How to Get the Most Out of Your Yacht Charter

A luxury yacht charter is the pinnacle of vacations. Everything is designed for your comfort and enjoyment, from the sumptuous surroundings to the carefully tailored itinerary. With a highly trained crew there to make your every wish and whim come true, and some of the most jaw-dropping destinations on the planet waiting for you, there is zero chance that you won’t have an unforgettable time. Yet that time is precious, so here’s how you can get the most out of your yacht charter. 

Make Use of all the Facilities on Board

Your charter broker will have matched you with a boat which has everything on your wish list, so make sure you use the boat fully. You might have requested a treasure chest of water toys, so have a go on the Jetskis and inflatable slide, the windsurfers, sailing dinghies, the Seabobs, kayaks and paddleboards. Some larger superyachts even have amphibious Quadskis and submarines. Your yacht might have scuba diving facilities or offer rendezvous diving, or have equipment and crew who can take you on an epic deep sea fishing charter. When it comes to water activities, there really is no limit on a superyacht and with experienced instructors there every step of the away there is no safer way to learn. 

Back on board and the list of activities continues. There may be a spa, or the crew can arrange a masseuse to come on board. Sunrise yoga classes, personal trainer-led fitness sessions, evenings spent sipping cocktails in the Jacuzzi, or even on board swimming pools will keep you entertained from morning until night. Pour over the description of the yacht before you set off so you know what’s on offer, and tell your crew on day one what things you would like to do during your charter so they can make sure it happens. 

Be Specific

Which brings us on to the next important point to remember: be specific. The crew are there for you and will do everything they can to ensure you have the most perfect time, but help them and yourself by being specific about what you like and don’t like and what you want to do whilst on board. If you have a particular favourite Champagne or aged Whiskey then request it in advance. This is usually done by way of a preference sheet which is submitted in advance. If you are allergic to seafood, can’t stand eggs or have a love of Mexican food, then make sure you say so. 

It’s not just food either, activities or destinations should be requested in advance so the captain and crew can plan them. If you’ve always dreamed of swimming with the wild pigs of the Bahamas, want to surprise a loved one with a romantic beach picnic, or fancy a lavish themed evening then be sure to pass the information on to your broker. Even if your preferences are vaguer – you might want somewhere quiet and remote, or somewhere with a buzzing beach club – then still make a note of it. Ultimately, the more the crew knows about your likes and dislikes the better they can prepare for your charter. 

Enjoy the Private Chef

Food is one of the greatest joys of a luxury yacht charter and the onboard chefs are highly trained and highly skilled. Sitting on the deck with close friends or family makes for the most idyllic setting to enjoy the impeccable cuisine. From fine dining delicacies to specially-catered diets, yacht chefs can produce anything your palate desires. Lavish brunches, lunchtime beach barbecues, 5 course evening taster menus and even indulgent early hours nibbles can all be rustled up. Whilst everyone has preferences, we urge you to go outside your comfort zone and let the chef’s imagination run wild. With some of the best and freshest ingredients on the planet at their disposal, your taste buds will thank you. 

Explore the Destination

With so much to do on the yacht, it can be hard to tear yourself away and go ashore. Make time though to explore Greece’s ancient ruins, the natural beauty of the Caribbean islands or the bustling streets of Europe’s great cities and it will certainly enrich your experience. If days of sightseeing make you feel exhausted at the thought, then keep it relaxed and opt for an afternoon on a deserted beach, a trip to a remote waterfall or a coastal tour by tender. The crew will plan it all for you and come along to make sure you have a steady stream of drinks, nibbles, shade and towels. Find more destination to charters in and around the world.

Don't try to do too much

Until now, it might have sounded like we’re encouraging you to fill every moment of your time on board, but that’s certainly not the case. This is your time to unwind and relax, to feel the rhythm of the ocean and nurture yourself. Make sure you set aside some time to lay back and soak up the sunshine, to sip a cocktail as the sun sets, or simply to take a nap. Trying to cram in too much will leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted at the end of your charter, so don’t plan on trying to see too many destinations in one charter, or requesting one event after another and make sure you allocate some down days. 

Keep an Open Mind and Take Advice

Before you set off on your charter you’ll work closely with your broker to find the perfect charter yacht for you. Be open to advice and recommendations. You might think you know exactly what you want, but they are professionals and know the yachts they recommend inside out. The same goes for destinations. You might have your heart set on the classic cruising grounds of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, but keep an open mind to other destinations – from the Pacific Islands to South East Asia for sun-drenched charters, or adventure-laden destinations such Patagonia and Alaska for wintery locations – and you never know what you might discover.

When on board, take advice from your captain as they know their yacht and destinations like the backs of their hands. If they tell you a particular itinerary isn’t feasible, don’t insist upon it. Remember that they only want what’s best for you and will recommend accordingly. While poor weather is disappointing, it is part of life at sea, so if the captain says it’s not possible to leave port or an anchorage that day then understand it isn’t their fault and is purely for your safety. There are many ways to while away time on board without going anywhere. 

Soak it all in

A yacht charter is a special experience, and you won’t forget in a hurry. Allow yourself to be absorbed into the experience by switching off from the outside world where possible. Set aside your mobile phone, don’t read the news, embrace new experiences and challenge yourself by trying things new things. This is the perfect chance to nurture your health and mental wellbeing and to finish your charter feeling revitalised and refreshed.

Whether you’re new to chartering a yacht or a seasoned pro then check out the listing on Rightboat.com. With brokers offering yacht charters in every corner of the globe you will find the perfect charter to fit your style, budget and bucket list. See more yachts for charter in and around the world for your next holidays.

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