How To Rent A Yacht In The Caribbean – A Beginners’ Guide
”Charter a yacht, and you will become a member of an exclusive group of visitors to the Caribbean. A group that gets to experience much more of the Caribbean islands than anyone else; in a unique, luxurious, and memorable style.”
There are around 7000 islands that make up the Caribbean. Most visitors get to see only one or two during their visit, and they are missing out on so many hidden gems. A crewed chartered yacht is the best way to experience these beautiful islands, and it allows you to visit a different piece of paradise every day.
Of course, to those that have chartered a crewed yacht before, it becomes something of a habit, and they tend to be drawn back for more. These people know the routine, and hiring for a couple of weeks of island-hopping becomes second nature to them.
However, what if you’ve never rented a boat before, let alone a crewed yacht in the Caribbean? Where do you start?
This article aims to provide you with a beginners’ guide on renting a yacht in the Caribbean.
Planning
If you are chartering a yacht in the Caribbean for the first time, there are a few things that you should consider as part of your planning.
People Considerations
The number of people in your party will inform you about what type and size of a yacht to hire. As all the vessels come with their skipper and crew, having experience of seamanship is not required. However, things that you should consider include the following:
- Age and mobility of group members. You need to be relatively fit and healthy to take to the seas on a yacht, even as a guest.
- Sleeping arrangements. Space is generally limited, so make sure that you book a yacht with adequate sleeping accommodation to suit your group size and dynamics.
- Special requirements, such as medications. When you’re cruising between islands in the middle of the night, there is no option to pop out to the local pharmacy.
Itinerary
- Planning where you want to go, when you want to be there, and how long you want to stay will let you get the most out of your charter. You can be sailing to your next destination as you sleep, waking up to a new view and a new island to experience.
- If it is your first time visiting the Caribbean, or your first time chartering a yacht, a Caribbean yacht charter specialist can help you organize this to make it as efficient as possible.
- Goolets has vast experience of organizing Caribbean yacht charters, and they can prepare the perfect itinerary to suit your group’s wishes, size, and makeup.
Provisions & Fuel
- Working out what provisions and fuel you will need for a week of Caribbean island-hopping requires the skill and experience of a seasoned logistician. These requirements are definitely best left in the hands of specialists such as Goolets.
- Goolets have a system known as Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). APA is calculated at 30% of the charter price, and it covers fuel, meals, and drinks on-board. At the end of the charter, the client is either reimbursed, if there is anything leftover, or pays the difference in the case of an overspend being needed.
- A Goolets representative will discuss your catering requirements prior to the charter, and whether you need full or half boarding. They will also discuss your food preferences, including your favorite food and snacks, beverage requirements, and any food allergies you need to be catered for. APA means that you don’t have to worry about bringing anything on-board other than yourself and your belongings.
What You Should Bring On-Board
Even the most luxurious of yachts are limited in terms of space, particularly for wardrobes and drawers. You are going to be spending most of your days on-board in swimming costumes, no doubt. However, there may be a group meal planned in an island restaurant or other inland excursions. Travel light is the best advice.
Of course, some personal items you must have are your passport and a bit of local currency. Everyone brings their phone, but the reception is not guaranteed at sea or on all of the islands. Anyway, you’ll be having too much fun to waste time on Facebook!
Caribbean Yachts For Hire
Every yacht is different, which is one of the beautiful aspects of charter yachts time and again. Your choice of the vessel will depend on your location, group size, and budget. Here are a few yachts worthy of consideration for hire in the Caribbean, available through Goolets:
Utopia
This yacht is spacious, highly automated, and has unprecedented glazed areas. Her specifications include:
- 71.60 Meters
- 6 Cabins
- 12 Guests
Highlander
Commissioned in 1986 for Malcolm Forbes, this is an iconic vessel among American corporations. She was the Forbes magazine corporate yacht for many years, and I bet she has many stories to tell! Her specifications include:
- 49.45 Meters
- 7 Cabins
- 12 Guests
Crossbow
Initially built for long-distance cruising, Crossbow is just as comfortable island-hopping around the Caribbean. Constructed using advanced construction techniques and materials, she is a testament to craftsmanship. Her specifications include:
- 31.71 Meters
- 4 Cabins
- 8 Guests
Angeleyes
This vessel is a fun and popular yacht for small groups and families cruising around the British Virgin Islands. There’s easy access to the sea from an extra-large platform and plenty of water toys for kids of all ages. Her specifications include:
- 26 Meters
- 5 Cabins
- 10 Guests
When Is The Best Time To Charter?
High season in the Caribbean is between the middle of December through to April, with the Christmas and New Year periods being particularly in demand. From April to July, you are likely to come across fewer tourists, so these times might be something to consider if you want even more exclusivity.
Weather conditions are generally good for the whole period from November through to July. However, bear in mind that the Caribbean hurricane season is from June to November. Although these are rare events, it is best to book a charter slot in the high season.
Many visitors book their charters to coincide with some of the major Caribbean yachting events:
- January – Grenada Sailing Week
- March – Heineken St Maarten Regatta
- March – St Barths Bucket
- March – BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival
- April – Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
- April – Antigua Sailing Week
- May – Antigua to Bermuda Race
Using a Specialist Yachting Charter Agent
So, there are plenty of things to consider when chartering a yacht in the Caribbean. For beginners and many experienced yacht renters, the best way to organize your yacht charter is to go through a specialist.
A specialist yacht-chartering agent will use their expertise, market knowledge, and vast network of yacht owners to make sure you get the best vessel to suit your needs. They can help you with planning everything from your yachting itinerary to your arrival in the Caribbean. They will undoubtedly help you maximize the enjoyment and value of your wonderful Caribbean yachting experience.
Goolets are the leading expert in the crewed yacht chartering business, with more than twelve years of worldwide operations, including the Caribbean.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this beginners’ guide on renting a yacht in the Caribbean will give you the knowledge and inspiration you need to set sail on your first island-hopping tour of paradise.
