How to Pack for a Caribbean Charter Yacht Vacation

Chartering a crewed yacht for a week is the best way to explore the Caribbean and Virgin Islands. However, going on a sailing yacht vacation is not your traditional, run of the mill beach vacation.

Instead of waking up with the same view every day, you get to start each morning in a brand new location! Island, bar, anchorage, beach and restaurant hopping adds a whole new spin on your Caribbean vacation. So if this is your first time chartering a yacht, here are some pointers to help you blend in with the other “yachties.”

1. Yacht travel requires multiple bathing suits.

When you spend a week on a yacht, it means you’ll be in the water 90% of your time, so pack at least 2-3 swimsuits that you can easily mix and match. Reversible bathing suits are also great.

2. Wearing a rashguard is a great way to avoid sunburns.

A rashguard is another key element to being in the water 90% of the time. These are great to wear while swimming, snorkeling and even hiking throughout the different islands. It’s also a great alternative to wearing sunscreen, as most rashguards provide a minimum of SPF 30.

3. Bring comfortable clothes for warm Caribbean days.

When they’re not in the water, most guests find it most comfortable lounging in shorts and T-shirts. So bring 2-3 pairs of shorts and several T-shirts/tank tops. The Virgin Islands’ year-round average temperature is 82 degrees, with the water temperature never dropping below 79 degrees. Prepare to be warm more days than not.

4. Don’t forget cover-up options for cool nights out on the water.

After the sun has set, the temperature can cool off a bit, so it’s wise to bring some type of cover-up (i.e. light sweater, scarves, or a lightweight jacket). The yacht will also have A/C running at night to help keep you comfortable – guests will often bring a long-sleeve shirt and pajama pants to stay cozy.

5. Dress to impress out on the town.

You’ll spend the majority of your time enjoying 5-star cuisine right on the boat, but your group may decide to spend a night out enjoying happy hour, grabbing appetizers, or indulging in fresh locally caught lobster in Anegada or St. Barth’s. Evening attire usually includes a maxi dress or sun dress for the ladies and men can wear khaki shorts with a polo or button down (linen shirts are also a great option for the warm climate!)

6. Yacht vacations in the Caribbean require shoes that can get wet.

For the most part, you’ll either be barefoot or in flip-flops. So bring a pair of flip-flops you don’t mind getting wet and bring a pair that’s a bit nicer for the times you go ashore to a restaurant and/or beach bar.

Ladies can leave the stilettos at home, as navigating on the boat and in sand can be quite challenging. But if flats just aren’t enough, bring a pair of wedges to dress up your evening look.

7. Bring your tech to capture yachting memories.

Don’t forget to grab your camera, GoPro, iPhone, iPad, drone, really anything that takes pictures! That being said, make sure you have a waterproof case for the GoPro so you can take lots of pictures and videos of the beautiful marine life. You’ll also want to make sure you bring the chargers – all the yachts have outlets, letting you keep your electronics charged and ready to use.

8. Hats are a great way to shield your face from the Caribbean sun.

Hats are a must have when you’re playing in the sun all day. They’re a great way to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. Another neat alternative to keeping the sun off you are face shields – a soft fabric that’s easy to manipulate into headbands, beanies, do-rags, neck gaiters, bandanas and so much more.

9. When yachting in the Caribbean, you will need to protect your eyes.

Your eyes will need protection from that Caribbean sun and we suggest you bring a pair of polarized sunglasses, (Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, Costa) to help with the glare from the sea. It’s also helpful to bring a pair of croakies with you so you don’t lose your sunglasses overboard.

10. Yacht cabins are not designed like hotel rooms, so choose your luggage accordingly.

Leave your hard-sided suitcase at home. While vacationing on a catamaran easily allows the family to spread out, space is limited. The cabins aren’t designed like a hotel room, with floor-to-ceiling closets. So bring a soft, collapsible bag, that can easily be stored in a cabinet.

11. If you tend to get seasick, catamarans are the most stable type of yacht for cruising in the Caribbean.

Catamarans are the best and most popular method of cruising the Virgin Islands in particular. However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend bringing Bonine (which is non-drowsy, unlike Dramamine) or wearing Sea-Band motion sickness bracelets.

12. You will need your passport for island hopping.

When coming into the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens only need their driver’s license; entry to British Virgin Islands requires passports for everyone in the family. You’ll most likely spend the majority of your time island-hopping in the BVIs.

To learn more about Carribean sailing and catamaran charter yacht vacations, contact Denison Charter Specialist Laura Jagielski: