Yacht Charter Vacation FAQs

No. The barefoot rule is there to keep the decks undamaged and soles from making the clean decks dirty. If you have to wear shoes for medical reasons please wear white soled shoes that have not been worn outside.

No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days. Please make sure you have a passport valid for 6 months from date of entry and at least one blank page.

Croatia has 9 international airports including Split (SPU), Zadar (ZAD) and Dubrovnik (DBV), which are all close to the coast.

Most crewed yacht charters in Croatia will start in Split with direct flights from Chicago, New York, Dallas, Miami and Houston as well as from many locations across Europe.

7 nights is generally the average number of nights. Most yachts can charter a minimum of 5 nights up to any duration you would like.

Typically yachts charter for 5 nights minimum. The rate for 6 nights is the rate divided by 7 and multiplied by 6. However, anything less than 6 nights the rate is divided by 6 and multiplied by the number of nights.

For most Caribbean charters that are all inclusive: Not included are crew gratuities of 15-20%, optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions, and meals ashore, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.

For Greece and Croatia charters or APA charters “plus expenses”: APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.

The APA payment is typically 25%-30% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-40% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.If you do not use all of the APA this will be returned to you at the end of your charter. If you exceed the APA you will need to settle your account before you disembark.

Greece and Croatia charters do not include crew gratuity which is typically 10%-15% of the charter cost.

Yacht charters in Greece and Croatia run from April through to the end of October.

High Season – July – August  – Average 85 °F  (29 °C)
Mid-Season – June – September – Average 77 °F  (25 °C)
Low Season –  April, May and October – 71 °F  (22 °C)

Expect to pay more for a crewed yacht charter during July and August.

For Caribbean and Bahamas charters: 15-20% of the charter cost is the standard crew gratuity.

For Greece and Croatia charters: 10-15% of the charter cost is the standard crew gratuity.

Your crew is on call 24/7, working hard to ensure you have the vacation of your dreams. They begin preparing for your charter from the moment they receive your requests. The crew’s goal is also to provide you with exemplary service. The gratuity is given to the crew at the end of the charter in cash or wire transfer.

Caribbean – Once you decide on the yacht you would like to book, Epic puts on a complimentary reservation. Next, a contract is drawn up, and details to proceed with the booking are solidified. Your deposit is also required at this time. If you are more than 6 months away from your charter dates, a 25% deposit is required. 25% at 6 months out, and the final 50% is due 60 days before the charter. Your monies are held in escrow and the yacht 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.

Greece and Croatia – Once you decide which yacht that you would like to charter you need to be ready to sign your contract and submit your deposit within 48 hours. 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)

Crewed yacht charters range from $25,000 per week to $100,000.00 per week for a large catamaran or small motor yacht. Luxury Motor yachts start closer to $70,000.00 per week and may offer plus expenses options.

Most yachts will provide a range of amenities and extras, so please check with the crew before you arrive so that you do not have to bring unnecessary items. This allows you to arrive carefree, knowing that you can travel as lightly as possible. The most important items to remember are your travel documents and passports. Customs and Immigration would like to see you leave after your wonderful stay in the Caribbean, so flight tickets booked back home is essential. Ensure that your passport is valid and up to date and that it will not expire whilst on your vacation in paradise.

Remember that storage onboard yachts are usually limited, and it is not easy to store large hard suitcases. Strong rolling soft bags are great and are easily stored on airplanes. You will probably spend more time in your swimsuit, shorts, and T-shirts with flip flops. Shoes are not worn on boats, and being barefoot adds to the island-style feeling. Water shoes/flip-flops are also great for wading in shallow water on trails. 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. A light sweater and cover-up are recommended for cooler nights. Hats (not expensive, as they may blow overboard) or baseball caps help keep the sun off your face.

Your camera or GoPro should definitely be on your list as you would want to share those great memories later on social media or print the photos later to show everyone what a great vacation you had. If you have an underwater camera or video, bring that as you may get to take a few stunning underwater photos of the beautiful creatures of the Caribbean Sea. Chargers for your devices are handy just when you need them. Portable waterproof speakers that connect to Bluetooth are fun to take to the beach. Some yachts have these.
Sunscreen is a must. Most yachts will provide you with sunscreen. If you would like to bring your own, please bring only non-spray sunscreen as it often stains towels and decks orange because of ingredients. “Reef-friendly” sunscreen is preferred as it does not impact the ocean reefs. Please do not bring “flushable” wipes.

Sunglasses help with glare and provide good eye care from the strong sun.
Motion sickness is not common on catamarans, but if you are prone to motion sickness, bring wristbands, ear pads, or Dramamine tablets.
Bug spray is provided by most boats, but you may bring your own small favorite brand if you prefer. Remember to check this item in your luggage as it may not be carried on the plane.

You may want to walk or hike ashore, and a small backpack/dry bag comes in very handy to carry bottled water, sunscreen, and gifts purchased on your island tour.

Caribbean yachts (not large motor yachts) are all-inclusive with a professional captain and private chef. Larger vessels may have additional crew such as deckhands and steward(ess). All meals, snacks, standard ship’s bar (liquor, wine, beer, and soft drinks), fuel for the vessel and tender, insurance for the vessel and crews, all water sports activities, and SCUBA diving on some vessels are part of your package.

Not included are crew gratuities (15%-20%), optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions and meals ashore, port fees in the BVI, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.

Greece and Croatia yachts include the use of the charter yacht, professional crew, and onboard equipment and water Sports gear and activities.

All other daily expenses will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). This is typically 25%-40% of the charter fee, which can vary according to the yacht type, itinerary, and possible charter requests and requirements. The APA payment is collected with the final balance

APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, marina fees, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits, canal fees, scuba diving, onshore excursions, electronic communications, and local taxes

Your yacht will be fully fuelled and provisioned, according to your preferences, when you step onboard. The Captain will keep all receipts, along with a running log of expenses, which can be viewed at any time during your charter

Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If expenses exceed the APA during your charter, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark

Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 10%-15% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter

Crewed yacht charters range from $25,000 per week to $100,000.00 per week and greater. The cost depends on the size and age of the yacht and how many quests will be accommodated. Most yachts offer all-inclusive week-long charters, and in certain areas, a tax is required and will be considered in your final payment. Luxury motor yachts can have an all-inclusive fee or they may have a standard fee plus running expenses and APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance).

You can fly commercial or private into Nassau (airport code NAS). After a taxi ride, your yacht will pick you up at the marina. You may wish to fly into the Exuma Cays on a small plane to start your sailing vacation there and then you can depart from Nassau when you leave.

You would fly commercially to St. Maarten (Dutch side) code SXM. There is also a smaller airstrip in Grande Case on the French side only for local flights. A taxi will take you to the marinas inside the lagoon.

There are multiple ways to get to the BVI, including Beef Island on Tortola (airport code EIS). The Tortola airport has many flights daily from Miami with American, Puerto Rico and St Maarten via Cape Air, Seaborne, and Liat Airlines. You can also fly into St Thomas and take a scenic 45-minute ferry ride into the BVI.

The ferry arrives at multiple ports in the BVI, and with advance notice, we can arrange for your yacht to pick you up at ferry terminals. Private water taxis are available if you wish to depart on your own time and travel in style with your group.

There are various airlines flying directly into St. Thomas. Airport (code STT). Flights are also daily from Puerto Rico (code SJU). Most international flights depart in the afternoon, which is convenient since your yacht charter ends at noon. Once in the USVI, short flights will take you to St. Croix.

Greece has 14 International airports, with Athens (ATH) being the largest. There are many direct flights available to Athens from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Newark, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and New York, which alone has 60 direct flights per day! As a US citizen, there are no visa requirements. You can get to any island in Greece to start your yacht charter, using the airport and ferry system.

We would suggest spending a few nights in Athens before you board your crewed yacht. This way you can take some time to acclimatize and take in some sites, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Yacht charters tend to start in Athens, Piraeus, or Lavrion. Taxis and private limos are easily available to take you to the marina to meet your yacht and the crew.

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.

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.

Yachts offer wireless internet access on board. Internet connectivity on your yacht isn’t as fast as being on land, but it will support email and web browsing. Please consult your cellular provider about roaming charges while you travel.

Yes yachts are fully air-conditioned and equipped with water makers and ice makers. Generators provide power to run all systems when required.

ABSOLUTELY! A yacht vacation is great for families. Children have a blast snorkeling, running on the beach, playing with water toys, and swimming in the warm waters. Just bear in mind that the crew cannot take responsibility for the children’s welfare, and young children will need to be supervised. Some yachts have age requirements for children. We will check with the yacht’s crew before booking.

Your private yacht chef caters to most special diets and allergies. We will send you a preference sheet 2 months before your charter for you to complete. Here you can list any special diets or allergies anyone in your group may have. We will forward this to your chef and then he/she can plan a menu. It is not uncommon to have several special diets on one charter. If this is a need, Epic Yacht Charters will inquire with yachts during the search process and discuss it with the chef.

All yachts have VHF radios, cell phones and WiFi onboard. Set your phone to not roam and activate WiFi calling, unless you are in the US Virgin Islands. Please check your cell phone provider to see about roaming charges on your phone plan.

There is no bad time to go to the BVI. Temperatures are around 79°F from December to March and around 84°F from May to October.

Winds are slightly higher in the winter months. Expect to pay slightly higher rates during holiday weeks. Generally, Thanksgiving through Easter is considered the high season. Christmas week and New Year’s charters are booked up to 18 months in advance.

Yachts do not charter during August, September and October due to it being hurricane season.