Top Tips For First Time Boat Charter

If you want to make your coastal or island vacation really special then hire a boat. You can make it a real day to remember. If you’ve never considered this before then make sure you consider the following points so that your dream day doesn’t turn to a disaster.

“Bareboat” mean that there’s no crew so if you have chartered bareboat and you can’t sail you aint going anywhere. Not unless you qualify and get the necessary papers yourself. Always check the boat comes with a skipper and crew. The charter company can usually organise you one if it doesn’t. In some countries legally they may not be able to supply you with one.

Fuel is not normally included in the price of a charter. It will be charged to you as an extra at the end of the trip. Something to think about as boat love to guzzle back the diesel.

Take plenty of sun lotion the power of the sun is deceiving at sea and it’s effects are not always noticed until you are back on dry land. The other side to that coin is that you can tan three times the speed at sea.

If you are going to have a swim off the boat it’s a good idea to have a snorkel and goggles. Always check for jelly fish before diving in…and sharks if applicable….they tend to be quite bitey.

When the weather is bad you will be required to wear a life jacket, especially if you can’t swim. It’s advisable for children to wear them all the times. Some boats will not be suitable for really young children. Always take the skippers advice and listen to his safety speech at the start of the journey.

If you are lunching ashore it’s often a good idea to invite the skipper along. he might have some great sea stories to share with you. It’s normal practice to tip the skipper at the end of the trip.

There’s the basics most of all have fun - if it goes well you will have one of the most amazing days of you life!