My first charter, what should I know?

Planing a first charter holiday sounds super exciting. But where to start? There are a million options for boat charter. It can be so confusing.

So why not let us help you out! We suggest that you start with picking a destination.

Take into consideration what kind of vacation you want to have? Do you want to sit back and absorb the sun? Perhaps you prefer a more active leave that includes water sports? The first option calls for a more easy-going itinerary, the second one asks for a faster pace.

Popular summer destinations like Greece, Croatia, France, and other Mediterranean countries all have crystal clear waters, dreamy villages, and excellent food. They would not be so popular otherwise. The thing that makes the difference between these states are:

• Boating infrastructure - some countries have a well-developed network of marinas, buoys, and fuel stations.
• Price - high tourist season means higher rates in boat charter as well. The high season in the Mediterranean is in July and August.
• Destination type -some places like Ibiza, for example, is building their brand as a party destination. So if you are looking for some peace and quiet, perhaps Ibiza is not the best choice for you.

After picking the right area for your yacht charter holiday, the best is to pick a boat. Boat charter is a trendy type of holiday, and early booking is advised if you wish to secure your desired boat. When we say early, we mean 6-9 months before your preferred date. Keep in mind that check-in/check-out day is always Saturday.

How to pick a perfect yacht for your yacht charter holiday?

First, decide on the type of boat you prefer. Sailboats are great for groups and a more active holiday. Catamarans are an excellent choice for families with children. And, if you're looking to pamper yourself once in a while, a motor yacht would be your best choice.

The next step is to pick the correct size of the yacht. You need a certain amount of cabins, bathrooms, and enough space for everybody onboard.

For example, if you're traveling with teenagers, a one bathroom boat can turn out to be a real nightmare. Or, if you are a group of six people, you can rent a four-plus boat or a six-berth boat. The plus two will have to use the living area to sleep. That means there is no privacy for them, and no staying up late to watch the TV for everybody else. Is it really worth the money you saved?

Another tip: use the website search engine; now you have the type, the size, and the date. This will narrow down your search. Browse through, and pick no more than five boats. Compare the price, the equipment and decide which is the best option for you and your travel buddies.

Plan your boat charter itinerary

Let's say you have a seven-day charter booked. Start planing from your starting point. On the first day, you can check in around 14:00 h. You can use that first day to unpack, buy food and drinks.

When exploring a new place, everybody gets an urge to see as much as possible. Creating a busy itinerary can be quite exhausting, and you may end up instead enjoying the destination, just running around crossing places from your bucket list. One more thing, you also depend on the weather, so sometimes due to strong winds, you might end up staying put. Instead of being annoyed because your plan is interrupted, look at this as a chance to get to know your current location a little better.

Date changes and cancellations

Depending on the boat charter company conditions, you can change dates and cancel a reservation. But rarely without financial compensation. Furthermore, keep in mind that in case of date changes, you might not get the yacht you originally picked.

Other expenses

Check with your charter company before booking with them. Are there any additional costs—many charge towels, sheets separately? Ask how about the security deposit, and it can be paid in cash, or you can use a card?

How much experience do you need to operate a boat?

Firstly, if you want an easy-going holiday, be objective about your sailing skills. You must have a permit, but when did you use it last time? If it was a loooong time ago, consider hiring a skipper. It is important to point out that every boat is different, and you might need a few days to learn to maneuver it. Do you want to lose vacation time? Do you need to be nervous about losing your security deposit?

Once onboard

Safety first! Listen to your skipper; he is not here just to drive you around. He is in charge of your safety. So when he or she says time to go, it's time to go! Local professionals know the weather and know the sea. Second, go over your itinerary with him; perhaps he has a better suggestion. Or maybe you have missed something.

Take care of your possessions. There can be a lot of wave splashing, so put your phones and valuables away, or tuck them into a waterproof ziplock.

We all tend to over relax on holiday. Don't do anything you would not do at home.

Ask for discounts! Even in restaurants and bars, you can ask for a discount, especially if you are paying in cash.

Lastly, but most importantly, utilize the boat.

Boat charter holiday season 2021

Discover the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea. All in all, a boat charter holiday will ensure you have the time of your life. You'll escape everyday life and fall in love with different shades of blue. Remote beaches, uninhabited islands, and delicious seafood is calling your name!

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.