From the azure Mediterranean sea, to the secluded beaches of Saint-Barth, the best way to navigate the waters is with your own luxury yacht. Whether you’re taking a day trip from your luxury villa rental, or looking for a longer break, it’s useful to know your options.

What yacht should I hire?

Before booking a yacht, think about the size of your group, the length of your trip and the waters you plan to charter.

An ideal choice for luxury charter vacations, these mega-yachts are spectacular in their style and sea prowess. Complete with their own crew, it’s the best way to enjoy the ultimate in luxury, meaning that you can travel in comfort and style.

Designed around the luxe experience, motor yachts have first-class facilities, which often include; heated pools, hot tubs, gyms and private spas. In essence, it’s your mansion rental on water! Thanks to their sheer size, they also make a good choice for large groups and families.

If you’re here for the journey and enjoy a hands-on approach, a sailing yacht is for you. As the name suggests, this water vessel is identified by its large sails to power it. Adapted for cruising the world, they have become larger and more luxurious in recent years, but are still designed with the sailing experience front and center. This is a really great choice for exploring open waters, ideal for those experienced at sea. Perhaps less so for families with younger children. Unless you are well adept at mastering the ocean, it’s advisable to hire deck-hands to assist.

Often described as a thrilling way to travel, sailing yachts are often used in regattas, but are also ideal companions for navigating islands and beaches. On-site facilities can vary from the opulent, to the basic, so it’s important to shop around.

A multi-hulled watercraft, the Catamaran is identified by two parallel hulls of equal size. This makes it agile and comfortable for cruising, ideal for access into shallow anchorages. This is quite handy when it comes to exploring shallower waters, where many other yachts can’t navigate. Inside, catamaran’s are sleek and stylish, catering to a well-heeled crowd. Although they are pretty easy to navigate, it’s still advisable to hire staff to help with docking and launching.

A bit like a classic car, this type of yacht has a vintage theme, typically dating back to the 1920-1970s period. This is the ideal vessel for invoking a sense of nostalgia, perfect for couples looking for a romantic weekend away. Its elegance may not compete with today’s modern facilities, but most have been refurbished to meet high-standards. As with other yachts, these are best enjoyed with staff to steer it.

Distinguished by their sleek aerodynamic appearance, this yacht is designed with thrill seeking in mind. The sports car of the water world, this is a fun choice for adventure and style. Plush interiors are fitted out to the highest-spec, with the latest technology and systems. They also offer a number of toys on board to keep you entertained, such as scuba diving and water skiing.

It’s not all plain sailing, so to speak. Some due diligence is required before hiring a yacht. Booking through a reputable company is highly advisable. They can assist with staffing the vessel, as well as assisting with all the paperwork, which includes:

This includes appropriate charter deposit insurance and charter skipper liability

If you plan to sail the ship, you will need the right permits and licenses in place, which vary from country to country. In the US, license requirements also vary by state.

Depending on your destination, certain certification may be required. Typically in the US, this also includes undertaking a boat safety course.