If you want to make your dreams of hiring a Caribbean yacht come true, where do you even start? With the Big Blue Collective, of course! As the proud owners of one of the best fleets in the Turks and Caicos, we’re happy to help you with this step-by-step guide to hiring a yacht in the Caribbean without hassle or fuss.
Embrace the ultimate dream
Yachting in the Caribbean is, of course, a quintessential holiday activity. You get to experience the islands in a way no one else does, without sacrificing leisure or personal comfort. Visit a different piece of paradise whenever your whims dictate. Hop in the water, or enjoy sipping cocktails on deck.
If you’re new to chartering a yacht in the Caribbean, however, how do you even start? Let’s take a look.
Key considerations when hiring a yacht in the Caribbean
The first thing you need to know is how many people will be in your travel party. This will be key to determining the type and size of the vessel you are paired up with. Remember, if you’re yachting in the TCI, our vessels will be crewed, for your protection and convenience. We’d suggest opting for a crewed yacht rental no matter where you’re headed, as it gives you the luxury to do as you please, knowing you’re in safe hands all the way. It also brings you the benefit of a skipper who knows the water and its secrets intimately, heightening the enjoyment.
Key things you should mention when planning your yacht charter in the Caribbean:
- The age, health, and mobility of the people joining
- Any special requirements your group has
Planning the itinerary
Don’t expect to have to do this completely on your own! In fact, brainstorming this with someone like our dedicated concierge service is the best way to discover secret gems you didn’t even know existed, and leverage their knowledge of the local area to its best. However, you want to go in equipped with some basics.
- How long will you be in the area?
- What areas do you want to go to?
- What activities are a can’t-miss?
With these facts on hand, your yacht concierge can help you create the perfect itinerary for enjoyment and relaxation. This will also help them handle key details like lunches and provisions, what water sport activities you want to partake in and what equipment is needed, and how to correctly fuel the vessel for minimum interruption of your leisure.
What will I need to bring?
The Big Blue Collective will make sure you have snacks and food on the way, crafted around your needs. Be sure to check that any yacht charter in the Caribbean you are otherwise using will do the same. Remember that space on any seagoing vessel is always limited, so it’s best to plan your ‘wardrobe’ around swimwear and other comforts. You’ll only need to pack a different outfit if you’re heading inland for hiking and exploration, or you are popping out for a restaurant trip along the way.
You will need items like personal medication, spending money, a book or other entertainment device if you want to lounge on deck, and any equipment for sports and activities you have planned. Be sure to coordinate those with your yacht charter, so there’s no mistake. Many people bring their phones as part of their modern lifestyle, but do be aware wifi can be spotty when furthest away from land. Anyway, you won’t want to miss a minute of the excitement!
While travelling light is the best way to enjoy the trip, make sure you bring a reef-friendly sunscreen and a hat along, too. You don’t want a bad auburn to spoil the day’s activities or cut the trip short! Your own towels are also a good idea, for personal comfort.
Yachts have their individual personalities
Each boat is different, even among yachts of the same class. It’s one of the true joys of yacht charter, in fact! Don’t be afraid to embrace the differences as part of the overall experience. Your yacht charter team will do their best to pair you to a boat that will match your every need. While you’re on board, why not ask the captain about her history and career? You’re sure to learn something interesting and endearing.
When should I book my charter?
We’ve looked in more depth at the yacht charter seasons. However, as a brief recap, the high season for the Caribbean is December to April, with Christmas and New Year being the absolute peak. That goes double for the Turks and Caicos, as it’s also whale spotting season. April to July generally brings pleasant weather, but with less demand. While the TCI is never overpopulated, unlike many other Caribbean destinations, you will find it quieter then.
We have fantastic weather almost year-round, so don’t be afraid to explore an off-season charter, either. While June- November is our official hurricane season, we typically escape the worst of the weather.
Do bear in mind, when planning your yacht charter, that the earlier you can approach us, the better we can make sure you reserve the perfect boat for your needs. This allows us to leverage our market knowledge, expertise, and network to bring you the perfect trip. We typically advise booking three months out from your trip for the high season, and one month for the low season. That said, we do our utmost to accommodate every guest, so don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.
Caribbean yacht charter is simple and easy with the skilled Big Blue Collective team on hand to help, so why not get your perfect boat booked today?