Contents
The short answer
Book a specific yacht for specific dates, with a confirmed crew, cabin plan, written total cost and cancellation terms. A beautiful category photo is not a booking confirmation.
If you do not want responsibility for navigation and manoeuvres, choose a charter with a professional skipper. A bareboat charter may require proof of competence and additional documents.
Start with your holiday, not the yacht length
Set the guest count, destination, dates and priorities first: quiet bays, restaurants, sailing, children, separate cabins or water toys. This makes the shortlist useful.
Families often value shade, nearby cabins and easy water access; groups of friends may prefer a large cockpit, privacy and activity equipment.
Compare the exact yacht
Ask for current photos, the cabin plan, bathroom count, air-conditioning details, tender and toy list, and confirmation of the crew assigned to your dates.
Check the embarkation marina, check-in and check-out times, and transfer time. Similar yachts can feel very different in layout, shade, maintenance and equipment.
Get the complete price
Ask for a written breakdown of the charter fee, taxes, crew, fuel, marina fees, provisions, transfers, deposits, cleaning and cancellation terms.
On larger crewed yachts, APA is an advance for agreed operating expenses such as fuel, food, drinks and berths. Confirm the percentage, approvals, accounting and return of any unused balance.
Plan a route with flexibility
Tell the skipper what matters most: short passages, swimming, restaurants, sailing or a particular island. They can propose an itinerary that fits the area and your dates.
Weather, sea state, port rules and berth availability can change a route. The captain has the final decision on safety.
Read the contract before paying
The contract should name the contracting party, yacht, dates, payment schedule, insurance, deposit, cancellation and replacement terms, damage responsibility and an emergency contact.
If a key promise was made in messages, ask for it in the written confirmation. Keep one named support contact for arrival and the charter itself.