begin your charter experience
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Key elements to charter planning -
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GROUP
Determine how many of your friends or family will be joining you on this vacation. Whether it be a family affair, a group of couples, newlyweds, a ladies only trip, or a corporate getaway; determine the make-up of your group, and we will assist you in finding the perfect boat and crew for your group. Any number of people is possible as we can offer packages to book several yachts to follow the same itinerary. We call this “tandem chartering.” Determining your group make-up will also help us to decipher what type of crew will best fit your group's dynamics. After all, the crew are just as important as the yacht in making your vacation memorable!
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DATES
Whether you desire to travel for the holidays, spring break, or to celebrate a special occasion, we will be able to find you a yacht that fits your desired dates. The more flexibility you have with dates will allow for more choices and options. We are also able to give advice on best time of the year to charter for certain vacations or destinations. Booking in advance is advantageous to having more yacht options available, but last minute requests are always able to be considered.
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LOCATION
Yacht travel allows you to combine the adventure of travel to remote destinations with the comfort of luxury accommodations and dining all in one experience.
Perhaps you have some place in mind whether you have been there before or it is a dream destination, we are able help guide your decisions for the best cruising ground according to what you like to do. Do you like traveling off the beaten path, with a goal to find the most exquisite remote anchorages, or do you desire to find the crowd with the hottest beach bar scene in the Caribbean?
Whether it be tailored for the best snorkeling or diving, the most fluid sailing grounds, the whitest sandy beaches, beach bar hopping, island shopping destinations, or athletic excursions, we will help send you to a destination that you will love - and where you’ll enjoy a lifetime of memories.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out about available destinations to charter.
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YACHT & CREW
Whatever your budget and your desire, we can help find a yacht for you. These yachts can be a wide range of offerings from smaller all-inclusive charter yachts to extreme luxury on exquisite floating hotels. All of these boats offer varied interior and exterior layouts.
We enjoy offering all sizes of these yachts and whether it be an intimate sailing vacation aboard a 40’ vessel or a luxury getaway on a large yacht to fulfill your utmost desires and accommodations; we can help you decipher what’s what and determine what’s best for you.
If you are not sure which yacht to choose, let us guide you. For more information check out Yacht Types & Types of Charters.
Your Captain and crew are as crucial as your location. You’ll be chartering a yacht for a week or any extended period of time, and you’ll want to consider your captain and crew of the yacht you choose as they are key to ensuring the experience you’re looking to cultivate. We do our best to match suitable crew to your groups dynamics, to ensure the vibes and communication throughout the charter will be smooth.
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PRICE
We are able to offer spectacular vacation packages for every budget. We represent only the best and most reputable yachts in the Caribbean and worldwide, so whatever the budget, each yacht will offer its own strengths for its value. When you decide upon your budget and any specifics for the type of yacht that you desire, we hope to be able to offer a slew of gorgeous boats and operations to your liking. Review Charter Pricing & What’s Included for more information.
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Types of Charters -
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"plus all expenses" (APA) - fully crewed
ADVANCE PROVISIONING ALLOWANCE (APA)
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. While the base charter fee usually covers the cost of the yacht, charter, equipment, and crew, any additional expenses (“plus expenses”) utilized during the charter are to be paid by the charterer in APA. The APA comes in addition to the charter fee and is paid in advance: it will cover all of the extras, such as food, drink, fuel, marina moorage, customs, communications, shore-side transport, hire of any special equipment requested, etc. APA is the standard system to pay and track your expenses on a luxury yacht charter. The APA essentially creates a bank account for the Captain (and chef) on the yacht to provision and prepare for items onboard on your behalf.
APA is generally calculated as a percentage of the charter fee, which you then pay in addition, before the charter commences. You will be able to communicate your preferences prior to the charter. The crew will use this allowance to stock the boat, fuel up, and utilize whilst on charter for any expenses to provisions, fuel, excursions, etc. Any left over money will be returned to the client, at the end of the charter.
Whilst on board, the captain will be in charge of the APA and keep all receipts necessary, as record for you, the client. He/she would also keep you updated as the charter progresses, as to how much is being spent, and anything else you need to be aware of. The amount varies from yacht to yacht, but the APA is typically between 25% and 40% of the yacht charter fee. For example, it will be higher if the yacht has a higher fuel consumption, if you plan on doing lots of traveling, if you order the finest and most expensive brands of champagne, wines etc.
APA will apply, as standard on most professional large yacht charters and worldwide charters (besides Caribbean all-inclusive options), and is fairly obligatory for all luxury yacht charters.
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Inclusive / fully crewed
A majority of our Caribbean yacht charters (and some in other locations) are “Inclusive” yacht charters. Inclusive yacht charters offer a vacation onboard a yacht for a charter fee which provides your own personal crew (generally at least Captain and Chef/Hostess) , all meals, a standard open bar, all yacht amenities and toys and water equipment.
A standard week long charter is an eight-day/ seven-night charter in which all provisioning, cooking, cleaning, and boat operations will be taken care of by your crew. The Chef will work hard to individually design an enticing menu for all meals of the day (breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner, desert) based on your preferences as well as offer an open standard bar for the week. You may also wish to dine at restaurants ashore to experience the local hot spots as well as acclaimed restaurants. We are more than happy to suggest several dining options and your crew will also be able to make suggestions. These yachts come with a variety of equipment onboard for your guests to enjoy snorkeling and water sports. Some yachts have diving available onboard for an additional cost, others may offer the chance to rendezvous with a local dive operation.
Prior to your charter, you will fill out a preference questionnaire for your entire group. Your professional Captain will communicate with you and suggest an itinerary tailored to your desires, and your Chef will communicate with you regarding any questions as to your dietary needs and preferences when arranging a menu. You may be able to take part in helming the yacht at request and with permission of the Captain, otherwise these charters allow you to fully sit back, un-wind, relax and soak up all that the destination has to offer.
These offerings of crewed yachts are exceptional, each crew with their own style, vibe and energy and we will strive to match you with a wonderful crew most suitable for your group. Gaining rapport and getting to know our clients during the charter planning process is beneficial to the success of an enjoyable charter.
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Inclusive dining options : half-board & local fare
A half-board or local fare charter is an Inclusive charter with an alternative option at a slightly discounted rate for those looking to enjoy the dining onboard as well as explore the dining ashore at local restaurants
A standard inclusive charter, except with an agreed upon number of breakfasts, lunches and dinners aboard, with the remainder taken ashore.
Typically a half-board would include:
all breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners aboard.
Typically a local fare option would include:
all breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners aboard.
The remaining lunches and dinners will be taken ashore, at your own expense.
This option is a great offer for those who would like to plan to enjoy the culture and cuisine of some local restaurants along the destinations of your charter.
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captain only
If you would like to charter a boat on your own without a full crew, but are not fully capable or comfortable of handling the boat, or maybe you would just like to sit back and let someone else take the helm, you may charter a Captain- Only.
This charter yacht includes your yacht, chartered as a bare boat plus hired Captain or private yacht with permanent Captain. You will be responsible for all of the provisioning and meals, the cruising, customs (if applicable) and mooring fees, and (if you wish) you will assist the Captain with the operations of the boat.
Some private Captain-only yachts offer the same Captain for every charter and you may be able to read the Captain’s biography within the yacht’s brochure.
A wonderful option for those who wish to take care of their own provisioning and meals but wish to have a professional Captain onboard for boat handling and/or local knowledge.
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bareboat
Bareboat means you are chartering a yacht that is “BARE BONES”. You will be your own Captain and Crew.
A bareboat includes :
BASICS such boat equipment, linens and necessary boat and galley items
YOU are responsible for everything else :
BOAT HANDLING: sailing, anchoring, mooring, and dockage
CREW (you and your guests)
PROVISIONING the yacht
FEES & COSTS cruising permits, customs, mooring fees, dockage, additional fuel, water and ice
COOKING & CLEANING (or you can choose to enjoy restaurants along the way)
A great option for those who prefer to Captain and be responsible for the safety of the boat and guests themselves as well as take care of all of their own provisioning and meals.
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CHARTER PRICING
How long is a charter? A weekly charter rate is defined by a typical length term charter which is generally 7 full days and 7 nights. It will look like 8 days, 7 nights as embarkation and disembarkation is generally at NOON on day 1 and day 8. All-inclusive crewed yachts offer a range of pricing and yacht options, dependent on amount of guests, size of yacht, age, type and style of yacht. Anything under 6 nights is considered a “short charter” and would be offered at a premium rate. While this is not as common and many yachts require a minimum of 6 nights, it is possible. Most yachts will limit their minimum to 4 or 5 nights, but we are certainly always able to entertain requests. Any length of charter may be considered by a yacht to offer a rate for the requested dates.
How much does a charter cost? Generally speaking, all-inclusive charters begin affordable charters around $10,000 (2 pax) - $15,000 (8 pax) per week for the yacht, while most charters are in the $20-60,000 range. Other offerings for luxury charter rates, plus all expenses start around $10,000 + expenses and go on up.
How many guests can go on a charter? All yacht offer different layouts and amount of cabins. Yacht charters are able to accommodate up to 12 guests on some yachts. If you are interested in having more guests in one party, we are able to accommodate larger groups by booking several yachts in tandem to travel together on the same itinerary.
What is included in a charter?
~ Rates and availability are subject to change without notice ~
inclusive charter rate includes :
7 nights/7 days onboard a private yacht with a professional Captain and Chef (some yachts have additional crew)
Dining daily : Breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner, desert and snacks (unless you choose a half-board or local fare option)
The yacht’s standard bar and requested beverages (premium labels not included). Each yacht will have its own defined standard bar
Fuel & water
Onboard yacht amenities
All expenses related to the movement and running of the vessel
Onboard water and sports equipment
inclusive charter does not include:
(*unless otherwise indicated by charter yacht)
CREW GRATUITY (standard is 15-20% of the charter rate). This gratuity is based on services provided during the week, is at the discretion of the client, and is given at the end of the charter to the crew, typically paid in cash. This cost must be planned into your charter budget.
flights to and from charter
Trip / travel insurance **highly recommended
re-location of yacht from ordinary port or cruising ground
land transportation, airport transfers
scuba diving & scuba equipment*
premium beverages and fine wines and excessive alcohol consumption
excursions off the yacht
dockage (by guests request)
other similar expenses, optional and incurred by the charter guests
Some yachts do charge for cruising permits/taxes, or overnight air conditioning, however if there are additional costs that will be incurred while aboard, we will notify you of these costs upon inquiry
“Plus All Expenses” charter includes
The base charter fee typically covers:
The cost of the yacht, charter, equipment, and crew : including tools; stores, cleaning materials and essential consumable stores for the engine room, deck, galley, and cabins; laundry of yacht’s linen, crew wages, uniform, and crew food; the insurance of the yacht and crew
Any additional expenses (“plus expenses”) utilized during the charter are to be paid by the charterer in APA (as a percentage of the charter rate). The APA comes in addition to the charter fee and is paid in advance. It will cover:
all of the extras, such as food, drink, fuel, marina moorage, customs, communications, etc.
Please see above for complete description of a “Plus Expenses / APA” charter.
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Booking Process
~ No yacht is guaranteed available until the time of booking ~
Option/ Hold | Holds not applicable on most larger luxury yachts. Yachts are deemed available until deposit is cleared and Charter Agreement is executed, so be prepared with deposit to secure reservation.
Once you have reviewed yachts and determined you would like to move forward with booking, a confirmed Hold is your 'option'/ placeholder for the yacht while the Charter Agreement is drawn, reviewed and signed and the deposit is submitted. The Hold will expire 2 weeks after it is confirmed. This Hold will also offer you notice of any other interest in the same yacht for your dates and will give you first right to secure the payment/ yacht within 48 hours if a challenge is requested.
Charter Agreement & Payment Schedule
The charter reservation would be confirmed once the Agreement is reviewed and signed by all parties and the Deposit has been submitted.
For most charters, and especially those booked within 6 months of the charter start date:
Fifty percent (50%) of the charter rate due Immediately to confirm the charter reservation
The remaining fifty-percent (50%) of the charter rate is due 45 days in advance of the charter date.
For some charters booked over 6 months prior to the charter date:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the charter rate due Immediately to confirm the charter reservation
Twenty-five percent (25%) due 6 months prior to charter
The remaining fifty-percent (50%) of the charter rate is due 45 days in advance of the charter date.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BOOKING YOUR CHARTER
You will receive a charter yacht booking confirmation, after which you can rest assured your selected yacht is reserved for your dates.
Items Requiring attention upon Booking
Trip / Travel Insurance
We highly recommend all charter guests to purchase trip/ travel insurance. While we do not broker or offer advice on travel insurance, we can offer guidance for resources.
CFAR - cancel for any reason - requires purchase immediately after charter booking)
Passport
Please ensure your entire group has a valid passport. We typically encourage all travelers to check that their passports will not be within 6 months of expiration during all dates of travel, as some countries will not allow entry within this period.
Flight Planning
Now is the time to look ahead at purchasing your flights. Charters typically commence at 12 Noon on your charter date start and conclude at 12 Noon on your charter end date. If you wish to maximize your charter, plan to arrive to your destination prior to your charter commencement. Guests often wish to stay near the port of embarkation overnight a night or two prior to charter, to allow flexibility in case of travel delays and to be prepared and rested for the first day of charter.
What’s Ahead
It is important to read all communications thoroughly, as they contain a lot of important information and detail. At any time, we are available to connect for questions, thoughts, concerns and guidance for your yacht charter, destination and travel related to your charter.
6 months in advance of your charter
If you have booked your charter over 6 months in advance of charter, your 2nd deposit (25%) of your charter fee is due 6 months in advance of your charter date. You will receive an invoice prior to this due date.
4 months in advance of your charter
You will receive a Client Preference Questionnaire as well as Pre-Charter Information documents with charter planning information and guidance. The questionnaire will help your crew to get to know your group with details provided for your Chef to design a delicious menu tailored to your dietary needs and preferences. Once your yacht preferences are completed, we will review and seek out any further details that may be requested and then you will be introduced to your crew, so that you can communicate directly with questions you or they may have and to complete the charter planning for your trip! We prefer your preference questionnaire to be returned at least two months in advance of your charter.
60 Days in Advance of your charter
You will receive and invoice for your final payment is due 45 days in advance of charter.
Approx. 1 month in advance of your charter
We will review your charter country's updated travel protocols and entry requirements (if any), and discuss them in length so that you are in full understanding of what is required of you and specifics pertaining to your point of entry. If at any point between now and then you wish to have an update on the country's status, please don't hesitate to reach out. Status, protocols and requirements are changing weekly, so please bear in mind whatever the process is currently will likely change prior to your travel.
At any time prior to and during your charter, we are available to connect for questions, thoughts, concerns and guidance for your yacht charter, destination and travel related to your charter.
Communication is essential to a successful and enjoyable charter!
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