Imagine spending your vacation cruising the turquoise waters in an exotic location while being pampered and not having to lift a finger during the entire trip. Days are spent on deck with the wind in your hair, or at shore exploring different islands. As the sun sets, your yacht pulls into a tranquil lagoon and moors for the night. There’s enough time for one last dip in the balmy ocean before pre-dinner drinks are served and the chef starts preparing the first course. You were planning to move on to a different island tomorrow, but this one is so beautiful you decide to stay for another day. And maybe try one of the local restaurants for dinner the next night. No problem. Your itinerary is entirely up to you.

Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it? It is. And the good news is that it can be quite affordable too.

Luxury yacht charters come in all shapes and sizes, fully crewed, captain only, or bare boat (meaning no crew at all), sail, power, catamaran or gulets (Turkish motor-sailers); basic or with every amenity you can imagine. Most provide water toys such as kayaks, jet skis, diving equipment, windsurfers etc. And all have speedboats to take you ashore (or go water skiing). You can find a luxury yacht for less than $2,500 in the Caribbean, even during high season. That is bareboat though; if you want a crew you’ll have to spend a little bit more. But you can still rent a luxury catamaran with a crew of 4 and room for 10 in the Caribbean for less than $4,000/week per person, or a luxury sailing boat with a crew of 2 and room for 8 guests for less than $3,000/week per person.

And of course, the sky is the limit. If you want the ultimate in luxury, consider the Alysia, which cruises the Mediterranean for a bit over $1.1 million/week. But here’s what that gets you: 25,833 square feet of guest space, a crew of 36, a business center, health center, a beauty salon (with 2 beauty therapists), wine cellar, chefs, 24 hour laundry service, elevators, Bose surround sound system indoors and out, nurse on call 24 hours/day, cinema, a Yamaha grand piano, diving equipment (including waterproof cameras), waverunners, water-skis, helicopter deck, and more. It holds up to 36 guests, so if you find 35 people to share the trip with, it breaks down to a little bit over $30,000 per person.

No wonder luxury yacht charter is becoming increasingly popular. There are boats available to suit anybody’s taste and wallet, and unlike at a traditional cruise, you don’t have to stand in line for anything, you can eat dinner in your bathing suit, you don’t have to listen to intercom announcements, there is no rushing from port to port or back on the boat after a few hours on land – you’re in charge of the itinerary and everything else you feel like being in charge of.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of vacationing on a yacht in the Caribbean but left it at dreaming, this year may be the perfect time to make that dream a reality.

Because of the current economic downturn, boat owners and charter companies all over the world are lowering prices, running specials, and throwing in extras to get bookings.

Moorings are currently offering $750 off on crewed charters, and 15% off PLUS free provisions or airfare rebates on bareboat vacations.

Boatbookings have some great deals available. How about 2 weeks for the price of one on the Symphony II, a beautiful motor yacht that comes with all kinds of water toys and a chef. If you can’t take two weeks off, they are also offering or 15% off on weeklong, all-inclusive charters on the Symphony II.

If you prefer state-of-the-art sailing, you’re in luck. The Dreamcatcher, a gorgeous crewed 82-foot luxury sailing yacht is available in the Caribbean at a reduced rate of $28,000/week (the normal rate is $42,000/week).

For even more savings, consider bareboat sailing. You can find deals of up to 30% off the regular rate this spring and summer. I recently saw a great sailing catamaran out of St. Thomas available for $6,000/week, bareboat. It sleeps up to 10 people, so that’s only $600/person.

Have a honeymoon coming up? Check out the luxury catamaran “Pas De Deux” out of Tortola or St. Thomas. It has air conditioning throughout, Bose surround sound system, staterooms with en-suite baths, flat screen TVs and even a washer/dryer! Their current “Honeymoon Special” includes among other things: private transfer to the yacht, champagne reception, beachfront sunset dinner at Anegada, and accommodation in the Owner’s master cabin.

Remember, if you have your heart set on a particular yacht but don’t see any specials for it – don’t hesitate to ask. You never know what you might be able to negotiate, even if you’re not dealing directly with the boat owner.

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There are many, many choices when it comes to chartering a yacht in the UK. The United Kingdom consists of over 1,000 islands, and consequently has a lot of coastline – roughly 7767 miles. With an enormous variety of wildlife, habitats and landscapes, historic towns and seaside villages, it is a wonderful area to explore by yacht.

First, you need to decide which area you want to explore. A specific area of England? Wales, Scotland or Ireland? The Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides, the Shetland Islands and/or the Orkney Islands? There are guest ports and marinas galore in all of the UK, so it’s more a question of what you want to see and experience. For all of these areas, the best time to visit is June – September. Like elsewhere in Europe, July and August are the most crowded.

If beaches, sunshine and warmth are high on your list of priorities, go for the southeast, southwest or southern coast, the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly (a sub-tropical archipelago southwest of Land’s End known for its amazing birdlife). Along the mainland coast, you will find traditional British seaside towns with boardwalks, piers and sandy (or pebbly) beaches.

If you prefer scenery a bit more dramatic with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, but still want warm (for the area anyway) winds and seas, you might want to give Wales or the Southern coast of Ireland a try. Both areas are a bit warmer than others on the same latitude thanks to the North Atlantic drift (a continuation of the Gulf Stream) and are popular with surfers.

If chilly winds and a bit of rain, even at the height of summer, don’t bother you, head to Scotland. The country’s jaw-dropping scenery of fairy-tale looking castles perched on tiny islands; tall, steep, jagged cliffs; fjord-like inlets (lochs); its world-class fishing, and an abundance of wildlife are worth bundling up for. And you can always warm up with the help of some local whisky after touring a distillery!

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No problem. This is where a yacht charter broker comes in. Many yacht brokers are former luxury yacht crewmembers, and are well aware of the quality and level of service their customers expect. Much like a concierge, your broker will be able to find out-of-the-way experiences and places for you, and put together an itinerary entirely customized to your likes and wishes.

Some brokers specialize in the area where they live; others travel the globe inspecting yachts and meeting crews while looking for that perfect yacht match for you. If scuba diving in Thailand is your passion, they will find you a boat with a local dive master on board; if you are looking for an eco-experience in South America, they will match you with a ship that has crewmembers knowledgeable in the ecology of the area and include eco-sites in your itinerary.

And if you want to be at a certain place at a certain time, such as Cannes during the film festival, Monaco during the Grand Prix, or want to watch the America’s Cup from your own chartered luxury yacht, they can arrange that too. Your broker will also help you with any insurance needs and the yacht charter contract. And should any issues arise while you’re on your vacation, your broker will be there for you. The broker’s fee is almost always paid by the yacht’s owner, so all this comes at no additional cost to you.

Always ask your potential broker if they have seen the yacht they recommend in person and have met the crew. Conscientious brokers always do this, so if they say no, you’re better off with someone else. And ask for pictures! You want to see your “temporary home on the ocean” before committing to anything.

Whether you’re chartering a luxury yacht for the first, fourth or tenth time, a broker can be an invaluable source of information and help you plan the trip of your dreams.

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With so many options available, how do you choose?

The least expensive option is a bareboat charter (sailing or motor). That means no crew, you operate the boat yourself. This of course requires some skills, and you will have to provide proof to the charter company that you know how to pilot a boat. Most will ask for your Bareboat Certification or a sailing certificate. If this is not something that’s issued where you live, you can ask if a reference (verifying your sailing abilities) from your yacht club will do.

In some countries (Greece for example), you are required to have two qualified sailors on board (which makes sense; what if something happens to your appointed captain?). There are schools all over the country where you can learn the basics of sailing and get an ASA (American Sailing Association) Bareboat Certificate. If you feel you need a bit more guidance before going out on your own, consider a skipper for a few days (see skippered charter below).
Pros: You’re in charge, less expensive
Cons: You’re in charge; you have to prepare your own meals as well as everything else

A skippered charter will provide you with the boat and a captain who essentially is in charge and will operate the boat for you. You and your guests will be the crew. This option is perfect if nobody in your party wants to have the responsibility for the boat and the navigation, but still wants a hands-on experience. Some companies offer you the option of a skipper for a few days in the beginning of your trip so you can brush up on your sailing skills and get to know your chartered boat before assuming full responsibility for it.
Pros: You don’t need to know anything about boating, an affordable option
Cons: You’re not in charge

If you just want to kick back and relax and enjoy spending time on the ocean without any responsibilities, a crewed charter is ideal. It is more expensive than the options above, but you get the boat, captain, full crew and a cook. The crewed boats tend to be larger (and therefore more expensive), since they have to accommodate not only you and your guests, but the crew as well.
Pros: You don’t have to lift a finger, everything is taken care of but you decide where to go and what to do
Cons: More expensive, you’re never alone

If you have a large group with varying sailing skills, flotilla sailing is a fun option. You charter several boats (usually 6-12) and the lead boat will have a skipper, mechanic and hostess who takes care of the itinerary and will help you out when needed. The other boats in the flotilla will each be skippered by one of your group, so you do need a few skilled people.
Pros: The skipper is there in case you need help or advise
Cons: Less freedom

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Now that you’ve decided which form of charter is right for you (bareboat, skippered, crewed or flotilla), it’s time to focus on the type of boat you want.

I find sailing incredibly soothing and exhilarating at the same time. It can be still and quiet or fast and action-packed all depending on the wind and your choices. If you want to be able to hear the ocean and really be part of the environment, and view the act of sailing as the event itself (rather than a means to get somewhere fast), then sailing is for you. It does take longer to get anywhere than when traveling by motor; you are at the mercy of the winds; the boat will lean to the side when the wind is strong and you’re going fast; and there will be ropes and the boom to watch out for. Having said that, I think sailing can’t be beat and everyone should give it a try at some point.

If you want speed and prefer to go from one location to the next fast, a powerboat or motor yacht is for you. They do make a lot of noise, and you won’t feel as much part of the environment as when sailing. On the upside, you don’t have to mess around with sails and such, just turn a key and you’re on your way. They provide a more stable surface underfoot, usually have more spacious living quarters, and since they are fast, you will be able to fit more into your itinerary.

For even more stability, try a catamaran. Available in both power and sail, they are the most stable of all the options, making them a great choice if you have guests new to sailing or suffering from seasickness. They travel faster than monohulls, they provide lots of space both indoors and out, and with their shallow drafts they are able to go in closer to land and in areas where monohulls can’t go. One thing I love in particular about catamarans is the tramp or nets in front – a great place to relax and feel the spray of the ocean on your face while underway, and they provide a spectacular first-row seat when dolphins are around. On the downside, catamarans do take up more space, so if you’re in a crowded marina, that might be an issue.

Gulets are graceful, traditional Turkish two-masted wooden sailing boats. Originally used by fishermen, traders and sponge divers, gulets these days are designed with comfort in mind. Although mostly found in Turkey, they are becoming increasingly popular in the entire Mediterranean area. They are usually configured as motor-sailers, so while you can enjoy the peacefulness of sailing, you won’t be stuck in port on a calm day. Gulets are wide beam boats, which means you have lots of space to enjoy both on deck and below, regardless of whether you charter a comfortable 50-foot vessel or a 108-foot luxury gulet with dining room, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets. The aft deck on gulets is a particularly cozy spot, usually outfitted with a wraparound cushioned bench, perfect for a nap or taking in the surroundings while enjoying a pre-dinner drink.

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The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is the sailing capital of the Caribbean and a fantastic place for yacht charters. A prime spot for diving, snorkeling and fishing, these 60+ idyllic islands offer a wide variety of experiences. Whether you are looking for a fully crewed, skippered or bareboat charter, or even just day sailing, the opportunities are endless. And if you’re in the market for a luxury Caribbean yacht charter, you’ve come to the right place!

Tortola, the largest and most populated of the islands, is home to Road Town, the capital of the BVI. Tortola offers numerous protected anchorages, white sandy beaches, lush mountains, national parks, a botanical garden and a myriad of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, horseback riding, shopping and dining. Consistent Caribbean trade winds and a myriad of bays and coves make Tortola a prime choice for boaters, and the majority of the yacht charter companies are located here.

Virgin Gorda, the second largest inhabited island in the BVI, is home to the world-famous Bitter End Yacht Club (reachable only by water) and the Little Dix Bay resort (designed by Laurance S. Rockefeller). There is also an abundance of natural beauty – many gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, a nature sanctuary (with great bird watching) and of course shopping and dining. Don’t miss The Baths; a geologic formation of huge boulders strewn about by a volcanic eruption 70 million years ago, creating grottoes and saltwater pools.

Jost Van Dyke, with fewer than 200 inhabitants and known for its casual lifestyle, is THE place to drop anchor for the night – either at Great Harbour, Little Harbour or White Bay. Don’t miss a visit to the world famous Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay (no dock, you have to swim up) and try one of their “Painkillers”, a rum drink legendary in the Caribbean. Great Harbour is home to many bars and restaurants, the most well-known being Foxy’s, famous for their wild parties (their annual New Year’s Eve party in particular) and owner, Philicianno “Foxy” Callwood, who sings and plays guitar for his guests (there are also live bands Thur – Sun). Worth mentioning too is the Local Flavor Beach Bar (aka the Stress Free Bar) which runs on an honor system. You mix your own drinks and leave the appropriate amount of money when you leave! Jost Van Dyke is also an excellent spot for snorkeling, and for a non-aquatic experience, explore the island on foot on one of the many hiking trails.

Anegada, which lies northernmost in the chain, is the only coral island in the otherwise volcanic BVI. With 16 miles of beautiful, secluded, white sand beaches and a population of about 200, Anegada is a place to get away and relax. Surrounded by the 18-mile Horseshoe Reef (the second largest barrier coral reef on earth), Anegada is heaven for snorkelers and scuba divers. In addition to sea turtles and copious amount of fish, there are numerous sunken ships: British warships, Spanish galleons and American privateers. There is plenty of exciting flora and fauna on land as well; loblolly, frangipani, sea lavender and wild orchids can be found all over the island. At the saltwater ponds and mangrove swamps you will see Caribbean flamingos and many other exotic birds. The island is also home to the endangered Anegada Rock Iguana. In spite of its “deserted island” atmosphere, there are several local restaurants and it is said the lobster here is the best in the Caribbean. Make sure you try the special drink of Anagada, the “Rum Teaser”

In addition to the above main islands, there are numerous others to explore, inhabited and not, nature reserves, privately owned, or just slivers of sand. The most famous of the privately owned is perhaps Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private paradise in the Caribbean. The island is available for rent, but if renting the entire island is out of your budget, you still have a chance to visit – they do offer rooms for rent during specific weeks of the year. Peter Island is another private island accessible by boat or helicopter. There is only one resort on the island, but private yachts are welcome to visit. Sprat Bay has moorings, ice, water, fuel and showers available for visitors.

Cooper Island, 5 miles from Tortola, is the picture-perfect Caribbean island. With only four, privately owned properties and no roads and cars, the unspoiled Cooper is a true island getaway. Surrounded by coral reefs and aquamarine water, it is perfect for snorkeling, or just relaxing on one of the white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms. Or explore the island on foot – you will find many exotic birds and plants.

There is so much more to see in the BVI, and chartering a yacht is the perfect way to do it. With many islands and areas only accessible by boat, you will be able to escape the crowds and visit many sites that you would otherwise miss. Whether you’re a first time sailor or experienced boater, a yacht charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands will be a trip to remember.

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