Frequently Asked Questions

Start by submitting a charter inquiry through our website or contacting us via WhatsApp. Our charter specialists will discuss your preferences, recommend suitable yachts, and provide a detailed quote within 24 hours. Once you approve, we secure your booking with a deposit and send full confirmation with your itinerary, provisioning options, and pre-departure checklist.

For peak season (July-August) in the Mediterranean, we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular destinations like the Greek Islands and Croatian coast. Shoulder season charters (May-June, September-October) can often be arranged 2-3 months ahead. Last-minute availability does exist, but yacht selection will be limited.

The process follows five clear steps: (1) Submit your inquiry with dates, destination, and guest count. (2) Receive a curated yacht selection within 24 hours. (3) Choose your yacht and confirm the itinerary. (4) Pay the booking deposit (typically 50%). (5) Receive your complete charter package with provisioning menus, transfer details, and boarding instructions. The remaining balance is due 4-8 weeks before departure.

A 50% deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance due 6-8 weeks before the charter start date. We accept bank transfers, credit cards, and select digital payment methods. For last-minute bookings (under 6 weeks), full payment is required at the time of booking. All payments are processed securely, and you will receive a detailed invoice and booking confirmation.

Cancellation terms vary by charter company and yacht, but typically: cancellations 8+ weeks before departure receive a full refund minus administration fees; 4-8 weeks before departure incur a 50% charge; less than 4 weeks may forfeit the full amount. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel and charter cancellation insurance to protect your investment. We can recommend specialist marine insurance providers.

Yes, last-minute charters are possible and sometimes available at discounted rates. Contact us directly via WhatsApp or phone for the fastest response. Availability depends on the season and destination, but our extensive network of charter partners means we can often find excellent options even with short notice. Last-minute bookings require full payment upfront.

A standard crewed charter typically includes the yacht, professional crew (captain, chef, steward/ess), fuel for a reasonable cruising range, bed linens and towels, use of onboard amenities (water toys, snorkelling equipment, tender), harbour fees at the base marina, and insurance. Not typically included: food and beverages (provisioned separately based on your preferences), additional fuel for extensive motoring, marina fees at non-base ports, and crew gratuity (customary 10-15% of charter fee).

Absolutely. Halal catering is one of our specialities at Zenitha Yachts. We work with professional onboard chefs experienced in halal cuisine, source certified halal ingredients from trusted suppliers at each destination, and can accommodate all dietary requirements. Simply indicate your preference during the booking process, and our team will arrange everything, from pre-approved menus featuring local Mediterranean dishes prepared to halal standards to specialty ingredients brought aboard before departure.

Absolutely! Many of our charter yachts are specifically set up for families. Catamarans are particularly popular with families due to their stability and spacious deck areas. Family-friendly charters include safety nets, life jackets for children, age-appropriate water toys, and flexible itineraries with calm anchorages. Our crews are experienced with young guests and can suggest child-friendly activities at each stop. We recommend catamarans and motor yachts for families with very young children due to their stability on the water.

A typical day begins with breakfast prepared by your onboard chef while anchored in a scenic bay. Mid-morning you might swim, snorkel, or use the water toys. After lunch, the crew sails to your next destination, giving you time to relax on deck and enjoy the coastline. Late afternoon often involves exploring a harbour town, shopping, or visiting a local attraction. Evenings can be spent dining at a seaside restaurant ashore or enjoying a gourmet dinner under the stars on the aft deck. The beauty of a private charter is that the schedule is entirely yours to set.

For crewed charters (which we recommend for most guests), no licence is required. Your professional captain handles all navigation and seamanship. For bareboat charters, you will need a recognised sailing qualification such as the ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Day Skipper, or equivalent national licence. Requirements vary by country; for example, Croatia requires an ICC or local equivalent, while Greece is more flexible. Our team can advise on specific licence requirements for your chosen destination.

Most modern charter yachts offer WiFi, though bandwidth varies. Coastal Mediterranean areas typically have good 4G/5G mobile coverage within a few miles of shore. Larger yachts and superyachts often have satellite internet for more consistent connectivity. For business travellers or those who need reliable internet, we can recommend yachts with enhanced connectivity packages. Keep in mind that part of the charter experience is the opportunity to disconnect, though we understand staying connected is important for many guests.

The Mediterranean charter season runs from April to November, with peak season in July and August. May-June and September-October offer the best balance of warm weather, calmer seas, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Water temperatures reach 24-27 degrees Celsius in summer. The eastern Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey) warms up earlier than the western (France, Spain). For the best overall experience, we recommend late May to early July or mid-September to mid-October.

For families, we particularly recommend: the Ionian Islands (Greece) for their sheltered bays, calm waters, and green landscapes; Croatia for its crystal-clear water and historic towns with easy walking; the Balearic Islands for their mix of beaches and family attractions; and the Turkish Riviera for warm hospitality, affordable dining, and historical sites. The Saronic Gulf near Athens is excellent for shorter family charters with easy access to interesting islands close to the mainland.

Conditions vary by region and season. The Greek Cyclades are known for the Meltemi wind (force 5-7) in July-August, best for experienced sailors. The Ionian side is calmer. Croatia has the Bora wind in winter but pleasant conditions in summer. The French Riviera sees the Mistral occasionally. Turkey offers some of the most sheltered and reliable sailing in the Mediterranean. Your captain will always plan routes that balance great sailing with comfortable conditions for your group.

Yes, cross-border sailing is common in the Mediterranean. Within the EU Schengen area (Greece, Croatia, France, Italy, Spain), border crossings are straightforward. When crossing into non-Schengen countries (Turkey, Montenegro), you will need to check in at the first port of entry with customs and immigration. Your captain handles all port formalities, but all guests should carry their passports on board at all times. Some charter agreements may have restrictions on international waters, so we clarify this during the booking process.

Pack light in soft-sided bags (hard suitcases are difficult to store). Essentials include: lightweight breathable clothing, swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+), non-marking deck shoes or boat shoes with white soles, a light jacket or fleece for evenings, and one smart-casual outfit for dining ashore. Do not forget waterproof phone cases and chargers. Most yachts provide snorkelling gear, towels, and toiletries. Bring any prescription medications you need.

Absolutely! Yacht charters are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, milestone celebrations, and corporate retreats. Our team can arrange special touches including custom cake and champagne, floral decorations, live music at anchor, professional photography, and custom itineraries designed around your celebration. We have helped plan proposals at sunset anchorages, birthday parties with fireworks in permitted areas, and intimate family reunions across multiple yachts. Let us know your occasion when booking.

Seasickness is less common on charter yachts than many people expect, especially in the Mediterranean where waters are generally calm. Catamarans offer the most stability. Your captain will choose routes that avoid rough conditions. Practical tips: stay on deck and look at the horizon, stay hydrated, eat light meals, and consider taking over-the-counter remedies (Dramamine, Stugeron) before departure. Acupressure wristbands are also effective for many people. If you are concerned, choose a catamaran or motor yacht and a calmer destination like the Ionian Islands or Turkish coast.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes charter cancellation cover. While the yacht itself is insured by the charter company, your personal travel insurance should cover trip cancellation or curtailment, medical expenses abroad, personal belongings, and ideally the charter deposit. Some specialist marine insurance providers offer policies specifically designed for yacht charter holidays. We can recommend trusted providers who understand the specific needs of Mediterranean charter guests.