GetBoat | Yacht charter during the hight tourist season

Boat charter is a favorite holiday activity. The boating season in Europe mostly starts from early spring and lasts deep into the fall. The most popular summer months are July and August. On the one hand, the weather is sunny and the sea is warm, on the other hand, popular tourist spots can feel a bit crowded. If you're not a fan of crowds, perhaps it's best to charter a boat during early spring or late summer.

But, if for some reason your boat booking complies with tourist rush hour, for example, and you need to travel during school holidays, we have prepared a small guide on how to make the most of it.

Boat mooring choice

Bigger marinas, usually located on the mainland, are almost always home ports for many boat charter companies. This means a lot of people around, especially on the weekend, during check-in & check-out time. So If you are looking for some peace and quiet, smaller ports or island-based marinas would be a better choice to start your yachting holiday. Boutique marinas downsize in boat number, but also offer great service in return.

Give small places a chance

Big cities and popular tourist destinations have a lot to offer. But so do little islands and villages. Put those on your destination bucket list. In contrast to the tourist hot spots, smaller destinations are not so developed. You can have a better idea about locals, their habits and way of living.

Restaurants that have more local clientele tend to be less expensive than the ones that are on the Top ten visit list. They are open the whole year round and also have excellent food. Usually, there is no need to book a mooring place for your boat in advance. You can wander around and be welcomed without prior notice.

Tips and tricks for a lovely boat charter holiday

Here are some tips if you decide you want to visit the tourist hotspots during July and August:

Start as early as possible. Take a stroll down the city streets while everybody is still napping. Remember, the sun in the summer rises very early. Most people on holiday tend to sleep in. So take advantage of an early start. Discover the desired destination without bumping shoulders with other tourists.
Reserve the weekend for secluded bays, and visit cities during workdays.
Hire a tourist guide. They know how to skip the lines and make the most of your visit. Plus, along with the views, you'll get a history lesson and some local insights. They are worth the money!
Book in advance! Book mooring places, restaurants, rental cars early on. And when we say early we mean months in advance. This will save you money, time, and most importantly nerves.
Avoid top ten restaurants/bars. They will definitely not miss you. They have great marketing working for them. If a place is not among the top 10 it does not mean it did not deserve it. So ask around for those hidden culinary gems.
If you insist on eating in the top ten restaurants, choosing an early lunch or dinner would be a smart thing to do. Fewer people and usually better prices. Happy hour anyone?
Hire a skipper. A professional skipper knows all the best spots and can give great advice about different activities for you to try. Just give him clear instructions about your dream holiday.
Be prepared to spend more money. High-end marinas, restaurants, and bars are usually not appealing to a bunch of people. Stretching your budget can mean a lot.

Boating destinations

Choose a destination with lots of hiding places. For example, a favorite yacht charter destination is Greece. Scattered over the Ionian and Aegean Sea, Greece has about 6000 islands and islets. Only 277 of them are inhabited. The island number is big there and for that reason, Greece is a popular boating destination.

Or pick a land with a large coastline. Italy, for example. 7500 kilometers of coastline ensure you'll find a place for your boat. Sandy beaches, hidden bays, charming villages, Italy has it all.

Tourist numbers in those countries go up every year, while this may be true, nautical tourism is not over the top.

Be patient! Just breathe!

The purpose of a holiday is to enjoy life. That is difficult when you are overwhelmed by crowds and noise. Even if you get the urge to head home early, don't let frustration and stress ruin your vacation. Practice patience!

Make the most of it

Sometimes you have to go with the flow. Organization fails. In this case, join the crowd. You can never know what wonderful world lies ahead. Join a party, share a table. New friendships can be on the horizon. Sometimes keeping to yourself is just part of your comfort zone. Boaters are very friendly people, and they will go at length to help you out!

Charter a yacht with GetBoat and sail away

Ready for an island-hopping adventure? Time to indulge yourself! Our boat fleet has a little something for everyone.

GetBoat uses a smart system to monitor the best deals in yacht charters and boat rentals around the world. We scan the marinas and negotiate with charter companies on your behalf to get the best prices. You just need to tell us which experience you’d like, and we’ll do the rest, providing you with several suitable options to choose from. Leave a request now, and we’ll get the perfect boat for your next vacation at sea.