Guide
Bahamas or Caribbean?
Both are winter favourites with warm, clear water. The right one depends on how far you want to travel, how you like to spend your days and when you can go.
Bahamas
- Getting there: a short run from Fort Lauderdale; many yachts start in Nassau or Florida.
- Best season: November to June.
- The water: shallow turquoise banks and sandbars, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and beach days.
- Highlights: the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park, Staniel Cay, Compass Cay.
- Pace: short hops between cays and very relaxed days.
Caribbean
- Getting there: a flight to St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Martin or Antigua.
- Best season: December to April.
- The water: steady trade winds, reefs, wrecks and dramatic bays.
- Highlights: the British Virgin Islands, St. Barths, Anegada.
- Pace: island hopping with more variety ashore, from beach bars to fine dining.
Not sure? Tell us your dates and group, and we will suggest the better fit and the yachts cruising there that week.
Guide
What's included in a charter rate
Rates are quoted per week (7 days) and are subject to confirmation. Under the usual MYBA or AYCA contracts, the charter fee covers the use of the yacht, the crew and the owner's insurance. Everything else is extra.
Included
- The yacht
- The crew
- The owner's insurance
Extra
- Food and drinks
- Fuel and dockage
- APA (the running-costs allowance)
- Taxes/VAT where applicable, and delivery fees depending on the destination
- Crew gratuity
The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), typically 25–45% of the charter fee, is paid on top of the charter rate, in advance, and held by the captain to cover the trip's running costs. At the end of the charter you receive a detailed statement and any unused balance is refunded.
Charter questions, answered
When is the best time to charter?
Summer season in the Mediterranean runs May to October (July and August are busiest). Winter in the Bahamas and Caribbean runs November to April and peaks over Christmas and New Year. Shoulder weeks mean fewer crowds and more choice.
How many guests can we bring?
Most charter yachts are licensed for up to 12 guests, whatever their size. For larger groups we can pair two yachts cruising together.
What does the weekly rate include?
Under the usual MYBA or AYCA contracts, the rate covers the yacht, the crew and the owner's insurance. The APA (food, drinks, fuel, dockage; typically 25–45% of the charter fee), taxes/VAT where applicable and crew gratuity are extra.
What is the APA?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance, typically 25–45% of the charter fee, is paid on top of the charter rate to cover fuel, food, drinks and dockage. The captain accounts for every expense and refunds any balance at the end. Your broker confirms the amount for your yacht.
How far ahead should we book?
Three to six months as a rule; six to ten months for Christmas, New Year or July and August in the Mediterranean. The most sought-after yachts book up to a year ahead.
Who buys the food and drinks?
The chef and crew handle all provisioning, guided by the preference sheet you fill in before the trip. It is paid from the APA.
Can we change the itinerary once on board?
Usually, yes. The route is flexible as long as the captain considers it safe with the weather, distances and local rules.
Are children welcome?
Yes, there is no minimum age, and many yachts are ideal for families. Tell us your children's ages and we will suggest the right yacht.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Almost every yacht has Wi-Fi; we confirm the details with the captain. Check with your carrier for mobile coverage in your cruising area.
What if the weather turns?
A yacht can follow the sun: the captain adjusts the route, and a rainy day in port is a chance to explore shops and restaurants ashore.
