Send us what you are looking for in a yacht charter, and based on what you tell us, we recommend yachts that fit your yacht charter vacation. Our team will check on availability and let you know that, as well as the price, any specials, and other tips on your vacation. We find the yacht that speaks to you!

In the Caribbean, we put a “hold” on the yacht with the yachts management or fleet that represents it. A “hold” can last for two weeks. This hold gives you time to make final decisions, us the chance to draw your contracts, look into airfare, and make your deposit.

Only one person can hold a yacht at a time. However, if someone else has guests for the dates you have on hold, they are ready to book with money and a contract. You can be “challenged” on your dates. This means that you have 48 hours (business) to get the contract and funds in the broker’s account, or you lose the challenge.

It’s all about immersing yourself in culture with your picture-perfect yachting destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Plan your outfits around spending half your time in a swimsuit. A cute cover-up, rash guard, or t-shirt can go a long way. Does it get any better than that?

• Two swimsuits, at least.
• Four or five pieces of light clothing to go over your swimsuit (t-shirts, sundresses, rash guard, even a cute button-up shirt. 
• One or two outfits for an evening out to the local nightlife.
• Two or three pairs of shorts or yoga pants for exploring the sights and streets of your destination.
• Don’t forget your tennis shoes- but leave them for the land not the boat.
• Although barefoot is undoubtedly the dress code aboard your yacht, one pair of flip-flops or slip-on shoes and a pair of water shoes — although barefoot is undoubtedly the dress code aboard your vessel!
  *Please ensure that whatever footwear you choose won’t leave black sole marks on the boat.

Boarding your yacht in USVI, you fly into St Thomas. You will either board at Yacht Haven Grande or Red Hook.

If you need to get to Tortola, BVI, it’s much easier than you might think. You have two main options to reach your charter from the St. Thomas airport. The transportation you choose comes down to your budget and time.

The Easiest Ways to Reach Tortola from St Thomas:

Hire a private water taxi, and they can pick you up at the hotel or airport and then taxi you to customs, where they assist you in navigating entry. A water taxi is the most convenient option because the taxi can take you directly to your yacht. The peace of mind and timing make it worth the money. It is priced per person, starting at $150 per person plus custom fees each way.

Check out Island Time Water Taxi and SeahorseWater Taxi.

Another option, take a one-hour ferry ride from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas to Tortola. This option is great for leisure travelers who want to take their time. Keep in mind that ferries do not run 24/7. You should check the schedule and be sure you are there an hour early! The ferry cost is around $100 per person roundtrip. You can see different ferry options here at VI NOW.

You can also charter a flight from St. Thomas to Tortola. This is an easy travel option anytime. It might be the higher in price option, but reaching your yacht in style makes it worth the cost.

You can agree to take a certain amount of your food and beverage meals ashore during the week; this is a Partial Board Charter.

Another option for your charter is seven breakfasts, four lunches, and three dinners included in your base charter fee onboard. The rest is at your expense. This is called A Half Board.

Since the hurricane in the Bahamas, most charters start in Nassau, but you have the option for some yachts to start at Georgetown, Staniel Cay, or Cat Island. Some, but very few will charter the Abacos.

The USD is accepted in the British Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and the US Virgin Islands.

It’s a good idea to keep cash on hand for taxis and island shopping, but most will take major credit cards. Just remember to call your provider before your trip!

Not Included:

1) You cover anything you choose to eat or drink inland.

2) SCUBA diving could be an extra charge; some yachts offer a certain amount of dives in the charter fee.

3) Any upgrades on the wine and liquor not included in the ship bar.

4) Any dockage that you request during the week.

5) Gratuity

In some territories, it may not include customs and cruising fees. When you book your charter, we will let you know what is and is not included.

The crew facilitates everything you want to do. The Captain and Crew are very good at anticipating your needs, and their attention to detail provides you with a high level of service.

– In the Caribbean, put a HOLD on your yacht and start the contract. In the Med, we will start the contract, and it’s encouraged to move quickly to book your charter, as it is first-come, first-serve.

– We will send out a contract for you to review and sign. We will have discussed this prior, but we will reiterate how important travel insurance is during these times. We have trusted professionals ready to assist you.

– Payment must be sent and received on our end in order to CONFIRM your charter along with a signed contract. We accept ACH, wire transfer, and checks.

Once we have a confirmed hold in the Caribbean, which means your dates are available for you to charter, we will sign the contract and send you an invoice. To confirm your charter, we need 25% of the charter fee if more than seven months from your charter. (If six months from the charter, we need 50% to confirm your dates). 25% is due at six months, and the final 50% is due two months or 60 days from your charter start date.

If chartering the Mediterranean, then count on 50% of the boat price to confirm a charter. Then the final 50% of the boat price is due 60 days from your yacht charter, along with any extra expenses, such as the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) and any VAT (tax). APA and VAT vary depending on chartering area.

– Sit back and start daydreaming.

Some yachts operate with an APA- Advanced Provision Allowance, “Plus Expenses,” this means that on top of the charter fee which includes the boat, the crew, the furnishing, and toys onboard, you will pay your expenses. Expenses include fuel, food, beverages, flowers, garbage, dockage, moorings, port fees, and more. You can also rent additional waters toys with your APA. Your APA can range anywhere between 20-40% of the charter fee depending on your food, alcohol tastes, and fuel consumption. The percentage also changes in different areas of the world, depending on how expensive the items are.

You also pay VAT, which can be 12% to 24% of the charter fee or other local taxes. In some territories VAT may be taken out of your APA.

The yachts ask for that amount in the final payment, and then you receive detailed expenses throughout the week. Any money left, you can put toward gratuity or it will be returned to you via the broker.

The Caribbean is where you will find many of the sailing catamarans with a fully crewed and inclusive fee structure.

• Music! Never leave home without your favorite playlists.

• A good book downloaded movie or podcasts for a relaxing day at sea.

• Mask and snorkel, if you prefer your own.

• Beach towel for days on the mainland. The yacht is fully stocked with plush bath towels.

• Insulated bottle or cup to keep your drinks cool all day long.

• Hat and sunscreen lotion — the sunshine is always strong, no matter the temperature. But check with your yacht. Many of them keep this stocked and ready for you.

• Cell phone with roaming data + chargers — expect complimentary WiFi at many restaurants onshore. Most crewed yachts have basic internet available onboard.

• Passport, money, credit card — you might not locate an ATM that is convenient! Be sure to let your bank know you may use credit cards offshore.

• Prescriptions and motion sickness medication, if necessary

• A cardigan or shawl for those who get chilly. And some evenings may be chilly to those who stay in the sun too long and get a bit burnt.

Coming in the day before your charter can help ease your anxiety especially if you need to catch a ferry in the Caribbean, but coming in the same day can work too in certain chartering destinations.

Our yacht charters begin in fabulous destinations, so you’ll simply have an extra evening in paradise when you arrive early. Reach out to us here at Songs in the Sails for our hand-picked list of accommodations whether you are in the Caribbean or Mediterranean.

There may also be the option to reserve a “sleep aboard” in advance. This option could potentially be available the night prior to embarkment. This is most common in the Caribbean. You would board the yacht around 5 pm for welcome cocktails, dinner ashore (at the expense of the charterer). A freshly-prepared breakfast in the morning. This allows you a head start to your day as well. If it works for your plans, this can be the best way to start your trip.

A Captain-Only Yacht Charter is similar to a crewed charter minus the chef. You charter the yacht, and it comes with a captain. The Captain will be responsible for the boat but will not cook- though some of them will offer a few meals. They may require some help to sail or set anchor etc. If the Captain needs help while on charter, it will be fully explained before you do the job. It’s a fantastic way to increase your boating knowledge! Your expenses are extra- this includes fuel, water, food, beverages, any anchorages, and mooring fees.

You are to do the cooking and cleaning for your group and for the Captain. You should leave meals or food for them on board or give them the dinner cost to have dinner by themselves, or they are always welcome to join your group for dinner- each Captain feels differently on this. Some captains offer to get provisions that you want before you board, for a fee, of course. You may have a Captain whose style is to drive the boat from spot to spot. Captain-only charters are a lot of hard work for your Captain – please assist and tip accordingly.

There are four international airports in the Bahamas:

1. Rock Sound International Airport * South Eleuthera district of The Bahamas
2. Exuma International Airport *Georgetown
3. Grand Bahama International Airport
4. Lynden Pindling Airport * where you board in Nassau

Your charter fee includes the captain, cook, and larger boats, sometimes a deckhand and stewardess or dive instructor. It consists of the boat, the furnishings, and water toys aboard. Three meals are provided, snacks, desserts, beverages, standard ships, bar, wifi, and more.

Enjoy being pampered on your private yachting getaway! The crew onboard your inclusive charter takes care of everything- cooking, cleaning, sailing, you name it. Expect multi-course meals prepared by your private chef and a fully stocked bar.

You pay the entire charter fee two months before your charter. 

Not Included:

1) You cover anything you choose to eat or drink inland.

2) SCUBA diving could be an extra charge; some yachts offer a certain amount of dives in the charter fee.

3) Any upgrades on the wine and liquor.

4) Any dockage that you request during the week.

5) Gratuity

In some territories, it may not include customs and cruising fees. When you book your charter, we will let you know what is and is not included.

The crew facilitates everything you want to do. The Captain and Crew are very good at anticipating your needs, and their attention to detail provides you with a high level of service.

Typically clients start looking in July and August for the following year, but many times clients are looking just a few months out from their charter dates. Remember the best yachts at the best rates tend to go first.

Yes. Payments will be paid by wire transfer from your bank in euros to our euros account. When you transfer the money, the amount due will translate to the exchange rate of that day. The rate changes daily.

It’s a good idea to keep cash euros on hand for taxis and island shopping, but most will take major credit cards. Just remember to call your provider before your trip!

Yes, of course, that’s part of the experience! Dinners out at the tavernas and restaurants enjoying the entertainment and cuisine which differs from island to island is truly a memorable experience and half the dining fun in Greece. It is common to have breakfast and lunch aboard with snacks sprinkled throughout the day, then enjoy the main meal ashore.

Athens is the most popular and easiest. Additionally, we have access to yachts available for charter from Corfu, Rhodes, Lavrion, Lefkada, Mykonos, Santorini, and smaller venues with fewer options.

If you MUST do Santorini or Mykonos, we suggest looking into one-way charters starting or ending there.

The Meltemi winds are seasonal, strong, dry winds that appear all over the Aegean.

The Meltemi helps bring down summer temperatures and clears the air, providing increased visibility. They are strongest during July and August, but you may also come across them in June or September. The Meltemi generally blows during the daytime, typically being at its strongest during the afternoon and early evening. That said, it’s not uncommon to have full-blown Meltemi wind, even in the early morning or during the night.

It is always a consideration in the summer months, in the Cyclades. If the winds are really bad, no one is going anywhere off their anchorage. Even the biggest boats cannot fight the Meltemi winds.

Crewed yacht charters run for seven nights. (June- September) You will not likely find yachts do less than seven nights. Some will agree to 5, then some yachts that offer ten and fourteen-night charters. You need the time to get around.

In Greece, the price is for the whole group. Not by the person.

July and August are HIGH seasons for yacht charters. Late May through June and September are MEDIUM season, The remaining months are low season.

No one charters past October or before May.

In the Caribbean, the pricing is different.

• Typically, no. In Greece, you want to pull up and end your day on an island. End your day at a historic village that is the perfect, ancient village with cobblestone roads that lead to tavernas and restaurants to enjoy the historic setting. I can almost smell the fried cheese and ouzo!

I suggest it. This helps us and the crew know what you need, don’t need, or simply just want! It will differ here as you will not get anything except for traditional greek meals, but you can fit your preferences to what you like. There is no American food, Mexican food, Chinese food, etc. Greek meals are hearty with plenty of seafood.

What one-way charters are available in Greece? Yes, indeed if you have special places you want to see, like Mykonos or Santorini, it may be the best way to see these places in a week.

One-way charters are an additional fee but allow you to see places that may not otherwise work into your itinerary. If a one-way charter is not what you had in mind, you will need to entertain the idea of a 10-day charter for some destinations. Many one-Way charters typically will go between main areas, with many leaving from Athens to another area.

Greece has 170 or so are inhabited and over 2000 islands. The islands span over 50,000 square miles!

Five different cruising areas in Greece, The Cyclades, the Saronic Gulf, the Dodecanese, the Sporades, and the Ionian Islands. Hundreds of islands, sandy beaches, ancient harbors, and small ports. Each with something new to offer.

Cyclades: The capital of Greece, which lies on the east. This area is where you will watch for the Meltemi Winds in the summer, primarily July and August, but it can happen any time in the summer. Some islands you can see are Mykonos, Santorini, and Kos.

Ionian Sea: Has the deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea. They call this Calypso Deep and reach depths of 17,280 feet. The more tranquil and verdant Ionian Sea on the west side. Some find this side easier sailing in predictable winds. The Ionian is considered to be one of the world’s most seismically active locations. You can visit the islands of Lefkada and Corfu.

Dodecanese: In the southeastern Aegean Sea, full of history, medieval castles, and Byzantine churches. These islands run down the coastline of Turkey. Rhodes and Kos are some of the highlights.

Saronic Gulf, Argolic, and The Peloponnese: The Argolic Gulf, known as the Gulf of Argolis, is a gulf of the Aegean Sea off the east coast of the Peloponnese, Greece. You can see the islands of Hydra and Dokos.

Sporades: are an archipelago along the east coast, northeast of the island of Euboea, in the Aegean Sea. The Sporades consist of 24 islands, but only four of these are permanently inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros.

Some yachts operate with an APA- Advanced Provision Allowance, “Plus Expenses,” this means that on top of the charter fee which includes the boat, the crew, the furnishing, and toys onboard, you will pay your expenses. Expenses include fuel, food, beverages, flowers, garbage, dockage, moorings, port fees, and more. You can also rent additional waters toys with your APA. Your APA can range anywhere between 20-40% of the charter fee depending on your food, alcohol tastes, and fuel consumption. The percentage also changes in different areas of the world, depending on how expensive the items are.

You also pay VAT, which can be 12% to 24% of the charter fee or other local taxes. In some territories VAT may be taken out of your APA.

The yachts ask for that amount in the final payment, and then you receive detailed expenses throughout the week. Any money left, you can put toward gratuity or it will be returned to you via the broker.

The Caribbean is where you will find many of the sailing catamarans with a fully crewed and inclusive fee structure.

1. Put a HOLD on your yacht in the Caribbean and start the contract.

2. We will send out a contract for you to review and sign. We will have discussed this prior, but we will reiterate how important travel insurance is during these times. We have trusted professionals ready to assist you.

In the Med, we will start the contract, and it’s encouraged to move quickly as the boats are first come, first serve. ​

Payment must be sent and received on our end to CONFIRM your charter along with a signed contract. We accept ACH, wire transfer, and checks.

3. Once we have a confirmed hold in the Caribbean, which means your dates are available for you to charter, we will sign the contract and send you an invoice. We need 25% of the charter fee if more than six months from your charter to confirm your charter. (If six months from charter, we need 50% to secure your dates). 25% is due at six months, and the final 50% is due two months or 60 days from your charter start date.

If chartering the Mediterranean, count on 50% of the boat price to confirm a charter. Then the final 50% of the boat price is due 60 days out, along with any extra expenses, such as the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) and any VAT (tax).

APA and VAT vary depending on chartering area.

All brokers get the same commission rates from the yachts. Whether you go directly to the yacht or through us, the rate is the same. Emailing different brokers to get the best price is not a good strategy either. Brokers have access to the same boats. Here at Songs In The Sails, we have established relationships with the yacht managers who run the yachts as well as many of the crews. We make it a priority to only offer you the best yacht options we have so that you can have a great yacht charter vacation. It comes down to finding a charter broker that you feel comfortable with.

We will immediately contact the yacht manager or clearinghouse and “open up the dates.” If the boat is rebooked for the same period and at the same rate, you receive a refund, less the broker’s commission. Returns may be prorated for partial rebooking.

In certain cases, a boat will be happy to move the dates around for you with no penalty at all. Each case is different. This is also where trip insurance is vital!

You will no longer be on the line for payments not made if you find out you can no longer go on your charter, but funds will be lost if the dates cannot be rebooked.

This depends on your charter territory. Usually, it’s just a matter of availability for the yachts booking calendar. The exceptions are 1) Christmas and New Years’ weeks. Boats always book both these weeks, so they have a specific change over date from the Christmas charter to the New Years’ charter. Yachts may also want ten nights minimum over this period. They will not do under a 7-night trip for holiday weeks.

In the Mediterranean, yes, charters start and stop on Saturday unless you are extending the trip for ten days or more.

Bareboats (where you Captain yourself or hire a captain) often have a Saturday to Saturday in different parts of the world.

The Coronavirus and its variants are something that everyone is aware of. Every yacht charter broker has had questions from clients on whether they should cancel their existing reservation or if they should even book a yachting vacation.  We are here to give you the information you need to make an informed decision in a daily changing atmosphere.

We are happy to give clients updated information on what would be the best area type of vacation or point you in the direction of an insurance specialist to purchase coverage for your yacht charter.

Trip insurance is very important to keep you covered, and we encourage you to get it. We have found that the coverage you used to get via your credit card is no longer enough. We are not insurance brokers but are happy to put you in contact with a trusted insurance specialist who can help you navigate this.

The protocols do change rapidly.  We encourage you not to stress out too much about what you hear. We will ensure you have the most up-to-date information at least the month leading to your vacation so you are well informed and can get things lined up. No one will talk to us until we are a month away from your charter date, even if it came down to needing a reschedule.

This is up to you. The industry standard is 15-20% percent of the charter fee in the Caribbean and 10-15% in the Mediterranean. Ultimately, this is your call whether you give more or less. It is based on how you feel about the service—the crew aboard your yacht to serve you.

While cash is undoubtedly preferred, many crew members accept Paypal, Venmo, wire transfer, or credit cards. Alternatively, you can arrange pre-payment in part of full to your broker before your trip.

Of course! Foodies, vegans, dairy-free, etc., we have you covered. The menus you see on our website and brochures are there to give you an idea of what our chefs can prepare. Use the sample menus as inspiration for the custom menu we’ll build using your preference sheet.

No matter the yachting getaway you select, your private chef will design a custom menu around your taste preferences and dietary needs. Inclusive and fully-crewed yachts have a set budget for means. For example, your charter may have a budget to serve lobster once. Anything beyond the budget will result in a surcharge

The Chef’s work around your tastes and preferences, so what’s served is completely up to you!

Yes. Signing a contract for each charter is vital for you and the yacht owner. The contract agreement is for everyone’s protection which lays out the terms, prices, dates, number of guests, and any special conditions. Each participating party will sign. This includes you, the Charter Broker, the Clearinghouse or Yacht Manager, and the Yacht Owner. Contracts are industry standard. The contract will change depending on where your charter is destined to take place and the type of yacht.

The commission is paid out of the charter fee directly to the broker. Sometimes the yacht will discount a week they want to sell. The commission rate is standard throughout the industry. Depending on the clearinghouse and week, the yacht pays 15% to the broker, sometimes a bit more or less.

We have yacht charter options all over the world.  

We service clients where they are located. You do not have to be in Greece or the Caribbean to book a yacht with us. We have people from Texas, Arizona, California, North Carolina, Georgia, New York and outside the US. We will meet you where you are.

In the days we are in, YES!

Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially in these times. It’s a good idea to look at trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and in the event of a need to quarantine.

We are not insurance brokers so we will keep that to the experts, but recommend those who can help you navigate your options.

You can choose between CFAR – Cancel For Any Reason Insurance or Trip Insurance.

Don’t forget to check into trip interruption insurance or medical evacuation too!

If you are a US Citizen we recommend,

Anita Warwick with Seven Seas Health Insurance

Rick Bagnall with the Gowrie Group

If you are a Canadian Citizen we recommend,

Allianz.com

Topsail

Make sure when you fill out your personal preference sheets you inform us of allergies and any medical needs you have so we can communicate that with the captain and crew of any pre-existing medical conditions. When you give your charter yacht a head’s up, they can prepare for any possible emergencies.

If you believe there’s any risk your condition may require treatment abroad, bring a letter from your doctor that details your condition and treatment plan. Another great idea is to keep a note of medical necessity in your purse or wallet

A Yacht Clearinghouse is different from a broker, and every boat has one.

The Clearinghouse role is the manager of the boat and goes between the yacht and the broker. They work directly with the Captain and the Owner, who are sometimes the same person. They hold the calendar. The clearinghouse also arranges an escrow account for the money and pays it out to the yacht owner at the correct time.

Your charter fee includes the captain, cook, and larger boats, sometimes a deckhand and stewardess or dive instructor. It consists of the boat, the furnishings, and water toys aboard. Three meals are provided, snacks, desserts, beverages, standard ships, bar, wifi, and more.

Enjoy being pampered on your private yachting getaway! The crew onboard your inclusive charter takes care of everything- cooking, cleaning, sailing, you name it. Expect multi-course meals prepared by your private chef and a fully stocked bar.

You pay the entire charter fee two months before your charter.

Not Included:

1) You cover anything you choose to eat or drink inland.

2) SCUBA diving could be an extra charge; some yachts offer a certain amount of dives in the charter fee.

3) Any upgrades on the wine and liquor.

4) Any dockage that you request during the week.

5) Gratuity

In some territories, it may not include customs and cruising fees. When you book your charter, we will let you know what is and is not included.

The crew facilitates everything you want to do. The Captain and Crew are very good at anticipating your needs, and their attention to detail provides you with a high level of service.

For some people, it can, others it doesn’t bother them at all.

Charter vessels under 100 feet in length can cause seasickness in some travelers. Bring any medications and take precautions if you know you’re prone to getting sick on the high seas. If you want to avoid the possibility altogether, opt for a multi-hulled catamaran or trimaran.

Megayachts 100+ feet in length generally use an active stabilizer system to avoid queasiness in their passengers. We can make sure you are booked on one of these yachts if you are worried about the possibility.

Many charter guests use patches, ginger capsules, essential oils, or special bracelets to avoid sickness on the high seas. You can also try sitting high looking at the horizon while sailing or moving to a new anchorage. AVOID going down below!

We’re all about filling every minute of your getaway with adventure and relaxation — there is no time for sickness aboard your private yacht! Your crew knows how hard the first day can be, so they’ll plan ahead.