About Yacht Charters; FAQ about chartering a yacht world wide.

All About Chartering a Yacht

It is our pleasure to assist you in any way we can to make your yacht charter experience the very best vacation ever! We look forward to assisting you in making all your tropical yachting dreams come true! Please contact us with any questions unanswered below.

Please browse through our list of frequently asked questions:

Q: What is a Crewed, Captain Only, By The Cabin and Bareboat Charter?
Q: What type of yacht should we charter (catamaran, monohull, motor yacht)?
Q: Why take a crewed charter vacation?
Q: How do we choose the best crewed charter for us?
Q: Why charter a yacht vacation with In The Wild?
Q: How do crewed charters compare to other Caribbean vacations?
Q: How much do these trips cost?
Q: What is not included in a crewed charter?
Q: What kind of activities are there to do?
Q: What will the food and drinks be like?
Q: Can I bring children? Pets?
Q: Where can we go?
Q: What should we bring?
Q: What charter etiquette should I be aware of?
Q: What will the weather be like?
Q: What are the best months to charter in the Caribbean?
Q: What do others say about their charter experiences?
Q: What about sea sickness ?
Q: How do I book a trip?
Q: Do we need Travel Insurance?
Q: Do I need a passport?
Q: How can I learn to sail?
Q: How do yacht charterts compare to other vacations?

Q: Why take a crewed charter vacation?

A: Simply because its the greatest vacation on Earth and on the water! There is no better way to enjoy the tropics than by island hopping from a private yacht. You can travel to places that only boats can go. Imagine waking up on a private yacht in a different secluded cove each day of your vacation. Imagine deciding whether your day's activity should include a swim, snorkel or scuba dive in aquarium like conditions, some other watersport such as kayaking or water-skiing, a beach stroll or cross island hike, a sail to another beautiful island, or just relaxing on deck in a hammock. You're at ease because you have a crew who, in addition to being your personal tour guides, are looking after the boat, the food and the cleaning. You're on a floating resort where the scenery always changes, the food is prepared as you like it and you never run out of things to do.

When it comes time to sail to your next destination you can participate as little or as much in the sailing of the vessel as you would like. The crew will be happy to teach you about the art of sailing, navigating and boat handling. Or perhaps you've chosen a power yacht and you let your mind melt away as you watch the islands pass your field of view.

When you arrive at your next little spot in paradise you may choose again from a host of water sports, or maybe a delicious dinner on deck followed by a quiet night of stargazing or relaxing to music, or maybe you want to go ashore to watch the sunset from atop a hill, have dinner in a small local restaurant and do the limbo at a beach front bar.

No sailing experience is necessary for these trips. Your captain and crew will take care of all the responsibilities of the yacht. You can plan your itinerary with the captain to meet your desires and can get involved in sailing as little or as much as you like. This is your dream holiday!

Q: What is the difference between a Crewed, Captain Only, Cabin Cruise, and Bareboat?

A: You have several options for your Yacht Charter Vacation. The descriptions below may help you decide what is best for you. But feel free to call or email us to discuss these ideas.

Crewed Charter: These are private charters with at least two crew members to serve you. There is a captain and chef/mate generally on yachts under 75 feet and more crew on larger sailing and motor yachts. These charters are full service. The crew treat you quite well. You don't have to worry about a thing, but you design the itinerary with the crew. On sailing yachts running expenses, all meals and drinks are usually included. Many motor yachts charge around 25% more upfront for these expenses. There is a vast variety of types of crewed charter yachts, because they are privately owned. You can do a crewed yacht search for examples.

Captain Only Charter: This is a charter with a captain and sometimes a mate. No chef is provided, so guests do the cooking. Running expenses and all provisions are paid by guests. These are usually owner operated vessels that are well cared for and include all the toys provided on all inclusive crewed charters. In fact many crewed charters offer a less costly captain only option. This is a great option if you want to do your own cooking and eat at local restaurants. It can be a way to try the sailing lifestyle with a captain who knows the cruising area as well. Inquire for captain only charter options.

Bareboat Charter: Just like it sounds....you are renting a bare boat. All toys are extra and so are all the running expenses and provisions. This is for those that know how to operate a boat and like do-it-yourself travel. If you want to captain the boat yourself, you must show the bareboat company your qualifications. See Learn Sailing options for ASA sailing certification courses. Or you can hire a captain to run the boat, usually for around $125/ day and sometimes even a chef. This is much akin to renting a car, for which you need a drivers license to show that you can handle the vehicle. You will be renting from a company that owns a fleet of charter yachts, though many are privately owned and rented through the company to help pay for having the boat. You can charter a sail boat or a motor boat this way. See bareboats for further details.

By the Cabin: This is a usually a crewed all inclusive charter on which you book a cabin next to other singles or couples who book cabins as well. In other words you are sharing a crewed charter experience with people you will get to know during the week. There is limited availability for this type of charter and so you must be flexible with your travel dates. See some examples of yachts that offer By The Cabin Cruises in the Caribbean.

Q: What type of yacht should we charter (motor yacht, catamaran or monohull sailing)?

Motor Yacht:
Pros: Get to destination quickly (cruising speeds vary depending on power of engines). No dependency on wind speed and direction in choice of destinations. Usually spacious and very comfortable. AC is always offered. Often have space for multiple water toys and larger yachts can have wave runners and larger tenders including fishing boats. Many have jacuzzis and other extra luxurious amenities.
Cons: More costly. Usually are plus expenses (fuel and provisions, etc. at 30% of charter fee paid in advance). Must use AC inside as they are generally not ventilated with opening hatches. Generators must be run for AC, etc. which can be noisy. Can experience diesel engine exhaust fumes and noise. Least environmentally friendly option.

Sailing Yacht:
Pros: Environmentally more friendly than motor yachts as use very little fuel. AC is not necessary on most, as there is plenty of ventilation hatches for fresh air. Quiet. No diesel fumes. Rates run from quite affordable to extravagant with wide choice of luxury level. Many variations on styles and amenities. Choose from wide variety of types and sizes.
Cons: Sailing destination can be affected by wind direction. Can motor when there's no wind, but it is usually not very fast. Generally not as fast as motor yachts so is more leisurely passed. Some can be less roomy depending on type of yacht.

~Monohull Sailing Yacht: (traditional sailing vessels with one hull)
Pros: Great sailing vessels that generally sail well to windward. Fun to sail and feel the wind. Less costly in general relative to size and make. Many variations on styles and amenities. Choose from homey comfortable cruising yachts to slick racer sailing machines. Ask your broker for more information on how models and sail configurations affect performance.
Cons: Heel to one side while underway. This is great for sailing lovers, but may be less comfortable for those not as familiar. Less space relative to the length of the yacht. The deeper the draft (hull under water) the less shallow you can go.

~Catamaran or Trimaran Sailing Yacht: (two or three hulls)
Pros: Fast sailing vessels. Stable on the sea; don't heel over, instead remain flat on the water. Many variations on styles and amenities. Very spacious relative to length, often with more cabins to accommodate larger groups and lots of deck space. Smaller draft for shallower anchoring.
Cons: Do not sail as well to windward. More costly in general relative to size and make. Not as seaworthy in heavy seas (not a concern for chartering within designated cruising areas).

Q: How do we choose the best crewed charter for us?

A: Firstly, read the two previous Q and A's on type of charter and type of yacht. When you have narrowed down those options then consider your budget and the activities that are most important to you. Check the yacht brochures' specifications pages to make sure the yacht has the amenities that are of interest and then consider the crew. In general, the more a yacht has and the more attentive the service, the higher the weekly rate relative to the type and size of yacht, of course.

~Specifications to consider:

Water Toys ~ (tube, water skis, wake board, etc.) These pull toys require a dinghy with at least 25hp or better 40hp to pull adults. Read specs for other listed toys.

SCUBA ~ some yachts offer diving directly from the yacht (some include this in price while others charge a minimal fee). All other yachts arrange Rendezvous diving with a Pro Dive boat at guest's expense.

Amenities ~ check cabin configurations, number of heads (bathrooms), deck space for lounging, outdoor dining space for size of your group, head room if you are tall, berth size and storage, types of toilets; manual vs. electric (the latter is easier), water maker (allows more liberal use of water, as it is produced on board through reverse osmosis), deck shower (nice to wash of salt water), access to water (ladder, swim platform), Wet vs. Dry shower (Dry is a separate shower area. Wet means the shower is nozzle from sink). AC off dock, electronics (TV, ipod docking, wifi internet, whatever you think you need).

~Crew: The importance of the crew should never be underestimated. Firstly, read the crew profile and cook/chef's menu to see if all sounds good to you. Our brokers will help considerably in this department, as they interview the crews every year. They can match you with a crew depending on what your style is. Considerations might be, family friendly, gay friendly, high end silver service, casual family style, water sports enthusiasts, sailing instruction, party crowd, active or mellow, and any number of other backgrounds or specialties. Please ask.

Q: Why charter a yacht vacation with In The Wild?

A: We offer a FREE service that makes chartering a yacht easy, fulfilling and secure for you.

Crewed: In the Wild offers sailing and motor yacht charters designed especially for you. We go out of our way to find what is truly unique and outstanding about each yacht and its crew. Whether you crave an enriching learning experience, a water sports adventure, or ultra luxury and relaxation with lots of TLC, we will find the charter for you. We have created many specialty charters based on what the crew love to do most, or have categorized charters according to their strengths. So not only are you getting quality cuisine, service and accommodations, but a crew that matches your interests.

Bareboats: If you are looking to bareboat charter, we have done all the research on the best fleets and will check all availability for you so that you don' t have to go through all the trouble. We can also provide you with a comparison of what each bareboat company offers.

Also consider:

We visit the yachts and crews every year, sometimes more, to stay up to date with the condition of the yacht and what's new with the crew (if applicable).
We are aware of each yacht and crew's specialties and match you with your dream.
We have no "in house yacht fleet" to be biased towards. We can direct you to the best yachts in the entire world. See our Yacht List for the variety of offerings.
We keep your deposit secure in an escrow account until just before your charter in case of unforeseen cancellations.
We are always looking out for our client's interest so you have an extra layer of security.
We are members of the Caribbean Yacht Brokers Association and Virgin Islands Charter Yacht League insuring even more support from the charter industry as a whole.
We stay up to date with any charter discounts being offered by yachts. Many are listed on our site, or ask a broker for Specials.
Most importantly, we love what we do and are thrilled to share the adventure of yachting around the world.

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Q: How do yacht charters compare to other Caribbean vacations?

A: Resorts, hotels, villas and cruise ships can't offer you the variety and flexibility your own personal yacht charter can. We will show you beaches and views that you can not see from the shore, sometimes can't even get to! Even to places the resort staffs don't even know about.

A cruise ship experience is completely unlike a charter yacht vacation. On a charter yacht you will not be forced to listen to reggae elevator music or have to deal with crowds everywhere you go! You're supposed to be going on vacation, remember? Do you really want to go with 2000 others? Also, remember, your meals and drinks are included and prepared to your group's desires by a private chef. On a cruise ship, your food is included but they make up for that by charging an arm and a leg for every drink you consume. You will also pay for shore excursions, if you have enough time to enjoy them, after standing in line to get off the boat. You would pay for sailing, kayaking, water-skiing, snorkeling, diving, etc. These activities can add up. On a private yacht charter, all or most of these activities, and more are included in the rate, and you have plenty of time to partake in them, at your leisure.

Before you arrive on a charter, you will be asked what you like to eat, or would like to try. Once on board you will talk to the crew about what you want to do and where you want to go. Each charter is totally customized to you, and can change your mind in midstream if you want! Try asking the captain of a mega-cruise ship to visit that pretty little island over there that isn't on their itinerary! With your own charter yacht, the captain's next words are likely to be, "Sure, let's go!".

Click here to see a chart comparing different Caribbean vacations.

Q: How much do these yacht charter trips cost?

A: Prices vary depending on time of year, type and size of yacht, bareboat or crewed, and number of people you bring. You might be surprised to know that all inclusive week long charters can start at under $1000 per person (for a group of 4 or more), or $1800 per person for a couple. All inclusive means you get a private yacht, captain and chef (with additional crew members if necessary), all food (including 3 meals/day plus snacks) and all drinks (including bottled water, juices, sodas, beer, wine and liquor). You also have access to several water toys (varies per yacht) to enjoy when you please at no extra expense. Or you can charter Captain Only and pay less for the yacht and incur the running expenses. Bareboats will cost less, but you must be confident operating one and all expenses are extra.

You may also find some great deals on By The Cabin Charters. In that case you would charter a cabin on a yacht that would be shared with other charter guests.

Power yachts usually cost more than sailing yachts (because of the cost of fuel) and the latter are not always all inclusive. Prices for each of our trips are clearly stated on our web site and are often less during off season months and 10% more during Christmas and New Years.

The listed prices do not include a gratuity for the crew if you were pleased with the service throughout the vacation. Remember, crew serve as your captain, chef, maid, bartender, water taxi driver, tour guide and in many cases instructor and are on duty 24/7. Customarily 10-20% of the gross cost of the trip would be handed to the crew in an envelope at the conclusion of the charter in case or traveler's checks. By the end of the charter there's a strong chance that you will have become very good friends with your crew.

Remember, In The Wild is paid by the yacht, not by you. If you were to book directly with the yacht you would pay the exact same amount. Our services will help insure that you find the right yacht at the right price with the right activities and the bonus of a secure deposit.

Q: What is not included in a crewed yacht charter?

A: The level of service and luxury varies per charter, but here is a guideline of what is generally
not included on:

All Charters	Most Charters	Some Charters
Air fare	Scuba Diving	Cruising taxes and fees
Crew gratuity of 15-20% depending on your satisfaction with the service.	Special request fine wines and alcohol brands.	Fuel and provisions (many large motor yachts and Captain Only charters.)
Dockage at guest's request		Bareboat Charters are plus all expenses.
Shore side expenses

Please ask us if you are unsure of any extra charges. See Charter Types for more details.

Q: What kind of activities are there to do?

A: All yachts have water sports. The types of sports will vary depending on equipment. These might include snorkeling, scuba diving, kneeboarding, water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing and of course, sailing.

Most water sports are included but sometimes are extra, or are arranged with outside service providers. On shore activities can be recommended by your crew and will vary depending on the island. When you choose a specialty In the Wild charter the crew will have activities planned that relate to the topic of your individualized vacation.

Or course you can always shop at local boutiques, party at famous beach bars, beach comb, and lounge around drinking fufu cocktails, too!

Q: What will the food and drinks be like?

A: The menus are designed around your food preferences. The chefs are excellent and can usually prepare any dish requested but your best bet is to let them do what they do best, and sit back and enjoy the magic. It is generally recognized that the best chefs in the Caribbean are crew on yachts.

Alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer and cocktails, from the yacht's standard bar, are included in the cost of the trip, except in the case of excessive consumption for which you may be charged a bit more. The variety will vary depending on the cost of the charter with larger, more expensive yachts providing finer wines and premium liquors. Most yachts can also stock specific brands of fine liquor and vintage wines at your expense.

Special Diets - Most crew will do everything to accommodate your personal dietary requirements. Many can do vegetarian menus that will delight everyone, not just the vegetarians! Kosher is available on some boats, though often in 'modified' form due to the constraints of a yacht's galley. The most important thing is to get in touch with the yacht as soon as possible and communicate your special needs early. With enough warning, most things are possible even in the islands!

Q: Can I bring children? Pets?

A: Many charter yachts are very children friendly and offer safe and fun activities for all ages. If you want to bring children, your In the Wild broker will find the right yacht and crew.

Pets are typically not allowed on charter yachts for many reasons including cleanliness, potential for motion sickness and possible quarantine issues in bringing pets into foreign countries, but there are some exceptions, so inquire.

Q: Where will we be going?

A: The most popular cruising areas in the Caribbean are:

•The Virgin Islands (U.S. (USVI) & British (BVI)) is the most popular chartering destination for many reasons, including consistency of great weather and wind (sailing conditions), the variety of natural environments including some of the best coral reefs in the Caribbean, and the proximity to important services such as international airports and shopping for food and supplies.

•The Spanish Virgins: Culebra and Vieques, plus eastern Puerto Rico.

•Leeward Islands: St. Martin & St. Barts to Antigua

•Windward Islands: St. Lucia to St. Vincent and the Grenadines

We also charter yachts from Florida and the Bahamas.

Generally your cruising would be contained within an island group mentioned above. To cruise other areas in the Caribbean is possible, but it will require more planning and usually cost more due to airfare, provisioning, etc. If you are chartering a motor yacht, you can cover more than one cruising area in a shorter period of time, but fuel costs are extra. We will be glad to provide more information about alternate destinations upon your request.

Check out world wide charter destinations links at the top of the page.

Q: What should we bring?

A: First, only bring soft sided luggage, such as a duffle bag, since space is limited and storage is easier. Also hard luggage can damage woodwork and paint.

For clothing in the Caribbean and warm climates in general, bring casual wear, mostly shorts and T-shirts, and swimsuits. A few of the more formal restaurants require long pants and collared shirts and occasionally a jacket for men and a nice sun dress for women, but "smart casual" is the norm. Bring sunglasses, polarized are especially recommended on the water. Flip flops or other casual beach shoes are fine for most of the time. If you plan to hike the trails you may want to bring some closed toed shoes, depending on how serious you plan to get about your walks.

You may need some long pants, long sleeves and jackets in cooler climates. Inquire if you are unsure.

Your own mask and snorkel if you're inclined, but all yachts carry an assortment of sizes. If you are expecting to scuba dive, check with your broker to make sure of the available equipment on board the yacht.

Most yachts carry sunscreen of the type they prefer, so generally it is on board. If you bring your own, please don't use oily lotions as it stains the yachts upholstery and can make the decks and hand holds slippery.

Q: What charter etiquette should I be aware of?

A: On charter you will feel spoiled rotten as the crew will aim to please you. But they would truly appreciate if you follow these basic guideline.

Ask permission before boarding the yacht.
Take shoes off when boarding.
Use Oil and Paba free suntan lotions as they can stain teak and fiberglass.
Leave sand and salt water (when possible) off the boat.
Use fresh water conservatively (if there is no water maker).
Conserve electricity when the generator is not running
Follow the head (toilet) instructions precisely. Ask if in doubt.
Stay out of the galley unless invited (most boats have snack areas for in between meals).
Listen carefully to safety rules.
Bring soft luggage for easy storage.
Realize the captain has the last word.

Q: What will the weather be like?

A: For example, t he extremely consistent weather conditions in the Virgin Islands are one of the reasons this area is considered to be one of the best cruising grounds in the world!

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg. temp	77	77	78	78	80	82	83	83	83	82	81	79

Click for Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands Forecast

The trade winds are nearly constant ranging from 10-25 knots, allowing for wonderful sailing and comfortable breezes. The water temperature ranges from 76 to 85. Please note that August through October is hurricane season, during which many of our yachts charter 'down island' or in the Grenadines where the risk of hurricanes is much lower.

For details on other cruising destination weather, please click on the appropriate destination at the top of the page, check with a weather website, or inquire.

Q: What are the best months to charter in the Caribbean?

Each season has it's merits and the weather is beautiful all year around, but here are observations from us locals.

Winter ~ As temperatures in the North drop to bitter lows and the wind chills bite at your nose it is no wonder why Winter in the Caribbean is the most popular time for tourism. Our average temperatures in the islands is 80-85F with only a 5 degree drop in the evening. On the rare occasion we need long sleeves we consider it quite a chilly night. The Winter trade winds blow at an average of 10-20 knots for exciting sailing and cool ventilation for sleeping. Passing showers are common, but again are passing and are usually quite refreshing. The high season is mid December through April. Christmas and New Years weeks are the busiest of all and are about 10% more on average, so book many months or even a year in advance for the most choices.

Spring ~ A favorite season for many locals as the temps begin to rise and the rush begins to fade. The highs may reach the upper 80s at this time and the trade winds can moderate. May and June are excellent months to charter in the Virgin Islands or St. Martin, as anchorage's are quiet, the water is lusciously warm and many yachts lower their rates so you can get some great deals. And the flamboyant trees begin to bloom bright red and yellow.

Summer ~ The most peaceful, warmest and often calmest months (July, August, September) and definitely tranquil. Lazy days in soothing water that reaches 80 degrees allows you to wallow with the fish for hours without getting a chill. Air temperatures can reach the 90's during these months, but we are still blessed with the gentle trade winds to keep us comfortable. If you fear a windless night, you may want to charter a yacht with AC just in case. The choice of yachts in the Virgin Islands can be limited, because many travel to New England, the Mediterranean or down island. This is the best time to charter in the Grenadines as many yachts spend the season there to get away from the higher potential hurricane paths farther North.

Fall ~ October is still mellow and warm. As November rolls in so do the yachts and the temperatures begin to cool again, back to those perfect 80's. We've been known to have rain during this month, so be prepared for some possible moisture. Charters are still on the off season rates through mid December, so you can do well to charter before the Holiday rush. December is generally dryer and the Christmas winds start to pick up for some fun sailing and clearer skies.

Q: What do others have to say about their charter experiences?

A: We have hundred of reviews to share with you. If you want to know about a particular yacht, please ask for reviews. Also, many of the online brochures offer guest comments. But, here is a sampling:

•What a wonderful trip. The food was fantastic and I enjoyed learning about sailing and the islands. A beautiful ship, great company and Fabulous food. I will definite recommend you to anyone coming to the BVI -Michael

•Just a quick thank you to let you know we had a wonderful time! It was the perfect blend of cool stuff and relaxation. The best parts? Diving the Indians, kicking back at Marina Cay, partying at the Willie T, Rich's Steak au Poivre, and seeing dolphins. We're already looking forward to next year's trip! - Peggy & Dave

•Thanks for one of the most memorable vacations we’ve ever had in our young lives. This one will be hard to top. The sailing, snorkeling, sightseeing, exploring and companionship were unforgettable. The food and cocktails were wonderful. Thanks for everything! -Gus & Marybeth

•Our experiences will be lifelong memories and we expect to revisit those memories with a return visit in the next couple of years. Thanks for an impeccable vacation. -The Hagedorns

•The crews snorkeling recommendations were exceptional and provided much joy to the group. The anchorage spots were well thought out and memorable. We traveled with children and were amazed at the attention they received from the crew and the available options for their entertainment. Additionally, various activities were offered simultaneously to suit everyone's taste. The days were as active as we desired, and fun was had by all. -Daniel and Lynne

We have many more references available upon request. See individual trip pages for reference specific to their boats and crews.

Q: What about sea sickness?

It is uncommon for guests to suffer from sea sickness, because the island chains of the most popular cruising areas offer protection from the open ocean. Hence, they get ideal sailing winds without rough seas and there are many calm coves for anchoring . If you are susceptible to motion sickness you may want to consider bringing an over the counter medication - but you likely won't need it past the first day and we recommend you let your body adjust naturally.

Q: How do I book a trip?

A: Firstly, browse the many possible charter destinations and itinerary options. Once you have that narrowed down (ask a broker if in doubt), browse the yacht selections available in that area (the list online may not be complete, but will give you an idea), and then consult with one of our brokers for availability and expert advise.

Also keep in mind that many yachts are often booked many months in advance. As such, if you are interested in a particular yacht and have an idea of when you want to charter, you should call or e-mail one of our brokers early in the decision making process so we can help find the best charter for you, check on yacht availability and let you know about any special deals.

Once you have found the dream yacht vacation, we will place a hold. See details of process below: The remaining 50% is due generally 45 days prior to departure.

BOOKING PROCEDURES

1. Choose an In The Wild Yacht Charter. If you want something that's not listed, call or email and we will find the right vacation for you.

2. Check Availability. Once you've chosen a vacation or some options, call us to check availability for your desired dates of travel.

3. Working Hold. If the dates work for you and the yacht, we will put a working hold on the charter for your preferred dates. You then have two weeks (for crewed yachts and as little as 48 hours for bareboats) in which to send your deposit to officially reserve the charter. However, another charter party can challenge you (on crewed charters) for these dates, which would give you only 48 hours to secure your reservation with a deposit.

4. Deposit. If you make your selection more than six months in advance we will need a 25% deposit, with another 25% due at the six month mark. If you book within six months of the charter start we will need 50% of the charter fee to confirm your charter.. We accept credit cards with a processing fee, PayPal e-check payment, bank wire transfer, personal check or certified check.

5. Charter Agreement and Preferences Form. We will email you a Yacht Charter Agreement to sign and Preferences Form to fill in for crewed charters. For a bareboat we will email you the required resume form and other charter documents. Send or fax those back to us as soon as possible.

6. Captain or Bareboat Company signs Charter Agreement. The charter documents are forwarded to the yacht captain or bareboat company. We make sure that you receive a signed copy and any other information you need.

7. Confirmation. When your deposit clears the bank you will receive a Confirmation number by e-mail. At this time your charter is officially reserved.

8. Crew or Bareboat Company Contact. Prior to your vacation, the crew of your chosen yacht will contact you to discuss your meal and activities preferences, and itinerary. If you are renting a bareboat the company will contact you as needed.

9. Final Payment. Most crewed and bareboat yachts require final payment to be made 30-45 days prior by any of the methods described above.

When you book your yacht, you may want to make flight arrangements, and hotel reservations, if you intend to arrive early to your destination. See our Travelers Information and Links page under any destination, for our recommendations.

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Q: Do we need Travel Insurance?

We do recommend that you purchase trip insurance in case of unexpected delays, cancellations or unforeseen events, but it is not absolutely necessary. We recommend: Global Care, Access America or Travel Guard. Or compare policies here QuoteWright. If you choose not to purchase trip insurance we will ask you to indicate this on your charter yacht agreement. Cancellation insurance is highly recommended and may be required during hurricane season.

Q: Do I need a passport?

You may need a passport to travel to your charter destination. However, if you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen you can travel to the British Virgin Islands, BVI, with a photo I.D. and an original birth certificate (not a copy). Check with customs, however, as this is due to change. Visitors from some countries may need Visas. Check with immigration at your particular destination well before you travel.

Q: How can I learn to sail?

You can take sailing courses on private owner operated fully crewed all inclusive charters or you can rent a with a hired sailing instructor. Click on the highlighted link above to learn more about these learn to sail options.

Q: How do charters compare to other vacations?

*Service*	Cruise Ship	Hotel / Resort	Yacht Charter
*Food*	Stand in line for the buffet, or be seated at your assigned time. Eat fast, there is another seating coming right after you!	Menu is not customized to your tastes and can be costly 3 X a day.	Personal chef who asks what you like and dislike as part of the charter planning. Eat where and when you want all inclusive.
*Activities*	Stand in line with 1,000s of others to do what the ship offers, not necessarily what you want to do that day.	Same reef, same fish, same view, same place to do the same activities each day, and it is on their schedule, not yours.	Select a yacht with your activities in mind, and do them at your pace, and in a different place each day, if you like.
*Beaches &* *Destinations*	With 1,000's of others, you will all be taken to the same beaches on the same few big islands capable of handling that many people.	Same beach every day, with every other hotel guest	Smaller, quaint islands and unique, out of the way beaches, many of which are accessible only by boat.
*Instruction*	Mass lecture if you are lucky, handed the equipment in line and figure it out on your own.	Share your instructor with every other hotel guest.	Personalized instruction in sailing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, cooking, underwater photography, philosophy and more.
*Flexibility*	Try and change the ship's schedule! You go where the ship can fit, and where 1,000s can be handled.	Same, Same, Same. Or spend your time finding activities outside resort.	You set the pace. Your schedule can change if you like a particular island, or find something interesting along the way.
*Sailing*	Are you on a boat? How can you tell? Your windows are sealed and the deck is 100' above the water.	Day trips only to places near by.	Experience the water and the joy of sailing. We can even teach you how!
*Cost*	On most ships, you will pay extra for every drink, including sodas. And shore excursions are extra and they add up.	At all-inclusives, you pay for everything, whether you use it or not, and anything out of the resort will be extra. At a hotel, you pay for all meals, transportation and excursions.	All meals, drinks, transportation from island to island, personal service, and the use of onboard water toys are all included in the price.

In the Wild Yacht Charters P.O. Box 7505 ~ St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, 00801 800-508-1048 ~ 340-715-0472 ~ Skype: inthewild1
Our Memberships and Associations
Charter Yacht Brokers Association	Virgin Islands Charter League	Ocean Conservancy	Discount Airfare	Travel Insurance
In The Wild World Wide Yacht Charter Destinations Caribbean ~ USVI, British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, St. Barths, Anguilla, Antigua, Grenadines, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama Mediterranean ~ Spain, Balearics, Italy, France (Riviera, Corsica, Sardinia), Greece, Turkey, Croatia. South Atlantic ~ Bahamas, Florida, Chesepeake Bay • North Atlantic ~ New York, New England, Nova Scotia Indian Ocean ~ Seychelles, Maldives, Indonesia; Bali, Asia; Thailand, Malaysia, Andaman Sea South Pacific ~ Australia, New Zealand, Galapagos, Chile, Baja Mexico ,Vanuata, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tongo, Tahiti North Pacific ~ Alaska, British Columbia, Washington
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