Stargazing. Is there a more relaxing and beautiful activity? We don’t think so! The Caribbean is one of the best places to gaze at the stars, moon, and planets. The skies come alive at night down in this region. If you’re planning on stargazing on a Caribbean yacht charter, here’s what you can expect.

Prepare To Be Amazed

The planets and moon pass overhead in the Caribbean, unlike in Europe and North America, where they’re close to the horizon. It will be an experience you won’t soon forget. Stargazers flock to the area to witness the amazing experience of seeing the stars directly overhead.

The atmosphere is also thinner in the Caribbean. The stars, moon, and planets will appear closer, brighter, and more vibrant than you’ve ever seen them before.

Easier To Spot Constellations

The absence of light pollution makes the Caribbean the ideal location to spot constellations. You’ll probably find starry constellations you’ve never seen before. The further south you travel, between the Equator and Tropic of Cancer, the easier it will be to spot these breathtaking sites.

Ensure you pack your binoculars and telescope to get a closer view. You can also use apps to help you spot specific constellations and planets. These options are certainly easier to use than a star chart in the dark.

Away From Land Is Best

The further away from land you get, the better because you’re eliminating any light that could dim the stargazing experience. Fill the decks with comfy cushions, lay down on your back, and gaze up at the sky. There are plenty of incredible places to stop. Turks and Caicos is one you shouldn’t miss. Another stop you should make to enjoy stargazing on a Caribbean yacht charter is Curacao.

Look for Glowworms

There are certain places where you can watch the glowworms sparkle and shine in the waters beneath you while you stargaze. Turks and Caicos are one, and around Providenciales is the other. These unique marine worms will display a green glow during the mating ritual, usually a couple of days after the full moon. The beautiful sight will light up the waters below you, mirroring the spectacularly lit sky. It’s definitely an experience you won’t want to miss.

A yacht charter trip in the Caribbean is exactly what the doctor ordered. Book your next private yacht charter in the Caribbean with Sheer Yachting. Our expert captains and crews will ensure the perfect getaway for you, your friends, and your family. Contact us today to get started planning your next vacation!

St. Barts is a small Caribbean island, also known as Saint Barthélemy. Many famous and wealthy individuals flock to this island yearly for fun in the sun, and many travelers love to escape to the villas on the island for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

However, St. Barts is more than a playground for the rich. St. Barts is a distinctively French island full of life and leisure. The island reminds you to take a moment to stop and smell the sea breeze between discovering impressive volcanic peaks, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, loads of activities, and plenty of shopping. No matter your budget, you’re sure to find something to do at St. Barts, the French Riviera with a Caribbean twist.

One fantastic way to experience St Barts is with a catamaran charter. If this is something you want to do, check out these top things to do on a catamaran charter in St. Barts. They’re sure to help you get the most out of your luxurious vacation.

Places to Stop

St. Barts has incredible places to stop and explore while you’re on your lavish catamaran vacation. There’s no shortage of calm waters, fabulous restaurants, a laid-back atmosphere, and gorgeous beaches. If you love shopping, a diverse culture, and relaxation, St. Barts is the perfect destination for you. Here are some of the top destinations around St. Barts.

Drop Anchor in Gustavia Harbor

Gustavia is the town you can’t miss when you visit St. Barts. The picturesque harbor provides shelter from the trade winds, making it the best place to relax and unwind on your trip. Jump into the crystal blue waters to spend a morning or afternoon swimming. Set up a beach towel on your catamaran to sunbathe and soak up the bright sunshine.

Hop off the charter to explore the many restaurants, shops, and beaches Gustavia offers. The natural beauty will awe you while you walk from shop to shop or sip delicious wine at a local bar. Adventurous types can windsurf or jet ski around the area. Scuba diving enthusiasts will appreciate the colorful coral reefs waiting for them underneath the water.

Ensure you also stop at a favorite local restaurant in town, Bonito. Enjoy the magnificent harbor views while dining on French and South American dishes. Stop by Le Select Bar for a delicious burger. According to legend, the burger inspired Jimmy Buffet to write Cheeseburger in Paradise.

Stop by Corossol

Find this gem of a town along the island’s western shores. You’ll immerse yourself in the local culture when you stop in Corossol. It’s fondly known as the straw village because the women weave crafts and straw hats using palm fronds.

Don’t skip the Inter Oceans Museum. This place has an astonishing collection of over 9,000 shells. After visiting the museum, lounge by the calming, turquoise waters on Corossol Beach. Local fishermen use it as a port of call.

Visit Saline Beach

Sail into the southern coast of St. Barts to visit Saline Beach. Here, you will experience some of the most stunning stretches of beach and ocean in the Caribbean. Visit a protected cove surrounded by dunes to enjoy mesmerizing blue waters and white sandy beaches. You’ll find it’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book and spend all day reading. Take a dip in the spectacular waters to cool down between naps.

Go to St. Jean Beach

Located right outside Gustavia, you’ll find this amazing beach with natural coral reefs. St. Jean’s beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island of St. Barts. If you’re looking for the perfect swimming place, you don’t want to skip over visiting this one. If you have kids, they will love building sandcastles while you enjoy lounging in the water or sipping a cocktail.

And if you’re looking for fast-paced activity on the beach, visit one of the many watersport centers, where you can rent windsurfers, snorkel gear, surfboards, and other watersport gear.

Experiences You Can’t Miss

St. Barts is full of can’t-miss experiences that will create memories for a lifetime. You’ll find plenty of adventures await you as you travel on your catamaran charter. There’s hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping, and eating all on this one Caribbean island. Here’s more information on each of these activities.

Chic Shopping

There are plenty of opportunities for high-end shopping on St. Barts. Shops like Louis Vuitton and Cartier line the streets of Gustavia. You’ll still have to pay luxury prices for high-end products, but duty-free shopping is why enthusiasts appreciate picking up luxury items on the island.

You’ll also find plenty of boutiques where you’ll discover beachwear, jewelry, designer clothing, and accessories. If you want to pick up some incredible French skincare products, stop by a pharmacie.

Kitesurfing and Other Watersports

Kitesurfing is one activity you can’t miss, especially on Grand Cul-de-Sac Beach. The shallow bay and steady winds make it the perfect spot to glide across the water. And the clear blue water means you can see all sorts of vibrant marine life swimming below. There are also kitesurfing schools nearby if you’re a beginner or need a refresher course.

The beach is also a great place to kayak or windsurf, which you can also do at many locations all over the island.

Scuba Dive

St. Barts is home to an incredible array of marine wildlife that swims among the wrecks and coral reefs. Avid and beginner divers alike will enjoy the underwater experience full of tropical fish and sea turtles all around St. Barts, particularly in the protected marine park at Colombier Beach.

The sandy ocean floor is host to vibrantly colored coral, and you can watch sea life at play. This spot is ideal if you’re a first-time diver, but don’t let that deter you if you are an experienced diver. It’s definitely a place to add to and cross off your bucket list.

Book Your Trip

Now that you know the top things to do on a catamaran charter in St. Barts, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to St. Barts today! For a seamless experience, utilize the professional services of Sheer Yachting. Whether you’re looking for a catamaran charter or a luxury yacht rental in St. Barts, we’re the experienced company to turn to. We want to help you have the vacation of your dreams!

Top Things To Do on a Catamaran Charter in St. Barts

The Caribbean is home to some incredibly colorful wildlife. Sailing through the turquoise waters can lead to spontaneous encounters with turtles, sharks, birds, and more! Keep reading to explore which specific animals you’re likely to spot while snorkeling, diving and sailing in the Grenadines.

Nurse Sharks

The Grenadines are full of harmless nurse sharks that prod around in the sand looking for small fish. You’ll most likely encounter these smaller sharks sleeping while you’re snorkeling. These nocturnal creatures hide out in crevices or under reef overhangs during the daytime. It’s an incredible experience to see a nurse shark in the wild.

Hermit Crabs

You’ll likely come across a moving shell while strolling on the beach. Hermit crabs love sand. It’s where they find new homes as they outgrow their current ones.

If you want to find one, sit still on the sand and wait for a curious black eye to appear. Be careful because thermit crabs do have pincers. They’re usually too small to do any damage, but they can still hurt.

Sea Turtles

You’ll find sea turtles everywhere while you sail in the Grenadines. Dive into the water and watch the turtles munch on seagrass, unaffected by all the snorkelers and other onlookers. If you prefer to stay on the boat, you’ll still see little turtle heads pop up for air.

One of the best places to view these adorable creatures is the Tobago Cays. Marine life is protected in this area, and you’re sure to encounter more than sea turtles.

Spotted Eagle Rays

Imagine bobbing in crystal blue waters and being surrounded by one of the most graceful marine creatures. Watch them dance through the water with ease. These rays will wow you with their beautiful speckles and long tails.

Sea Birds

You’ll find terns, boobies, seagulls, and frigatebirds flying above as you sail through the Grenadines. Frigatebirds are easily noticeable with their dark red throats. They’re known to glide high above masts.

Boobies love to ride the tailwind of boats and do this for kilometers at a time. Sandpipers run along the shore, looking for the perfect place to nest.

Book a Grenadines catamaran charter if you’re ready to view this amazing wildlife while sailing. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience everyone on vacation will enjoy.

The Caribbean consists of over 7,000 islands, each unique in its own way. They all have something to offer, depending on what you’re looking for from your getaway. Are you looking for a family-friendly vacation? Do you want the quintessential relaxing vacation in the Caribbean? Would you like to have amazing underwater adventures? Keep reading to learn how to decide which Caribbean island you should visit.

Incredible Onshore Adventures

The Caribbean has no shortage of onshore adventures waiting for you. Most of the Caribbean islands have rich, storied pasts, but Antigua is home to museums, the British Naval Dockyard, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, and spectacular nature trails.

St. Kitts and Nevis also have plenty of museums for you to explore. Don’t miss Brimstone Hill Fortress, a pirate-era landmark you and the family will love. You can also walk among local flora and fauna at the botanical gardens.

Visit St. Lucia if you want to travel to new heights in the rainforest. The lush forested hillsides create the perfect backdrop for family photos.

Budget Friendly Options

You don’t have to make sacrifices to enjoy a Caribbean vacation. You can enjoy relaxation and warm weather at budget-friendly prices. Bonaire is one of the most interesting islands and has fascinating historical places to visit. Plus, it’s perfect for any budget.

If affordable glam is what you’re looking for, book a trip to the British Virgin Islands. Relax on one of the many beaches, knowing you didn’t blow your budget.

You may have sticker shock with St. Barts, but the quality and quantity blow the other islands out of the water. Book a private yacht charter in St. Barts to experience everything this amazing place offers.

Fun for the Family

The Bahamas has been a popular family-friendly destination for years. It’s home to some amazing resorts, including the world-renowned Atlantis Resort. The kids will love swimming with dolphins, eating local food, and plunging down the tall slides into the “shark-infested” waters.

We hope this guide helps you decide which Caribbean island is the right one to visit. No matter where you explore, you’ll have amazing adventures, relax on sandy beaches, and swim in crystal-clear waters.

Many people don’t consider yacht charters a family-friendly vacation, but simply that’s untrue. Yes, many couples enjoy them for romantic getaways and honeymoons, but they’re also perfect for families.

Kids can live out their fantasy of feeling like a pirate and sailing the ocean blue onboard a luxury yacht. If you’re considering booking a yacht charter with kids, these are the essential things you should know.

The Crew Matters

When spending money on any vacation, you want to ensure everything goes smoothly, especially when you’ll be in close quarters with people for a while. Companies want to ensure that all guests on board have a fabulous time—even the littlest ones.

Choose a yacht charter that enjoys working with kids. They’ll have an understanding that kids are unpredictable, pickier, and noisy. A great kid-friendly crew will plan themed parties, nautical lessons, and fun games to engage the kids and make them feel special. They can make the experience more magical and memorable for your children, which makes all the difference.

Create a Family-Friendly Itinerary

Create a family-friendly itinerary for the entire family. What do your kids enjoy doing? Do they appreciate learning about different cultures? Does one kid love to swim and build sandcastles?

Plan seaside adventures for the younger kids filled with swimming, digging holes in the sand, snorkeling, nature hikes, and spotting interesting wildlife and marine life. Older kids may appreciate more exciting adventures such as surfing lessons, visiting historic sites, scuba diving, and kayaking.

Your yacht broker will be happy to help you plan if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed. They can help you design the perfect itinerary everyone in the family will love. Brokers know which adventures are worth it and help you book all activities. Don’t forget to leave time for relaxation and family time on the yacht.

Talk to the Kids

Involving your kids and asking for their input will prepare and excite them about the charter. What would their ideal location look like? What places would they like to go to? Are there activities they’d like to try? Asking these questions will help you get a feel of what your kids would like from the vacation.

Opening up the conversation to them will make your children feel special and excited about the trip. It will give them something to look forward to and help them feel involved. Use this time to discuss onboard safety.

Safety Precautions

There are certain safety precautions you’ll need to discuss with the kids. A large yacht will pose hazards they’re not used to, such as a slippery deck, falling overboard, and rocking back and forth. Teach them these rules to keep everyone safe.

  • Always listen to the captain.
  • Never swim unsupervised.
  • Don’t throw things or run onboard.
  • Avoid the front of the yacht without adults.
  • Stay on the boat and ask an adult if you want to leave the vessel.

Pick the Right Destination

With so many destinations around the world, how do you pick the right kid-friendly place? There are certain destinations more suited for children. You and the family go on adventures and build memories to last a lifetime.

Alaska

Alaska boasts stunning landscapes at every turn. If your family loves being outdoors, Alaska is the place. The family can explore glaciers, go whale watching, hike majestic trails, and go fishing.

Bahamas

The Bahamas provides plenty of kid-friendly adventures. It’s the place to go if everyone loves the water. You can safely swim with nurse sharks, go wakeboarding, and encounter vibrantly colored marine life.

Amalfi Coast

Many people flock to this part of Italy for their honeymoons, but it’s also an excellent family-friendly destination. Everyone will love eating delicious pizza, exploring Medieval castles, and grotto tours. Consider booking a yacht charter to this gorgeous destination if your kids are older.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Your family will find no shortage of beautiful weather and gorgeous views in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The best time to visit this destination is during the late summer. Explore scenic ocean views at Fort Charlotte, find luxurious waterfalls, and go snorkeling at the Tobago Cays.

Sheer Yachting offers St. Vincent yacht charters that are perfect for the family. Browse our website to find the ideal family getaway.

Maine

The northwest corner of America is full of amazing adventures for the family. Take a family hike in Acadia National Park, explore the many museums, and bike ride one of the many trails.

Fun Maine Fact

Maine is where the sun first hits the United States each day.

Pick the Right Vessel

Not all yachts are created equal, and safety is a parental concern while onboard a large vessel. Your charter broker will help you choose which boat best serves your needs.

You’ll want yachts with specific features. Are there gates and netting to prevent children from falling or entering dangerous areas? What will the sleeping accommodations look like? Are there twin or double beds for the children to sleep on? Does the vessel have child-friendly activities onboard?

Most yachts can add childproofing features. You’ll want to ensure each child has a comfortable place to sleep. Everyone needs rest to have energy for the adventures. Ensure the yachts has plenty of water toys and entertainment below the deck for when the kids need a moment to relax. Slides and innertubes are popular choices and are loved by most children.

Have Onboard Entertainment

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate with your plans, or you spend the day traveling to the next location at sea. It’s important to look over what the yacht charter has for onboard activities and amenities. The yacht should contain entertainment to keep everyone preoccupied.

What about a space to curl up and watch movies or play video games? Is Wi-Fi included? The crew can also plan activities to help entertain everyone.

Plan your next vacation with a yacht broker like Sheer Yachting. We’re here to help plan the perfect luxury family getaway. Family yacht charters are an excellent way to see the world and make memories. Follow the above tips to ensure a smooth vacation. A yacht broker will help guide you through the entire process. So, what are you waiting for? Book your yacht charter family escape today!

Essential Things To Know About Charting a Yacht With Kids

The Bahamas consist of over 700 hundred islands, providing a dream vacation. The pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters will encourage everyone to relax the second they arrive.

If you’re visiting this amazing island chain for the first time, you’re probably wondering what activities and places you can’t miss. While there’s no shortage of things to do, there are a few spots you’ll want to encounter in the Bahamas.

Pig Beach

Pig Beach is part of the Bahamian islands called the Exumas, located about 80 miles southeast of Nassau. There are various resorts and rentals across the Exumas, but most visitors stay in Nassau. There is an airport if you’d like to be close to the action. You can also book a day trip to the beach from Nassau. Understand you’ll have to take a boat to the beach.

Ensure your tour is going to Big Major Cay; it’s the original pig beach. The pigs tend to be most active in the morning, but that’s also when most tours to the island occur. Book a late afternoon tour if you don’t want to share the pigs. Of course, if you book a yacht rental in the Bahamas, you can stop there any time you’d like.

Lucayan National Park

Lucayan National Park expands over 40 acres and is home to one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Two of the caves are open to the public, but divers must receive a permit to dive there. You’ll surround yourself with mangroves, palm trees, and gorgeous waters.

Explore the exquisite Gold Rock Beach. You may recognize it from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Immerse yourself in nature as you kayak through the mangroves.

Thunderball Grotto

Located west of Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto is a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and coral. This brilliant place will make you feel like you’re living a dream. Ensure you take your snorkelling equipment with you on your low-tide swim into Thunderball Grotto, and admire the exotic marine life below. You’ll need diving equipment if you try to enter the grotto during high tide.

The Bahamas are an incredible place to vacation. It’s the premier place to relax and unwind from everyday life. Be sure to visit these amazing places the first time you make your way to the Bahamas. You won’t be disappointed.