Boat charters are a contract where a boat owner gives a client access to their boat for a certain fee. This is preferable if you want to travel or hold an event in a boat with a group for a short time instead of buying.
It allows you to try out new boats and different routes or destinations before purchasing your boat. However, some things to consider to ensure you get the best experience.
One of the most important things to consider is the type of charter you want. There are different categories of boat charters depending on your preferences.
A bareboat charter is the most common and comes without a skipper or crew. You can also opt for a crewed charter with a skipper or captain and a chef or hostess.
If you have a small group and can't afford to get the whole boat, a cabin charter is the best option that gives you access to one cabin on the boat. A fishing charter is the best option for a fishing trip to ensure you get the right boat and fishing equipment.
To get a luxury experience, you can charter a yacht, and the cost usually includes getting the yacht, fuel, food, drinks, and snacks. You also get a captain, chef, and other crew members you might want. Costs usually vary depending on the yacht size, ranging from 56ft to 200ft.
You also need to consider your destination and duration. This is one of the main things that affect your budget and the experience you will have. Some of the best destinations include the Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Canary Islands, Croatian Islands, Greece, St. Martin, French Rivera, Whitsunday Islands, Sicily, Thailand, British Virgin Islands, Turkey, Seychelles Islands, Fiji, and the Caribbean.
Another thing that will affect your budget is the amenities in the boat you choose. In addition to having a crew, other things like a bar, restaurant, spa, onboard gym, onboard diving gear, and onboard kayaks or paddle boats can cost extra.
Ask if the charter is expense-based or inclusive for easier budgeting. For expense-based charters, you pay for fuel, food, and docking fees as you go, while inclusive charters give you a price with all other costs included before starting the journey.
To ensure you are safe throughout your trip, consider the reputation and qualifications of the charter company you want to hire. This includes going through their permit and licenses, asking about the qualifications and experience of the crew members, reading online reviews, and asking for referrals.
It would help if you also looked at the condition of the boat and the availability of safety equipment like emergency boats and safety jackets.