A private boat charter is an experience where the less you have to think about logistics, the more you enjoy the day. For the most part, your captain handles everything, between navigation, routes, anchoring, and the safety of everyone on board. Your job is to relax and have a good time.
That said, a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what to expect, what to bring, and how things work on a boat helps the day run smoothly for everyone, especially if some of your group has never been on a charter before. Most of this is basic, but it is worth going over before you step on the dock.
Before You Board
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Shoes. Dark-soled shoes can scuff and stain the deck, so plan on wearing light-soled boat shoes, clean sneakers, or just going barefoot. Most guests end up barefoot once the boat is moving anyway. Flip-flops work fine for getting on and off but can be slippery on a wet deck, so be mindful of that.
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What to bring. The charter company will tell you what is and is not provided, but for most private charters you should plan on bringing your own food, drinks, snacks, water, sunscreen, and towels. A soft-sided cooler is easier to store on board than a hard one. If you are bringing alcohol, that is typically allowed on private charters, but check with the company when you book.
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What to wear. Dress for a day at the beach. Swimsuits, cover-ups, light layers. Bring a hat and sunglasses. If you are going out for a longer trip or will be on the water into the evening, a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt is worth throwing in. It can be noticeably cooler on the water once the sun gets low, and wind on an open boat adds to that.
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Sunscreen. Apply it before you board and bring the bottle with you to reapply. The reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure, and it is very easy to burn on a boat even on a partly cloudy day. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly recommended if you will be swimming or snorkeling, since chemical sunscreens can damage coral and marine ecosystems.
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Motion sickness. If you have any history of seasickness, or if you are unsure, take medication before you leave the dock. Once you are already feeling it, the medicine is much less effective. Over-the-counter options like Dramamine or Bonine work well for most people. Eating a light meal beforehand and staying hydrated also helps. If someone in your group starts feeling off, sitting in the fresh air toward the back of the boat and looking at the horizon usually helps settle things.
Once You Are On Board
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Listen to the captain's briefing. At the start of every charter, your captain will walk through the basics: where the life jackets are, how the bathroom works, where to sit while the boat is moving, and any specific guidelines for the day. It takes a couple of minutes and it matters. Even if you have been on boats before, every vessel is a little different.
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Stay seated while underway. When the boat is moving, especially at speed, stay in a designated seating area and keep a hand on something sturdy. Standing or walking around while the boat is cutting through waves is how people lose their balance and get hurt. Wait until the captain slows down or stops before moving around the boat.
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Watch your weight distribution. This one surprises people who are new to boating. If everyone on board clusters on one side of the boat, it affects the balance and handling. Spread out when you can, and be aware of where you are sitting relative to the rest of the group, especially on a boat with a larger party.
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Keep belongings secured. Anything that is not tied down or stored can slide, blow off, or get wet. Phones, hats, towels, and bags should be tucked away or held when the boat is in motion. Most boats have storage compartments and cubbies for this purpose. Use them.
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Ask before you touch anything. This applies to lines, anchors, controls, electronics, and anything else that looks like it has a purpose. On a captained charter, the captain manages all of that. Even well-intentioned help, like grabbing a dock line or adjusting a fender, can cause problems if the timing or technique is off. If the captain needs a hand, they will ask.
On the Water
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Swimming and snorkeling. Wait for the captain to give the go-ahead before getting in the water. They need to make sure the boat is properly anchored, the engines are off, and the area is safe. When getting back on the boat, use the swim ladder and take your time. Wet decks are slippery.
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Respect the environment. Do not throw anything overboard. That includes food scraps, cups, cans, and cigarette butts. If you are visiting a sandbar or island, bring everything back to the boat with you. Many of the places charter boats visit are protected areas, state parks, or wildlife refuges, and keeping them clean is everyone's responsibility.
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Keep an eye on kids. On a private charter, children are welcome and the captain will do their part to keep things safe. But the captain is focused on operating the boat, not supervising individual guests. Children should wear life jackets at all times while the boat is moving, and an adult should be watching them whenever they are near the water or moving around the deck.
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Alcohol. Drinking on a private charter is fine and expected on many trips, but it is important that you and your guests pace yourself. Being on the water in the sun all day accelerates dehydration, and alcohol compounds that. Alternate drinks with water, eat throughout the day, and keep an eye on your group. A good day on the water can turn uncomfortable quickly if someone overdoes it.
Wrapping Up the Day
When the charter is winding down, gather your belongings and pack up any trash your group brought on board. Leave the boat the way you found it. If the captain went out of their way to make the day special, a tip is customary and appreciated. There is no fixed rule, but 15 to 20 percent of the charter cost is a common guideline in the industry.
Chartering with SeaEO
SeaEO Luxury Boat Charters makes the preparation side easy. Their captains walk every group through a safety briefing at the start, and the Axopar 37 XC Cross Cabin is built with guest comfort in mind: enclosed cabin, a full private bathroom, ample storage for your belongings, and comfortable seating and sunbeds throughout. The boat holds up to 13 guests plus the captain, and it is pet-friendly for guests who want to bring their dog along.
For a full list of what to bring and what is included, you can check details for your specific location when you book at sea-eo.com.