore and is therefore typically not recommended. For plus expenses charters, provisioning ingredients are paid for from your APA. Choosing to eat at a restaurant ashore simply means less of your APA is spent on onboard provisions and meals prepared by your chef. As any unused APA is refunded to you at the end of your charter, dining ashore is simply reflected in your final APA accounting rather than your charter fee.
WHY ARE YACHT CHARTERS PRICED BY THE WEEK? The vast majority of crewed yacht charters are priced by the week because seven nights provides the ideal amount of time to experience a destination. It allows enough time to cruise between anchorages, enjoy a variety of activities, explore ashore and relax on board, while giving your crew the flexibility to adapt the itinerary to weather conditions and your preferences. Weekly pricing has also become the industry standard, making it easier to compare yachts, destinations and charter options.
CONTRACTS & PAYMENTS
IS IT CHEAPER TO BOOK DIRECTLY WITH THE YACHT AND CUT OUT THE BROKER? Nope. Crewed yacht charter rates are set by the yacht’s central agent and are the same whether you book directly or through a professional charter broker. Your broker is paid by the yacht owner, so there is no additional cost to you for using their services. In most cases, yacht owners do not reduce the charter fee for direct bookings, meaning you pay the same price while giving up the benefits of professional representation. Professional crewed yachts are marketed and booked through the central agency and brokerage system. This ensures your contract is administered correctly and your funds are held by the designated stakeholder and released in accordance with the charter agreement, rather than being paid directly to the yacht. Should any issues arise before or during your charter, your broker acts as your independent representative, working on your behalf with the central agent and yacht owner to help achieve the best possible outcome.
WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO AFTER I MAKE A PAYMENT? Your payments are received into CharterLink Vacations’ dedicated client funds accounts, which are used exclusively for receiving and handling client monies. Before funds are transferred, CharterLink completes its Client Due Diligence (Know Your Client) procedures to verify the identity of the contracting party and, where applicable, the source of the funds. Once these checks have been completed, your payment is promptly transferred to the yacht’s central agent, who acts as the designated stakeholder in accordance with your charter agreement. The central agent holds your funds until they are released to the yacht in accordance with the terms of the charter agreement. Your broker will confirm receipt of each payment, notify you once your funds have been received by the central agent, and keep you informed throughout the process. Every stage of the payment process is managed securely and transparently, giving you confidence that your funds are handled appropriately from the moment you make payment until your charter begins.
WHEN ARE FUNDS RELEASED TO THE YACHT? Your payments are often made well before your charter begins and are held by the designated stakeholder, who releases the funds to the yacht at various stages of the booking process. This ensures the yacht can prepare for your arrival while maintaining appropriate financial safeguards for both the charterer and the yacht owner. For inclusive charters using the CYBA contract, 35% of the charter fee is released to the yacht in the lead up to your charter, allowing the crew to prepare for your arrival, with the remainder released on the day of embarkation. For plus expenses charters using the MYBA contract, the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is released to the captain before embarkation so the yacht can provision and prepare for your arrival. 50% of the charter fee is then released to the owner on the commencement of the charter, or the first working day thereafter, with the remaining 50% released after the charter has been completed.
HOW ARE CREW GRATUITIES HANDLED? Crew gratuities are always discretionary and are based on the level of service you receive during your charter. As a general guideline, gratuities of 15–20% of the charter fee are customary for inclusive charters operating under the CYBA contract, while 10–15% is customary for plus expenses charters operating under the MYBA contract. Gratuities are typically presented to the captain at the end of your charter, who distributes them fairly amongst the crew. They may be given in cash, wired to your broker for onward transfer to the crew, or made by electronic payment directly to the captain, and arranged whilst on board.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL? Cancellation terms depend on the charter agreement used for your booking and are explained in detail before you sign. For inclusive charters using the CYBA contract, cancellations must be made in writing through your broker. If the yacht is rebooked for the same charter period, you may be entitled to a refund of the rebooking proceeds, less the applicable cancellation fee and any expenses incurred. If the yacht cannot be rebooked, payments made are generally non-refundable. For plus expenses charters using the MYBA contract, cancellation terms are based on the payment schedule set out in the agreement. Depending on when the cancellation occurs, some or all of the charter fee may be forfeited. However, the owner is required to make reasonable efforts to rebook the yacht. If the yacht is successfully rebooked, you may receive a refund or credit of the net proceeds after applicable commissions and expenses have been deducted. For the avoidance of doubt, charter yachts are reserved exclusively for your specific dates and there is very little flexibility to reschedule outside the provisions of the charter agreement. Cancellation by the charterer can result in the complete forfeiture of the charter fee. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? Yes. Although travel insurance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for all yacht charters operating under both the CYBA and MYBA contracts, and you will be required to initial an acknowledgement of this in your charter agreement. Yacht charters represent a significant financial commitment, and comprehensive travel insurance helps protect you against unforeseen events before and during your trip. A forfeiture of the charter fee is a financial risk you should carefully consider insuring against. It is equally important to remember that your flights, hotels, transfers and any other travel arrangements are separate from your yacht charter. Should your charter be cancelled or interrupted, these additional travel expenses are not recoverable from the yacht owner and should form part of your insurance considerations. Insurance is available with varying levels of cover, including cancellation, trip interruption or delay, overseas medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, force majeure, government travel restrictions and, in some countries, Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) cover. We recommend speaking with your insurance broker or travel insurer within 14 days of signing your charter agreement, as this often provides the greatest flexibility when selecting your cover. Coverage options, eligibility and premiums vary depending on your country of residence, the insurer and when your policy is purchased. For advice on the type and level of insurance appropriate for your individual circumstances, please consult your insurance broker or travel insurer.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT? Yes. Every guest travelling on an international yacht charter, including children, must hold a valid passport. Many destinations also require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and may have additional entry requirements depending on your nationality. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the passport, visa and entry requirements for every country visited during your charter, including any transit countries. Your broker will advise you of your planned itinerary, but we recommend confirming the latest entry requirements with the relevant government authorities well before you travel.
WHAT CHARTER CONTRACT WILL I BE ASKED TO SIGN? You’ll be asked to sign an industry standard yacht charter agreement, most commonly either a CYBA (Caribbean Yacht Brokers Association) contract or a MYBA (Worldwide Yachting Association, formerly the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) contract, depending on the yacht, destination, and pricing model. CYBA contracts are most commonly used for inclusive crewed charters in the Caribbean, while MYBA contracts are the industry standard for plus expenses charters throughout the Mediterranean and many luxury motor yacht charters worldwide. Both contracts have been developed specifically for the yacht charter industry and are designed to protect both the charterer and the yacht owner. They clearly outline the charter fee, payment schedule, cancellation terms, and the responsibilities of each party, ensuring everyone understands exactly what has been agreed before the charter begins. There are also a small number of destination or fleet specific agreements used in certain regions, but your broker will explain the appropriate contract, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through it before you sign.
HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY CHARTER? Charter payments can be made by bank wire transfer or ACH transfer. These are the standard payment methods used throughout the yacht charter industry, providing a secure, transparent, and reliable way to transfer funds for high value international transactions. Once your booking is confirmed, your broker will provide detailed payment instructions, remind you of each payment due date, and confirm receipt of every payment. A processing fee applies to each payment received. This fee covers the administration and processing involved in receiving, handling, and forwarding client funds.
CAN PAYMENTS BE SPLIT BETWEEN COUPLES OR FAMILIES? Yes. Payments can be split between couples, families, or individual members of your group if preferred. Each payment should clearly reference your booking and must be received by the applicable payment deadline outlined in your charter agreement. Please note that a processing fee applies to each individual payment received. To help minimise banking and administration costs, many groups choose to nominate one person to collect contributions and make a single payment on behalf of everyone.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS? No. CharterLink accepts payment by bank wire transfer or ACH transfer only. Crewed yacht charters are high value international transactions, and bank transfers remain the standard payment method throughout much of the yacht charter industry. They provide a secure, transparent, and reliable way to transfer funds while ensuring payments are processed in accordance with your charter agreement.
WHAT CURRENCIES ARE YACHT CHARTERS PRICED IN? Yacht charters are typically priced in either US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR), depending on the yacht and its operating region. In general, charters throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas are quoted in US Dollars, while most charters in the Mediterranean and French overseas territories are quoted in Euros. Your charter agreement and invoice will clearly specify the currency in which payment is due. Payments must be made in the invoiced currency to the corresponding CharterLink Vacations USD or EUR client funds account, using the payment instructions provided by your broker. Any currency conversion costs or bank charges associated with making the payment are the responsibility of the charterer.
CHARTERING A YACHT
IS A YACHT CHARTER SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENAGERS? Yes! A crewed yacht charter offers teenagers the perfect balance of adventure, independence and quality family time. Each day brings a new destination to explore, with opportunities to snorkel, paddleboard, wakeboard, fish, hike, visit beach bars and discover secluded beaches and coastal towns. Many yachts also carry a wide selection of water toys that keep teenagers entertained throughout the charter. Unlike a resort, where everyone often goes their separate ways, or a cruise ship, where you’re sharing facilities with thousands of other guests, a private yacht gives your family complete flexibility. Your itinerary, meal times and daily activities are tailored entirely around your group’s interests, allowing you to spend meaningful time together without sacrificing the freedom for everyone to enjoy the holiday in their own way.
IS A YACHT CHARTER SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN? Absolutely! A crewed yacht charter can be an incredible family holiday, offering quality time together, safe swimming, beach adventures, water toys and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Many yachts can also provide child-sized life jackets, cots, high chairs and other family-friendly amenities on request. While parents or guardians remain responsible for supervising their children at all times, professional yacht crews are highly experienced in welcoming families and are always happy to assist wherever they can. Whether it’s preparing child-friendly meals, adapting the day’s itinerary or helping make your little ones feel at home, the crew will do everything they can to ensure the whole family has a memorable charter experience.
CAN I ADJUST THE NUMBER OF GUESTS AFTER BOOKING? Yes. The number of guests can usually be adjusted after booking, subject to the yacht’s maximum guest capacity and the timing of the change. For inclusive charters, guest numbers can generally be amended up until the final payment is due. However, it’s worth noting that charter rates are not prorated based on the number of guests. The difference in price between, for example, eight and ten guests is often relatively small, as the majority of the charter cost relates to the yacht, crew and operating expenses rather than the number of guests. If you’re concerned about how a change in guest numbers may affect the charter price, we’ll be happy to provide a breakdown before you confirm your booking. For plus expenses charters, guest numbers can also be adjusted up to the maximum number of guests permitted under the charter agreement. However, reducing the number of guests does not reduce the base charter rate.
IS A YACHT CHARTER SUITABLE FOR GROUPS OF COUPLES? Definitely! A crewed yacht charter is one of the most enjoyable ways for groups of couples to travel together. Many yachts are designed with similar-sized cabins and private en suite bathrooms, making it easier to divide costs fairly while ensuring everyone enjoys a comparable level of comfort. A private yacht also offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure and socialising. Spend your days exploring secluded beaches, snorkelling, paddleboarding and discovering coastal towns, before enjoying sunset cocktails, chef-prepared dinners and evenings tailored to your group. Whether you’d like a beach bonfire, a private DJ, a wine tasting, a guided cultural experience or a celebration onboard, we’ll help create an itinerary that reflects your group’s interests.
MORE THAN 12 GUESTS? UNDERSTANDING TANDEM CHARTERS You’ll find the greatest variety of charter yachts when accommodating 8 to 10 guests. There are also a number of yachts that accommodate up to 12 guests, although on some yachts the cabin configuration is better suited to families. If your group is larger than 12 guests, or larger than the yacht can accommodate, a tandem charter is the ideal solution. A tandem charter involves two or more yachts cruising together on the same itinerary, allowing larger families, groups of friends or corporate groups to enjoy the charter experience together while benefiting from additional space, privacy and flexibility. There are a number of considerations when coordinating itineraries, dining arrangements and the movement of guests between yachts. That’s where we come in. We’ll guide you through the process, help you select compatible yachts, coordinate the logistics between the crews and ensure the entire experience feels seamless and easy to arrange. * Motor Sailers operating in the Eastern Mediterranean can accommodate groups larger than 12. Please inquire.
DO YOU OFFER BAREBOAT OR CAPTAIN ONLY CHARTERS? No. CharterLink specialises exclusively in fully crewed yacht charters. A bareboat charter is where you hire the yacht without a crew and are responsible for navigating and operating the vessel yourself. A captain only charter provides a professional captain to operate the yacht, while guests arrange and manage the remaining aspects of the charter, such as meals, housekeeping and other onboard services. While both options are available through other charter companies, our expertise is focused entirely on fully crewed charters.
IS MY CHARTER YACHT SAFE? The safety of your family and guests is always our highest priority. We work with reputable central agents who represent professional yacht owners and ensure the yachts in their fleet comply with the maritime regulations, licensing, insurance and safety requirements applicable in their cruising destination. Professional crews also hold internationally recognized qualifications and undergo ongoing safety training. Just as importantly, not every yacht makes our shortlist. We carefully assess the yachts we recommend based on their condition, maintenance standards, crew, guest feedback and reputation within the charter industry. Knowing which yachts and central agents to work with is a key part of the value we provide. If a yacht doesn’t meet our standards, we won't book it.
HOW STABLE ARE CHARTER YACHTS IF I’M PRONE TO SEASICKNESS? Most guests find modern charter yachts are designed with comfort in mind, and your captain will typically plan routes that take advantage of sheltered anchorages and favourable weather conditions wherever possible. If stability is a priority, sailing and power catamarans are an excellent choice. Their twin hull design provides a naturally stable platform with significantly less rolling than a traditional monohull, making them particularly popular with families, first time charter guests and anyone concerned about motion sickness. Many motor yachts are also equipped with stabilizers, which help reduce the yacht’s movement while underway and, on some yachts, even while at anchor. Larger yachts also tend to feel more stable simply due to their size and displacement.
ONBOARD YOUR YACHT
WILL I HAVE WIFI AND CELL PHONE SERVICE ON BOARD? Most charter yachts offer onboard Wi Fi, with many now equipped with Starlink, providing fast and reliable internet access in many cruising areas. The quality of the connection can vary depending on your location, weather conditions and how far offshore you are, but staying connected is easier than ever before.
WHAT AMENITIES AND WATER TOYS ARE PROVIDED ON BOARD? Charter yachts are exceptionally well equipped, and you’ll find almost everything you need for a comfortable stay already on board. Luxury linens, bath and beach towels, complimentary toiletries, tableware, entertainment systems and a wide range of everyday essentials are all typically provided. In most cases, you’ll simply need to bring your clothing, personal items and any specialty items you require. That said, every yacht is different, and the amenities and water toys available will vary from one yacht to another. The full inventory is clearly listed on each yacht’s page and confirmed at the time of booking, so you’ll know exactly what’s included before you reserve your charter.
CAN I SCUBA DIVE FROM MY YACHT? Yes, although the experience will depend on the yacht you choose and the destination you’re visiting. Scuba diving is particularly popular in the Caribbean, where many yachts are equipped to offer diving directly from the yacht. In the Mediterranean, diving is generally less common, although there are still excellent dive sites and opportunities in many cruising areas. Some yachts carry a full complement of dive equipment, onboard compressors and a qualified dive instructor or divemaster, allowing guests to dive directly from the yacht. Others facilitate diving by arranging rental equipment or using a qualified local instructor. Some yachts also offer resort courses, refresher courses or certification courses, depending on the crew’s qualifications and the facilities available on board. If your chosen yacht doesn’t offer onboard diving, that’s not a problem. In many destinations, independent dive operators provide rendezvous diving, where a dedicated dive boat meets your yacht and collects you for your dives before returning you to the yacht afterwards. If scuba diving is an important part of your vacation, let your broker know when planning your charter. We’ll recommend the yachts and destinations best suited to your experience level, qualifications and expectations, ensuring you choose the right yacht for the diving experience you’re looking for.
IS THERE AIR CONDITIONING ON BOARD? Yes, the vast majority of modern charter yachts are equipped with air conditioning, although the operating schedule varies from yacht to yacht. Some yachts guarantee air conditioning overnight or during specific hours, while many premium yachts offer 24-hour climate control throughout your charter. On some yachts, the air conditioning may be switched off for short periods to allow the generators and onboard systems to rest, particularly when guests are ashore or under certain operating conditions. These arrangements are always specified for each yacht. If uninterrupted air conditioning is important to you, let your broker know before booking. We’ll recommend yachts that meet your expectations and ensure you understand exactly how the onboard climate control operates before confirming your charter.
CAN MY CHEF CATER FOR SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS? In most cases, yes. Professional charter chefs are highly experienced in preparing meals to suit a wide range of dietary preferences and requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and many other lifestyle or health-related diets. Your preference sheet gives you the opportunity to detail your likes, dislikes and dietary requirements before your charter, allowing your chef to provision and plan your menus accordingly. If you or someone in your group has a severe food allergy, a medically necessary dietary requirement or follows a highly specialised diet, such as kosher, it’s important to discuss this with your broker before confirming your booking. Some requirements may influence the choice of yacht, destination or chef, and in certain cases it may not be possible to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination in a yacht galley.
CAN I FISH DURING MY YACHT CHARTER? Yes, provided local regulations permit it. Fishing can be a rewarding part of a yacht charter, although the experience varies depending on your destination, the yacht you choose and local fishing regulations. The Caribbean is particularly well known for its sport fishing, with many itineraries offering opportunities to troll from the yacht while cruising between islands. The Mediterranean also offers excellent fishing in many destinations, although the opportunities and target species vary between cruising areas. Some yachts carry fishing equipment on board for casual recreational fishing, while others don’t offer fishing from the yacht at all. If you’re interested in dedicated sport fishing, such as deep-sea fishing, fly fishing or other specialist angling, these experiences can often be arranged with reputable local operators as an optional excursion rather than being included as part of your yacht charter. If fishing is something you’d like to enjoy from your yacht, please let us know at the beginning of your charter enquiry so we can recommend suitable yachts and itineraries. Local regulations vary by destination and may require fishing permits, restrict certain species or impose seasonal closures. While catching fish is often part of the experience, eating your catch isn’t always possible. In the Caribbean, many reef fish are avoided because of the risk of ciguatera fish poisoning, while pelagic species such as tuna, mahi-mahi and wahoo may be suitable for your chef to prepare, at the captain’s discretion and in accordance with local regulations.
HOW DO I GET TO MY CHARTER YACHT? Once you’ve chosen your preferred yacht and we’ve placed it on hold, we’ll provide all the information you need to plan your journey before you confirm your booking. This includes the recommended airport, arrival and departure timings, marina or meeting point, transfer options and any other travel considerations specific to your charter. Every yacht and itinerary is different. Even within the same destination, embarkation points can vary depending on where your yacht is based, whether it’s undertaking a relocation, operational requirements or the itinerary you’ve chosen. For this reason, we recommend waiting until your yacht has been placed on hold before booking flights or other travel arrangements.
