Know Before You Book

Answers to common questions about your crewed or group charter.

Is This Trip Right for Me?

Hosted sailing trips are different from traditional cruises, resorts, or fully private vacations. They are small-group yacht experiences often built around island-hopping, shared time aboard, flexible daily plans, and the natural conditions of life on the water.

This trip may be a great fit if you enjoy adventure, beauty in nature, a social group atmosphere, time outdoors, shared meals and life aboard, opportunities to explore or participate, the motion of a yacht at sea, and a flexible itinerary.

This may not be the right fit if you prefer a trip that runs on a published schedule, provides numerous private spaces, makes most passages under sail alone rather than by motoring or motor-sailing, offers hotel-like silence, or follows a cruise-style itinerary centered on major ports.

What Level of Activity is Expected?

No prior sailing experience is required, and there is no expectation that everyone take an active role in sailing the yacht. You might spend much of your time relaxing on deck, swimming, reading, exploring ashore, or simply watching the islands go by. If taking a turn at the helm, helping with sail trim or lines, handling the dinghy, or learning more about sailing sounds like fun, there may also be opportunities to get involved.

Shared life aboard does include some participation from everyone. Unless a cook is included with your departure or separately arranged, travelers should expect to take part in preparing meals during the week. You do not need to be an experienced cook, and how meal preparation is shared may vary by departure and group.

Being aboard a yacht does require a certain level of mobility and balance. Depending on the yacht and itinerary, you should be comfortable moving about compact spaces, using steps or ladders, getting on and off the yacht or dinghy, and spending time on a vessel that moves with the sea.

Activities ashore are generally your choice. You might spend one day snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, diving, or exploring an island—and another relaxing aboard or enjoying a beach or waterfront restaurant. You can choose the experiences that feel right for you.

A Few Realities of Yacht Travel

Not every day is pure sailing. On a sailing vacation, it is natural to hope for time under sail. But it’s important to note that island-hopping often means motoring or motor-sailing. Even on sailing yachts, the route, wind direction, timing, tides, and planned stops may require the engine. Some days may include wonderful sailing. Other days may involve mostly motoring so the yacht can reach planned stops safely and on time.

Itineraries are planned, not guaranteed. The charter crew, Host, or group leader may plan a route and daily flow, but plans often need to adjust to the realities of life on the water. Routes, timing, anchorages, excursions, restaurants, dive trips, park visits, and other activities may change because of weather, sea conditions, tides, local rules, availability, mechanical issues, or decisions by the charter company, crew, local provider, or Host.

Boats make noise. Engines, generators, pumps, wind, anchor gear, docks, and nearby boats can all be part of life aboard. If air conditioning is used overnight, generator noise may also be part of the experience.

Yachts are comfortable, but they are not hotels. Cabins and bathrooms are compact, storage is limited, and everyone shares the same floating space. A catamaran offers more room than many boats, but it is still a yacht.

Mechanical issues can happen. Charter yachts are working boats in saltwater environments. Even well-maintained yachts can have equipment issues that affect timing, comfort, routing, or onboard amenities.

Excursions depend on local conditions and availability. Scuba diving, kayaking, guided tours, beach restaurants, park visits, and local transportation may be operated by third-party providers and can change or become unavailable.

What about motion sickness? Some travelers are more sensitive to motion at sea than others. Conditions can vary by destination, route, wind, swell, and the particular passage being made, so some days may feel noticeably calmer than others. If you know you are susceptible to motion sickness, it is worth planning for that before departure. Your Host or charter company can also help you understand the kinds of conditions and passages that may be expected on your specific sailing.

Communications Before You Sail

Your charter crew or Host will communicate with you directly as your departure approaches. Sometimes Hosts request that we help with their pre-trip communications. If so, you may receive pre-trip planning emails and/or invites to video calls or Q&A sessions from us. Other communications you may receive include: charter company requests for traveler and arrival details, payment due dates, arrival guidance, dietary preference requests, and other details. If you have any trip-specific questions before booking, please Contact Us.

Life Aboard

Adventure sailing aboard a charter yacht is different from traveling aboard a cruise ship. Space aboard a yacht is more compact, including staterooms and bathrooms, but each is designed for a comfortable trip. Shared spaces aboard are relaxed social areas where everyone is asked to embrace a spirit of camaraderie and participate respectfully in life aboard.

For a By-the-Cabin Crewed Charter, your package generally includes onboard dining service and professional crew support. The skipper manages the voyage plan and vessel operations, while the cook handles provisioning, meal preparation, and onboard dining service. Your crew may also be able to offer recommendations for restaurants, tours, and excursions along the way.

When joining a Private Group Charter, daily activities and onboard responsibilities vary by the voyage plan, vessel, crew arrangement, and provisioning organized by your Host. In many private group charters, the trip is skippered by the Host or another experienced sailor in the group, and group members may share some duties related to sailing, meals, and keeping shared spaces tidy. Group members often coordinate with their Host on menu planning and cooking arrangements before departure.

Activities, Excursions & Diving

Each destination offers a world of activities on land and on the water. Depending on your itinerary, Sail Around The World can help you plan for land tours, boat tours, day trips, spa services, cooking classes, watercraft rentals, snorkeling excursions, scuba diving, and other local experiences.

If you are a diver and would like to dive during your trip, Contact Us and we may be able to connect you with local scuba diving excursions. Some destinations may support rendezvous diving, where a local dive operator meets your yacht during the itinerary. Keep in mind that dive operations usually require proof of certification in advance of arrival, and in some cases recent dive logs are also requested.

Fishing from your yacht may be possible in some destinations, but rules vary by location, vessel, and charter operator. Contact Us before booking or before departure if you are interested in fishing, and we can help confirm whether it is permitted, whether gear rental is available, and whether a local fishing license is required.

Power & Devices

Yachts have more limited power than hotels. The use of hair dryers, extension cords, and other high-draw appliances are generally not permitted unless specifically confirmed for your vessel. Plug configurations aboard can differ by international destination and vessel. A universal adapter is a good addition to your travel kit and can also help at hotels.

Wi-Fi & Cell Service

Some yachts may have a Wi-Fi router aboard for internet access, but cell service and Wi-Fi vary by destination, carrier, route, anchorage, and marina. Travelers should not assume continuous connectivity while underway or at anchor.

Health, Safety & Comfort

Most charter companies have restrictions for smoking aboard. Generally, smoking is not allowed inside the yacht or in staterooms. Some operators do allow smoking on deck but policies vary by vessel and operator. On some vessels, smoking and/or vaping may not be permitted aboard at all.

Some yachts have a speaker system that can play music throughout the yacht and may connect by Bluetooth. Please keep in mind that some travelers may prefer the sounds of the wind and sea while underway, and not everyone aboard may have the same taste in music. When music is a must, headphones are the best option.

Travelers with medical needs, mobility concerns, dietary restrictions, or comfort questions should contact Sail Around The World before booking. If you use a CPAP machine or other medical device, Contact Us before booking so we can confirm vessel power options, battery charging, and other important requirements. Written approval is often required from the charter company to allow medical devices on board.

Destination Notes

Travelers should review passport, visa, and entry / exit requirements in advance of their trip. Local rules, customs, and services vary by destination. Some locations restrict certain clothing, including camouflage. Review our Travel Planning Information page for additional information.

Credit Cards & Local Currency

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted internationally, however, ATMs may not be available, have low daily withdrawal amounts, or may not connect with your bank’s network from your destination. We recommend traveling with an amount of your destination’s local currency, which can be ordered from your bank in advance of travel.

Minimum Age

Minimum age requirements may vary by trip. Your charter operator or Host may set age guidance for some charters. Your charter operator may require minors be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times during the charter. Contact Us if you have questions about a specific family traveler or departure.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend considering the purchase of travel insurance prior to incurring expenses for your trip. Travel insurance can help reimburse costs related to covered trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies and transportation. Note that all insurance policies are not the same. It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser of a policy or other service to be satisfied that the policy covers the risk sought to be insured against. For more information visit our Travel Planning Information page.

Questions?

You can review additional resources in the booking sidebar for What’s Included and How Hosted Sailings Work.