With close to double-digit increases in the number of reservations being taken, the yacht charter business is booming. Want to find a charter in the T
Vacationers have been demanding more private experiences for years, yet the recent global pandemic has compounded that desire.
Yacht charters are both private and isolated. And, even better, they can be personalized to fit your needs.
Are you researching a Tampa Bay Yacht Charter (St. Petersburg, FL) and want to learn more about finding the right yacht for you?
Below we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about selecting a yacht charter in Tampa Bay.
Keep reading to learn how rentals are different than charters, selecting the right boat, deciding where to go, choosing a menu, planning water activities, and how to get your reservation.
Renting Boats vs. Chartering Yachts — What’s the Difference
After doing a ton of research on your dream charter vacation, you’re now probably wondering what’s the difference between renting and chartering?
Boat rentals are more common for most people than charters. In this scenario the client rents from a private owner to allow for a more personalized experience.
The client is in charge of the boat and where it goes. It’s possible they don’t own a boat but want a vacation on the water or they’re testing out different kinds of boats before buying a new one.
A chartering experience, on the other hand, is typically on a larger yacht overseen by a licensed captain and crew. It can range from a modestly sized sailboat all the way to a luxury superyacht.
For the most part, a charter experience comes with professionally prepared food and organized excursions. A charter is like a big floating villa.
Selecting the Right Boat For Your Charter Experience
Since you’re reading this article, chances are you want to charter a yacht. Your first step should be selecting the right boat for your type of event and the group of people who may be joining you.
What are some of the reasons people charter yachts? Corporate team building, business trips, bachelor parties, birthdays, anniversaries, or simply long outings on the sea.
As we mentioned above, clients can choose between sailboats or yachts with a motor. Only a small percent of charter guests request a sailboat because they require a little extra work and can tilt if the wind picks up.
Team building activities are better suited for sailboats while events like romantic anniversaries or birthdays would be more appropriate on a yacht.
On average, yachts are considered any luxury boat larger than 78 feet. Bareboat charters (a simple boat rental) can start at under $5,000 a week. The fully-crewed luxury yachts can go for $150,000 per week.
It all depends on your budget and what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Where Do You Want to Go on the Yacht?
So this is a big decision. Where do you want to go? Yachts leaving from Florida can travel throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, or around the Caribbean.
Tampa Bay is the largest port in the southeastern United States. From there you can boat to these exciting destinations: Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island State Park, Egmont Key, or the Davis Island Dog Park.
These places offer secluded white-sand beaches, gorgeous natural features, wildlife encounters, and even an opportunity to camp the night. One island park even permits dogs!
If your budget is a little higher you can set your sights on the Bahamas or Jamaica.
Decide where you would like to go before chartering the yacht because it can affect the overall price. The further the boat needs to go, the more expensive it’ll be.
You’ll also want to make sure your charter isn’t in peak season, which is December to April in the Caribbean. This could mean higher rates and more crowds.
Setting the Charter Menu and Planning Water Activities
Food is everyone’s favorite part of a charter. If you plan, you can make sure to enjoy the best meals possible.
Higher-end luxury yachts come with a complete crew plus a chef. Less expensive charters could be limited in their food options or require the clients to bring their own.
Clients who hire superyachts meet with chefs ahead of time to give them their food preferences for the week. Smaller yachts often have chefs as well and they can design a tasty menu for all guests.
If you’re simply renting the boat yourself, here are some delicious boat food tips:
- Keep your menu simple
- Prep everything ahead of time
- Make finger foods
- Use high-quality storage containers
- Don’t forget utensils
Next, you’ll want to choose any water activities to pass the time. There are many options to pick. You can try snorkeling, paddle boarding, scuba diving, windsurfing, jet skiing, and more!
Finding a Tampa Bay Yacht Charter (St. Petersburg, FL)
Being one of the largest regional ports, Tampa Bay is a perfect launching point for the vacation of your dreams.
The global pandemic has changed the way charters are operating. Most charters are now staying closer to home because of travel restrictions.
On top of remaining in local waters, these charters are also offering more water activities on the boat to minimize the number of times guests have to get off the boat.
There are many Tampa Bay yacht options, including the 84-foot NSS Pattam. It’s an affordable, sleek and spacious mega yacht, equipped with a fully-stocked bar and expert crew.
A Princess Yacht, the NSS Pattam offers three levels of entertainment, spacious deck space, and three staterooms for up to 8 guests.
Book Your Dream Yacht Charter
Looking for a Tampa Bay Yacht Charter (St. Petersburg, FL)? Go Charter Tampa is a locally-owned charter company providing custom events for local businesses and private clients.
The crew of the NSS Pattam is highly knowledgeable about the local waters and islands. They can ensure you have a unique experience.
Go Charter Tampa has over 20 years of experience hosting personalized luxury chartering services.
Contact us now to learn more about your options and book a charter.
