What happens on a superyacht charter?

Burgess takes a look at the facilities you can expect to find on your next yacht charter.

The most successful charter yachts will generally have a combination of facilities that make them strong across the superyacht board.

Jacuzzis and pools

On larger superyachts spa pools are normally a given, and though some may be limited to the sun deck jacuzzi, the largest of the charter yachts also have all manner of additional water features. 

These range from infinity pools to glass bottomed pools, swim-up bars, and even pools with a counter current so that you can achieve laps without even dipping a toe in the sea.

Al fresco dining

Most superyachts have a combination of shaded and unshaded areas in which guests can lounge, so that both sun lovers and those seeking shade are satisfied.

An al fresco dining set-up large enough to seat the number of guests on board is also a must, and if space permits, then it is even better to have a couple of different open-air dining options for variety in your dining, perhaps a more intimate space on the foredeck?

Most larger yachts will also have a full beach BBQ set-up so that you can dine on the beach as the sun sets.

Watersports

The most popular charter yachts carry a wide array of watertoys and equipment on board. From submarines to semi-submersibles, diving and fishing equipment, the watersports equipment on the most successful charter yachts is out of this world.

Some of the yachts also have certified dive instructors in the crew, adding to the appeal for those who might be looking to learn to dive while on board.

At a minimum jetskis, waterskis, kayaks and snorkelling equipment, as well as one - or even better two - tenders, are definite must-haves if the yacht is large enough to carry them.

A yacht with the very latest offerings, however, like flyboards, jetpacks and SeaBobs, alongside watersports equipment such as windsurfing gear and sailing dinghies, can create a lot more variety in your water fun.

There are also a number of watertoys that will certainly appeal to children, such as inflatable water slides, trampolines and towables.

And then there are the toys that can be used on deck. From Tee-it golfing machines to basketball, padel and even tennis courts, the demand for on board entertainment has driven expectations to another level.

Entertainment

From superfast WiFi and indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities to private cinema rooms and outdoor cinema set-ups, literally anything you can have on land is also possible at sea these days.

Entertainment systems have always played an important role in the overall yachting experience. But audio-visual technologies have changed significantly over the last decade and the most popular charter yachts feature the most up to date, state-of-the-art integrated entertainment systems throughout all guest areas. At the touch of a screen, connect your smartphone to WiFi or Bluetooth and your music can stream in every area of the yacht. A superyacht should be able to provide everything that guests can enjoy in the comfort of their own home, and ideally even more.

A decent library of books and movies, board games and game consoles are also an essential, and internet connections and satellite TV showing all the channels are now also vital requirements.

Aside from these basics, the further possibilities are endless. Pinball machines, gimballed pool and snooker tables, putting greens, deck quoits, old-school Atari machines, even a pétanque pitch. Anything is possible if you have the space.

Wellbeing

With society’s emphasis on health and wellbeing, a gym is increasingly becoming a desirable facility for guests, along with on board personal trainers and yoga instructors. Many of the larger and more modern yacht builds now have their gym areas in a more prominent position on board, rather than tucked away in a convertible cabin, and many charter yachts will feature air-conditioned gyms.

For those that don’t have the space for a dedicated gym then carrying one or two pieces of appropriate exercise equipment for use on deck or ashore is usually a minimum requirement for most charter guests who want to enjoy their chef’s amazing food without piling on the pounds.

For those looking for something a little more relaxing, then on board spas, hammams, or a masseuse and beautician within the crew, has become a popular request. Today’s yachting experience leans towards more of a holistic approach with health and wellbeing as a priority. There are a number of superyachts with their own facilities that rival many of the best land-based destination spas.

Many of the more modern yachts will have beach clubs adjacent to gym spaces and various spa areas, allowing guests to move easily between workouts both on the yacht and in the water, and treatments on board.

Beach clubs

The larger yachts can afford the space to offer the complete beach club experience, with the exterior and interior areas at water level offering many of the amenities found on the decks above. On the larger beach club platforms guests can spend hours sunbathing by the water in privacy, including a bar and al fresco dining facilities, and can access the water and watertoys with far greater ease and less hassle than on more traditional yachts.

You don't need to charter a large yacht to enjoy the spa experience on board. If you would like spa treatments on board your next charter but your chosen yacht does not have the facilities, then a pampering treatment on deck or in a converted cabin can usually be arranged with a visiting massage therapist.

Up-to-date technological equipment

Over the past 15 years, the development of superyacht stabilisers has had an extremely positive effect on the comfort of those on board, whether cruising or at anchor.

Air conditioning systems should also be up to date, as should noise reduction systems, which prevent vibrations and engine sounds from disturbing charter guests, especially important at night when at anchor or when night cruising.

Interested? Want to find out more? Contact one of our brokers and find out why a superyacht charter is an experience like no other