What happens on a private boat charter in Turks and Caicos, from the dock to the last swim

Best for: starting the day without a single line to stand in

What happens when you arrive for a boat charter?

Your captain and crew meet you at the boat. Every charter we book is private, so there are no strangers, no check-in line and no one else’s itinerary. You’ll get a quick welcome, the life jackets and snorkel gear are already aboard, and then the lines come off.

Most boats ask you to arrive 10 minutes early, and a few ask for 15. Your confirmation email has the exact spot, and our getting to your charter guide has every marina.

Best for: groups who want a little of everything

Can you choose where the boat goes?

Yes. The route on a private charter is fully customizable, shaped around your wish list, the tides and the weather. Your hours decide how much fits: three hours is one or two stops, four is two or three, five is three or four, six is four or five, and seven or eight hours fits five or more, with longer at each.

Not sure what you want? Say so. Captains here know where the water is calmest that day, and they’ll steer you to the best of it. Iguana Island is there for the asking too.

Best for: first-timers and bucket lists

Where do boat charters go in Turks and Caicos?

Most days mix a few favorites. A reef snorkel, where turtles and rays are common and dolphins often show up, though never on cue. A sandbar like Half Moon Bay, for a wade in water so clear it looks shallow when it isn’t. The La Famille Express, the freighter stranded on the banks, which you circle and photograph. And Noah’s Ark, the floating bar, for a drink in the middle of the sea.

Each has its own guide: Half Moon Bay, the shipwreck and Noah’s Ark.

Best for: long days and hungry swimmers

Do you get lunch on a private charter?

What you eat depends on the boat and the length you book, and every listing shows its menu. It runs from fruit, cookies and a sandwich or wrap on a half day to a beach BBQ on the sand on a full one. On the bigger luxury yachts you pick your main courses before the day. From August 1 to March 31, several full-day charters add lobster catch and cook.

You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on every charter we book. Our charters with lunch guide has every menu.

Best for: that golden, salty, happy-tired feeling

What happens at the end of a charter?

When your time is up, the captain brings you back to the dock you left from, or to your beach if you were collected, because a pickup always covers the ride back. Bring a dry layer for the trip, since spray and wind can make even a warm day feel cool.

If anything about the day wasn’t right, tell us. We’d love to hear about the good bits too.

• Share your wish list early. Tell us when you book, and your captain plans around it.
• Ask about watersports at booking. Tubing and other toys need notice on most boats.
• Pack a towel each. The snorkel gear is aboard, the towels aren’t.
• Choose lunch ahead on the big yachts. Their menus are picked at least the day before.

How long should we book?

Four hours suits a first taste with two or three stops, and a full day lets you string five or more together with lunch on the sand. Our half day or full day guide helps you choose, and what to bring has the packing list. There are plenty of ways onto the water, from a jet ski tour to a group excursion. For a day that’s all yours, 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.