Yacht Charter Guide


Frequently Asked Questions

Reserving a private yacht charter is quite different from booking a hotel room or villa at a luxury resort. Most of the yachts available for yacht charter are owned by private owners with professional charter managers all over the world. Many of the owners only accept a limited number of charters each season and some have preferences as to the type of groups they will welcome aboard their yacht. You’ll need an experienced yacht charter agent who has access to the yacht charter listings to walk you through the process, and who understands all the legalities of charter contracts, insurance, travel logistics in and out of various ports of call and other details to represent your interests with the yacht owner, manager, captain and crew. 
On average six months in advance is recommended; however, many charter yachts are in such high demand, they are often reserved a year or more in advance. Planning early will provide you with the widest selection of desirable yachts with the amenities you require in the cruising area of your choice. But even if you want to go next month or next week, give us a call. Depending on the time of year you plan to charter and the cruising area, we are often able to coordinate wonderful arrangements worldwide even on very short notice.
There are a wide variety of activities available on charter yachts. Communicating the activities that are important to you will help us match you with the right yacht and crew. On board activities may include all sorts of water sports from snorkeling and diving to waterskiing, knee boarding, wake boarding, kayaking, jet skiing or even kite boarding. All types of fishing from deep sea and reef fishing to spear fishing and fly fishing. Some yacht are equipped for underwater activities such as scuba diving, underwater scooters or third lungs to permit a scuba like experience for non-certified divers. Some yachts have fun water toys for the kids like giant water slides or floating islands and trampolines.

Many yachts have onboard jacuzzis, inside and outside movie theaters, on board gyms, a sauna or the services of a masseuse to add another level of pampering. Beach games, board games and video games are among some of the other activities available.
Since a yacht can take you to innumerable fabulous destinations all over the world there are countless activities available to suit every style, activity level and interest.  Golf some of the worlds finest courses, play tennis, or a few rounds at the casino tables. Visit art galleries, historical sites, dine on five-star or Michelen star cuisines, or take your shoes off and enjoy a cheeseburger in paradise at a fun beach bar. Shop in the worlds finest designer districts, or visit colorful local markets.  Visit quaint fishing villages or prestigious ports of call. Zip line through a rain forest, or unwind in a mineral hot spring. There are truly endless possibilities.  
There are all styles of crewed charters available, and the experience aboard can range from laid back and fun loving to very formal silver service. There are yachts where the crew will attend to your every whim, but if you prefer a more relaxed environment and prefer to fix your own cocktails you are welcome to do that as well. Your crewed yacht charter experience can include days filled with all types of water sports and fun on, in and under the water. Perhaps you would enjoy a beach cook out and your own private beach party, or a treasure hunt for the kids on a deserted island. After a fun filled day in the sun, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and a beautiful sunset, before your chef serves up a delectable dinner custom tailored to the specific tastes and dietary requirements of your group. After dinner relax on deck and marvel at the millions of stars in the sky, or curl up with a soft blanket and your loved ones to enjoy your favorite movie.  Some yachts may also have spa facilities or a yoga instructor on board. The crew will also be happy to suggest and help make special arrangements for the various on shore sites and experiences… perhaps you’ll enjoy a night on the town or dancing in the sand at a laid back beach bar. We will learn what style of experience you would like, and will recommend yachts and crews to match your preferences. Then we will work closely with the crew to arrange an exceptional yacht charter experience for you.
The average yacht charter vacation is 7 days and 7 nights, and can typically begin on any day of the week. Depending on your schedule and how many places you would like to visit, you can also charter longer (i.e. 9 or 10 days, 14 days or three weeks, etc.).  Many yachts can also be charter for shorter periods, like 2, 3 or 4 nights, although some yachts have a minimum number of nights, especially during prime holiday dates.
MGM Yachts is an independent yacht charter agent with more than 25 years experience arranging exceptional yacht charters worldwide. We are members of the International Superyacht Society (ISS), the Florida Yacht Brokers Association (FYBA) and the Charter Yacht Brokers Association (CYBA). We have local industry contacts at most charter destinations and are qualified to book thousands of the finest yachts available with virtually every yacht charter fleet worldwide. We are well versed on the various forms and charter agreements, insurances and travel logistics in and out of worldwide ports of call, and as your personal yacht charter consultant MGM Yachts will make sure the needs and personal preferences of your entire group are attended to by the yacht crew and/or yacht manager to ensure your yacht charter expectations are met.