What to pack for a Caribbean Yacht Charter
You’re about to embark on a luxurious getaway. The promise of sun-soaked days, balmy evenings, and turquoise waters beckons. But before you set sail, there’s one important question: What do you pack? This packing guide for a Caribbean Yacht Charter will help you navigate the essentials and make your yacht vacation unforgettable.
Footwear for All Occasions
When it comes to footwear in the Virgin Islands, versatility is key. Pack a comfortable pair of sandals for dining on shore, shopping, and exploring charming streets. But don’t forget a pair of sneakers or casual closed-toed shoes for hiking trails, scooter rentals, and travel days if you prefer. While shoes aren’t typically worn on board, if you require arch support, bring a brand new pair with a light-colored sole to avoid damaging the deck.
Dress for Sun-Drenched Days
The Virgin Islands are all about sun and sea, so your daytime attire should reflect this. You’ll live in your bathing suits, so be sure to pack a few. Additionally, feel free to include any cover-up dresses, sarongs, kimonos, sun protection shirts, wide-brimmed hats, or polarized sunglasses to shield yourself from the tropical sun. Remember, the sun shines brighter near the equator, so extra protection is essential during mid-day excursions. Your yacht will have reef-safe sunscreen on hand, but covering up is the best defense.
Effortless Evening Wear
Evenings in the Virgin Islands are casual, so pack accordingly. Shorts, sandals, and short-sleeved tops are perfectly acceptable. Opt for comfort and bring what you feel best in, whether it’s a simple T-shirt or a button-down shirt. Lightweight skirts and dresses in breathable fabrics are ideal for the Caribbean climate. For cooler nights (especially charters in December and January), you may want to pack a lightweight sweater for breezy evenings under the stars.
Your Yacht’s Toiletries
Your yacht will provide essential toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, hand soap, reef-safe sunscreen, etc. While a hairdryer is commonly available in each stateroom’s bathroom (be sure to confirm with your yacht if this is essential), we encourage you to embrace the very popular “natural look” in the Caribbean!
Personal Essentials
Don’t leave home without your prescription medications. Ensure you have a camera to capture the breathtaking scenery and chargers for all your electronic devices. While your yacht has a selection of music, bring your favorite playlists for impromptu dance parties. Download them in advance to ensure you’re ready to groove at any moment.
Travel-Friendly Luggage
A key in knowing what to pack for a Caribbean yacht charter, is HOW to pack. You should look to have your belongings in soft luggage to facilitate easy storage within your stateroom’s small cabinet. Hard-sided luggage and its wheels can potentially damage the yacht’s beautiful interior, so it’s best left at home.
The Ship’s Bar
Your yacht will provide a range of local spirits, including rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, tequila, mixers, beer, soda, and wine. However, imported or premium spirits, vintage wines, and high-end champagnes are not included. You have the option to bring these items on board, mail them to your crew ahead of your charter, or request them in advance for purchase by the crew, with payment accepted upon arrival.
Essential Documents and Communication
Before setting sail, ensure you have the following documents:
Passports
Vaccination Cards (if required)
Scuba Diving Certification Cards (if desired)
Travel Insurance Policy
Your cell phones will work in most Virgin Islands areas, with AT&T offering the best coverage. If entering the BVI, consider Digicel as the main service provider. Contact your provider before arrival to ensure your cellular plan is suitable for international travel.
Staying Connected with WiFi
Although this is not something you would pack for a Caribbean yacht charter, Your yacht comes equipped with WiFi that functions throughout the Virgin Islands, though there may be some weaker spots. Stay connected and share your incredible journey with loved ones back home.
Currency and Gratuity
The currency in the US and British Virgin Islands is the American Dollar. It’s customary to tip the crew at the end of your charter, with the suggested gratuity ranging from 15% to 20% of the charter’s list price. Cash, check or wire transfer is commonly welcome for gratuity, but keep in mind that taking the crew out to eat or buying them drinks should not be considered part of the tip.
Smooth Sailing with the Crew
Your crew will be in contact after reviewing your preferences to go over final details. If you have any questions or require assistance, don’t hesitate to communicate with the crew. They’re here to ensure your voyage is nothing short of spectacular.
Don’t Forget Travel Requirements
Before departure, re-read any travel requirements provided by the airline. If you have any questions, check our FAQs or reach out to us via email or phone.
Knowing what to pack for a Caribbean yacht charter is an exciting part of the journey. Use this guide to ensure you pack everything you need for a comfortable and memorable experience. From sun-soaked days to star-studded nights, your adventure in this tropical paradise awaits. Bon voyage!
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Caitie Rosko, Contributing Writer and Co-Founder of Uncharted Collection
