"How to" for Caribbean Yacht Charters

So you have decided that you want to Charter a Yacht this year for vacation. You watched a movie like “Captain Ron” or something close, and crave the adventure, warmth and fun of days in tropical water.

Since you have never been on a Yacht Charter, you don’t know what to do to prepare, what to take and what to do when you get there. Below I will attempt to answer some of your questions and help you make some informed decisions when planning Caribbean Yacht Charters.

1. What kind of Charter do I want to go on? What are my options?

“Crewed” or “Bareboat” charters – for a majority of people, especially the inexperienced, the only way to go is with a “Crewed Charter”. A crewed charter will give you the entire crew and chefs. It provides all the drinks, food and work. Let me ask you, do you want to work your entire vacation or do you want to enjoy your vacation? In fact, if you are considering buying a yacht of any kind, I recommend that you first go on a Crewed Caribbean Yacht Charter. This way you can decide first hand if you want to put out the significant amount of money it takes to purchase a boat, or just charter a yacht each year you feel inclined to get on the water. Also, if you get a “Bareboat charter”, you are completely responsible for the boat, no security deposit is accepted.
Luxury or standard yacht – Standard yacht charters are generally for yachts about 65 ft long or less. Luxury yachts generally fall into sizes 70 ft long up to 300 ft long. Pricing is generally broken down in the following manner:

a. Either, price per person per week, or total price for the entire yacht per week.
b. Be aware that pricing differs based upon season as well. Summer seems to be cheaper than Winter.
c. Pricing is different for each different local.

Yacht charter with villa - Some locations provide you with not only a water destination, but a land destination as well.

2. Where in the Caribbean can I charter a yacht?

a. Windward islands
b. Leeward islands
c. Virgin Islands

...are the most popular locations

3. What do I need to bring with me?

a. Yourself and loved ones, friends
b. Clothing should be swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts
c. Soft-sided luggage as space is limited
d. Your manners. Remember that you are visiting where someone lives. Use the golden rule and do unto others as you would have them do to you. Smile at the locals and even make new friends.
e. Your Passport if you plan on visiting the British Virgin Islands.

Nelson J. Flowers http://www.personalwatercrafts.info/yachts/yachtcharter.html