Caribbean Yacht Charter Guide

Yacht charter rates in the Caribbean vary based on several factors, including the yacht’s size, age, type, onboard amenities, and guest capacity. Weekly base rates for luxury motor yachts typically begin at around $25,000 and can exceed $350,000 for large superyachts, beach clubs, and extensive toy collections.

Charter pricing also follows a seasonal pattern. High season runs from mid-December through April, with the most popular dates, Christmas and New Year’s, usually booked at a premium. During this period, rates may increase by 10–25%, and some yachts enforce longer minimum durations of ten to fourteen days. Shoulder season rates in early December or late April can offer greater flexibility and value while still delivering ideal conditions for cruising.

Beyond the base rate, guests should budget for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), usually calculated at 25–40% of the charter fee. This allowance covers all variable costs during the charter, including fuel, food and drinks, berthing fees, and any bespoke shore services. At the end of the trip, the Captain provides a full expense report, with any unspent funds returned to the client.

Local taxes are also applicable and vary depending on the island group. For example, charters beginning in the Bahamas are subject to a 10% VAT, while other nations may levy additional cruising permits or charter taxes.

Crew gratuity is not included in the charter fee or APA. A tip of 10–20% of the base rate is customary and offered at the guest’s discretion in recognition of exceptional service.

The Caribbean delivers one of the world’s most rewarding charter landscapes, with hundreds of islands offering diverse cultures, climates, and cruising styles. Most itineraries begin in hubs like Antigua, St Maarten, Tortola, or Nassau, with routes tailored to your pace.

The British Virgin Islands remain a favorite for their calm seas, short hops, and iconic stops like Virgin Gorda’s Baths and Jost Van Dyke. For glamour and fine dining, St Barths and Antigua stand out, especially during the festive season and regattas.

Guests seeking natural beauty and quieter anchorages often cruise south to St Lucia, Grenada, or the Grenadines, where volcanic scenery, rainforests, and marine reserves await. The Bahamas, especially the Exumas, offer shallow turquoise waters, pristine cays, and signature experiences like Thunderball Grotto and swimming pigs.

Turks & Caicos adds calm cruising and reef diving, while Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago appeals to those craving cultural immersion and untouched coastlines.

Distances between islands are short, allowing for flexible itineraries that combine adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

The Caribbean offers a broad range of charter yachts to suit every style of cruising. Motor yachts are the most popular choice, offering speed, comfort, and spacious layouts ideal for island-hopping between destinations like St. Lucia, Antigua, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas. From sleek sport cruisers to expansive superyachts with helipads and pools, these yachts combine tropical indulgence with high performance.

Sailing yachts appeal to those seeking a more traditional, wind-powered experience, with itineraries shaped by the trade winds and a deeper connection to the sea. Catamarans are also widely favored throughout the Caribbean, particularly in the sheltered waters of the British Virgin Islands. With wide beams, shallow drafts, and generous deck space, they are ideal for relaxed cruising with families or groups.

Most yachts accommodate up to 12 guests and are fully crewed, offering a seamless experience with a captain, chef, and attentive crew to manage every detail. Whether you prefer the elegance of sail, the stability of a catamaran, or the power of a motor yacht, the Caribbean fleet offers something to suit your pace and priorities.

The charter fee in the Caribbean includes the key elements of your yachting experience: the yacht itself, her full-time professional crew, standard onboard equipment, and insurance. This base rate covers the essentials for comfort and safety, but operational expenses are calculated separately.

Costs such as fuel, food and drinks, berthing fees, port clearance, and land-based arrangements are covered through an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA. The APA is typically set at 25–40% of the base charter fee and is paid in advance of embarkation. Managed by the Captain throughout the journey, the APA allows for flexible provisioning tailored to your preferences. At the end of the charter, any unused funds are refunded and a full expense report is provided.

The Caribbean remains a tax-efficient charter region, as most countries do not apply VAT to yacht charters. In certain destinations, such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, minor local fees or cruising permits may apply, and these are drawn from the APA.

Crew gratuity is not included in the charter fee. A discretionary tip of 10–20% of the base charter rate is customary and reflects your appreciation for exceptional service.

The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a key component of the yacht charter process. It is a fund paid in advance of your charter, typically equal to 25–40% of the base charter fee, and is used to cover all operational expenses incurred during your trip. This includes fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, port taxes, transfers, and any special arrangements made to tailor your experience.

The APA is held onboard and managed by the yacht’s Captain, who ensures all provisioning and logistics are carried out efficiently and in line with your preferences. Prior to boarding, guests complete a preference sheet, noting dietary requests, beverage selections, activity interests, and more, which guides how the APA is allocated. Every expenditure is documented, and at the end of the charter, a full accounting is provided. Any unspent funds are refunded, while any overages are settled directly with the client.

As an example: if your weekly charter fee is $100,000, an APA of approximately $25,000 to $40,000 would be requested in advance. These funds might be used for cruising fuel, provisioning of meals and drinks, berthing fees, and third-party services such as private transfers or curated onshore excursions.

This system allows for complete flexibility, ensuring that the charter experience can be adjusted in real time, whether you decide to cruise further than originally planned or make spontaneous arrangements along the way. APA funds must be received before embarkation, typically via bank transfer alongside the final balance payment.

While seven-day charters are the standard format in the Caribbean, especially for luxury crewed yachts during the high season, itineraries may vary. Weekly bookings remain the most common, with rates quoted on a per-week basis and schedules structured accordingly. However, shorter or longer durations can sometimes be arranged depending on the yacht, season, and booking calendar. In such cases, pricing is typically calculated on a pro-rata basis using a six-day divisor to reflect fixed operational costs. All terms are agreed individually between the client and Central Agent.

Most charters begin and end at 12:00 pm, which is standard practice throughout the Caribbean. Noon embarkation allows the crew to complete cleaning, provisioning, and technical checks before guests arrive. Disembarkation at the same hour on the final day supports a consistent and efficient turnaround.

The Caribbean currently offers a smooth and welcoming environment for international travelers. Most destinations, including charter favorites like The Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia, and the British Virgin Islands, allow visa-free entry for U.S., U.K., Canadian, and EU passport holders for tourism stays of up to 90 days. Passports must typically be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, and a few territories, such as Saint Kitts & Nevis or the Dominican Republic, may require electronic travel authorizations or pre-arrival entry forms.

Currency usage differs between islands, but transactions are straightforward for charter guests. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, and throughout the Dutch Caribbean, while the Eastern Caribbean dollar ( EC$) is the official currency in Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada, and other Windward and Leeward Islands. French territories such as Martinique and Guadeloupe use the euro. English is the primary language across most charter hubs, including Nassau, St. Maarten, Road Town, and Bridgetown, where marina infrastructure is well-developed and provisioning services are reliable.

There are currently no health-related travel restrictions in effect across the region. Standard vaccinations are recommended but not required, and hygiene protocols remain high aboard crewed yachts and in coastal hospitality venues. Guests are advised to use mosquito repellent, especially during summer months, as dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses may occur in some areas.

The Caribbean experiences a tropical climate year-round, with consistently warm air and sea temperatures. From mid-December through April, weather conditions are ideal for yachting, with average daytime highs between 80°F and 85°F (27°C to 29°C), low humidity, and steady trade winds. Rainfall is limited, and the seas remain calm and inviting during this dry season.

May marks the beginning of the wet season, which lasts through November. Temperatures rise to between 85°F and 90°F (29°C to 32°C), and humidity increases. Rain typically falls in short bursts and is often followed by clear skies. While conditions remain pleasant, itineraries may be adapted to account for regional weather patterns.

Hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with peak activity in August and September. The southern Caribbean, including islands such as Grenada and the ABC Islands, is typically less affected and offers more stable chartering conditions during this time.

Sea temperatures remain warm throughout the year, averaging 80°F (27°C), with only slight variation between seasons. Consistent trade winds, particularly from December through May, provide excellent sailing conditions, especially in the Leeward and Windward islands.

The Caribbean’s dependable weather profile supports charters in every season, with mid-December to April offering peak conditions and late spring or early winter providing quieter alternatives.

There is no single currency across the Caribbean, as the region encompasses a mix of sovereign nations and overseas territories. Many English-speaking islands like Saint Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, and Saint Vincent use the Eastern Caribbean dollar (EC$), which is tied to the U.S. dollar at a fixed rate of EC$2.70 to US$1. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar is the official currency in destinations such as the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Turks and Caicos, and it is widely accepted across the region, even in countries where it is not the official tender.

French territories like Saint Barthélemy and Martinique use the euro (€), while The Bahamas operates on the Bahamian dollar (BSD), which maintains parity with the U.S. dollar. The Cayman Islands use their own currency (KYD), valued at around KYD$1 = US$1.20. In the Dutch Caribbean, such as Curaçao and Sint Maarten, either the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) or the U.S. dollar may apply, depending on the island.

For most yacht charters in the Caribbean, U.S. dollars are the most practical and widely accepted currency, especially for APA payments, provisioning, and tipping. However, it's always wise to carry a small amount of local cash when venturing ashore in more remote areas. ATMs and currency exchange options are readily available in major ports and marinas throughout the region.

For charter guests planning a multi-island itinerary, IYC’s expert consultants can advise on destination-specific currencies and help ensure a smooth, seamless onboard experience.

Before visiting the Caribbean, it’s important to understand that electrical standards can vary between islands. Most territories, including the Bahamas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Antigua, use a 110V / 60Hz system with American-style Type A or B outlets, identical to those found in the United States. However, several islands with French or Dutch heritage, such as St. Barths and Martinique, operate on a 220V / 50Hz system using European-style plugs (Types C, E, or F). As a result, travelers may need both a plug adapter and a voltage converter depending on their itinerary.

Fortunately, most modern charter yachts are built with international guests in mind. Onboard systems typically feature dual-voltage compatibility, universal plug adaptors, and dedicated USB ports, particularly in guest cabins and communal areas. Yachts docked in marinas draw shore power aligned with the island’s infrastructure, while at anchor, generators or battery systems ensure continuous electricity. For high-powered or sensitive equipment, such as medical devices, it’s best to check compatibility in advance and bring a dedicated converter if necessary.

To prepare for any shore excursions or overnight stays ashore, a universal travel adapter with surge protection is recommended. And for itineraries that span multiple territories such as cruising from the British Virgin Islands to Sint Maarten, your yacht crew will manage the onboard electrical needs and ensure smooth transitions across voltage zones.

Mobile connectivity throughout the Caribbean is largely reliable, especially around major charter destinations such as Antigua, the Virgin Islands, St. Martin, and the Grenadines. Most islands support strong 4G coverage, with expanding 5G access in key urban zones. However, signal strength can drop when cruising remote anchorages or lesser-developed islets. Onboard, most charter yachts use cellular routers or VSAT systems to maintain consistent Wi-Fi, though streaming or video calls may be limited in bandwidth-constrained areas.

Travelers from the U.S. will typically benefit from seamless roaming in U.S. territories like the USVI and Puerto Rico, but roaming charges may apply elsewhere. To avoid unexpected costs, many guests opt for a local SIM or eSIM, which can be arranged through your yacht’s crew or upon arrival at major airports and marinas.

When it comes to drones, regulations vary significantly across the region. The Bahamas and British Virgin Islands both require registration and formal permits for drones over 250 grams, while islands like St. Barths impose strict no-fly zones around populated or scenic locations. Flying near airports, over people, or in national parks is generally prohibited throughout the Caribbean, and penalties for non-compliance may include fines or confiscation.

Guests planning to use drones for aerial photography should inform their yacht’s Captain in advance. Crew members are often well-versed in local rules and can advise on safe, permitted locations or secure the necessary authorizations. Some yachts may also carry onboard drones operated by crew, offering a compliant and hassle-free alternative.

The Caribbean is a health-conscious charter destination with experienced crews, reliable first-aid training, and proximity to medical care in most major islands. Private clinics and pharmacies are available in key hubs such as St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Thomas, while remote anchorages are supported by telemedicine services and rapid response protocols. Emergency evacuation is possible via tender or airlift, and crews are equipped with defibrillators and advanced first-response kits.

UV exposure is strong year-round, so sun protection and hydration are essential particularly during deck activities or snorkeling. Sea temperatures range from 78°F to 84°F (26°C to 29°C), making the Caribbean ideal for swimming directly from the yacht. Most anchorages offer calm, warm waters suited to all experience levels.

Food hygiene is carefully managed onboard. Yacht chefs provision through trusted island suppliers, using fresh local produce to create personalized menus that accommodate dietary preferences, allergies, and wellness-focused eating.

While health risks are minimal, mosquito repellent is recommended especially in marshy or tropical anchorages where dengue or chikungunya may be present. Crews continue to uphold high hygiene standards onboard, offering a clean and safe environment for all guests.

During hurricane season (June to November), itineraries may be adjusted to focus on southern regions like Grenada or the Grenadines. Captains plan routes carefully to ensure a smooth and secure experience in all weather conditions.