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!
Yes. On a well-appointed crewed yacht each stateroom has its own en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower stall, an electric flush toilet and a hairdryer. The cabins themselves are built for a week aboard, with large windows for natural light, blinds or shades for privacy, reading lights, electric fans, and drawers and a closet for storage.
No. On a crewed charter you do not have to lift a finger. You are welcome to join in with the sailing or motoring if you would enjoy it, but there is no requirement to. Cooking is handled entirely by your trained private chef, and where there is additional crew aboard, they look after the cabins and run the watersports activities.
A comfortable charter yacht covers three areas. Cabins should have en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, electric flush toilets, hairdryers, individually controlled air conditioning, good natural light and proper storage. Living spaces should offer a spacious salon and a large dining area in the cockpit, with easy flow from inside to out. On deck, look for a flybridge or sky-lounge, shaded sun-beds, a barbecue grill, a fridge and icemaker, and a hot and cold shower on the stern.
Because of the space and the ride. Catamarans have far more room to move around than a comparable monohull, and they are notably comfortable both underway and at anchor. Their layouts also vary quite a bit from yacht to yacht, especially on deck, which means you can choose one whose exterior spaces suit how your group likes to spend the day.
Most Caribbean yacht charter activities include comprehensive water sports equipment: snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing equipment, and inflatable water toys. Premium yachts often feature sea scooters, water skis, wakeboards, and even SCUBA diving equipment with certified instructors.
Professional Crew:
- Captain with extensive local knowledge
- Private chef specializing in gourmet cuisine
- Stewardess for interior service (larger yachts)
- Deckhand for water activities and maintenance (larger yachts)
- Specialized crew like dive instructors (select yachts)
The Complete Package:
- Exclusive use of the entire yacht for your group
- All linens, towels, and luxury amenities
- Standard water toys and equipment (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear)
- Three gourmet meals daily plus snacks and appetizers
- All beverages including standard bar with wine, beer, and spirits
- Some yachts offer curated wine or champagne lists at an additional charge
- WiFi connectivity (where available)
- Fuel for standard cruising itinerary
- Marina fees for routine stops
- Special requests available with advance notice
Special Considerations
- Crew gratuity is not included (typically 15-20%, adjusted at your discretion)
- Optional nanny or childcare services available on select yachts
- Premium excursions or activities may incur additional fees
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 or Explore Yacht Charter Destinations.
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.
