What to pack for a Caribbean yacht charter

The first rule of packing for a yacht charter is that you need far less than you think. Most guests spend the week in swimwear, barefoot, with a light layer for the evening. Storage on board is generous on larger yachts but limited on smaller ones, and anything you don’t need is something you’ll be stepping round all week.

Bags: soft, not hard

Please bring soft, foldable bags rather than hard suitcases. Soft bags can be squashed into cabin lockers; hard cases often can’t, and may end up in a cabin with you all week. If you need a hard case for the flight, ask us whether the yacht can store it ashore.

Clothes

For a week, most guests need:

• Swimwear: two or three sets, so one is always dry.
• Cover-ups: a sarong, kaftan or light shirt for lunch and going ashore.
• Shorts and T-shirts: a few.
• Evening wear: casual and light. Linen shirts, summer dresses, chinos. Even the smartest Caribbean beach restaurants are relaxed; a couple of nicer outfits are plenty.
• A light jumper or fleece: evenings on the water can feel cool, especially in the winter trade winds.
• A light waterproof: for the occasional tropical shower.
• Sleepwear and underwear.

Shoes

Shoes stay off on board, so you’ll be barefoot most of the time. Bring:

• Flip-flops or sandals for going ashore.
• Water shoes or reef shoes for rocky beaches and scrambling through places like The Baths.
• Trainers only if you plan to hike.

Sun protection

The Caribbean sun is strong, especially on the water, where it reflects back up at you.

• Reef-safe sunscreen. Common sunscreen chemicals can harm coral. The US Virgin Islands have banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, and other islands encourage reef-safe products. Look for mineral sunscreens based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
• Rash vests for snorkelling: great protection, especially for children.
• A wide-brimmed hat that won’t blow away (or a cap with a clip).
• Polarised sunglasses, with a strap.
• After-sun and lip balm with SPF.

Health and comfort

• Seasickness remedies, if you’re prone to it. Speak to your pharmacist before you go.
• Insect repellent, for evenings ashore.
• Any prescription medication, in its original packaging, plus a copy of the prescription.
• A small first-aid kit of your own favourites; the yacht will carry a full one.

Snorkelling and watersports

Crewed yachts usually provide snorkelling gear, but many guests bring their own mask for a perfect fit, especially for children or anyone who needs a prescription lens. If you’re a certified diver, bring your certification card and logbook.

Technology

• A waterproof phone pouch or case.
• A dry bag for trips ashore in the dinghy.
• Chargers and adapters. Yachts in the Caribbean usually have US-style sockets (110V); some have European or UK sockets too. A universal adapter covers everything.
• A waterproof camera or GoPro if you have one.

Most crewed yachts have Wi-Fi, though it can be slow away from the main islands. Many guests find that’s no bad thing.

Documents and money

• Passports for everyone, valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. You’ll need them to clear in and out of each country.
• ESTA if you’re travelling through the United States or the US Virgin Islands, and any other entry documents. Always check current requirements before travelling.
• Travel insurance documents.
• Sailing qualifications and logbook for bareboat skippers.
• Some cash in US dollars for beach bars, taxis and markets. Cards are widely accepted on the main islands, less so on the smaller ones.
• Cash or arrangements for the crew gratuity, if you’re planning to give one. See our guide to tipping.

What not to bring

• Hard suitcases.
• Black-soled shoes, which mark the decks.
• Glass bottles of anything you’d like to bring aboard: tell the crew and they’ll stock it.
• Too many clothes. Really.

For children

See our guide to chartering with children, but in short: their own well-fitting life jackets if they’re small, rash vests, hats, a favourite toy or two, and something for the flight.

Ready to go?

Once your charter is booked, we’ll send you a checklist for your yacht and destination. If you’re still planning, tell us about your party and we’ll find the right yacht first.