Caribbean yacht charter
Last updated on 8 April 2025
Types of boats to rent in the Caribbean
Depending on your budget and your sailing plans in The Caribbean, several types of boats are available:
- A monohull sailboat charter is the most affordable option, perfect for those with sailing experience! Its size allows for easy access to coves and anchorage areas. Sailing on a monohull also offers unparalleled sensations, such as heeling over.
- Opting for a catamaran charter is ideal for those seeking comfort and space on board. With its remarkable stability and generous space, the catamaran is the perfect alternative for a relaxing vacation, if your budget allows. In the Caribbean, more than half of the boats on offer are catamarans. That's why we recommend a catamaran cruise in the Caribbean.
- A motor yacht charter is generally more economical, making it the ideal option for a day trip.
Services offered for your yacht charter in the Caribbean
Here are the different services we offer for renting a boat in the Caribbean:
- Opting for a bareboat yacht charter is ideal if someone in the crew is experienced in navigation. You will enjoy the boat in complete privacy, which will enrich your cruise in the Caribbean with your friends or family.
- Opting for a yacht charter with a skipper is the ideal alternative if no one in your group knows how to sail or if you are looking for a hassle-free vacation. The professional skipper will take care of navigation and, thanks to his local knowledge, will direct you to the best anchorages and restaurants.
- It is common to opt for a crewed yacht charter for luxury vessels over 20 meters. For a catamaran charter in The Caribbean measuring between 10 and 20 meters, this service is often offered as an extra. A standard crew consists of a captain, a cook and a hostess. They will devote themselves entirely to your well-being to guarantee you an unforgettable cruise!
- The cruise with individual cabin charter allows you to book a cabin on an elegant and friendly boat, in the company of other travelers. A professional crew manages the navigation, the preparation of meals and the service on board. It is the perfect solution for those who wish to travel as a couple or for those who do not have the budget to rent the entire boat.
How much does a yacht charter in The Caribbean cost?
The following table gives you a dead reckoning of the average prices for a sailboat charter in the Caribbean. Note that these rates may vary depending on the season, availability, type of model, age of the boat and other factors.
| Type of boat | High season July and August | Mid-season May, June and September | Low season April and October |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monohull (2 cabins) | 3,800 USD | 3,000 USD | 3,000 USD |
| Monohull (3 cabins) | 4,500 USD | 3,500 USD | 3,500 USD |
| Monohull (4 cabins) | 5,500 USD | 4,500 USD | 4,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 30 and 40 feet) | 7,000 USD | 6,000 USD | 5,500 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 50 feet) | 14,000 USD | 12,000 USD | 10,000 USD |
The price includes: yacht charter and main equipment on board (sails, crockery, Wi-Fi, dinghy, bedding and outboard engine).
The price does not include: insurance, port and anchorage fees, the skipper, hostess, cleaning (which is often included in a compulsory package), extras (kayak, paddle sup, etc.) and provisions taken on board.
If you are interested in chartering a yacht in The Caribbean, please don't hesitate to contact us directly to consult our rates. Costs can fluctuate considerably depending on the type of yacht. Lina, our specialist in crew and high-end boats, will be delighted to present you with our best offers.
We suggest you choose our cancellation insurance when you take out a yacht charter in The Caribbean. It offers protection to the entire crew, unlike personal cancellation insurance or that offered by your credit card, which generally only protects the holder.
We also recommend that our customers take out damage waiver insurance. Even the most experienced sailors are not completely sheltered from incidents at sea. With this insurance, you will be able to recover a large part of your deposit in the event of damage during navigation.
Where can you sail in The Caribbean?
There are four sailing areas accessible by boat in the Caribbean:
- The British Virgin Islands. This unspoiled archipelago is the wildest you will find in the Caribbean. You can leave from Tortola
- Anguilla Bank. This is an underwater plateau made up of several islands, including Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy and Anguilla. The crossings between the islands are short, combining trendy nightlife, good restaurants, but also some very wild beaches. Not to be missed: the traditional village of Grand Case in St. Martin, St Barth and Tintamarre.
- Guadeloupe, Les Saintes and Marie-Galante. The sailing times between the small islands are short, allowing you to complete a cruise in a week. It is an excellent alternative to the Grenadines for French customers who have less than 10 days available. Sail to the small archipelago of Les Saintes, the beautiful island of Marie-Galante, and the Petite-Terre reserve.
- Martinique and the Grenadines. This is the top sailing itinerary in the Caribbean, combining paradise islands and long, sporty sailing trips! The ideal option is a 10-day charter from Martinique. There you will find one of the most beautiful places in the world: the Tobago Cays (5 mini islands in a lagoon, to the west of Mayreau).
When to sail in the Caribbean?
The climate in The Caribbean is warm all year round with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C. It is therefore possible to go on a cruise most of the time. However, the months of September and October should be avoided as they correspond to the cyclone season. It is therefore an ideal destination for those who wish to enjoy the sun during the European winter.
Here is an average of the temperatures recorded in recent years in the Caribbean:
| Temperatures | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air min (°C) | 22°C | 22° | 22° | 23° | 24°C | 25° | 24° | 24° | 24° | 23° | 23° | 22° |
| Air max (°C) | 29° | 29° | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32° | 32° | 33° | 32° | 31° | 30° | 30° |
| Sea water (°C) | 27° | 27° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 29° | 28° | 28° |
Sailing conditions in the Caribbean will depend on where you are on the windward side. The prevailing winds are the trade winds, which blow from east to west, especially from December to June. On the eastern coasts or in the channels between the islands, it often blows at wind force 4, 5 or 6 (approximately 15 to 25 knots, or 27 to 45 km/h). On the west coasts, you are more protected.
The documents required to rent a boat without a skipper in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, you will need a boat license to skipper a monohull or a catamaran. You will also need to present a nautical CV with your main sailing experience on similar boats.
Useful information for your yacht charter in the Caribbean
Which currency is used in The Caribbean?
The currency used in Saint Martin, Martinique and Guadeloupe is the euro. In the British Virgin Islands, the US dollar ($) is used. On all the other Caribbean islands, you will need to have Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$).
How do I get to The Caribbean?
There are direct flights from Paris to Fort-de-France (Martinique), Pointe-à-Pître (Guadeloupe) and Saint-Martin. There are also fast connections by small plane from Saint-Martin to Tortola. However, you will need to allow for longer connections to reach Saint Lucia and Grenada.
How do I finalize the booking of my boat in the Caribbean?
As soon as we receive your charter request, an advisor will contact you to discuss your cruise plans. They will then email you a list of suggested yachts tailored to your needs. Once you have selected the yacht of your choice, you can pay a deposit via your customer area to confirm the charter and book the yacht.
Can I rent a boat to follow the Tour des Yoles?
None of our rental partners will rent you a boat to follow the Tour des Yoles.
What customs formalities are required when changing islands in The Caribbean?
You will need to pay the customs formalities fee of around USD70 when leaving one territory and entering a new one. A passport is compulsory.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 542 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Chef (meals not included), Sailor, Engineer |
| Average price per week | $24,193 |
| Minimum weekly price | $1,477 |
| Maximum price per week | $1,012,725 |