Vegetarian, gluten-free and allergies on a Turks and Caicos boat charter

Best for: vegetarians and groups who like to choose

Can a boat charter cater for vegetarians?

Yes, and on three yachts it’s built in. On the 51ft and 62ft yachts and the 51ft power catamaran, lunch is chosen from a full menu before the day: two or three main courses and three sides. The menu has a vegetarian section of its own, with a vegetable burger, a vegetable wrap, a vegetable pizza, stewed red beans and a vegetable pasta.

The sides help too: tossed salad, peas and rice, boiled corn, steamed vegetables and baked potato. So the meat-eaters get their coconut shrimp and the vegetarians get a proper plate, not a side salad.

Best for: mixed diets and light eaters

What food comes on a catamaran charter?

The three smaller catamarans serve fresh fruit and a charcuterie platter on their shorter days: meats and cheeses with hummus, carrots, grapes, pickles and baguette. A platter suits a mixed group, because everyone takes what they eat. On their seven-hour days, lunch becomes a sandwich platter with caprese salad and a side.

Best for: big groups with a mix of needs

Can the menu be planned around our dietary needs?

On the 65ft sailing catamaran it works exactly that way. Freshly prepared food is served throughout the day, and the menu and your group’s dietary requirements are arranged with you after you book. It takes up to 20, with open-bar cocktails, local beer and wine, and soft drinks, juices and water all day.

Best for: gluten-free, vegan and strict diets

Can I get a gluten-free lunch on a charter?

Ask when you book. Custom food requests can usually be made for an extra fee, and we check with the boat’s charter management what can be done before anything is added. The 37ft and 28ft list custom requests right on their menus, and the captain can often say yes to a small swap, like a different snack or drink.

The surest route is your own food. Every private charter we book welcomes your own food and drinks on top of what’s included, and most boats carry ice and a cooler, so a guest on a strict diet can simply pack lunch.

Best for: anyone carrying an EpiPen

Can a charter crew handle food allergies?

Tell us when you book, with as much detail as you can, and we pass it to the crew with your booking, highlighted. A day boat isn’t a restaurant kitchen, though, so bring safe snacks and any medication you carry. You’ll be hours from the nearest shop.

Shellfish turns up on many full-day menus here, from lobster in season to conch, so mention a shellfish allergy early. On the 35ft yacht and the 44ft catamaran, everyone shares a set half-day lunch of glazed ribs, chicken wings, rice, mac and cheese and green salad, so check it before you book. On the group snorkel tours, everyone gets the same onboard lunch, and you’re welcome to bring your own water and snacks.

• Tell us at booking. Allergies and diets go to the crew with your booking.
• Choose your menu early. The yachts’ menus are picked at least the day before.
• Pack a backup. Safe snacks in your own small cooler never hurt.
• Keep medication close. A dry bag keeps it safe and within reach.

Which boat should we pick?

For a vegetarian, choose one of the three menu yachts. For a lighter day, a catamaran platter. For anything stricter, any boat plus your own cooler. Our charters with lunch guide has every menu, and what’s included on a charter covers the drinks and the gear. Prefer a smaller outing? A group excursion packs its own lunch. For a private day, pick your private boat charter below.

• Taxes included. The price you see is the price you pay.
• A deposit secures the boat. Every boat shows its free-cancellation window.
• Fast answers. Requests are confirmed within a few hours, nearly always the same day.