Yacht Charter Caribbean

For bareboat charters in the Caribbean, you’ll need a recognised sailing qualification such as RYA Day Skipper, ASA 104, or ICC (International Certificate of Competence). Most charter companies require evidence of at least 2 weeks of bareboat experience within the last 3 years, including competence in anchoring, mooring, and basic navigation. Requirements can vary slightly between territories—some may request additional documentation or reference letters. If you’re uncertain about your qualifications or new to Caribbean sailing, consider a skippered charter where a professional captain provides guidance.

The Caribbean sailing season generally runs year-round, with the high season being December to April. This period offers the most reliable trade winds, minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures (24-28°C), and the best sailing conditions. May to November is officially hurricane season, bringing lower prices, fewer crowds, and often excellent sailing conditions, particularly in June and November. Hurricanes are well-forecasted and relatively rare in charter areas. Many experienced sailors prefer the shoulder seasons (April-May, November-December) for the best combination of weather and value.

Yacht charter prices in the Caribbean vary significantly by location, season, and vessel type. A basic 38-40ft monohull bareboat typically starts from USD $3,500/week in summer (hurricane season) up to USD $8,500/week during Christmas-New Year. Catamarans cost 60-100% more due to high demand. Skippered charters add USD $180-250/day, whilst fully crewed luxury charters start from USD $12,000/week. Budget for substantial extras: fuel (USD $200-500), provisioning (USD $100-150/person), mooring fees (USD $30-50/night), cruising permits (USD $50-300 depending on territory), and national park fees (USD $25-60).

Standard yacht charters typically include: the yacht itself, standard equipment and safety gear, bed linen and towels, final cleaning, and dinghy with outboard motor. Not included are: fuel, food and beverages, cruising permits and fishing licences (requirements vary by territory), mooring and marina fees, national park fees, skipper/crew (unless booked), and optional extras like fishing gear, paddleboards, or water sports equipment. Always check your charter contract for specific inclusions as these can vary between charter companies and destinations.

This depends on the specific charter area and company policies. Within certain regions (like the BVI, the Grenadines, or the French islands), inter-island sailing is standard. However, sailing between different territories often requires customs and immigration clearance, which can be time-consuming and may incur fees. Some charter companies restrict which islands you can visit, whilst others allow it with proper documentation. If you want to explore multiple territories, discuss this when booking—your charter company will advise on feasibility, required permits, and any restrictions. For a one-week charter, most sailors find it best to focus on a specific island group rather than attempting to cover too much ground.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1st to November 30th, with peak activity in August-October. However, hurricanes are well-forecasted (typically 5-7 days advance warning) and relatively rare in most charter areas. Many charter companies operate year-round with appropriate weather monitoring and insurance. If a named storm threatens during your charter period, most companies offer flexible rebooking policies. Summer charters are significantly cheaper and often provide excellent sailing—June and November have particularly low hurricane risk. Always purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations, and discuss hurricane policies with your charter company when booking.