A sailing vacation in Mallorca and Menorca is not complete without the side trip. If you are an avid bird lover, the island of Mallorca is right for you. Every year, thousands of birds flock to Mallorca to nest and migrate. There are also several types of birds who are already in the island. These include the Marmora’s Warbler, Scoop Owls, Moustached Warbler, Audouin’s Gull, Eleonora’s Falcon, and the Black Vulture. These birds are considered to be rare and can only be found in Spain. Roughly around 200 species of birds called the island their home. The best place to watch birds is in Puerto Pollensa. This is because its area is near to Albufuera marsh. Aside from Puerto Pollensa, the northernmost region of Mallorca and Formentor’s sea cliffs are also perfect for bird watching. However, if you want your bird watching experience to be closer to the island’s capital, you can also try in Boquer valley.

For birdwatchers wishing to visit Mallorca, Puerto Pollensa makes the perfect base as it is close to the Albufuera marsh, the mountains in the north of the island and the seacliffs of Formentor. There are also several great birdwatching spots within walking distance of the town, including the Boquer valley which is great for migrants. if you come during the spring migration season (especially mid-April to mid-May) you’ll meet lots of other birdwatchers and get plenty of information on what’s about.

Mallorca has many sheltered coves and nice harbors which are well worth a visit, such as Andraitx, Pollensa and Alcudia. The coast of the ‘calas’ (’coves’) is to be found on the south-east coast of Mallorca. This includes Porto Colom which is the best natural harbor and anchorage in Mallorca and possibly in the whole of the Balearic Islands. Alternatively, visit the nature reserve of Cabrera Island (you need to have a special permission for this) then continue up the east coast of Mallorca and sail across to Menorca where you can visit the nice harbor of Mahon. Ibiza and Formentera are only a days sailing away. Ibiza town offering culture and great night life, contrasting with its close by island of Formentera, with its relaxed attitude and beautiful beaches.

A sailing vacation in Mallorca and Menorca is easy to find. Port of Mahon in Menorca is the island’s largest and capital city. On the other hand, the island of Mallorca, which is commonly spelled as “Majorca”, can also be used as an area port. In particular, many harbors in the city of Palma can be utilized.  Aside from having the most conducive harbors, the two is also rich in culture, tradition, and history.

Yacht chartering involves the renting or chartering of a motor yacht or sailboat with the purpose of traveling about coastal or other island locations. Over the years, the act has become an increasingly popular method of seeing the world while enjoying a nice journey spread across calming water.

Two Different Kinds of Charter

When chartering a yacht, you should know there are two main types to consider – bare boat and crewed. With a bare boat charter, an individual or group rents a boat and then guides the trip on his or her own accord. For the less experienced, numerous bare boat companies provide the teaching of basic seaman skills that aids interested parties.

A crewed charter involves a yacht that already comes with a crew. Depending on your needs, this type of charter may provide the assistance of a duo (such as a husband-wife team) that serves as captain or may utilize the help of a several different crew members, such as a chef, engineer, deckhands, and possibly even a scuba dive expert.

Yacht Charter Factors

After you have decided the purpose of your yacht charter, many different factors will affect the way you approach planning a trip. For some, there are limitations to how much money will be spent or the size of yacht needed. Smaller excursions work well with a boat measuring 35 to 40 feet, while larger parties need boats around 300 feet. The age and pedigree of a boat is important as well. Usually, a younger boat provides a stronger sense of safety.

Also, if you haven’t decided yet, the most important part of planning a yacht charter is where you will go. The destination will also play a significant role as to what kinds of yacht charters will be available to accommodate your trip goals. Some people will spend up to $25,000 per person for a week on a luxury yacht charter, while others keep their budget below $1000.

How to Secure a Yacht Charter

Most people looking to plan a vacation or outing by chartering a yacht usually have a specific destination already planted in their head. Some individuals may also base their trip on price or availability of charters, meaning they are limited to some of the locations they can visit. The world is filled with plenty of international opportunities to explore, including the heat of Mexico to the biting temperatures of Antarctica.

European travel are also quite popular, as Belgium, Poland, Finland, and France all offer yacht charter services. Islands, such as Barbados and Fiji welcome travelers with open arms, while old standbys, such as Canada provide intriguing voyages as well.. Additional destinations to consider include Madagascar, Argentina, Australia, Slovenia, and the Dominican Republic.

Finding suitable yacht charter companies are quite easy. While many people rely on travel agents to point them in the right direction, there are tons of options decorating the Internet with ample details on some of the most popular yacht charters.

Let’s say you are interested in yacht charters offered in the Guadaloupe area. Completing a specific search for the destination or searching a database situated on a yacht charter-related website should reveal that there are several different companies scattered about the archipelago. Currently, the most yacht charters are offered in St. Martin with more than ten choices.

For instance, the Northern Child Swan Yacht Charter promotes corporate events, cruising and racing charters throughout the United Kingdom during the summer season and about the Caribbean when the winter months arrive. This particular selection features the assistance of two professional crew members, a skipper and a captain. Luxury boats are also popular, as they are known to accommodate wedding receptions or take honeymooning couples off into the sunset. In St. Martin, Sunreef Yachts provides these kind of custom-made beauties.

To experience the delight of chartering a yacht, planning ahead of time also helps to secure the best deals and make sure you have ample time to make proper travel arrangements if enjoying an international adventure. It is also wise to keep your eye out for changing weather reports – you want to make sure you don’t charter a yacht during a time where possible storms, hurricanes, and such will strike.

You also have to make a security deposit, when you are taking over the yacht. Security deposit can be made in cash or credit cards. The security deposit shall be refunded in its full amount, unless there is damage or a defect on the yacht or the equipment, and unless there are no claims filed or announced regarding you by third persons, which are connected to the usage of the yacht.

Charter agency is obligated to hand-over at yours disposal completely equipped, faultless, with full fuel and water tanks in the agreed time and place. If there is any reason that chartering company didn’t fulfill above-mentioned conditions you have a right to ask for money refund, for the days he has not been using the yacht. Also if the charter agency cannot place the yacht at disposal at the agreed place 4 hours after the expiry of the time period for the takeover, or provide another, at least identical or better characteristics, you have a right to give up the contract and demand the total amount of the charter fee or demand the amount for as many days as he could have not disposed of the yacht.

After taking possession of the yacht, you shall bear all coast of the daily berth in the port, or in marina, coast of fuel, oil, water, cleaning and all other necessities. You are obliged to sail within the Croatian territorial waters. For leaving Croatian territorial waters you are obligated to ask charter company’s special permission and certificate.

You undertake to respect custom and other regulations and rules, to take care of the yacht and its equipment and navigate it carefully and according to the rules of a good navigator.Number of persons aboard must correspond to the crew list. The keeping of pets (dogs, cats, birds and similar) on the yacht is not allowed, unless a previous agreement was reached in that regard.

The insurance is determined by the terms defined by the insurer with which yacht is insured. The yacht is insured against third person damages and fully insured for all the damages resulting from force majored up to the registered amount of the value of the yachts for the risks according to the insurance policy. The yacht crew is insured.

Insurance covers all the damages by franchise caused by weather or from the other natural disasters, but not the damages made on purpose. Charges for purpose made damages are not limited by deposit; in that case you must pay all expenses caused by damage made on purpose. The personal belongings are not covered by the insurance.

You have to take over the yacht in agreed time and place. When taking over the yacht, you are obliged to check and carefully examine the condition of the yacht and its equipment according to the inventory list. The chartering company reserves the right not to hand you over the yacht if in the judgment of their representatives you are not competent for any reason to operate the yacht.

Planning to have a sailing vacation with yacht charter? Well, it is indeed a good idea. A sailing yacht charter could be most exciting, peaceful and altogether relaxing way to

have your vacation with. Sailing yacht is a perfect solution to sail without the cost of owning your own boat. Moreover, for many former yacht traders, bare boating has turned

into an alternative to owning the boat. A yacht rental is becoming more and more renowned and the market is filled with various companies that promise to offer you with the

best vacation possible.

Today there are different types of yacht charter exist on the market, such as, mega yachts, cruiser yacht, trawler yachts, crewed yacht charter, and many more. A luxury

yacht charter is the most essential of all sailing vacation. Even on a bare boat charter, you are offered with a fully equipped boat and detail information when you collect the

boat at the start of the charter. The brief detail would include safety on board, information on the various system works on the boat and some local knowledge of the

proposed cruising area.

There is no doubt that you would be able to find the correct chartering service for you in almost any waterside location around the world. Until you have skill the luxury of

yacht salvage, you are missing the holiday of a lifetime. Whether you desire to get away on your own, or with family, friends, business associates or could be with former

classmates, there is a boat out there, which is right for you, and a company that would do its best to meet your requirements on the ocean-going party.

Bareboat could be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes in most huge cruising areas across the world. However, one thing is for certain: whatever kind of vessel you

prefer, there are many ends to select from each of them offering eye-catching landscapes and shiny waves by day and exhilarating and memorable views by night.

To conclude, if you seek a yacht charter with complete self-government and ultimate freedom, then, a bareboat is ideal for you. Giving you the freedom to sail at your own

pace, a bareboat would permit you the change to sail around the worlds’ most stunning locations, to take pleasure in eye-catching sceneries and to explore the exotic

coastlines entirely on your own.

The Virgin Islands is composed of the British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands. The two have different types of cultures because they were once occupied by two colonizers. However, they share the same pristine beaches with pure white sand, turquoise and clear sea waters, the finest resorts, bars, spas, and hotels, and most important of all – they share the same type of nice and smiling people.

The US Virgin Islands (USVI) is an American insular region. It is sandwiched between the Lesser Antilles and the Leeward Islands. It is mainly composed of the islands of Saint Thomas, Water, Saint John, and Saint Croix. The approximate total land area of USVI is 134 square miles.

On the other hand, the British Virgin Islands is a colony of the United Kingdom. Its capital is the city of Road Town located in the island of Tortola. It is smaller than USVI with a total land area of only 77 square miles. The islands of Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Tortola make most of the British Virgin Islands.

Pure white sand beaches are famous in the Virgin Islands. The shores of Trunk Bay and Magens Bay are ideal for vacationers who want to soak themselves in a turquoise and clear seawater. For keen sailors, the ports of Christiansted and Charlotte Amalie are perfect destinations because of its fine restaurants and hotels.

Aside from Virgin Islands’ best beaches, cool waters, friendly people, and colorful cultures, it also has the finest shopping malls. In fact, it has been judged as a shopping paradise by many shopping addicts. This is because most of Virgin Islands’ items don’t have custom duties and luxury / sales taxes. Quality designed bags, jewelries, apparels, accessories, watches, liquors, and clothes are cheap as compared to others. Because of this, the Virgin Islands became the shoppers’ haven in the Caribbean. It was even awarded as the “best duty-free shopping port” in the area.

“Sailing Charter Virgin Islands” has been one of the most common phrases in the world of yachting. This is also because the islands continually host some of the world’s international sailing events. These include the BVI Spring Regatta in Tortola. In here, hundreds of yachts from all over the world sail around the BVI’s.

Sailing in Windward Islands, though its eye-catching charter areas, will probably be one of your most spectacular journeys. The group of islands has a lot to offer to keen sailors. It has a combination of short and long passage ways which can lead you to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. To fully cover and enjoy Windward Islands’ natural tourist spots, you must have at least a 2-week itinerary.

The Windward Islands are composed of the sovereign territories of Martinique, the Grenadines, Grenada, Saint Vincent, and Saint Lucia. At the height of the British Colonial era in the Caribbean, the Windward Islands total land area was larger as compared of today. It used to have on its official territory the islands of

- Tobago, – Trinidad (Trinidad and Tobago at that time was not united), – Dominica (at present, Dominica now belongs to the Leeward Islands) and- Barbados (Barbados was alienated from the group because its government separated from the union in 1885).

From 1871 to 1960, Windward Islands’ capital was Grenada’s Saint George. Although at that time the island-group runs their own system of government, they had, however, a universal head – the union’s Governor in Chief.

Sailing the Windward Islands is best done between November to April. The average air temperature range from 22є to 30є C (72є to 86є F) and the water temperatures is between 20є and 23є C (68є and 74є F). The northeast trades blow steadily at a constant 15 to 25 knots.

Most sailing holiday start in St. Vincent or St. Lucia and sail to the south.  If you start in St. Lucia I would recommend that you anchor in Anse des Pitons on the first night. Going back, you will be hard on the wind, so allow plenty of time to work your way up north to your return base.

Cruising your way in an ordinary charter area can be boring. But when you are sailing in Windward Islands, you will experience the best and the most exciting voyage of all. Specifically, routing your way to the island of St. Vincent will be both fun and daring. This is because it has tall and rugged mountains that are perfect for trekking. Its forests have lush vegetation and rich in fauna, which makes it an ideal place for hiking too.

Bequia has been considered by many local and international tourists as one of the most spectacular places in the region. When sailing in the Windward Islands, you should not miss Bequia. You can anchor in Friendship port. From there, you can enjoy its famous half moon beach. You can also explore around the islands several reefs. Aside from the beautiful beaches, Bequia also is known for its whaling boats that were carefully and diligently made by the locals. From this island, you can then %sail% towards Petite Nevis for that night swimming you always wanted.

There are many options for boat rentals in Hawaii, but they are typically old, rusty boats that are jam packed with tourists. Not exactly the best way to enjoy paradise.

Luckily, there is an alternative. There are a number of luxury yachts in Hawaii (especially on the island of Oahu) that can take you for a private cruise far away from the sunburned hordes. Once the exclusive domain of the super rich, luxury boats can now be rented by the hour for a lot less money than you might think.

Their is a large range of yachts available for charter ranging from luxury sail boats to vintage motor yachts. A yacht charter broker can help you find the perfect boat to meet your needs, based on the size of your group, your budget and what you would like to do.

When you book a private yacht charter, you’re the boss. The departure time and itinerary are completely up to you. Plan your own sightseeing charter, Hawaii sunset cruise or luxury Hawaii dinner cruise with a private chef. With a little imagination you can create an adventure that will be one of the most memorable highlights of your vacation in Hawaii.

Yacht charters have also become increasingly popular for destination weddings in Hawaii. A private charter provides an unforgettable alternative to the hotel banquet room routine, and the largest boats can accommodate up to eighty passengers. The shared experience of being together on a unique, private charter is a great way for people to bond with each other.

Vacations are all about creating lasting memories. For a little extra money and imagination you can experience the beautiful waters of Hawaii away from the crowds and have another great story to tell when you get back home.

Crewed yacht charters are the yachts where the crew is completely devoted to any specific yacht. They take care of the maintenance, sailing, cooking, and cleaning and also with the other navigation services, and are usually experts in the region where you would be chartering. Do not misjudge the worth of the local knowledge – it could make a huge difference among efficiency and hassle when finding a mooring, restaurant, or moving with the local customs around.

Crews range from husband and wife people who own the boat and charter for a living/lifestyle as they just love it, to huge, competently trained crews on Super Yachts where each crew member has a detailed task, ranging from cooking to serving to navigating, and sometimes to rub and other hair dressing. On most of the large yachts, team members are certified in their roles by yacht training companies.  All luxury yachts and about all the motor yachts come with an experienced crew that is familiar with both the boat and local water. They can take care of your every requirement and operate the boat like a 5 star floating  hotel.

For first-timers and seasoned pros alike, most people assume that in order to sail the world’s oceans and rivers you have to sign up with one of the major cruise lines.  While cruising with one of the majors is the most common way to sail, there are other options available, such as chartering a private yacht.

Before the money alarm bells start going off in your head, it might help to know that in some cases a privately-chartered yacht might make financial sense, particularly if you have a larger group of people who will split the cost of the charter.  And, charters vary widely in price.  For example, you can charter a yacht cruising Florida and the Bahamas in the winter and New England in the summer from $15,500 per week for 6 people.  That comes out to just over $2,500 per person.  Of course, there are pricier yachts you can charter for $385,000 per week for 12 guests and a crew of 13. A yacht like that comes equipped with fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, water skis, 3 waverunners, kneeboards, 2 kayaks, gym and a Jacuzzi. Again, prices vary widely.  You may be amazed at what you’d find in your price range.  Some private yacht charters also offer cheaper deals if you agree to cook your own food rather than have a chef onboard.

Benefits of Private Yacht Charter over Major Cruise Line

Privacy:

On a major cruise you have lots of company.  Over 2,000 passengers on many cruises.  With a private yacht charter it can be just you and under a dozen other people, often times just your friends and family.  Besides you and the other passengers, the only other individuals onboard would be the yacht crew or staff. This might not only include a captain and other onboard hands, but it may also include a maid or a private chef.

Perfect for Small Gatherings:

Private yachts are ideal for small business parties, casual business meetings, romantic getaways, honeymoons, weddings, and even family vacations.  It’s hard to hold a business meeting on a large cruise ship with all the noise and activity going on around you.  And, a private yacht charter allows you the opportunity to get closer to your loved ones without other people getting in the way.

Activities:

You may be able to go swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling right off the yacht.  Jumping off the ship and into the ocean is not something that’s encouraged on a major cruise ship.  Neither is fishing.  But, on your own private chartered yacht, that is also an activity you, your family and friends can enjoy.

Health Considerations:

Every year it seems there’s news of some outbreak of something on a major cruise ship.  With all the people aboard, it’s much easier for infections to be spread around, no matter how hard the crew tries to keep everything clean and disinfected. With the small number of people on a private chartered yacht, you have less chance of coming in contact with pathogens.

Benefits of a Major Cruise Line over a Private Chartered Yacht

Cost:

While you can find a private yacht charter that won’t break the bank, a vacation with a major cruise line is still probably cheaper, even for an ocean-view balcony room.  And, if you book early enough, you’re often offered an upgrade when your cruise date nears.

Activities:

A major cruise ship offers an incredible amount of activities, such as movies, dancing, yoga, exercise classes.  Many have onboard casinos and numerous swimming pools.  If you’re bored reading or watching the scenery, there’s always an activity scheduled.

Escape:

While taking a vacation on a yacht with 8 other people sounds nice, you may not be able to escape these same people during the day on a private yacht.  On a major cruise there are so many activities that people can go off and do their own thing without always bumping into each other.

When deciding between a major cruise ship and private chartered yacht it helps to sort out what you really want on your vacation.  Do you want the opportunity to see beautiful scenery at a minimal cost, or are privacy and being catered to an important consideration for you?

Should you decide to look into chartering a private yacht, you might wish to go through a yacht charter agent who has knowledge of the different companies offering chartered yachts.  Choose an agent who is a member of one of the yacht broker’s associations, such as the AYCA, the American Yacht Charter Association, or CYBA, the Charter Yacht Brokers Association.

Also, it’s interesting to take note of the various types of yacht charter events that occur worldwide, such as the Monaco Yacht Show, Rugby World Cup, New Zealand 2011, Monaco Grand Prix Charter, America’s Cup, Singapore Grand Prix, Cannes Film Festival, Christmas and New Year’s Caribbean Charter, MIPIM Yacht Charter, Cowes Week Regatta, and the Voiles St. Tropez Regatta. There are also numerous teambuilding, corporate events, and business meeting charters that occur worldwide on a regular basis.

Chartering a yacht is the ultimate way to spend a holiday.  After all, how else can you stay in a different location each night without re-packing, and also avoid the holiday crowds while going to your most sought after location?  You can learn valuable lifetime skills and find plenty of time to relax, or just read a book or enjoy the view.  Being on a boat will bring you closer to your family and friends because you’ve reached shared goals together, and everyone will pitch in and help or contribute in some way to the yacht experience. If you’re worried about being too cramped on a boat or close quarters that may lead to problems, there is a high probability you will simply not see this occur unless your crewmates just don’t get along with one another for some reason.  You’re going to spend so much time on the water concentrating on sailing or on the beach that closeness never seems to be a problem.  There is always some part of the boat that you can go to if you’re feeling cramped for any reason. For instance, go off to the bow deck and you’ll be refreshed and invigorated.  Once you try one of these charters, you’re sure to enjoy the combination of freedom and accomplishment that you’re going to experience. It is a powerful and very addictive force.  After you’ve done it once, you’ll find you’ll do it time and time again and why settle for a hotel room when you can have the entire sea as your vacation home?

It’s a good idea to learn a little bit of jargon before you go on a yacht charter, as it can be intimidating. Bareboat charters require at least one of the members to be an experienced sailor, and also require all on board to take at least some responsibility for the ultimate safety of the group.  The appointed skipper should know how to organize and manage the crew and take responsibility for the voyage. They operate best when it is clear who is the single person that’s in charge, and then each has some role in the team. You may want to rotate your crew so that one does cleaning or cooking one night and then does hoisting sails and dropping anchor another night, which will give a better sense of shared accomplishment.  You may even want to consider buying baseball hats or crewed T-shirts prior to your departure to build a sense of team spirit. Either way you look at it, a yacht charter is a ton of fun. Why not investigate the many different types of yacht charters now and learn more about how you can enjoy a world-class holiday without a world-class bank account!