Waking up on Christmas morning at anchor in turquoise water, or watching the New Year fireworks from your own deck, is one of the great charter experiences. It is also the most sought-after fortnight of the Caribbean season. Here is how the festive weeks work, where to go, and how to make sure you have a yacht.
Why the Festive Weeks Book Up First
The Caribbean fleet is smaller than the Mediterranean one, and demand over Christmas and New Year is far higher than at any other time of the winter. Many families and groups rebook the same yacht year after year, so the best boats can be taken long before the season starts. Rates for the festive period are also the highest of the season.
Our advice: if you are thinking about this Christmas or New Year, send us your dates and group size now. We check live availability across the fleet and can often find options that are not widely advertised.
Festive Minimum Stays
Outside the holidays, many Caribbean yachts can be chartered for shorter periods. Over Christmas and New Year, most owners set a longer minimum stay, typically a full week or more, and fixed start and end dates. Some yachts only take bookings that cover both Christmas and New Year. We will tell you each yacht’s festive terms before you commit, so there are no surprises.
Where to Spend the Holidays
St Barths
The Caribbean’s most glamorous New Year. Gustavia harbour fills with superyachts, and the fireworks over the bay are best seen from the water. Ideal for guests who want restaurants, beach clubs and atmosphere. Read our St Barths yacht charter guide.
British Virgin Islands
Sheltered sailing, short passages and lively beach bars, with Jost Van Dyke famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations. A relaxed choice for families. See our Caribbean destination guide for more.
Antigua
Historic English Harbour, protected bays and easy flights from Europe and North America. A good base if you want to combine a few days ashore with time on board.
The Grenadines
Mustique, Bequia and the Tobago Cays offer a quieter, more remote holiday, with some of the clearest water in the Caribbean. See our Antigua and Grenadines guides.
Christmas on Board
Crews go out of their way over the holidays. Let us know your traditions in advance and your chef can plan Christmas lunch around them, from a classic roast to a seafood feast on deck. Decorations, gifts for the children and a New Year’s Eve plan can all be arranged before you arrive.
What It Costs
Festive rates are the highest of the Caribbean season. Many crewed catamarans are quoted all-inclusive, while larger motor yachts are usually quoted plus expenses, with an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Our guide to yacht charter costs, APA and tips explains how it all works, and our Caribbean season guide covers the wider winter season.
Missed the Festive Weeks?
January to April is still prime Caribbean season, with steady trade winds, more choice of yachts and lower rates than the holidays. Mid-January to early February is often one of the best-value windows of the winter. Read our guide to Caribbean charters in February and March.
Looking for a yacht this Christmas or New Year?
Send us your dates, group size and preferred islands, and we will come back with a shortlist of available yachts.
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