Scuba Diving Availible
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SPECIAL DISCOUNTED RATES:
Everyone Loves a Bargain, so be sure to let us know if you are planning a honeymoon, anniversary or have young children, let us know so we can offer you these Special rates! Feel free to visit our SPECIAL OFFERS PAGE!! Here you will see a selection of yachts that offer Last Minute Booking Specials, Family Discounts, Early Booking Discounts and even Free Days!
Many yachts also have special pricing for those who prefer to dine ashore more frequently, or for those who may not desire the services of a Chef at all. Great Rates can also be found on CABIN BOOKINGS where you share the vessel with 2 to 10 other "like minded" couples. A great way to enjoy a larger yacht, meet others and still have your own private space. Just be sure to be flexible on dates as Cabin Bookings typically only sail on specific dates, and book well in advance!
Why are some charter yachts more expensive than others? Charter fees range widely depending on many factors such as:
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Type of Yacht and Layout:
Size for size, sailing yachts tend to charter for less than motor yachts. Rates for Catamarans tend to be higher because of their inherent stability, equally proportioned cabins (all double beds, etc.) and ability to carry far more "toys" and amenities for their length than traditional sailing yachts. Motor Yachts have bigger and more powerful engines, multiple generators, and can carry a small armada of toys, so they tend to be pricier than sail boats of all kinds. But, there are bargains in all shapes and sizes. Be realistic about your budget and we'll find the perfect match!
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Number of Crew and Services Provided:
Yachts capable of being operated with just one crew member (Captain Only Options) are quite affordable if you are willing to do the provisioning, cooking and clean-up yourself. In fact during high season, these may be more affordable than chartering a Bareboat WITHOUT any crew! Most yachts under 75 feet operate with a Crew of 2 (Captain and Chef/Mate) which means you can relax and leave everything in their capable hands.....you can still take the helm or help on deck, but the galley will be the "chef's domain". More Caribbean yachts that offer All Inclusive rates are now offering fewer meals included at a lower rate, which is ideal for those who want to dine ashore frequently. The larger the vessel, the more crew needed to keep everything running smoothly, and attend properly to guests needs. Some have multiple chefs, engineers, deckhands, a few stewards/stewardesses......ahh, the luxury of having it all! Of course yachts that require more crew also require higher rates.
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Charter Area:
The Caribbean is the most highly chosen charter destination in the world, and offers year round sailing! In the winter season there are hundreds of crewed yachts of all types available for charter, as supply attempts to meet demand. This results in a very competitive market, especially in the Virgin Islands! In the Summer months, the majority of Motor Yachts (and some Sailing Yachts too) move on to their summer destinations in New England, the Bahamas or the Mediterranean. This leaves fewer Yachts available in the summer - Especially Motor Yachts! and those that remain in the Caribbean tend to book quickly.
Certain far-flung destinations (The Seychelles, Maldives or Fiji, for example) may only have a handful of professionally crewed yachts chartering at any time of the year. Despite having a most enchanting cruising ground, many actors conspire to make it difficult (and very expensive) to charter in these regions. Provisioning sources can be unreliable, fuel can be scarce, etc. Obviously if you choose to charter in an area with limited vessels to choose from, be prepared to be flexible with your dates and budget. -
Seasonal Rate Variations:
High season typically means higher rates. Caribbean High season is genderally between December 15th through April while the Mediterranean High season is June through August. Holidays and Events (New Year/Christmas, Cannes Film Festival, Antigua Race Week, etc.) typically require minimum booking periods at premium rates. Holiday's and Special Events are entirely booked out about 6 months to a year in advance, so if you are on a budget, you should book early to secure the best priced yachts, or consider the cost savings of delaying your trip by just a week or so!
Low Season rates can make chartering even more affordable than you thought. Add the benefit of fewer crowds and more flights available at a lower cost..... and you can see this can be a great time to get the whole family together for a vacation! Just be sure to consult with us for the best times to sail during low-season so we can help you avoid sailing when local weather conditions may make your vacation a bit too memorable! For Trip Insurance including coverage for cancellation due to Hurricane threats, see the Insurance link on our Home Page. -
Amenities and Equipment:
Crewed yachts include a host of water sports equipment for your enjoyment. At a minimum there will be a Dinghy/Sport Tender for transportation and exploring, snorkeling gear, an entertainment center with a library of music, movies, games and books. Additional toys may include any combination of the following: water skis, kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, knee boards, Wake boards, fishing gear, SCUBA Gear, floating mattresses, sun-beds, Kites, Beach games, deck hammocks, even floating islands! Large Motor Yachts often come equipped with wave-runners/Jet-Skis, Scooters, On-Deck Jacuzzi tubs, even Gyms, Saunas, Submersible Vehicles and Massage Tables for the Masseuse! Whatever your vessel does not have, can usually be arranged or hired for your charter. Just feel free to tell us what "floats your boat" and we'll make it happen!
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SCUBA DIVING:
Yachts equipped for SCUBA must have an onboard Dive-master or Dive Instructor in the crew to assure your safety and to comply with the vessel's insurance. Many yachts include Scuba diving for certified divers in their "Inclusive" rate, while some will charge an extra fee in order to offset the rising cost of liability insurance and maintaining equipment in tip-top shape. Those yachts that do not offer Scuba can always arrange diving with local Rendezvous dive operators - perfect for those who only want a day or two of diving during their holiday, or for groups that include only 1 or 2 divers in the bunch.
The Rendezvous Operatoer simply meets your boat at an agreed upon location, and whisks the divers off to the Best Dive Spots for that day's weather, and returns the divers to the rest of the group afterward. This is often the Perfect Solution especially if your group are not All Divers!
Obviously not every yacht can accommodate every toy, so make sure you let us know what your "must have" toy- list entails, so we can assure your expectations are met. -
Crew Gratuities:
Tipping the crew is both customary and discretionary. The standard practice is to award somewhere between 10% - 20% of the charter fee (varies by destination), based on your level of satisfaction at the close of the charter. It is customary for the charter party to give the gratuity to the captain in an envelop as they disembark, to distribute amongst the crew equally.