Frequently Asked Questions

Charter yacht brokers function much like travel agents. They have access to the same yachts and rates as everyone else. The yacht owners cover the broker's fees, so there’s no additional cost to you. Plus, yachts do not offer lower prices if you book without a broker.

Crewed yacht charters range from $20,000 to $100,000 per week, depending on the yacht's size, age, and capacity. Fees may be all-inclusive or include additional running expenses and APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) for luxury motor yachts.

It's unlikely. The rates listed on Sail Play Dine are provided directly by the management of the Charter Yachts. If there are any discounts or special offers available, we are promptly informed. Our team at Sail Play Dine maintains strong relationships with all yacht agents. If you're seeking a better rate, simply reach out to us, and we can liaise with agents on your behalf to explore available options.

Charter fees typically cover a professional captain, private chef, meals, snacks, standard beverages, fuel, insurance for the yacht and crew, water sports activities, and sometimes SCUBA diving. Not included are crew gratuities, marina docking fees, excursions ashore, port fees, special requests for premium liquor, and airport transfers.

A standard gratuity of 15-20% of the charter fee is customary for the crew, recognizing their hard work and dedication to ensuring a memorable vacation experience. Gratuities are typically given in cash, checks, or wire transfers at the end of the charter.

Depending on the type of yacht, the area, and the rate type, you might have some extra costs. But of course, we will make sure that you get a list of the estimated “extra cost” calculated down to the last bit. We have NO HIDDEN COST. However, some “extra cost” may occur all depending on your itinerary and destination.

The rate displayed covers the charter yacht and its crew. However, additional daily expenses, such as fuel, provisions, taxes, and miscellaneous costs, are not included and will be covered through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) deposit. Generally, these extra fees amount to approximately 15% to 25% of the charter rate for sailing yachts and 25% to 35% for motor yachts. The captain will maintain a detailed record of expenses, and any unused APA funds will be refunded at the end of the charter. For precise information on the total expected cost, please submit an inquiry for the specific yacht you are interested in.

No! Sail Play Dine offers its services to you completely free of charge. We act solely as a mediator between you and the yacht owner or management. Like other travel agents, Sail Play Dine operates on a commission basis. The yacht management or owner pays us a commission from the charter fee for handling all inquiries, paperwork, international payments, and, most importantly, for helping you find the perfect charter yacht for your needs.

The charters are private so the whole yacht will be exclusively for you and your group plus the crew, captain and private chef, taking care of you.

The Caribbean is a great destination year-round. Temperatures range from around 79°F in December to March to around 84°F from May to October. Winds are slightly higher in winter, and rates may be higher during holiday weeks, particularly from Thanksgiving through Easter. Christmas and New Year's charters are often booked well in advance.

Please send us an inquiry so we can assist you with date availability.

Yes, you can! While most charter yacht pricing is based on a weeklong charter, some yachts offer daily rates, allowing you to customize the duration of your trip. However, please note that some yachts may apply a surcharge for charters shorter than 6 nights. The flexibility of charter durations varies by yacht. We’ll discuss your specific needs and give you recommendations.

Absolutely! In fact, we recommend it. These vacations are often booked 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak times like school vacations (Spring Break) and holidays (Christmas and New Year's Eve).

To reserve a charter, a contract is drawn up, and a deposit is required at the time of booking, with further payments due at specified intervals before the charter commences.

If more than 6 months away, a 25% deposit is required to secure your dates. The second 25% deposit is due 6 months out and the remaining 50% is due 60 days prior to your charter.  

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Cancellation terms are outlined, with forfeited payments in the event of cancellation, but possibilities for partial refunds or rescheduling under certain circumstances.

The itinerary on any private charter is flexible and customized to your preferences. The crew, who are well-versed in the area, will provide recommendations and make adjustments as needed based on wind and weather conditions. You can view some sample itineraries here.

Travel insurance is always a good idea and peace of mind for all your travels. It can cover cancellations due to extreme weather, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances. Contact your preferred travel insurance company for more details.

Most yachts offer wireless internet access onboard, although the speed may be slower than on land. It should be sufficient for email and basic web browsing. Check with your cellular provider about roaming charges while traveling.

Yes, most yachts are equipped with air conditioning to ensure comfort in warmer climates. Additionally, they often have watermakers to provide a continuous supply of fresh water.

Absolutely! Yacht vacations are fantastic for families. Children can enjoy snorkeling, beach activities, and swimming in the warm waters. However, please note that the crew cannot supervise children, and some yachts may have age requirements. We'll confirm these details with the yacht's crew before booking.

Yes, your private yacht chef can accommodate most special diets and allergies. Simply provide your preferences, and the chef will plan a tailored menu. We'll discuss any specific dietary needs with the yacht's crew during the booking process.

All yachts are equipped with VHF radios and cell phones. Most also offer WiFi onboard for guest use. Set your phone to WiFi calling to avoid roaming charges, unless you're in the US Virgin Islands. Check with your cell phone provider for roaming charges.

No need to worry! Our team at Sail Play Dine recommends catamarans for those concerned about seasickness. It's rare on these modern, sturdy vessels, which provide a smooth and stable ride. Catamarans are designed with comfort and stability in mind. Generally, larger charter yachts offer greater stability. However, if you're prone to seasickness, it's wise to bring medication to ensure you can fully enjoy your trip without any worries.

To ensure a smooth sailing experience, make sure you have:

1. Valid Passports: Ensure your passports are valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. This applies to all travelers, including US citizens visiting the Caribbean (except if your charter is USVI only).

2. Visas: Check if visas are required for entry into your destination country and any countries you may transit through. Requirements vary based on your country of origin and your cruise itinerary. Obtain the necessary visas well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.

With these essentials in order, you're all set for an unforgettable yacht charter vacation!

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Dress codes on the islands are generally relaxed and casual. Resort casual attire is suitable for dining at upscale restaurants ashore, but most of the time, it's all about barefoot relaxation aboard the yacht. Shoes are often unnecessary on deck, except for specific activities requiring footwear with white soles.

We recommend packing flip-flops for onshore excursions and a pair of water shoes for exploring rocky areas or swimming. During the winter season, it's wise to bring a light sweater or windbreaker for cooler evenings.

We will send you a suggested packing list as part of the documents to help you prepare for your trip.

Absolutely! Many of our yachts offer exceptional SCUBA diving experiences. Our experienced captains and crew members are often PADI SCUBA certified instructors and masters, capable of providing training and certification for guests interested in diving. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, you can enjoy diving directly from the yacht into the warm Caribbean Sea.

For newcomers to diving, introductory courses like the Resort Course or Discover Scuba Course are available, allowing you to experience the thrill of diving in the Caribbean's pristine waters. Please note that while diving directly from the yacht is permitted in the Virgin Islands, other regions may require diving with local operators.

If you're interested in SCUBA diving, please let us know in advance and whether you're experienced or trying it for the first time. We'll be happy to find you the perfect charter yacht, arrange a resort course, or coordinate rendezvous diving.

While most yachts come equipped with the latest snorkeling and SCUBA gear for your enjoyment, it's a good idea to bring along your personal mask if you have one. If not, the yacht will likely provide you with all the necessary equipment.

Be sure to inform us at Sail Play Dine of your personal preferences and shoe sizes in advance. Most yachts offer masks, snorkels, and fins for diving, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable underwater experience.

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The cost of a crewed yacht charter can vary depending on factors such as the size and type of yacht, the destination, the duration of the charter, the number of guests, and the time of year. Generally, crewed yacht charters are priced per week and can range from $20,000 to $100,000 per week.

Most of the yachts are all-inclusive with a professional captain and private chef. Larger yachts may have additional crew such as deckhands and steward(ess). The cost of a crewed yacht charter typically includes the charter fee for the yacht, the services of a professional captain and crew, onboard accommodations, all meals, snacks and standard ship’s bar (liquor, wine, beer and soft drinks) served onboard, fuel for the yacht and tender, insurance for the vessel and crew, water toys and recreational equipment (such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards). Some of the vessels also include Scuba diving as part of your package. Some charters may also include taxes, port fees, and cruising permits.

Not included are crew gratuities, optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions and meals ashore, port fees in the BVI, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.

While the cost of a crewed yacht charter covers many expenses, there are some additional costs that may not be included. These can include crew gratuities (typically 15-20% of the charter fee, depending on the level of service provided), meals ashore, special requests such as premium/top-shelf liquor, wine or excessive alcohol consumption, transportation to and from the yacht (such as airfare or ground transfers), off-boat excursions and activities, and any applicable customs or immigration fees for international charters. It's important to review the charter agreement carefully to understand what is included and what may incur additional charges.  

Luxury motor yachts can have an all-inclusive fee, or they may have a standard fee plus running expenses and APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance).  This APA is essentially an allowance given by you to the Captain of your charter yacht, just like a bank account. The APA payment is typically 20%-25% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-35% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc. for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.

There are several ways to reach the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with Beef Island on Tortola (airport code EIS) serving as a primary entry point. Daily flights from Puerto Rico and St. Maarten via Cape Air, Seaborne, and Liat Airlines operate to Tortola. Alternatively, you can fly into St. Thomas and embark on a picturesque 45-minute ferry ride to the BVI. Upon arrival, your yacht can be arranged to pick you up from ferry terminals, or private water taxis offer a luxurious option for personalized travel.

Since June 1st, 2023, American Airlines is offering direct flights from Miami (MIA) to the BVI (EIS), providing added convenience for travelers.

The US Virgin Islands (USVI) are accessible through various airlines offering direct flights to St. Thomas Airport (airport code STT). Additionally, daily flights from Puerto Rico (airport code SJU) are available. Most international flights depart in the afternoon, aligning conveniently with the conclusion of your yacht charter at noon. Short connecting flights from St. Thomas can further transport you to St. Croix within the USVI archipelago.

Traveling to the Bahamas is easily accessible by commercial or private flights into Nassau (airport code NAS). Upon arrival, a short taxi ride will take you to the marina where your yacht awaits. For a more scenic entry, consider flying into the Exuma Cays via a small plane to commence your sailing adventure, with Nassau serving as your departure point.

To reach St. Martin/St. Maarten, you can opt for commercial flights to Princess Juliana International Airport (airport code SXM) on the Dutch side. Additionally, there is a smaller airstrip in Grande Case on the French side, primarily for local flights. Upon landing, taxis are readily available to transport you to the marinas nestled within the lagoon.

To travel to Belize from the US, you have several options:

Many major US cities offer direct flights to Belize City's Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). Airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest operate direct flights from cities like Miami, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Upon arrival, your crew can coordinate transfers from the airport to the marina where you will meet your yacht.  

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To reach the Grenadines for your charter from the USA, you have several options:

1. Fly to Barbados or St. Lucia: Most travelers from the USA fly to either Barbados or St. Lucia first, as these islands have international airports with connections to major US cities. From Barbados, you can catch a connecting flight to the Grenadines' main airport, Argyle International Airport in St. Vincent. From St. Lucia, you can take a connecting flight to the Grenadines or opt for a ferry ride.

2. Direct Flights to St. Vincent: Some airlines offer direct flights from the USA to St. Vincent. However, direct flights may be limited and less frequent compared to connecting flights through Barbados or St. Lucia.

Your crew can arrange for transportation from the airport in St Vincent to your yacht. They can also assist with any logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth transition to the start of your charter vacation.

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