How do I find the best Yacht for me?  Contact us!  We will give you the most unbiased and concise information possible.  We truly take pride in finding the best option and value for your money!  The more we know about you, the better we can find the best options for you…so please ask any questions, and we are happy to discuss any concerns you may have.  See our Yacht Options page for information on the various types of charters.  We will also ask you questions, such as:

• Bareboat or Crewed Yacht?
• Monohull or Catamaran?  Power or Sail?  Considering all options?  Note that Monohulls are also generally less expensive than Catamarans and Power Yachts.
• Desired Dates?
• How many people?  Ages?  Family/Friends?
• Do you require a yacht that offers Scuba Diving onboard?  Are you Certified Divers, or would you like to learn?
• What would you say your budget is?  Low/Med/High?
• A little about yourselves and the activities you would like to endeavor?

What day of the week do the charters start, and for how many days?  You can start finish you charter any day of the week.  Most charters are for one week (8 days – 7 nights).  Charters for less than 7 nights can be prorated, but anything less than 6 nights may have a 10% premium added.  Charters for more than 7 nights may have special discounts.  In all cases, we can quote you rates for any amount of days, and find the best option/rate for you!

What is the booking procedure?  When should I book?  It is important to book well in advance for popular travel times, such as Festive Holidays, Spring Break, etc.  Once we have narrowed down your choice to one yacht, it is very important for us to put a no-obligation "hold" on the yacht's calendar while you are confirming the booking.  This allows the time to pay deposit, sign contracts, and firm up any airlines tickets.  Most yachts require a 25% deposit if the charter is booked more than 6 months in advance, then an additional 25% deposit 6 months prior to the charter, or a 50% deposit if booked less than 6 months in advance.  Deposit can be paid via credit card, wire transfer, or certified check, and is held in a Trust Account until 10 days prior to the charter commencement.  Charter Yacht Agreements are signed by both parties.  Final Balance can be paid 45 days prior to charter commencement via wire transfer or certified check (and held in a Trust Account until Charter Commencement day), or paid upon boarding in cash or traveler's checks.

Where should I charter?  Although we represent Charter Yachts worldwide, our cruising area of specialty is the Caribbean.  The most popular charter area in the Caribbean is the Virgin Islands because of its close-knit island chain offering an outstanding island-hopping adventure!  The waters are protected from the ocean swell with an abundance of pristine and sheltered bays, gorgeous beaches and fantastic coral reefs to snorkel and scuba dive.  These islands are safe, not offer saturated with tourism, and offer the perfect amount of serenity as well as intriguing culture ashore.  The Virgin Islands also have the most options for Charter Yachts in the Caribbean.  St. Martin Area would be the next most popular destination for charterers, especially for Power Mega Yachts.  This area boasts a vibrant culture, gorgeous beaches…and fantastic shopping!  Antigua & Barbuda are becoming a very popular cruising destination, with an abundance of pristine bays to explore, gorgeous beaches and coral reefs.  The Windward Islands are a true Caribbean experience, with jungle surroundings and awe-inspiring natural beauty.  Although the cruising waters can be a bit rough in comparison to the Virgin Islands, this area offers no much variety and adventure.  Belize is becoming a new hotspot for Bareboaters, and offers an amazing adventure through the second largest Barrier reef in the world!

What is the Cruising itinerary?  We try not to get too nitty-gritty on Sample Cruising Itineraries…after all, this is a vacation based on customization, so each day is set to your pace and preference.  You go where you choose depending on how you feel that day and what adventures you wish to endeavor.  If you're scuba diver, then much of your itinerary will be focused on the best diving spots.  If you a snorkel-enthusiast, then all the best snorkel spots are in store!  Want to party-it-up at the local beach bars, or tuck into a serene bay…it's your choice.  So, we offer you Island Highlights, and we are always happy to discuss itinerary possibilities further, based on your individual preferences: Virgin Islands , St. Martin , Antigua , Windward Islands, Belize.  Each of our clients is given a Charter Yacht Information Package with Island Highlights and Chart of their cruising area (see details at bottom of page).  Our Bareboat clients are given a fantastic Cruising Guide to help plan and navigate their adventure.

Which Airport do I fly into?  After we have narrowed down your desired destination and a list of your preferred yachts, we can discuss which flight options are best for you.  If searching flights on the internet, please note that rates and options can change depending on which day of the week you fly…and you can start/finish your charter any day of the week.

Virgin Islands Most Yachts will pick-up/drop-off in either the USVI or BVI, but there are some yachts that will only pick-up/drop-off in the BVI.  And, if there are more than 6 people in your group, you must start your charter in the BVI because of Coast Guard Regulations.  Which is better?...starting your charter in the USVI may offer less expensive airfares and better flight itineraries, but starting your charter in the BVI puts you are right in middle of the best cruising grounds.  There are regular flights to both destinations.  When flying into the BVI you will arrive/depart at Beef Island Airport (EIS), which is attached to Tortola.  Many of the yachts can pick-up/drop-off within a minutes walk from the BVI airport.  When flying into the USVI you will arrive/depart at St. Thomas, Cyril E. King Airport (STT).  Your yacht can be within a short taxi ride from the St. Thomas airport.  As an additional option, you can also fly into St. Thomas and ferry to/from Tortola.  The cost is $45/return/person, plus the cost of taxis.  Your flights would have to be coordinated with the ferry schedule, and note that the last ferry to leave St. Thomas for Tortola is 5pm (or even earlier on certain days)…and we can certainly help plan your travel itinerary to this regards.

Other Airports in the Caribbean - St. Martin: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).  Antigua - V.C. Bird International/Coolidge Airport (ANU).  St. Lucia: Castries/Vigie Airport (SLU) or Vieux Fort/Hewanorra Airport (UVF).  St. Vincent & The Grenadines: Bequia (BQU), Canouan Island (CIW), Mustique Island (MQS), Palm Island (PLI), Kinston, St. Vincent/Arnos Vale Airport (SVD), Union Island (UNI).  Grenada: Carriacou (CRU), Grenada Grenville/Pearls Airport (GND), Grenada Pointe Saline (GNO).

When does my charter start?  Should I stay at a hotel the night before or after my charter?  Your charter technically starts/finishes at noontime on the first/last day.  Of course you can arrive late and/or leave early, since many flights don't arrive in the islands until the afternoon anyway, and it is often preferable to return home on an early flight.  Most people find it more enjoyable to go directly to their yacht from the airport and not worry about any shore-side accommodations.  But, some people choose to stay in a hotel the first and/or last night of their trip, either for budget reasons or just for part of the adventure!  And we are certainly here help recommend the best shore-side accommodations if need be.  Also, some of our yachts offer special "sleep-a-board" rates for late arrivals the first night.

Worldwide Guide to Marinas, Harbours, Ports, Yacht Clubs, Moorings

Should I purchase Travel Insurance?   Whether it's an accident, illness, extreme weather or airline delays; occasionally there are reasons that our vacation arrangements must change.  This is why Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance is highly recommended.  This Insurance will cover the reimbursement cost of your yacht charter, flights, hotel accommodations, etc., in the event that you must cancel your vacation for reasons predetermined by the various Insurance Policies.  Many people have policies offered by their Insurance or Credit Card Companies.  We suggest that you compare a few different policies, and choose the one that best suits your needs.  These Policies can also typically cover medical expenses and lost/delayed luggage.  Here are a few links for the various recommended Insurance Companies. 

Travel Guard   CSA   Access America   Travel Insured

The following link is a site that will help you choose and compare quotes from the various Insurance Companies:  InsureMyTrip.Com

When is Hurricane Season? – Hurricane Season is June – November.  That said, the weather is fantastic during this time of year…except for if there is hurricane.  It is a very popular time to charter because the rates are reduced and the kids are out of school.  The odds of extreme weather are very rare, but this is just another reason why Travel Cancellation/Interruption is recommended.  Of course in the case of a Hurricane, your safety is top priority and these storms are tracked very closely in the Caribbean and any threats are known about days in advance.  All in all, the Caribbean is known for its seemingly perfect weather, so the chances of having just that are much greater than the chance of a Hurricane.

Do I need a Passport?  You need a passport to fly into all Caribbean countries, except if you are a U.S. Citizen and flying into the USVI.  If you are a U.S. Citizen flying into the USVI, and do not have a passport, you can still enter the BVI by yacht/ferry, you just can't fly in by plane.  Of course, it is recommended to obtain a passport if you are planning to travel, as it makes customs procedures much easier, and passport regulations can change.  It is also recommended to ensure that your passport does not expire before or within 3 months after of your intended travel dates.

What are the amenities on board? Is there phone, internet, TV, A/C, etc.  Amenities vary from yacht to yacht.  Most have all the water-sports equipment you can imagine, from snorkel gear, kayaks, etc.  Some have Scuba Diving gear.  Most Crewed Yachts have A/C, and even many Bareboats nowadays.  There is a phone on each yacht, and most have TV/DVD/CD.  Most Crewed Charter Yachts have computers with internet connection.  Also many of the bays are Wi-Fi!

Interested in a "Day Sails" in the BVI?  visit www.kuralu.com

When you book a Charter Yacht with The Charter Yacht Company, you will receive a Charter Yacht Information Package filled with...

- Traveling and packing tips
- An air/land transfer itinerary and contact list
- Passage Chart of the local islands
- Tropical fish identification card
- Detailed information on local snorkeling and scuba diving sights
- Highlights on the anchorages, sights and activities of the local islands
- History of the Caribbean and the islands you will be visiting.