A crewed yacht charter is an exclusive vacation experience aboard a private yacht, complete with a dedicated crew. They personalize your itinerary based on your activities of interest and dining preferences. Whether you wish for an adventurous journey or a relaxed getaway, the choice is entirely up to you.

A yacht charter broker offers invaluable, unbiased, and professional advice. They are knowledgeable about the yachts, crews, and destinations they recommend. Brokers, especially those affiliated with organizations like CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association), adhere to stringent ethical and fiduciary standards.

Booking early is highly recommended, as popular yachts and crews can be reserved months in advance, especially during holidays and spring break. To ensure you get your preferred yacht and crew, we suggest planning your charter 6 to 12 months ahead, or even earlier.

Booking with Carefree Yacht Charters involves a simple 3-step process: selecting a suitable yacht and crew, placing a hold on your chosen yacht while discussing contract and travel details, and finalizing your charter with a signed contract and deposit.

Sailing catamarans, the most popular yacht style, offer spacious layouts with open areas, shaded cockpits for alfresco dining, and elevated fly-bridge decks for panoramic views. They are known for their stability and are ideal for both friend gatherings and family charters.

The key distinction is their mode of movement. Sailing catamarans can sail or motor, providing versatility, while power catamarans rely solely on motoring. Sailing catamarans are equipped with two engines, allowing them to move effortlessly and nearly match the speed of power catamarans.

Yes, costs differ based on yacht style. Sailing catamarans are available in the affordable range of $20,000 to $35,000. The mid-range ($35,000 to $50,000) includes various sailing catamarans and some power catamarans. Luxury options, starting at $50,000, encompass both sailing and power catamarans, along with motor yachts.

Sea sickness is rare on our crewed charters, as both sailing and power catamarans offer stable platforms. The BVI, known for its serene bays, further reduces the likelihood. However, it’s wise to pack non-drowsy dramamine or pressure point wristbands as a precaution.

All our recommended yachts in the BVI provide onboard wifi. The service is suitable for basic online activities like checking emails but may not support streaming or large downloads. Wifi availability on charters beyond the BVI can be confirmed upon request.

Your crew will contact you about 2 weeks before your charter to start discussing general itinerary plans. Finalizing the itinerary is best done once aboard, considering the weather and your evolving preferences.

On average, you’ll be underway for about 2 to 2.5 hours daily, which leaves ample time to explore each bay and island. The duration can be adjusted based on your activity preferences and the captain's suggestions.

Sea sickness is rare on our crewed charters, as both sailing and power catamarans offer stable platforms. The BVI, known for its serene bays, further reduces the likelihood. However, it’s wise to pack non-drowsy dramamine or pressure point wristbands as a precaution.

Not at all! Our family yacht charters are packed with diverse activities and learning opportunities. From sailing and snorkeling to tubing and scuba diving, each day brings new adventures and discoveries that keep children engaged and entertained.

Yes. Our charter chefs specialize in creating kid-friendly meals and can accommodate various preferences. A preference form lets you specify your children's likes and dislikes, often leading to them trying and enjoying new foods.

While most charters are 7 nights, we understand busy schedules. Six-night charters are a popular, budget-friendly alternative, offering a prorated discount.

A crewed yacht charter offers a unique, congestion-free escape with a new island to explore each day, creating special, unforgettable family moments. This dynamic experience is something a resort stay cannot replicate.

Yes. Each guest or couple has the flexibility to pay their portion as payments are due. We offer a range of payment methods including checks, wires, direct deposits, and credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, although some limitations may apply.

Yes. Your charter contract will specify rates based on guest count, allowing you the flexibility to modify your group size up until the final payment is due, which is 45 days before your charter starts. Typically, adding guests after this point is also feasible.

Charter deposits are generally non-refundable, except as specified in your contract. If guests need to cancel before the charter start date, their spots can be filled by other guests. We recommend trip insurance to safeguard each guest's or couple’s investment.

Yes. Our chefs are skilled at accommodating common dietary restrictions and popular special diets. For groups with multiple dietary needs or kosher requirements, we ensure your chef can meet these needs before confirming your charter.

Our yachts come equipped with various water toys, including motorized dinghies for shore transfers and water sports, snorkel gear, wakeboards, tubes, paddle boards, floating mats, and fishing gear. The availability of specific water toys is confirmed at the time of the contract.

In the BVI, guests aged 18 and older can fish if the yacht has the necessary fishing certificate, by obtaining a personal fishing license for $60. Children under 18 can fish without a license. In regions beyond the BVI, personal licenses are generally not required.

Efoils (electric hydrofoil surfboards) are a popular new water sports option. Many yachts now include them, and if your chosen yacht doesn’t, we can explore rental options during your charter.

Many yachts come with a Divemaster or Dive Instructor onboard. Certified divers can dive under the Divemaster’s supervision, while non-certified guests can learn or complete their certification with a Dive Instructor. Scuba diving typically incurs an additional cost.

The charter season extends from early/mid-November through mid/late July. Key holiday periods and the summer months are particularly popular in the BVI. For destinations beyond the BVI, the optimal months are May, June, and July, considering weather and yacht availability.

Yes, a valid passport is required for all our crewed charters. According to US Customs and Border Protection, passports should be valid for six months beyond your planned departure from the U.S. Check your passport’s expiration date well in advance.

Absolutely. The BVI typically offers the most affordable pricing with numerous all-inclusive yachts. Charters in St. Maarten/St. Barts or the Grenadines generally include additional cruising taxes and permits. Charters in the Bahamas are often the most expensive due to government and VAT taxes.

Until July 2023, charters offered pick-ups in St. Thomas with BVI itineraries. However, since November 2023, charters in the BVI almost exclusively require pick-up and drop-off in the BVI, necessitating travel to and from the BVI for these charters.

Absolutely. On a 6 or 7-night charter in the BVI, visiting the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke is a popular activity. It's an ideal spot for sipping the famous “Painkiller Cocktail,” relaxing under palm trees, or playing The Ring Game.

There are three main routes: 1) Direct flights from Miami to Beef Island, BVI, 2) Flights to St. Thomas with a subsequent connection, or 3) Flights via San Juan, Puerto Rico, with smaller flights to Beef Island. Direct and St. Thomas flights are the most popular.

Two main options exist: 1) a commercial ferry, costing approximately $150 per person for a round trip, or 2) a private water taxi, costing around $500 per person round trip. Private water taxis provide a more seamless and luxurious experience.

The ideal months for chartering in the Grenadines are June and July. This is when many yachts head to this southern Caribbean destination before peak hurricane season. Some yachts are available for charter in the Grenadines before they end their season in Grenada.

For 7-night charters, most clients travel via Barbados, often including an overnight stay. From Barbados, smaller flights into Bequia and out of Union are recommended. Longer charters may begin in St. Vincent or St. Lucia and/or include Grenada and her islands.

A minimum of 7 nights is typically required. To fully explore the Grenadines, consider a 9 or 10-night charter. For 7-night charters, focusing on St. Vincent and the Grenadines, excluding Grenada, is advised for the best experience.

Scuba diving is available, but dives within the Grenadines' marine parks require using a local rendezvous dive company at an additional cost. Dive-focused yachts with experienced Divemasters or Dive Instructors may offer limited diving outside marine parks.

Booking as early as possible is recommended for holiday weeks. New Year's and Christmas charters, being extremely popular, often require booking more than a year in advance to secure preferred yachts and crews.

Yes. Typically, Christmas charters must conclude by December 26, and New Year’s charters can't start before December 27. However, if a yacht books an early Christmas or late New Year’s charter, alternative dates may become available.

Holiday charters carry premium prices due to high demand. Surcharges are generally at least 10%, increasing with the yacht's popularity. New Year's charters are usually slightly more expensive than Christmas charters.

The BVI is particularly vibrant in December and January, coinciding with Christmas and New Year's charters. These months are appealing for escaping colder climates and experiencing the Caribbean's warm, tropical conditions.

"All-inclusive" charters cover 8 days/7 nights aboard a private yacht with a Captain & Chef, 3 meals daily, beverages & standard bar, yacht and dinghy fuel, operational expenses, and water sports equipment.

Exclusions include the customary crew gratuity, typically 15-20% of the Charter Fee, dependent on the level of service received. This is paid at the charter's end and is at the client's discretion.

A standard gratuity of 15-20% is common for excellent service. The exact amount should reflect your satisfaction with the service, and it is split equally among the crew.

Exclusions in the Charter Fee include scuba diving, premium beverages, excessive alcohol, off-yacht excursions, dockage at guests' request, phone expenses, and transfers. Specifics are detailed in your contract.

These charters cover the yacht and crew, with all other expenses (fuel, food, beverages, dockage, etc.) paid via an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), typically 35% on top of the Charter Fee.

Exclusions encompass everything but the yacht and crew, including fuel, food, beverages, guest dockage requests, etc. The customary crew gratuity, again 15-20% of the Charter Fee, is also excluded.

Charter deposits are non-refundable unless specified in the contract. In case of cancellation, if the yacht rebooks all or part of the dates, a refund, minus a 20% cancellation fee, may be available.

Trip insurance is recommended, especially during hurricane season, to protect your investment. The decision and choice of insurance provider are at your discretion, with industry recommendations available.

Yes, Christmas and New Year’s charters carry premium rates due to high demand. These premiums are typically at least 10% above standard rates and vary based on the yacht and crew's popularity. New Year’s charters are often more expensive than Christmas charters.

Yes, most yachts offer 6-night charters at a prorated rate. To calculate the rate for 6 nights, divide the weekly rate by 7 and multiply by 6. For 5 nights, divide the weekly rate by 6 and multiply by 5. As a result, the cost difference between 5 and 6 nights is minimal.

While the typical charter rate ranges are provided, there are occasionally yachts available for lower rates. This could be due to published specials or choosing a 6-night charter at a prorated rate.

No, yacht rates are set by the owners and management companies and are non-negotiable. These "published rates" remain consistent, regardless of how or who books the charter. Prices reflect factors like yacht size, age, and crew popularity.

Some yachts offer a half-board or local-fare charter, giving a small discount for 3 to 6 meals taken ashore. However, the discount may not cover the cost of these meals. This option suits those who enjoy dining out during their charter.

A half-board charter, available on some yachts, means a combination of lunches and dinners are taken ashore at the client's expense, typically one meal per day, with a small discount applied to the rate.

A local-fare charter means a combination of lunches and dinners are taken ashore at the client's expense, usually 3 meals during the charter, with a corresponding small discount in the rate.

Most crewed yachts operate year-round at the same rates. Historically, the "low season" was from May 1 to December 14, and the "high season" from December 15 to April 30, but this has evolved to year-round rates.

Costs do vary based on yacht style. Sailing catamarans are generally in the $20,000 to $35,000 range. Mid-range options ($35,000 to $50,000) include sailing catamarans and some power catamarans. High-end options starting at $50,000 include both sailing and power catamarans, as well as motor yachts.

Prices differ by destination. The BVI offers the most affordable options within the $35,000 range. In St. Maarten/St. Barts or the Grenadines, additional cruising taxes/permits apply. Charters in the Bahamas are typically the most expensive due to government and VAT taxes.

No, Carefree Yacht Charters specializes in charters with at least a professional Captain and Chef aboard. While some yachts may list a “Captain-Only” rate, these types of charters are not within our booking services.

All-inclusive BVI and Caribbean charters start around $20,000 per week, going up to about $100,000, plus tips. Higher-end motor yacht charters start around $70,000, plus additional expenses.

Our all-inclusive rates cover 8 days/7 nights on a private yacht with a professional Captain and Chef, 3 meals per day, selected beverages, standard bar, fuel, all operational expenses of the vessel, and use of onboard sports equipment.

Exclusions include the customary crew gratuity, typically 15-20% of the charter rate, and other expenses like scuba diving, premium beverages, excessive alcohol consumption, off-yacht excursions, dockage at the guest's request, telephone, airport transfers, and certain taxes or permits.

These charters include only the yacht and crew, with all additional expenses (such as fuel, food, beverage, bar, dockage) being the charterer's responsibility, paid via an advance provisioning allowance (APA).

Excluded from these charters are all costs besides the yacht and crew. This includes fuel, food, beverages, dockage, etc. An upfront APA covers these expenses, and a customary crew gratuity of 15-20% on top of the base charter rate is additional.

Yes, there's a holiday surcharge for Christmas and New Year charters, added to the standard winter weekly rate. These charters must be at least one week or the charterer must pay for a full week. Some yachts also charge premium rates for Thanksgiving and Easter weeks.

For shorter charters, most of our yachts offer 6-night charters at a prorated rate. To calculate these rates, divide the weekly rate accordingly. Note that the cost difference between a 5 and 6-night charter is usually minimal. Our minimum charter length is typically 6 nights.

Yachts occasionally offer lower rates or specials. We recommend reviewing our current specials or considering a 6-night prorated charter.

No, yacht rates are set and non-negotiable, reflecting current market trends. Some yachts do offer published specials throughout the year.

Many yachts offer half-board charters at a minimal rate reduction. These typically include a certain number of meals aboard, with the rest taken ashore at the charterer's expense. Overall, a half-board charter may cost more than a full-board charter where all meals are included.

Most yachts now operate at a year-round rate, though historically, the "low season" ran from May 1 to December 14.

Yes, costs for power catamarans and motor yachts are higher than sailing catamarans, mainly due to fuel expenses and other factors. Sailing catamarans, capable of both sailing and motoring, are our most popular option.

Yes, charter costs vary significantly by destination. Our most affordable and extensive selection of yachts is in the USVI and BVI from November through July. Charters outside these regions, like other Caribbean destinations or the Bahamas, generally have higher end rates. In addition to the base rate, cruising taxes/permits and delivery fees are often extra. In the Bahamas, most yachts operate on a "plus all expenses" basis, with an additional 35% on top of the base rate, a 4% Bahamas tax, and a 10% Bahamas VAT tax.

While some yachts in our fleet may list a Captain-Only rate, Carefree Yacht Charters does not book these types of charters. We focus on providing a comprehensive luxury experience that includes both a professional Captain and Chef, ensuring the highest standards of service and safety for our clients. We believe this full crew approach enhances the overall quality and enjoyment of the charter experience.