Want to experience a life well-lived? The best place to spend your time is on the water.
Studies show that those who live near the water or spend time on the water are happier and healthier. They have better social interactions, higher levels of content, and more purpose in their day-to-day lives.
Not everyone has the chance to live near the lake or ocean, however. But you can always rent a yacht whenever you and your loved ones need time on the water.
Wondering how to rent a yacht? There are a lot of factors to consider if you’re a first-timer. It’s not too difficult, nor does it have to be very expensive, unless you want a superyacht, of course.
Keep reading our yacht chartering guide below for some of the most helpful yacht charter advice you’ll ever hear.
Define Your Ideal Experience
One of the most important yacht chartering tips is to understand what is available and clarify what you are looking for.
When celebrities and CEOs are looking to charter a yacht, they typically charter a superyacht. These vessels are often 150 feet long or more.
You’ll find multiple cabins on board, to sleep upwards of 12 guests. Plus, there are rooms for crew members. Superyachts are often chartered for week-long voyages and can exceed costs of $150,000 or more. Sometimes much more.
But there are many different types of yachts you can rent, and different types of experiences you can create. If you can afford a weeklong yacht cruise, go for it.
If not, you can rent a yacht for a day or a weekend. You don’t have to stay overnight on a yacht to enjoy the experience. You can charter a yacht for a sunset dinner or just afternoon drinks with friends.
There are yacht rentals for birthdays, bachelorette parties, corporate dinners, and just relaxing in the sun after a long week.
You can rent giant, motor yachts, or sailing yachts if you prefer a more artistic experience. Catamarans are popular choices too, for more stability when sailing.
Small yachts have space to sit and enjoy drinks and snacks, while large ones have all the amenities of a resort. Take these ideas and define the experience you are looking for.
How to Rent a Yacht
Now that you have an idea of how customizable a yacht rental can be, it’s time to work through the rental process one step at a time. Here’s where to start:
Choose Your Destination
Yacht rentals are available across the globe. You can charter a yacht in the Great Lakes, or you can charter a yacht down in the Florida Keys.
The Caribbean Sea is hugely popular in the winter, as the weather is warm year-round. The Mediterranean is popular in the summer, for those looking to soak up European culture.
Asia is ripe with yacht rental opportunities, as is nearly every other global destination.
But you don’t have to take a vacation and fly to another state or country to enjoy time on the water. Your nearest large body of water should have plenty of opportunities.
Those in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, or Michigan can charter a yacht on Lake Michigan. Those in California and Nevada can hit up Lake Tahoe. And those along the West Coast, East Coast, or Gulf Coast have unlimited opportunities for short-term rentals as well.
Regardless of where you go, the views of the water will be just as therapeutic.
Choose a Timeframe
You can charter a yacht for half a day, a full day, overnight, a weekend, or a week. If you have a custom itinerary you’d like to create, there are boat captains willing to work with you.
Half and full-day rentals are perfect for those looking to maximize their weekend and relax before another work week. No vacation time is required.
For many people, these are affordable experiences that won’t require much-advanced planning.
Chartering a multi-day yacht, however, can be expensive. Advanced planning is often required as you budget for the trip and coordinate with other guests.
Not all yachts and cruises offer various timeframes. Some owners of larger boats only want to handle week-long cruises and aren’t willing to do short-term rentals.
Others specifically work with those on shorter timeframes. For best results, work with a company that specializes in your timeframe.
Choose the Boat Size and Style
A motor yacht can be ultra-luxurious. While the engine can be loaded, it allows for upscale amenities like hot tubes and pools and can get you to your destination faster.
Sailing yachts are powered by the wind. They are quiet, offer smooth sailing, and are far more romantic. Where you plan to go will determine which type of yacht is best.
Full Service or Bareboat?
You can usually choose between a full-service yacht rental, a pay-as-you-go rental, or a bareboat rental. The cost will vary dramatically. It all depends on how much service you’d like to receive on board, or how much you want to prepare ahead of time to ensure a comfortable experience.
Must-Have Activities and Amenities
Some yachts will offer water sports, like fishing, jet skis, scuba diving, or snorkeling. Others are intended to entertain on board, with drinks, jacuzzis, and plenty of places to soak up the sun.
Find a yacht that will empower the activities you hope for during your cruise.
Consider Stopovers
One of the biggest benefits of yachts, rather than cruise ships, is that you can dock more frequently to explore out-of-the-way places. If there are private beaches you want to swim at or small towns you’d like to stroll through, a yacht can dock almost anywhere, while cruise ships can only make it to commercial ports.
If local exploration is important, choose a yacht small enough to reach these destinations, and a crew willing to make these stops for you.
Yachting Is Accessible
Now that you’ve read some important tips for how to rent a yacht, it’s time to start dreaming and getting some quotes on your first trip.
Yachting is extremely fun. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy time with loved ones while exposing yourself to the health benefits of the water, the sun, and the fresh air. And it doesn’t have to be an overly expensive activity if you don’t want it to be.
Looking for more vacation tips and tricks? Be sure to visit our blog today to keep reading.
