Is a private boat charter in Turks and Caicos worth it? What the price really buys

Best for: groups who want their own pace and their own playlist

A private charter is priced for the whole boat, with a set number of guests included and extras added up to capacity. For that you get the boat, a licensed captain and crew, snorkel gear and life jackets, and nobody else on board. No strangers in your photos, no waiting on a tour group, and a crew whose whole day is your group.

That crew works around you: a longer swim for the strong snorkelers, an early lunch for hungry kids, a slow cruise past the cays for the photographers.

What’s included on a private boat charter?

The boat and crew, snorkel gear, life jackets, and the food and drinks listed on your option, from fruit and snacks to a full lunch. Our guide to what’s included covers the rest.

Best for: island hoppers and anyone who hates a schedule

A shared trip follows a fixed route, which is a great way to see the classics. On a charter, you plan the stops with your captain: a reef, a sandbar, the shipwreck, a floating bar, a beach with nobody on it, and as long at each as you like. The tide and the weather have the final say on the day, and your captain knows where the water is calmest and the sand is emptiest.

Can you choose where a private charter goes?

Yes. Four hours fits two or three stops, six hours four or five, and a full day five or more, with time to linger. Our island hopping guide maps the cays.

Best for: birthdays, honeymoons and milestones

A birthday, an anniversary, a bachelorette or a family reunion lands differently when the whole boat is yours. Play your own music, pop a bottle at the sandbar, and let the crew handle the rest. Several of our yachts pour champagne, and the biggest bring a dedicated bartender. You’re always welcome to bring your own food and drinks too.

Can we bring a cake or decorations?

Ask when you book and we’ll check it with the crew. More ideas in our celebration charters guide.

Best for: couples and honeymooners

A boat for two is one of the most romantic days you can have here. Several of our charters are priced for two guests, so you’re not paying for seats you won’t fill: a three-hour run on our 26ft, a sailing catamaran or a half day on a smaller catamaran. If you’d rather share the boat, our per-person tours are great days too: a clear kayak over the mangroves, a jet ski to the shipwreck or a group snorkel trip with lunch.

Is a private charter worth it for a couple?

If a quiet sandbar and a boat to yourselves is the dream, yes. A sailing catamaran with a net to lie on, or a small speedboat to an empty cay, is hard to beat for two. Our couples charters guide has the favorites.

• Fill the seats the price includes. Most boats include two to fifteen guests.
• Book the full day. It costs less than two half days on almost every boat, and it reaches the far cays.
• Pick the menu you want. Some boats serve a hot lunch on a half day; others save it for the full day.
• Bring your favorites. Your own snacks and drinks are welcome on every charter.

So, is it worth it?

For a family or a group, almost always: one price, shared, buys the boat, the stops and the pace, and the bigger the group, the more each guest gets for their share. Pick your boat below and set your party, and prices update live, taxes included. Want to compare first? See private charter or group tour, or browse every private boat charter, jet ski tour and group excursion.

• 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.