Crewed Yacht Charters FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Yes, you can. Prices for a yachting vacation vary based on factors such as the type of crewed yacht. Is it a small monohull, sailing catamaran, motor yacht, or motor sailer? The number of guests. The time of the year when the charter will take place. The location of the yacht charter. And the size of the yacht.

It’s a good idea to speak with one of our charter brokers about your dream. Then we can explore the different options. There’s something for everyone.

Yes, there are, depending on the time of the year and the yacht charter destination.

Mediterranean seasons are:

• High Season: June-August and special events
• Low Season:  April-May, and September-October

Caribbean seasons for most motor yachts with the plus-expenses rates:

• High Season: Christmas and New Year’s Holiday period and some holidays.
• Low Season: All other months.

Caribbean seasons for inclusive charters:

• High Season: Christmas and New Year’s holiday period. There is the minimum charter period required and a holiday surcharge.
• Low Season: All other times of the year, when the standard rate is charged based on the number of guests for the charter.

Bahamas seasons:

• High Season: Christmas and New Year’s holiday period and some holidays.
• Low Season: All other months

North American Seasons:

Low-Season: All other months.

High-Season for Florida: Christmas and New Year’s holiday period and some holidays.

A gratuity of 15–20% of the charter fee is customary and given at the end of your trip.

First, contact us and speak with one of our Yacht Charter Brokers. Our brokers will learn about your plans, and provide you with the Charter Booking steps. For example, what type of boat, your destination, the time of year, and who will go with you.

Contact us at CKIM Group to discuss your plans, so we can tailor your vacation. The main factors to consider are:

• Essentially we need to speak with you about your dream.
• When would you like to charter?
• What do you wish to experience during this vacation?
• What type of yacht do you prefer, and how large?
• Where would you like the charter to take place and why?

Your charter broker will prepare and email you quotes for your review. After you accept one of the quotes, we will prepare a charter agreement and send it to you to carefully review and complete. Detail your group’s preferences for food and drinks on the Preference Forms, which we will send. Purchase travel insurance.

We recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance for peak seasons.

Most charters have a 6 to 7-night minimum. Some yachts accept shorter charters or offer extended charters of 10+ nights.

Based on your yacht and destination, there is a myriad of activities and water sports are available to do, such as:

• Scuba diving
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Water-skiing
• Fishing
• Wake-boarding
• Windsurfing
• Jet-skiing
• Stand-up paddle-boarding

You will have many opportunities to visit ashore and take part in land-based activities as well.

Yes! Before your charter, you’ll fill out a preference sheet so the chef can tailor meals and drinks to your tastes and dietary needs.

Absolutely! Crews are happy to help you plan celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons with custom meals, décor, and more.

Most yachts offer Wi-Fi, though speed and availability may vary depending on location.

Would you like to experience sunny beaches and crystal-clear waters in the Bahamas or the Caribbean? Or perhaps you would like to visit the Eastern or Western Mediterranean, steeped in history and culture. However, you may want to see the Pacific Northwest or New England with its scenery and culture. Or an exotic destination in the Pacific or the Indian Ocean, the world is your playground for yacht chartering. Where you cruise will depend on when you charter, the experience you wish to have, the type of boat, and its availability.

Charter Destinations:

• The Bahamas – A destination for the group seeking quieter anchorages, water sports, fishing, and beautiful warm water away from the crowds.
• The Caribbean – Year-round good weather with three popular yacht charter destinations:
• The Virgin Islands (British and US Virgins) – Excellent option for the non-sailor and those new to yachting. Shorter sailing distances, beautiful beaches, marinas, restaurants, and some shopping.
• St. Martin – Enjoy the blend of international cuisines ashore in St. Martin, St. Barths, and Anguilla. There are more excellent dining restaurants on these three islands than anywhere else in the Caribbean, as well as beautiful white sand beaches, water sports, and shopping.
• St. Vincent and The Grenadines – Longer sails for the sailing yachts, constant winds for the kiters during the winter, colorful locally made boats, beautiful beaches, the Tobago Cays, and the vibrant Caribbean culture.

• Sailing Catamarans (popular for stability and space)
• Motor Yachts (luxury speed and comfort)
• Power Catamarans (fuel-efficient and smooth cruising)
• Monohull Sailboats (classic sailing experience)
• Motor Sailers / Gulets (great for the Med, like in Turkey, Greece, & Croatia)

A private yacht charter is like combining the best features of a cruise ship and a luxury resort. Travel to a different destination each day with a high degree of pampering and personal attention. Say goodbye to crowds, waiting in lines, and fixed itineraries. Your private yacht has a dedicated crew, a variety of amenities, water toys for you to enjoy at will, and a tender to take you ashore whenever you please.

A fully crewed charter includes a captain, chef, and sometimes additional crew. A captain-only charter includes just the skipper; guests handle meals and housekeeping.

There are many reasons to choose a crewed yacht charter vacation. You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to relax. Your professional crew handles navigation, water toys, and gourmet meals tailored to your tastes. It’s a chance to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy water sports, or simply soak up the sun. Seawater benefits your skin and lungs, and each day brings new islands, culture, and scenery. Best of all, you’re pampered in a stunning setting.

You may purchase Charterer’s Liability insurance which provides third-party liability coverage for the charterers during the charter. We recommend you consult with your Property Insurance Company or one of the companies offering Charterer’s Liability insurance.

For Travel Insurance, we recommend Travel Guard. MEDJETASSIST® provides its members with hospital-to-hospital medical transport if injury or illness occurs during domestic or international travel (more than 150 miles from home). A Medjet Member is transferred to their home hospital of choice, regardless of medical necessity, for the cost of the membership and nothing more. Even for COVID-19.

Pack light and casual, and use a soft duffel bag for easy storage. Include:

• Swimsuits and cover-ups
• Light clothing for warm weather
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Sunglasses and hats
• Soft-soled shoes (or go barefoot onboard)
• Any medications or personal items

Smoking is typically allowed in designated outdoor areas only. Always check with your broker and crew ahead of time.

Some yachts allow pets, but it depends on the yacht