Quick Answer
A Caribbean yacht charter is a private week on a crewed yacht, usually seven nights, with your own captain, chef and crew. The main season runs from December to April. The most popular regions are the British Virgin Islands, St Barths and St Martin, Antigua, the Grenadines and the Bahamas, and large superyachts start from around $250,000 per week plus APA.
A Caribbean yacht charter is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a winter holiday. Instead of a hotel room and a crowded beach, you have a private yacht, a professional crew and a new island every day. This guide explains how a weekly charter works, where to go, when to travel and what it costs, so you can plan your first Caribbean week with confidence.
What Is a Weekly Caribbean Yacht Charter?
A crewed yacht charter is a private holiday on board a yacht that you rent, together with its crew, usually for seven nights. It is not a day trip or an hourly boat rental: the yacht becomes your floating villa for the whole week, and the captain, chef and crew look after your group from embarkation to farewell breakfast.
You choose the region, the yacht and the pace. The captain plans the route around your wishes and the weather, the chef cooks to your tastes, and the crew takes care of everything from tender trips to the beach to the water toys.
- Private: only your family or group is on board.
- Flexible: the itinerary is a guide, never a fixed timetable.
- All in one: accommodation, transport between islands, dining and activities in one place.
The Best Caribbean Charter Regions
The Caribbean is not one destination but many. Each island group has its own character, and most charters stay within one region for the week.
| Region | Typical embarkation | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | Tortola (Beef Island airport) | Calm water, short hops, families |
| St Martin, St Barths & Anguilla | Simpson Bay, St Martin (SXM) | Glamour, beaches, fine dining |
| Antigua & Barbuda | English Harbour (ANU) | Regattas, history, empty beaches |
| The Grenadines | St Vincent or Canouan | Seclusion, snorkelling, turtles |
| Bahamas – Exumas | Nassau (NAS) | Turquoise sandbars, wildlife |
If this is your first Caribbean charter, the British Virgin Islands and the St Martin–St Barths area are the easiest choices: both have good flight connections and short distances between islands.
When to Go
The Caribbean charter season runs from December to April, when the weather is dry, sunny and cooled by the trade winds. Christmas and New Year are the most sought-after weeks, especially in St Barths, and the best yachts are often booked a year in advance. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, so most superyachts move to the Mediterranean for the summer, while some spend early summer in the Bahamas.
How Much Does a Caribbean Yacht Charter Cost?
Prices depend on the size of the yacht, its age and the week you choose. For yachts of 50 metres and more, see our Caribbean mega yacht charter collection. On our Caribbean yacht list, large motor yachts of 50–95 metres start from around $250,000 per week and the largest exceed $1,000,000. Smaller motor yachts and luxury catamarans are available for much less.
On top of the charter fee, superyachts usually ask for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). This is a deposit for running costs such as fuel, food, drinks and berthing fees, and any unused amount is returned at the end of the week. Local taxes vary from island to island, and everything is shown clearly in your written offer before you book.
How to Book Your Caribbean Charter
- Share your wishes: dates, number of guests, preferred region and budget.
- Receive a shortlist: we suggest the yachts that suit you best, with photos and prices.
- Confirm and plan: sign the charter contract, pay the deposit and share your preferences for food, drinks and activities.
- Embark: we organise your transfers so you go straight from the airport to the yacht.
Caribbean yachts our guests love
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Caribbean yacht charter?
Most charters last seven nights, from a Saturday or Sunday to the following week. Shorter or longer charters are possible on some yachts.
Do we need sailing experience?
No. Every yacht comes with a professional captain and crew, so you simply relax and enjoy the islands.
Can we visit several islands in one week?
Yes. In most regions the islands are only one to three hours apart, so you can visit a different bay or island every day.
Is a Caribbean charter suitable for children?
Very much so. Calm anchorages, beaches and water toys make it ideal for families, and the crew can adapt menus and activities for children.
How far in advance should we book?
For Christmas, New Year and February, we recommend booking 9–12 months ahead. For other weeks, 3–6 months is usually enough.
Ready to plan your week in the Caribbean? Browse our Caribbean yachts or send us your dates, and our team will tailor the perfect charter around you.