The big question when planning your charter yacht vacation is – “What do I have to pack?”
The first tip to packing is not to pack too much. Trust us, you will need far less than you think.
Remember that storage onboard yachts is usually limited, and it is not easy to store large hard suitcases. Strong medium-sized rolling soft bags are great and are easy to stow away.
You will also need a small bag or backpack as a carry-on for your valuables such as phones, tablets, charging cables, medicines, and your travel documents.
Most yachts will provide a range of amenities such as sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Your crew will reach out to you a couple of weeks before your trip and will let you know what they have onboard so that you do not have to bring unnecessary items. If not, sunscreen is a must. Please bring only non-spray sunscreen as it often stains towels and decks orange because of ingredients.
This lets you arrive carefree, knowing you can travel as lightly as possible.
The most important items to remember are your travel documents and passports. Ensure that your passport is valid, has 6 months left before it expires, and has at least one blank page left. It is also wise to keep a photo of your passport on your phone. Also remember any medications that you are taking and travel with them in your carry on bag.
Nearly all yachts in the Caribbean will have American plug sockets and those in the Mediterranean will have European sockets. Please pack any adapters you may need for any of your electrical items.
While on your crewed yacht charter, you will probably spend most of your time in your swimsuit, shorts, T-shirts, cover-ups, rashguards, and sundresses. As well as flip flops and sandals, water shoes are also great for when wading in shallow water. Whilst onboard you will be barefoot, however if you do need to wear shoes, please bring ones with clean white soles so that they do not mark the decks. For hiking ashore or for those who like running, bring a pair of sneakers and socks. We recommend casual and comfortable attire onboard, and if you want to dress up a little for dinner ashore or a little dancing with local entertainment, something a little more stylish may be in order. The evenings can get a little cooler in the spring and autumn in the Mediterranean and during winter months in the Caribbean; a couple of light sweaters and a jacket would be a good addition to your packing list.
Does a crewed yacht charter sound like your dream vacation? Let us help you make that dream a reality! Epic Yacht Charters offers access to the best sailing or motor catamarans and motor yachts for vacations in the Virgin Islands, the rest of the Caribbean, and Greece.
Contact us and ask how we can help you find the right boat and crew for your next unforgettable all-inclusive vacation!
No, meal plans are chosen at booking and factored into your charter contract.
Before your charter begins, you’ll complete a detailed preference sheet covering:
- Dietary requirements, restrictions, and accommodations
- Allergies
- Favorite foods and cuisines
- Include wine, cocktail, and beverage preferences.
- Activity interests
- Wake-up times and meal schedules
- Indicate special occasions or celebrations details such as birthdays or anniversaries
- List favorite snacks or ingredients you’d like on board
Your chef uses this information to provision the yacht with exactly what you love, creating customized menus that feel personally designed for your group.
Generally crewed yacht charters in the Caribbean can start any day of the week, so long as the calendar allows. However, during Christmas and New Year’s, the yachts will have set 7 night dates.
As the Mediterranean has a shorter season, the yachts like to make the most out of the weeks available. This could mean that you would have to take dates that would leave a 24 hour gap between already booked charters. Yachts maybe more flexible out of high season.
- Larger motor yachts will have a laundry service onboard.
- Large catamarans may have washing facilities for a few items of clothing throughout the charter.
- Smaller Catamarans will not have the space to have any facilities.
7 nights is the typical length of a crewed yacht charter. Most yachts will charter a minimum of 5 nights up to any duration you would like. Some yachts have a standard 7 night minimum.
- Location – A five night charter would in a location such as the British Virgin Islands, as the distances to travel between islands are fairly short. Destinations such as Greece, Croatia and Bahamas, where the island are further apart, we would suggest 7 nights.
- Season – During high season in the Mediterranean (July and August) the minimum number of nights is 7. Also during Christmas, New Years and some yachts, Thanksgiving in the Caribbean.
- Availability – Yachts may offer less than 5 nights during slow season or if it is a last minute request.
No. The barefoot rule is there to keep the decks undamaged, carpets from getting stained and soles from marking the clean decks. If you need to have shoes on for medical reasons you can wear white soled shoes that have not been worn outside. Shoes specifically designed for yachts or soft sports sandals, with a good grip on the sole, would be an option. Here is more information on What to Pack
Caribbean – Once you decide on the yacht you would like to book, we will put a complimentary hold on your dates. while the hold is in place we will draw up a contract for you to sign along with details of how to pay your deposit. If you are more than 6 months away from your charter, a 25% deposit is required (50% if under 6 months). Payments of 25% at 6 months out, and the final 50% will be due 60 days before the charter. Your monies are held in escrow and the yacht owner is paid right before your charter.
Bahamas – Same payment terms as Caribbean except the VAT and Charter Tax is added to your final payment along with any APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Some yachts in the Bahamas include the APA in their rate.
Mediterranean – Once you decide which yacht that you would like to charter you need to be ready to sign your contract and submit your deposit as soon as possible. The deposit is 50% of the charter fee. 2 months before your charter we will invoice you for the other 50%, the VAT and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
What Should I Pack for My Yacht Charter?
What Should I Pack for My Yacht Charter?Packing for a luxury yacht vacation is different from packing for a typical resort stay. Space is limited onboard, but a great deal is already waiting for you. Your crew provides beach towels, bed linens and snorkel gear for every guest, along with everyday comforts like hairdryers, so none of that needs to come with you. To help you prepare, we have created a practical packing guide so you bring everything you need without overpacking. Browse Our Luxury Charter Fleet to see what’s already included onboard.
Essential Wardrobe
- Multiple swimsuits for daily water activities
- Light, breathable clothing to wear over swimwear
- 2–3 casual dinner outfits for onboard dining
- 1–2 smart casual outfits for restaurants ashore
- Light jacket or sweater for evening breezes
- Comfortable, non-marking deck shoes or sandals
- Sun Protection
- High-quality polarized sunglasses
- Sun hats or caps with secure straps
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip protection
- UPF-rated rash guards for extended water activities
Personal Items
- Prescription medications in original containers
- Seasickness remedies if prone to motion sensitivity
- Personal toiletries and hygiene items
- Small camera or GoPro for capturing memories
- Lightweight backpack or dry bag for shore excursions
- Electronics & Documents
- Passport and travel documents
- Credit cards and small amounts of local currency
- Power adapters if traveling internationally
- Phone and charger (most yachts offer WiFi)
- Downloaded playlists, e-books, or podcasts for offline use
Entertainment & Extras
- Books, e-readers, or magazines
- Portable waterproof speakers (optional)
- Travel journal or sketchbook
- Small gifts or souvenirs for crew (optional)
Practical Packing Tips
- Choose soft-sided luggage that can be folded and stowed under beds—avoid large hard-shell suitcases.
- Pack versatile items that mix and match easily.
- Avoid overpacking, storage space is efficient but compact.
- Most yachts supply beach towels, linens, and water sports equipment. Confirm with your broker before bringing extras.
For more planning advice, visit our Yacht Charter FAQ Hub
Final Advice
Your yacht crew will help you feel at home and can provide personalized recommendations for your specific destination and season. If you’re unsure about packing certain items, ask your charter broker for guidance.
For personalized packing suggestions or help planning your trip, call 1-954-271-3005
In the unlikely event of you canceling your charter, all payments are forfeited. However, if the yacht can re-book a different charter for the same dates, there is a chance of a partial refund. In some cases, a future date can be chosen, and the deposit can be held.
The cancellation terms may depend on what contract is used for your charter. Contact us for more information. We would always recommend purchasing trip insurance.
Travel insurance is always a good idea. Major travel insurance companies can cover cancellations due to extreme weather or an Act of God, emergency medical issues, and other specific situations. Please inquire with your preferred travel insurance company.
Crewed yachts will have internet access for you to use while onboard. Some locations have better wi-fi than others but on the whole in the Caribbean and Mediterranean you will have access. Some yachts now come equipped with Starlink.
Yes. Crewed charter yachts are fully air conditioned, and each cabin has individual controls so you can set the temperature for your own comfort. Generators provide the power to run the air conditioning and every other system onboard when required, and some yachts also carry solar panels.
Your cell phone should work in most places while on your crewed yacht charter. Set your phone to internet calling and messaging and connect to the yachts WiFi.
Make sure you give our information to someone at home so that we can reach out to the crew if they are unable to contact you.
All yachts have a VHF radio.
