Author: sheeryachting

If a long-term vacation is what you’re craving, then you need to think about long-term yacht charters in the Caribbean. These incredible getaways will leave you with peace and tranquility among the turquoise water. You may never want to leave. To get started planning this epic adventure, follow this guide to long-term yacht charters in the Caribbean. It will answer some questions and lead you on the right path for this vacation.

A Little About the Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean islands splite into two categories: leeward and windward.

• Leeward Islands: You can locate these islands south and west of the region, and they experience less rainfall. Some of the islands in this group include Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Kitts, Anguilla, and Saint Martin.
• Windward Islands: You’ll find these islands north and east of the region, and they experience more rainfall. They boast luscious greenery, rainforests, and mountains. These islands include Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados, and St. Vincent.

Book Your Long-Term Charter at the Perfect Time

You don’t want the threat of a hurricane, strong storms, or crowded waters to ruin your long-term getaway. Since this is a luxurious vacation, you want to ensure you’re making the most of it. Dealing with rain and congested beaches isn’t the ideal way to spend your time.

The busiest time to travel the Caribbean is from December to April. Other parts of the world are cold, snowy, and icy during that time of the year. People want to escape the weather and defrost in the warmth of the sunshine.

Busyness drives up demand, prices, and availability. You could end up paying more for the wrong type of yacht. Traveling during the off-season, May to November, will save you money and allow you to travel during a less busy time of year.

Popular Caribbean Cruising Destinations

The destinations you’ll visit will depend upon everyone’s interests. Most individuals want to enjoy the crystal clear, warm waters of the region and the gorgeous beaches during their yacht charters. Islands like the Bahamas, Antigua, St. Barts, and the British Virgin Islands will make beautiful stops along the way.

If mountainous terrain and rainforests are what you seek on vacation, consider visiting Puerto Rico and Dominica. Grenada and St. Lucia offer both stunning beaches and beautiful, rugged mountains.

St. Barts

St. Barts is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. It’s the perfect place to kick your feet up and relax with a good book. Dive right into the clear, blue ocean and spend the day snorkeling or floating in the water. The beautiful weather will provide the perfect temperature to spend the entire day lounging on the boat in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

You’ll find one of the most fabulous harbors on St. Barts. Gustavia rates highly among the sailing community, and you’ll instantly see why when you dock. The natural beauty will take your breath away. Once you’re on land, immerse yourself in the culture by enjoying delicious food and exploring the great shops.

Don’t forget to stop by the famous Shell Beach. This tranquil cove will stun every guest with its thousands of sea shells and calming effects. Spend time swimming in the calm water or watching an incredibly gorgeous sunset.

The British Virgin Islands

Want to see some world-class diving and sailing? Then pick the British Virgin Islands as one of your stops. The 54 unique and beautiful islands make up the chain. Sheer Yachting offers incredible luxury yacht charters to BVI.You’ll quickly learn why it’s also known as nature’s little secret. Stop at the British Virgin Islands to escape the hustle and bustle of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

There are caves to explore on Treasure Island or snorkel on one of the many reefs this island chain offers. There’s no shortage of beauty on the British Virgin Islands.

Decide the Length of Your Charter

Deciding how long you’ll sail around will greatly affect the cost of your trip and the type of yacht you’ll charter. Do you want to enjoy a few months at sea? Are you interested in booking a charter for half the year? Obviously, the longer the long-term getaway, the more costly the trip.

You want to ensure the entire group is comfortable, so book a large yacht to accommodate all guests. Being in close quarters with people for long periods of time can be challenging. Book a boat with ample space to allow everyone privacy and room to spread out. Of course, if you have a small group, such as two, three, or four guests, you can book a more intimate yacht.

Work With the Right Charter Broker

Working with the right charter broker will make all the difference in your trip. There are plenty of different companies to choose from, like Sheer Yachting. We’re an experienced and professional charting company that will facilitate the entire booking process. Our expertise ensures a relaxed and amazing vacation. Book one of our yachts and catamarans available, and get ready to take you on the adventure of a lifetime!

What’s the Weather Like in the Caribbean?

It’s always a good idea to check the weather before your trip. It will help you plan what clothing items to bring and give you a taste of what to expect. Of course, with a long-term charter, the further out you look, the less precise the weather.

The Caribbean is in the tropics, so it’s hot and humid all year round. The average temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius. The weather can become much hotter during the summer months.

The rainy season is from May to November, so plan accordingly if you’ll charter during this time. It’s also important to note that the rainy season is also hurricane season. You may have to modify plans a bit.

Start Planning Today!

Well, what are you waiting for? You’ve read the guide, and it’s time to start planning and packing for your long-term yacht charter in the Caribbean. Ensure you pack the essentials, including:

• Sunscreen
• Sun hats
• Aloe (for sunburn)
• Comfortable clothing
• Swimsuits
• And more

Contact Sheer Yachting today to get started with your yacht charter. You’re guaranteed to have a relaxing, stress-free, and incredible getaway with us.

Have you been itching to take a relaxing and sunshine-filled vacation? An all-inclusive yacht charter may be the thing you’ve been searching for! But what’s included in an all-inclusive yacht charter? This blog post will answer that question and more.

What Does “All-Inclusive” Mean?

If you’ve ever been searching for a vacation anywhere, you’ve more than likely come across the term all-inclusive. The most popular place you’ll see this is for all-inclusive resorts. The phrase means that everything’s included. You’ll have access to drinks, food, and lodging for one price. Some places will incorporate non-motorized watersports with the price, such as snorkeling.

Airfare typically isn’t part of the deal, but all-inclusive packages sometimes offer options to upgrade and include the plane ticket. You don’t have to worry about your essentials when you book an all-inclusive vacation.

The phrase isn’t exclusive to hotels and resorts. You can find other places that use the term to describe what that specific place offers.

All-Inclusive Yacht Charters

Our incredible yacht charters are all-inclusive, and here’s what we include with our experience:

• Alcohol
• Crew
• Fuel
• Cruising fees
• Meals
• Your stay on the boat

Sheer Yachting offers all-inclusive adventures to several destinations in the Caribbean. Our St. Barts yacht charterswill leave you booking your next trip before you leave. Nobody will leave disappointed with breathtakingly beautiful views of crystal clear blue water.

When To Book an All-Inclusive Yacht Charter

It’s always the right time to book an all-inclusive yacht charter, but these are great for vacations with the family, bachelorette or bachelor parties, or honeymoons. They’re a way to escape the loud cruise ship life and enjoy the perfect quiet, intimate, and luxurious vacation. Some have described their all-inclusive yacht charter as a red-carpet-style vacation.

Sheer Yachting allows you to rent yachts by the week, and the yacht comes standard with a knowledgeable and professional crew. We’re ready to take you and your friends out for the most incredible all-inclusive vacation you’ve ever experienced.

When planning a Caribbean trip, one of the hardest parts is deciding where to go. One popular spot that people have been checking out lately is the Grenadines. For those who don’t know, this area is a chain of about 600 islands stretching from Grenada to St. Vincent. With so many islands, visiting them all in one trip is impossible. You’ll want to use one of our Grenadines yacht charters to see as many as possible.

Now that you know where to go and how to travel the area, you need to know when the best time of the year to visit the Grenadines is. Fortunately, we’ve taken the time to break down the answer into a few essential things to note before deciding.

Based on the Weather

One great thing about the Caribbean is that the average temperature stays mostly the same all year. The lows rarely go below the upper 70s, and the highs don’t reach the 90s often. The temperature still goes down a little in the winter and is higher in the summer, but it’s barely noticeable.

However, just because the temperatures are consistent doesn’t mean the weather is always perfect. The Grenades get a decent amount of rainfall throughout the year. It’s not enough to the point that it’s dangerous, but it can ruin a day or two of your trip if you don’t plan around it. Luckily, the area doesn’t receive too much precipitation from January through May. Later in the year, though, some months can have up to 13 inches of rainfall.

Based on the Tourism

If you’re more worried about crowds than the weather, then the tourism rates are a stat that you’ll be more interested in. Unsurprisingly, the summer season is the busiest in the Grenadines. July and August are the peaks for the entire year. Outside of that, it can get busy in March, October, and around the holidays. That doesn’t mean there won’t be crowds every other month, but there should be significantly fewer tourists.

Based on the Events

While there are tons of sights to see all year long in the Grenadines, another aspect you’ll want to consider when deciding the best season to visit this area is what kind of events are going on. Of course, some of these experiences line up with upticks in tourism, but that’s the price you’ll pay to experience them. Some noteworthy events are:

• Bequia Music Festival (January)
• Mustique Blues Festival (End of January to the beginning of February)
• Bequia Regatta (Easter weekend)
• Vincy Mas Carnival (End of June to the beginning of July)
• Independence Day (October 27)
• Nine Mornings Festival (December 16 to 25)

This is only an overview of some of the holidays and festivals offered in this area. You’re bound to find an exciting activity with as many islands as the Grenadines have. There’s always something going on that’s worth seeing here.

Before looking into yacht charters, it’s not uncommon for some people to not know what a catamaran is. For those who don’t know, these boats are similar in size to standard yachts but have a completely different design. Plus, some of them use sails instead of engines.

While they might not seem like much at first glance, there’s a reason why people tend to choose a catamaran rental over a yacht. This guide will explore why that is in this list of things to expect from your Caribbean catamaran charter. We’re sure some of them will surprise you.

Spacious Interiors

When people see that catamarans don’t have a hull that fully extends into the water, they tend to assume that there’s very little space for interior rooms. This is far from the case. Each of the two hulls contains bedrooms, bathrooms, and plenty of closets and drawers for you to store your clothes and valuables. You’d be surprised how many beds these boats can fit into each of these areas. They certainly make the best possible use of that space.

That leaves the interior section of the main deck for your kitchen and living space, where you can eat meals together, play some games, or simply relax if you need a short break from the sun. This area is typically quite spacious, leaving it up to you as to how you want to use it.

A Crew To Run the Boat

One major concern that people have before renting a catamaran is not knowing how to drive it. Fortunately for you, our services only offer crewed catamaran charters in the Caribbean. That means you’ll have a trained professional taking you everywhere you need to go.

On top of that, you’ll also have a personal chef that’ll take care of all your meals on the boat. This is a wonderful plus for those looking to fully relax during their vacation. Nothing is better than sleeping in and waking up to the smell of bacon cooking. Some of our charters also include a stewardess that’ll help you find places to visit and activities to do.

Plenty of Food and Drinks

Of course, what good would a personal chef be if you still had to provide all your own food and drinks? That’s why our charters include these items on the boat as a part of the original cost. These charters even include alcoholic drinks for the adults on the trip. Some catamarans may even have premium liquors, but you’ll have to pay extra for those.

No One Getting Seasick

Unless someone had one too many complimentary alcoholic drinks, the chances of someone getting seasick on a catamaran are quite low. Due to the size and design of these boats, they don’t rock very much when out on open waters. This is also a great plus for those who would have trouble sleeping in a boat that continuously rocks back and forth. If you rent out a catamaran that uses sails over a motor, the chances of getting seasick will be even slimmer since the smell of burning gasoline won’t be present.

Beautiful Photo Opportunities

It’s hard to believe we’ve gone this far into our list of things to expect during your Caribbean catamaran cruise without mentioning all the beautiful sights there will be for you to behold. Even though these picture-perfect views will be expected, no one truly realizes how pristine they are until they experience them first-hand. We’re sure you’ll take hundreds of photos of the things you see, but only you will know how stunning they actually are.

Wi-Fi and Phone Usage

When people know they’ll spend most of their time out on open waters, they may expect to get almost entirely cut off from civilization. However, that’s not the case. Each of our boats comes with Wi-Fi that’s free to use.

Plus, there will be a satellite phone on board in case of an emergency. There’s a high chance that you won’t even need that, though. Depending on the phone plan you have, some cell towers might actually be able to reach you while you’re at sea, giving you full access to your smartphone.

Fun Activities on the Boat

While it’s nice to have access to the internet, we’re sure you won’t be using it that often since these charters come with plenty of fun activities to do while you’re on the boat. There will be plenty of noodles and floaties for you to use if you’re just dying to go for a swim. If you want to explore beneath the water’s surface, you’ll also have access to snorkel gear. Scuba gear will not be available, but you can bring your own if you’ve received proper training on how to use it.

On top of that, there will also be wakeboards, water skis, and inner tubes for you to hook up to the back of the boat and go for a ride. Plus, some of our catamarans even have built-in hot tubs, which are a perfect way to wind down after a long day of sightseeing and exploring the ocean.

Unlimited Destination Options

One of the biggest draws to private charters is the fact that you can quickly and easily visit many islands in the Caribbean in one trip. However, this tropical locale is by no means a small area. Some islands are spread very far apart, which is why we base our charters on smaller groups of islands.

Despite that limitation, it’s still possible to rent a boat in the Bahamas and check out the British Virgin Islands. There will be an additional fee for relocating, but if you’re determined to visit as many islands as possible during your trip, it’ll be well worth the money.

A Lower Cost Than Yachts

Speaking of charges, we haven’t mentioned one of the most surprising things about catamarans. As we mentioned earlier, many people choose these boats over yachts, and the reason is that they are much cheaper overall. On average, the weekly cost of a catamaran is less expensive than a similarly sized yacht. If you want to have a truly luxurious vacation but do so on a budget, catamarans are the way to go.

It’s no secret that planning a wedding is a headache and a half for everyone involved. Even if you try to keep the ceremony basic to ease the preparations, you still need to plan the honeymoon, which has plenty of its own complications. However, if you have your heart set on a Caribbean trip for you and your significant other, we’re here to convince you that the British Virgin Islands is your best bet. Here are the reasons to look into the BVI for your upcoming honeymoon.

Perfect Weather

We’d be remiss not to start this list by talking about the beautiful weather the British Virgin Islands experience. Many people come here in the winter because they experience temperatures in the 70s and low 80s. However, because of that, many people believe that the BVI is too hot in the summer.

Fortunately, this isn’t the case. These islands typically have average temperatures in the 80s during the hotter months. That means, no matter what time of the year your wedding is, the British Virgins Islands will have the perfect weather waiting for you.

Uses American Standards

Even though the BVI uses the metric system for its measurements, all the other standards in this area align with American ones. They use the US Dollar for transactions, and English is the primary language. This will make traversal through these islands much more accessible for those who have never been out of the country before, especially when the goal of the trip is to relax with your spouse.

Beautiful Beaches and Views

Of course, what good would these reasons for honeymooning in the British Virgin Islands be if they didn’t have gorgeous beaches and destinations to visit? The BVI has some of the most breathtaking beaches throughout the entire Caribbean. Plus, they have tons of caves and natural pools for you to explore together. One of the most notable examples is the Baths which you’ll find on the island of Virgin Gorda.

Sailing Capital of the World

As you learn more about the BVI, you’ll realize that there is so much to discover on the various islands in the area. Fortunately, this area is also known as the sailing capital of the world. That means there are plenty of BVI yacht charters for you to rent out and go exploring with. There’s certainly no better way to see it all than having a private boat that can take you anywhere you want to go.

With the Caribbean surrounded by as much water as these islands are, it can be assumed that there would be a ton of spots to go scuba diving, and you’d be right. There are so many that it’s impossible to see them all in one trip. However, the Bahamas are an excellent place to start if you want to visit as many as possible.

If you only have time to visit a handful of these, you’ll want to ensure that you make the best of it. That’s why you’ll need this list of the best scuba diving spots in the Bahamas. That way, you don’t miss some of the best underwater locations this spot offers.

Runway Wall

Runway Wall in Nassau is a good starting point for anyone new to scuba diving. The entire area never dips below 40 feet, making it an accessible site to navigate. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a fun location to explore for more experienced divers. There is so much to discover that you could spend weeks in this location. Plus, there are a good amount of reef sharks in these waters that you can feed for those looking for a bit of danger.

Tiger Beach

If a couple of smaller sharks aren’t good enough for you, then Tiger Beach in Grand Bahama might be a better spot to check out. This area is full of tiger sharks. Even though this dive site is only 30 feet deep, it’s not for the faint of heart. Although shark attacks are extremely rare, tiger sharks are one of the more dangerous types for humans. If you’re in it for the thrill, this place will give it to you.

Current Cut

If you’re looking for something thrilling but less dangerous, then Current Cut is a better fit. While this 60-foot dive site has plenty to discover, you’ll want to come here mainly because of the strong current that passes through during an incoming tide. When this happens, you will be swept through the narrow opening between the two islands, allowing you to see a lot at once with little effort.

French Bay Wall

One thing we haven’t talked about yet is night diving, and French Bay Wall at San Salvador Island is perfect for that. The top of the wall is only 40 feet deep and clear enough to have anywhere between 100 to 150-foot visibility, making it perfect for seeing in the moon’s low light. However, if you want to explore deeper in the daytime, many crevasses go about 100 feet down.

Columbus Point

Our final suggestion for the best places to go scuba diving in the Bahamas has to be Columbus Point at Cat Island. This is the place to go for experienced divers because it’s out in the middle of the ocean and has a few strong currents that pass through it. If you want to search for some deep-sea fish, there’s no better spot to do it.

No matter where you go, paying for a Bahamas yacht charter will be the best way to visit as many dive spots as possible. Check out the options available right now on our site.

Making the decision to charter a private yacht or catamaran for an upcoming vacation is an exciting prospect. However, before fully committing to the idea, there are some factors you must consider. These could be things that you need to think about yourself before choosing a boat or ones that you should ask the rental company. Either way, here’s a list of questions to ask before booking a private yacht charter.

What Will Be the Purpose of the Yacht Rental?

For this first question, there’s a good chance you already have an idea as to why you want to rent the yacht, but it’s essential to have a clear reason in mind for doing so. Do you want to use it to visit as many destinations as possible? Maybe you’d rather have it as a secluded place to relax away from it all.

The reasons for renting one can be just about anything, but having a clear-cut answer for this will be pretty helpful. Not only will it help you know how to pack for your trip, but it could also help you answer some of the following questions we have for you in this list.

How Long Will You Be Renting the Yacht For?

The next crucial thing to figure out is how long you’ll need to rent the yacht. If you plan on being out on the open seas for your entire trip, you’ll need to make sure you can rent one of these boats for that long. If you only plan to use a yacht or catamaran for part of your trip, that’ll also affect your decision.

The main reason is that many charter companies only rent out these boats in weekly increments. That means you’ll need to plan your trips accordingly. In most cases, you’ll need to rent it out for at least a week to even secure a reservation.

Where Do You Want To Travel With the Yacht?

Obviously, if you want to travel by yacht to various islands in Greece, you’re not going to be able to use a service that caters to the Caribbean islands, so that’s the first thing you’ll need to figure out. However, even for certain destinations, you’ll need to be more specific.

For example, if the islands you want to visit are far apart from each other, you’ll need to rent a boat that can travel the distance between them in one trip. Some smaller yachts and catamarans might not be able to make the trip. That’s why we offer our Caribbean yacht charters based on grouped islands. The popular destinations in this area are far removed from one another, leading to some trips that aren’t possible by boat.

How Many People Will Be on the Yacht?

Another reason boat size is a crucial factor to consider is that it’s very easy for smaller vessels to get crowded quickly. If you have a large family or know that the boat’s occupants will vary throughout the trip, it’s important to make sure that you rent a yacht that will comfortably fit everyone.

This is especially vital when it comes time to sleep. There must be enough cabins available for everyone to get their own bunk or one they can share with a significant other. Failing to figure this out beforehand can lead to some very uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

What Kind of Crew Do You Need?

Often, you’ll want to have a captain for this trip. Yachts and catamarans aren’t easy to pilot and require professional training. Even if you took all the courses, the last thing you want to do when trying to enjoy yourself on vacation is drive the boat the entire time. That’s why it’s best to have a captain.

If you want to relax, many charter options also come with a personal chef. They will cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for everyone in your party. Some boats come with an attendant to help service any other needs you might have. If you decide to charter a yacht through us, yours will come with a captain and chef automatically.

Should You Rent a Yacht That’s Sail- or Engine-Powered?

Not all yachts and catamarans work in the same way. Some use sails for movement, while others use engines. More often than not, people opt for engine-powered boats. This is because they are faster, much more reliable, and take up none of the deck space that a sail would.

However, that doesn’t mean sail-powered yachts aren’t an excellent choice. If you want to experience an authentic boating experience, you’ll want to go for an option that uses sails.

What Kind of Amenities Can You Expect?

Other than scenic views and luxurious travel, most yacht options have additional amenities for you to take advantage of. Other than meals cooked by the chef, you could also expect your boat to have a bar for you to choose drinks from. You’ll also have the ability to go tubing or waterskiing.

Of course, cell service is one thing that many people worry about when on a boat in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately, picking up any signal out in open waters is rare. However, each yacht will have a satellite phone in the case of an emergency. Many will also offer Wi-Fi, but signals for that will be limited.

What Goes Into Determining the Cost?

It should go without saying, but the prices of chartering most yachts and catamarans will vary depending on the size of the boat and the options they offer. The size will still be the main determining factor for these amenities, though, since smaller boats won’t be able to house all the options that larger ones can. Regardless, the pricing of these rentals will always be fair for what you’re getting in return.

If we haven’t answered all the questions you feel you should ask before renting a yacht charter, feel free to reach out to us or check out the FAQ we have on our site. We’d be happy to put any further concerns you might have to rest.