Charter FAQ
Antigua Yacht Charter Questions, Answered
Practical answers about chartering a yacht or catamaran in Antigua and Barbuda, from choosing a vessel and timing your trip to prices, celebrations and what to bring.
Yacht and Catamaran Charters
The basics of a private charter in Antigua and Barbuda.
What is a private yacht charter?
A private charter means you book the whole yacht, with its crew, for your own group for an agreed period. You are not sharing the boat with other passengers, so the day can be planned around your group's plans, within what is safe and practical.
What is the difference between a motor yacht, a sportfishing yacht and a catamaran?
A motor yacht is a powered, single-hulled yacht designed for comfortable cruising. A sportfishing yacht is a motor yacht set up for fishing, with an open cockpit and fishing equipment. A catamaran has two hulls, which gives it a wide, stable deck and lots of open space.
Is a captain and crew included?
Yes. The charters we arrange are operated by a professional captain and crew, so no boating experience is needed. The number of crew depends on the size of the yacht and is confirmed in your quote.
Can I book a seat on a shared boat trip instead?
Yachts Antigua focuses on private charters for your own group rather than shared, per-person tours. If you are a couple or a small group, a smaller yacht from our fleet listing can be a good way to keep the experience private.
Choosing the Right Vessel
How to narrow down the options for your group.
Should I choose a smaller or a larger yacht?
Think about how many people are coming, how long you will be out and what you want to do. Smaller yachts feel intimate and suit couples and small groups, while larger yachts add deck space, cabins and room for catering or events. We will recommend sizes that fit your plans.
Which yacht is best for a couple?
Compact yachts such as the 38' Azimut in our listing are well suited to couples, especially for sunset cruises, proposals and anniversaries. If you would like more space or a specific feature, a slightly larger yacht may suit you better.
Do all yachts have shade, a bathroom and cabins?
Layouts vary from yacht to yacht. If shade, an onboard bathroom, an indoor area or cabins are important to your group, tell us when you inquire and we will only suggest yachts that have them.
Can I see more photos of a yacht before booking?
Yes. Each card on our fleet page shows the photo we have on file for that listing. Ask about any yacht you are considering and we will send additional or recent photos where available.
Charter Duration and Scheduling
Choosing how long to be on the water, and when.
How long can a charter be?
Half-day, full-day and sunset charters are the most common requests. Longer and multi-day charters can also be discussed. Which durations are offered depends on the yacht and is confirmed in your quote.
What time do sunset cruises usually start?
Sunset cruises are timed around the sunset on your date. In Antigua the sun sets roughly between 5:30 pm and 7 pm, depending on the time of year, so departure times shift through the seasons. Your quote states the exact times.
Can I book a multi-day charter?
Ask us. Some yachts in our listing have cabins and are described as suited to extended cruises, but whether a yacht can be chartered for several days, and on what terms, depends on the vessel and is confirmed when you inquire.
How far ahead should I book for holidays or Antigua Sailing Week?
As far ahead as possible. The Christmas and New Year holidays, Easter and Antigua Sailing Week in late April or early May are among the busiest times, and the most popular yachts can be reserved early.
Prices and Booking Inquiries
How quotes work and what affects the cost.
Why are prices not listed on the website?
Charter prices depend on the yacht, the date, the length of the charter, the number of guests and any extras, and they can change by season. Rather than publish figures that may not apply to your trip, we provide a quote for your specific yacht and date.
What affects the price of a charter?
The main factors are the size of the yacht, the charter length, the season and date, your group size, and extras such as catering, drinks, decorations or water toys. Sharing your budget helps us suggest the best options within it.
Are taxes, fees or crew gratuities included?
This varies by yacht. Your quote states clearly what is included and what is not. Many guests choose to tip the crew for good service, but that is at your discretion.
How do I confirm a booking and pay?
Booking terms, any deposit and accepted payment methods depend on the yacht and are provided with your quote. Your charter is confirmed once you accept those terms.
Families and Groups
Planning a charter for children, friends or a large party.
Are yacht charters suitable for children?
Many families charter yachts with children. Let us know their ages so we can confirm properly sized life jackets and suggest a comfortable yacht with shade and calm swim stops. Parents are responsible for supervising children on board.
Can a large group charter one yacht together?
Yes, if the yacht's guest limit allows. The larger yachts in our listing suit bigger groups; for example, the 72' Blue Water Yacht is listed for around 20 guests on charters. We confirm the limit for every yacht before you book.
What if our group is too big for one yacht?
Depending on availability, it may be possible to charter two yachts for the same day. Tell us the total number of guests and we will look at the options.
Weddings and Special Occasions
Birthdays, proposals, anniversaries and weddings on the water.
Can you help plan a birthday or proposal on a yacht?
Yes. Tell us about the occasion and how you picture it, and we will suggest a suitable yacht and timing and check which extras, such as decorations, a cake, flowers or champagne, can be arranged on board and at what cost.
Can we hold a wedding ceremony on board?
Many couples hold a ceremony, vow renewal or reception on a yacht. We can arrange the charter and agreed extras. The legal requirements for getting married in Antigua and Barbuda are separate, so check them with your officiant or the relevant authorities.
Can we bring our own decorations, cake or photographer?
Often, yes, but each yacht has its own policies, and a photographer counts toward the guest limit. Let us know what you would like to bring so we can confirm it with the yacht in advance.
Snorkeling and Coastal Activities
Swimming, snorkeling and beach stops.
Where can we snorkel on a charter?
Antigua is surrounded by reefs, and areas such as Cades Reef off the southwest coast and the islands of the North Sound are popular. The captain chooses the best spot on the day based on sea conditions and visibility.
Are paddleboards, floats or other water toys available?
Some yachts carry water toys such as paddleboards, floating mats or snorkel gear, and others do not. If toys are important to you, mention them in your inquiry and we will confirm what is available and whether there is an extra charge.
Can we stop at a beach?
Many charters anchor off a beach for swimming. Whether you can go ashore depends on the location, the yacht's tender and the conditions, so ask if a beach landing matters to you.
What to Bring
Packing for a comfortable day on the water.
What should I bring on a yacht charter?
Swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, a light layer for the evening and any medication you need. Ask whether towels and snorkel gear are provided on your yacht, and pack in a soft bag, which is easier to store on board.
What should I wear on board?
Light, comfortable clothing works best. Many yachts ask guests to go barefoot or wear clean, soft-soled shoes on deck, so avoid heels and dark-soled shoes. Your quote or the crew will let you know the yacht's preferences.
What if someone in our group gets seasick?
Let us know in advance. Larger yachts and catamarans tend to feel steadier, and the captain can often choose calmer, sheltered areas. Anyone prone to seasickness may want to speak to a pharmacist or doctor about remedies before the trip.
Weather and Itinerary Considerations
How the weather shapes your day.
What is the weather like for boating in Antigua?
Antigua is warm year-round, with easterly trade winds. December to April is usually the driest and busiest period. The west and south coasts are often more sheltered than the windward east coast, which the captain takes into account when planning the route.
Can I charter a yacht during hurricane season?
Yes. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and many days in this period are calm and sunny. It is wise to keep your plans flexible and to review your booking terms for weather-related changes before you confirm.
Who decides the route on the day?
You can share your wishes in advance, and the captain makes the final decisions based on safety, the sea conditions and the time available. That is why no particular stop can be guaranteed before the day.
Booking Changes and Availability
When plans or availability change.
Can I change my charter date after booking?
It depends on the terms of your booking and on availability for the new date. Contact us as soon as you know your plans have changed, and we will check what is possible.
What if the yacht I want is not available?
We will suggest comparable yachts for your date, or nearby dates when your first choice is free, so you can decide which option you prefer.
Is the fleet listing always up to date?
Not always. Yachts can be repositioned to other destinations or sold by their owners, so we confirm availability and details for every inquiry rather than relying on the listing alone.
Contacting Yachts Antigua
The quickest ways to reach us.
How do I contact Yachts Antigua?
Use the inquiry form, call or WhatsApp +1 (305) 515-4735, or email info@YachtsAntigua.com.
What should I include in my first message?
Your preferred date or dates, the number of guests, the type of charter or occasion and any yacht you like. Extra details, such as children's ages or catering wishes, help us prepare an accurate quote.